There are some people on TV who feel like old friends. Joanna Gaines is one of them. When Fixer Upper  hit our screens in 2013, I was instantly hooked. The houses, the shiplap (obviously), the way everything felt cozy but intentional. I’ll fully admit it, Joanna is goals. Her design style. Her business brain. The entire Magnolia world… I love it all. But where she really won me over? The kitchen. The Magnolia Table  cookbooks are my go-to, reach-for-first collection. These are the food-stained, page-creased, “what page was that again?” cookbooks that live on my counter and get used on repeat. I’m kicking off a three-part blog series where I’ll be reviewing all three Magnolia Table cookbooks, one book per week, for three consecutive weeks. In each post, I’ll share my family’s favorite recipes, broken down by sections within each book; the ones that get requested again and again and have officially earned their spot in our regular rotation. This isn’t a fancy, chef-level breakdown. It’s real life. Real meals. The recipes that actually get made in a busy family kitchen. If you love cooking for your people, or just enjoy flipping through a really good cookbook with a cup of coffee, I hope you’ll follow along. Magnolia Table : A Collection of Recipes for Gathering Published 2018 | Volume 1 of 3 The book that started it all. This week, I’m diving into Joanna’s very first Magnolia Table  cookbook and sharing the recipes from each section that my family loves most (and a few recipe links directly to Magnolia's website). These are the comforting classics, the crowd-pleasers, and the dishes that make you want to call everyone to the table. Breakfast The kind of breakfasts that make you want to slow down… or at least sit at the table a little longer. Baked Egg Bread Pudding (pg. 29) Cozy, savory, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This one feels special without being fussy and is a great way to use up day-old bread. Overnight French Toast (pg. 41) A forever Christmas morning favorite. Prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and suddenly you look like you really have your life together. The Best-Ever Fluffy Pancakes (pg. 51) The name doesn’t lie. These are weekend pancakes—the kind that disappear fast and bring everyone to the kitchen. Lunch Easy, satisfying, and perfect for those “what should we eat?” afternoons. Curry Chicken Salad with Toasted Nuts (pg. 79) A little unexpected and so good. Warm spices, great texture, and perfect on toasted bread or wrapped up for a quick lunch. Gaines Brother Burgers with Drip Jam (pg. 81) Not your average burger and that’s exactly why we love it. Sweet, savory, a little messy, and totally worth it. 1919 Pimento Cheese (pg. 89) A classic for a reason. This one shows up for lunches, snacks, and every “Master's Weekend” moment. 1919 Pimento Cheese Photo: Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - 1919 Pimento Cheese Soups & Salads Comforting and fresh. Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Strips (pg. 107) Comfort with a fun twist. The grilled cheese strips are genius and make this extra cozy. Peach Caprese (pg. 117) A summer standout. Simple, fresh, and just fancy enough to feel special. Peach Caprese Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Peach Caprese Jo’s Quick Table Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette (pg. 127) This is a go-with-everything salad. The vinaigrette alone is worth making and keeping on hand. Appetizers & Starters The recipes that always show up when company does. Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip with Garlic Toast (pg. 139) Warm, creamy, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Every. Single. Time. White Bean Hummus (pg. 153) Smooth, simple, and perfect for snacking or serving with a spread. Fresh Tomato Salsa (pg. 157) Bright, fresh, and way better than your stand by, store-bought. Fresh Tomato Salsa Photo: Magnolia Website Click here for the recipe - Fresh Tomato Salsa Side Dishes The support staff. Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon, Toasted Pecans & Balsamic Reduction (pg. 165) Even the skeptics go back for seconds. Dutch Oven Cabbage & Bacon (pg. 170) Old-school comfort food in the best way. Simple and full of flavor. Potato Gratin Mini Stacks (pg. 179) These feel special without being complicated and they’re always a hit. Dinner The recipes that earn repeat status. King Ranch Chicken Casserole (pg. 207) Creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Chicken Spaghetti (pg. 213) A family classic that never disappoints and makes regular appearances around here. Mom’s Bulgogi (pg. 240) Big flavor, incredibly satisfying, and always requested again. Dessert It's complete with something sweet. Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Whipped Cream (pg. 285) Simple, fresh, and timeless. The homemade whipped cream makes all the difference. Aunt Opal’s Banana Pudding (pg. 287) Pure comfort in a bowl. This one feels like a hug. Mina’s Lemon Bars (pg. 309) Bright, buttery, and just the right amount of tart. In my opinion, these are THE perfect for ending ANY meal. Mina's Lemon Bars Photo: Magnolia Website Click here for the recipe - Mina's Lemon Bars This book has earned its dog-eared pages in our house and that’s the highest compliment I can give a cookbook. Next week, I’ll be back with Volume Two, sharing more favorites from our table to yours. As noted by me, Josie

