Welcome to the weekend, my friends! The countdown is on and I am soooo excited for Thanksgiving. My brother’s family will be arriving in a few hours and I can hardly wait. They’ll be here all week and we’ll be playing as many of our favorite games as possible while they’re here. Wingspan, DC Deckbuilding, Skyjo, Hitster, Poetry for Neanderthals, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Harry Potter Deck Building, Quirkle, and more will be on repeat. 

ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: Ready in just minutes, these Chicken Bites are generously seasoned pieces of tender chicken with crispy edges, perfect for a game day, a family night in, or just when you’re in the mood for something satisfying. Blink and they’re gone!

Tender carrots are tossed with a light and buttery glaze in these Honey Glazed Carrots. They are the perfect combination of earthy sweetness and buttery richness.

Absolutely loaded with buttery sweet corn, this Corn Spoon Bread is pure southern comfort. This is the kind of side that greets you before you even open the oven door. And, you just know you’re going to find a second spoonful on your plate without quite knowing how it got there.

I’m not claiming to be the first human to ever put pancake batter on top of perfectly crispy bacon. But, these are absolutely the best Bacon Pancakes you’ll ever have the pleasure of eating. Don’t take my word for it. Try them for yourself.

Moist chocolate cake, filled with juicy cherries and topped with fluffy whipped cream? Say less. This Easy Black Forest Cake is a busy baker’s dream come true with just five simple ingredients. Using boxed cake mix is a shortcut that feels too good to be true. But it works beautifully for this showstopping dessert.

Maple Syrup Cookies are generously studded with pecans and drizzled with a homemade maple frosting. They’ve got the soft texture of a scone, but all the sweet satisfaction of a cookie. I am telling you, these cookies are a MOOD.

Waves of salty and sweet churn together in a l

If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants get their chicken so juicy and flavorful, the secret is simple — it’s all in the brine! This easy chicken brine recipe takes just a few minutes to mix up, and it transforms your whole chicken into something truly special.

The salt and honey work together to lock in moisture while the lemon, garlic, and herbs add a beautiful depth of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll never roast chicken without brining again!

Why Brining Makes the Best Chicken

Brining helps poultry stay juicy. The salt in the brine actually changes the structure of the meat’s proteins, allowing them to absorb and hold onto more water. That means less moisture loss during cooking and a tender, succulent bite every time.

The salt also tenderizes the meat slightly, breaking down muscle fibers so the chicken cooks up more tender and evenly.

Instead of just seasoning the surface, brining also lets flavor soak deep into the meat. Every bite tastes perfectly seasoned — not bland in the center and salty on the outside.

Simple Ingredients for a Flavorful Brine

• Water: The base that helps distribute the salt and flavors evenly.
• Kosher Salt: Draws moisture in and out of the chicken, resulting in juicy, seasoned meat.
• Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning during roasting.
• Peppercorns: Infuse mild spice and depth into the brine.
• Lemons: Brighten the flavor and help tenderize the meat.
• Bay Leaves: Add an earthy, aromatic note.
• Parsley & Thyme: Fresh herbs that lend light, savory flavor.
• Garlic: Deepens the flavor and complements the herbs beautifully.
• Whole Chicken: The star of the show — brined to tender, juicy perfection.

Step-by-Step: How to Brine a Whole Chicken

1. Dissolve: Mix the water, salt and honey in a large pot over medium heat and stir until the salt is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let the water cool.
2. Brine: Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, then add the chicken to the brine solution and let it brine in the fridge overnight.

How Long to Brine Chicken

For best results, brine your chicken for 8–12 hours, or overnight.

Once you start brining your chicken, you’ll never go back! It’s such a simple step, but it makes all the difference — juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender every time. Whether you’re roasting for Sunday dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chicken brine will take your cooking to the next level.

Now if you’re wondering how to cook this perfectly brined whole chicken, our go-to chicken recipe is our melt-in-your-mouth b

Sometimes, life doesn’t stick to the script. I’ve been there. Standing in my kitchen, overwhelmed by the stress of a looming event, while it felt like things are falling apart. If that’s you this Thanksgiving, then I’ve got you covered. You can still pull off a terrific holiday meal and keep it as low-stress as possible.

I can’t fix the bigger picture. I wish I could. But, I can help with the meal. I developed this Last Minute Thanksgiving guide so that you can enjoy a wonderful dinner, even if you’re starting the day before. It even has a printable shopping list. You’ve got this.

Last Minute Thanksgiving

First, let’s agree that a last minute thanksgiving meal doesn’t try to do ALL the things. Focus on the most important sides. I asked around, and these are the ones that my community agreed were at the top of their “I want it homemade” list: mashed potatoes, creamed corn, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

You might want something else. Stuffing is one of the most popular side dishes, but it takes a bit more time to go through all the steps to make it homemade. And, I know a lot of us need rolls at the table (so buy them at the store this time). Maybe sweet potatoes are your family’s thing (swap for mashed potatoes or green bean casserole).

If you take the time to customize the list, it will probably looking a little different than mine. That’s ok. The structure of it still works with light adaptations. The point is that for a last minute Thanksgiving to work, it has to put the focus on the people first. It will be less stress, less cooking, and more connection.

There’s a full grocery list and a timeline at the bottom of this post outlining exactly how to get things done with a minimum of stress on Thanksgiving Day.

Turkey or Ham (or Chicken!)

The first decision will probably be your easiest. Will you make a turkey or a ham? My family LOVES this ham, so we make it every year. But, your family might need a bird for it to feel like Thanksgiving. If you don’