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Bless this Mess

Looking for easy family recipes, sourdough recipe, meal plans, and kids snacks? You're in the right place!

turkey in roasting pan.
Featured Post

🦃 Your Secret to Stress-Free Thanksgiving (Make These Now!)

Hi, Reader, I hope you're enjoying the buildup to Thanksgiving as much as I am! 🦃 But I also hope you know that Thanksgiving prep doesn't have to be stressful when you tackle it ahead of time! I've rounded up 10 make-ahead recipes that'll save your sanity, from dry brining the turkey to even-better-made-ahead pumpkin cheesecake to some favorite sides. Let's make this your easiest (and most enjoyable) Thanksgiving yet! 🥧✨ 10 Prep-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes Grab your turkey, get it thawed out,...

pumpkin cake with whipped cream on top.

Hi, Reader, I'm loving all the fall foods and squash, including pumpkins, is something I pick up pretty often at the farmers market during this season. My family loves the sweet treats, and don't even mind the savory pumpkin dinner recipes, so I'm sharing those today!From fluffy pumpkin buttermilk pancakes for breakfast to cozy pumpkin chicken curry for dinner, I've got 10 tried-and-true recipes that'll make your fall cooking so much easier. Here's the easy way I cook a pumpkin in the Instant...

garlic knots in bowl.

Hi, Reader, Does cooler weather make you want to turn your kitchen into a bakery? Me, too! 🍞 There's nothing quite like the smell of homemade bread filling your kitchen on a chilly day, so I've rounded up 10 of our family's favorite bread recipes — from Mom's legendary Jumbo Dinner Rolls to Grandma Lucy's Famous Clover Rolls. Whether you're craving a crusty French Baguette or soft Sourdough Rolls, these recipes will make you feel like a bread-baking pro! Let's get those ovens busy! 🥖✨...

bowl of chili.

Hi, Reader, Nothing says comfort food like a steaming bowl of chili! I've rounded up 10 family-favorite chili recipes perfect for cozy nights. From black bean chili to white chicken chili, quick weeknight versions to hearty vegetarian options—there's something for everyone at your table. These recipes are tested, approved, and devoured by my crew! 😋 And don't forget to bake up an easy pan of cornbread while you're waiting for the chili to simmer — it's the BEST combo! The Best Chili Recipes...

trail mix in colored bowls.

Hi, Reader, Life has been busy, as usual, and I have been cranking out the health(ier) homemade snacks - starting to feel like a food factory! 😅 So if you're in the same boat and need grab-and-go snacks that actually fill up your crew, then I've got your back. Here are 10 lifesaving (dramatic? maybe!) recipes that work for rushed mornings AND after-school chaos. We're talking homemade granola bars, no-bake protein balls, trail mix, and more goodies you can make once and stash all week. Your...

halloween gingerbread house.

Hi, Reader, Can I just say how AWESOME it is to be spending my first October and first Halloween living in the Northeast? It feels like this season (of the year and of life in general) has a crisp, fall vibe to it and I'm in for it! Since Halloween is almost here, I've got 10 spooktacular recipes that'll make your party the talk of the neighborhood. 🎃 From mummy hot dogs to monster cookies, these treats are kid-approved and surprisingly easy to pull off. Even my pickiest eater couldn't resist...

collage of fall cookies.

Hi, Reader, I hope I don't overwhelm you with all the Fall love I'm dumping out! But it really is a magical season, and my first Autumn in Vermont so that's even more special. I usually send 10 recipes with a theme, but today I'm sending some of the Fall recipe collections I've been making lately - that's how much I adore this season! You'll find lots of pumpkin and apple recipes, plus good crockpot recipes for this season, and even a meal plan for cooler months. Speaking of crockpots, have...

shrimp stir fry in skillet.

Hi, Reader, Some nights, cooking feels like the only thing harder than the work is the cleanup afterward. But what if your dinner could be delicious and barely leave a mess?🤯 This week I’ve rounded up 10 one-pot or minimal-cleanup meals that simplify your evening, save dishes, and still wow with flavor. Less time washing up means more time enjoying what you made—and time with the family. (Just an extra note to tell you I am hosting a Crocktober event - 31 days of new crockpot dinner recipes -...

pumpkin pie on white cake stand.

Hi, Reader, Fall is finally here (well, almost according to the calendar!), and you know what that means - time to fill our kitchens with the most heavenly apple and pumpkin treats! I've gathered my family's 10 absolute favorite fall homemade goodies that have my kids asking for seconds (and thirds!). From gooey apple crisp to spiced pumpkin cake, these recipes are pure autumn magic. Trust me, your house will smell incredible! 🥧🎃 (Just an extra note to tell you I am hosting a Crocktober event...

caprese salad on white plate.

Hi, Reader, If your garden—or your weekly farmers market haul—is overflowing, now’s the time to put those fresh veggies to good use! From crisp pickles and roasted veggie sides to clever ways to preserve the bounty for later, these 10 recipes are all about celebrating seasonal produce. Whether you're swimming in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, or greens, there's something here to help you enjoy every last bite. If you're planning to preserve any of your garden goodies this season, you may want...