As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been doing what I always do best:: looking back with gratitude, a full heart, and probably a bowl of something cozy nearby. This year brought travel, comfort food, new favorites, and a few posts that truly connected with you. These are the five most-read and most-loved posts of 2025, counting down from five to one :: and the number one spot - a repost - ran away with it (no surprise there). 5. Sips and Snacks in January This month’s lineup was all about cozy indulgence and classic favorites. We poured a crisp, crowd-pleasing Riesling, served up a rich and comforting lobster bisque, and mixed my most-asked-for cocktail  :: the Fireside Old Fashioned. Warm flavors, winter sips, and comfort in every bite — the perfect way to settle into January. Read the full post: Make the recipe: Fireside Old Fashioned Make the recipe: Lobster Bisque ⸻ 4. Cheeseburger Bake Comfort food will always have a place here—and you proved that with this one. The Cheeseburger Bake quickly became a family-favorite kind of recipe: easy, nostalgic, and perfect for busy weeknights. Make the recipe: Cheeseburger Bake ⸻ 3. Half Baked Harvest Cookbook Reviews You love a cookbook review, and these posts delivered. Sharing my thoughts on the Half Baked Harvest cookbook series sparked great conversation::what you loved, what you’ve cooked on repeat, and which recipes are truly worth the hype. Read the reviews: Half Baked Harvest Cookbook Reviews ⸻ 2. 25th Anniversary Trip to Maui Celebrating 25 years of marriage with an unforgettable trip, and then sharing it with you was a highlight of the year for me. Follow along on our trip: 25th Anniversary Trip ⸻ 1. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup And the clear, far-and-away winner of 2025… Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. This cozy, comforting recipe was cooked, shared, saved, and loved more than any other post this year. It’s simple, rich, comforting, and exactly the kind of recipe that feels like home. Make the recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup ⸻ Thank You for Being Here Whether you came for the recipes, the travel stories, or the everyday moments in between::thank you for being part of As Noted By Me  in 2025. Every comment, share, and message means more than you know. Here’s to more food, more travel, more stories, and plenty of cozy moments ahead. With love and a hot cup of tea, -Josie As Noted By Me

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney Alice Feeney is a master of psychological suspense, and Beautiful Ugly  is sharp and emotionally gripping. It’s a story of two sisters, two timelines, and one buried truth that cuts deep. Every time I thought I had it figured out—wrong. As Noted By Me As someone with siblings, this book hit home. It made me reflect on the fragile, complicated bonds we share with the people who know us best. Sometimes love looks ugly. Sometimes the truth does too. Coming next month: Glitz, glamour, and ghosts of the past—TJR’s latest brings atmosphere in more ways than one.

There’s something magical about soup season. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to simmer something warm and comforting on the stove or in the slow-cooker. Each week this fall, I’ll be sharing a new soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You loved this series last fall so we're back for season two! From brothy classics to creamy indulgences, this 12-week soup series has a little something for everyone. Week Twelve: Potato Leek Soup A simple classic to close out the series. Silky potatoes and mild leeks come together in this smooth and savory soup that’s as cozy as your favorite sweater. Tip: Make it your own and add crispy bacon, chives, or a swirl of cream on top. Ready, Set, Simmer! Whether you follow along each week or pick your favorites, these soups are here to make your fall deliciously cozy. Tag your creations with #soupsonsaturday and let’s warm up together, one bowl at a time. Thank you for following along on our 12-week series! Let me know your favorites- Jos

There’s something magical about soup season. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to simmer something warm and comforting on the stove or in the slow-cooker. Each week this fall, I’ll be sharing a new soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You loved this series last fall so we're back for season two! From brothy classics to creamy indulgences, this 12-week soup series has a little something for everyone. Week Eleven: Marry Me Chicken Soup Inspired by the viral dish, this soup features creamy sun-dried tomato broth, juicy chicken, and aromatic herbs that might just make someone "fall" in love with you.Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Ready, Set, Simmer! Whether you follow along each week or pick your favorites, these soups are here to make your fall deliciously cozy. Tag your creations with #soupsonsaturday and let’s warm up together, one bowl at a time. Stay tuned for next week’s recipe! One week remains, Jos

Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb Last Christmas in Paris  is a beautiful, slow-burn romance wrapped in the tragedy of war. It’s melancholy and hopeful all at once. As Noted By Me There’s something so intimate about reading letters between characters—it made me want to write one myself. The holidays can feel nostalgic, and this book fits that mood perfectly. It reminds me how precious connection is, even when the world is falling apart. Coming next month: Start the new year with a twisty thriller about sisters, secrets, and the ugliest kind of beauty.

