Say Yes Blog

I still remember when I had my first BLT. I was in 8th grade in NY, and my friend and I walked down to the village after a sleepover to get lunch at the deli. One bite in, and I remember thinking it was best thing I had EVER eaten. I couldn’t believe I had wasted all those years not enjoying this perfect sandwich! The BLT in all its simple glory with summer heirloom tomatoes might be the most exemplary culinary creation.

I’m partnering with and today to remind you of this fact!

And here’s the thing: When you use Niman Ranch bacon on your BLT, you can feel even better about enjoying it because it’s from humanely and sustainably raised pork. Niman Ranch farmers never use antibiotics or added hormones – EVER. Plus, this featured bacon has no added sugar! Check out the whole video on IG for some fun variations on the BLT, and 2 ways to use up any leftover bacon for easy + hearty lunchbox ideas. Three cheers for bacon!

Secrets to the best baguette sandwich with Boar's Head and Safeway, find the video on Instagram today! https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw0g_2Suerk/

It’s no secret baguette sandwiches are one of the VERY best foods out there. The combination of crusty bread with meat, cheese, piles of veggies, and the perfect sauce is divine. I’m working with @boarshead_official official and @safeway to re-create *the best* baguette sandwich I’ve had, sold at a bakery here in town. The main star here is Boar’s Head FireSmith™ Flame Grilled Chicken Breast deli meat. I can tell you as a New Yorker born and bred (and therefore having emerged from the womb eating big deli sandwiches), nothing else compares to the quality of Boar’s Head products. They truly are the crème de la crème of deli sandwich ingredients. Find the full instructions for my favorite baguette sandwich on Say Yes today (including the recipe for the easiest pesto lemon mayo). PLUS I’m sharing a couple other great tips like how to revitalize a hardened baguette left on the counter overnight (whoops!).

Last night I walked barefoot on dry ground to the sauna and today it looks like I’ll need a touring set up, beacon, shovel, ice pick and possible four season tent to get there 🫡🫠

I’ve been obsessed with this easy (but impressively fancy sounding) baked egg dish lately: Eggs en cocotte-a classic French cafe dish.

You essentially add a spoonful of crème fraîche (or savory cream cheese in a pinch), a bit of nutmeg and salt, crack an egg over it, and then whatever fresh herbs like chives or dill on top.

Place the ramekins in a pan filled with water so they cook evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees. The length of time depends on how well you want your eggs to be cooked. I cooked them here until the whites became opaque, and then just 2 or 3 minutes longer.

Go for some fun topping too like veggies and smoked salmon. I also love the idea of mixing the smoked salmon into the crème fraîche before spooning it in. Yum!

When an arctic ski around the field ages you 30 years. still looking fly, American Gothic style ❤️

Light pillars! An icy illusion when temps are subzero - ground light reflect off of millions of floating ice crystals in the air. This is the view of the back of our home from the field when we XC ski. Jared’s on the trail in front of me. Nordic living FTW 🥰

Doing any holiday entertaining the month? I know fancy charcuterie boards can seem intimidating, so I’m working with Boar's Heads and Safeway to break it down for you. https://boarshead.com/how2charcuterie

Boar’s Head makes it really easy with the best quality meats and cheeses (even some pre-sliced ones), and a helpful guide to pick 2 cheeses, 2 meats, and 2 accompaniments as a starting off point.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl1a8ApJvk5/

Looking for a simple way to display family photos? These framed photo grids from are 15% off right now (2 days only!), and you can get an extra 15% off with my code SYG15. They come ready to hang with commando strips, and make for the sweetest and simplest impact.

When January showed up in early November 😵‍💫. After sitting a bit in my annoyance, shifting mindset to celebrating an extra month of Christmas magic ✨

The holidays are here! Have a wonderful week. PS find these cute turkey place cards in Say Yes archives

I’ve got a delicious holiday drink to share this evening!

Cranberry-Apple Cider Punch:

4 cups apple cider, chilled
2 cups cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
2 cups ginger ale, chilled
1 can (12oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate
apple slices & orange slices for garnish
frozen cranberries, optional for garnish
or rosemary cranberry sprig for individual garnish.

In a 4 quart container, combine cider, juice, and orange juice concentrate. Refrigerate until serving time.
Just before serving pour punch into punch bowl and add chilled ginger ale. Garnish with frozen cranberries, apple & orange slices.

Want to make it alcoholic? Add a shot of vodka to each serving, or sub a cup each of the ginger ale and cranberry juice with Prosecco.

Two easy ideas for the kids table (cool table!) this Thanksgiving:

1. Create a child’s placemat is personalized with his or her name with Kraft paper, a chalkboard marker, and fall colored markets. Provide a small jar with markers and colored pencils on the table. While they wait for dinner to be served, they can decorate on their placemat plate what they’d like to eat from the items being served. Or they can write what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving.

2. One fun small detail that can be a good busy activity for kids table is a cereal necklace threading activity. We used whole grain Cheerios and some natural string. Add a small piece of tape on the end of each string to make it easier for the child to thread. I love the natural fall colors of the cereal with the table setting. Leave a jars of cereal with string as part of the centerpiece!.