(A Classic Worth Repeating) Every once in a while, a recipe from the archives deserves a little spotlight again; and this one is worth revisiting. Think: all the cozy flavors of yesterday’s feast, stacked up, crisped up, and reinvented into the most comforting day-after treat you didn’t know you needed. Here’s the beauty of it :: The waffle starts with your leftover stuffing, but it needs a little help to hold together. In a bowl, mix your stuffing with eggs until it forms a scoopable, sticky mixture. Then pack it into your waffle iron and let it cook until the outside is golden and crispy and the inside is still soft and savory. From there, pile on all your favorites:     •    A cloud of mashed potatoes     •    A drizzle (or let’s be honest… a flood) of gravy     •    Warm, tender turkey     •    And a bright spoonful of cranberry sauce right on top It’s leftovers… but make them feel brand new. It's s imple, cozy, and downright delicious Happy leftovers, friends- Jos

There’s something magical about soup season. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to simmer something warm and comforting on the stove or in the slow-cooker. Each week this fall, I’ll be sharing a new soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You loved this series last fall so we're back for season two! From brothy classics to creamy indulgences, this 12-week soup series has a little something for everyone. Week Ten: Slow Cooker Turkey Quinoa Soup Light, nutritious, and protein-packed. This slow-cooked soup is filled with turkey, quinoa, kale, and vegetables—a perfect post-holiday detox or make-ahead weekday meal. Tip: Add some beans to make it even more hearty! Ready, Set, Simmer! Whether you follow along each week or pick your favorites, these soups are here to make your fall deliciously cozy. Tag your creations with #soupsonsaturday and let’s warm up together, one bowl at a time. Stay tuned for next week’s recipe! Warm soup and cold weather just go together, Jos

There’s something magical about soup season. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to simmer something warm and comforting on the stove or in the slow-cooker. Each week this fall, I’ll be sharing a new soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You loved this series last fall so we're back for season two! From brothy classics to creamy indulgences, this 12-week soup series has a little something for everyone. Week Nine: Creamy Mushroom and Brie Soup Earthy mushrooms meet luxurious Brie cheese in this velvety, elegant soup. It’s rich enough for a dinner party starter but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Ready, Set, Simmer! Whether you follow along each week or pick your favorites, these soups are here to make your fall deliciously cozy. Tag your creations with #soupsonsaturday and let’s warm up together, one bowl at a time. Stay tuned for next week’s recipe! One big spoonful at a time, Jos

There’s something magical about soup season. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to simmer something warm and comforting on the stove or in the slow-cooker. Each week this fall, I’ll be sharing a new soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You loved this series last fall so we're back for season two! From brothy classics to creamy indulgences, this 12-week soup series has a little something for everyone. Week Eight: Chicken Pot Pie Soup All the cozy vibes of a chicken pot pie— topped with floating puff pastry crust. Creamy, loaded with vegetables and tender chicken, this soup is the epitome of comfort food in a bowl. Ready, Set, Simmer! Whether you follow along each week or pick your favorites, these soups are here to make your fall deliciously cozy. Tag your creations with #soupsonsaturday and let’s warm up together, one bowl at a time. Stay tuned for next week’s recipe! Well fed and happy to be here, Jos

Jenny's Cheeseburger Bake by As Noted By Me Life lately? We are team quick dinners. I love a slow simmer moment as much as anyone, but some weeks… dinner needs to be fast, family-friendly, cozy, and something everyone actually cheers for. And this one right here? Ohhhh this one delivers. Introducing… my sweet friend Jenny's Cheeseburger Bake . A little knock-off, but in the MOST complimentary way possible, because it truly tastes just like your favorite fast food cheeseburger. You know the one. :) It has all the nostalgic comfort we crave… layered with a tiny bit of at-home pride because you made it in your own kitchen. And trust me when I say, the flavor is IDENTICAL. This is the kind of recipe that saves a Tuesday. The kind of recipe that gets eaten in full. The kind of recipe that keeps busy family life moving forward with full bellies and no complaints. Serve it with: • pickles on the side (duh) • ketchup drizzle over the top • extra yellow mustard for the team mustard people I’ll share the full recipe below and I know you'll be making this on repeat, just like me. Fast. Familiar. Fun. As Noted By Me (and Jenny) -Josie

As Noted By Me :: Slow-Cooker Split Pea and Ham There’s something magical about soup season. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to simmer something warm and comforting on the stove or in the slow-cooker. Each week this fall, I’ll be sharing a new soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You loved this series last fall so we're back for season two! From brothy classics to creamy indulgences, this 12-week soup series has a little something for everyone. Week Seven: Slow-Cooker Split Pea and Ham Let the slow-cooker do the work! This hearty and healthy soup simmers all day with smoky ham, split peas, potatoes, carrots, and celery. It’s thick, comforting, and freezes beautifully. Ready, Set, Simmer! Whether you follow along each week or pick your favorites, these soups are here to make your fall deliciously cozy. Tag your creations with #soupsonsaturday and let’s warm up together, one bowl at a time. Stay tuned for next week’s recipe! A big bowl of soup and a warm hug, Jos