Welcome to Kelly’s Monthly Edit!
Join me every month as I round up the little joys that sparked inspiration, from must-make recipes and Mom-approved grocery finds to favorite products in kitchenware, skincare, fashion and beyond. Consider this your behind-the-scenes bite of life at Just a Taste—no gatekeeping, just good taste.
November was one for the books — a whirlwind of work, family, food and a quick detour into full-on Chiefs Kingdom at the Chiefs/Broncos game in Denver. I made it onto the field (legally!) and got within 10 feet of Travis Kelce. As a football mega-fan (who costumed hard as a certain NFL coach), diehard Swiftie and Kelce Cookies guru, this experience was truly the culmination of so many of my passions and a moment I will never, ever forget.
Between the roar of the crowd, the sea of red (OK, and a bit of Broncos blue and orange), and the undeniable star power on the field, it was easily a highlight of the month. If this is how November went… December has some big shoes to fill.
While in Denver, my husband and I had the most incredible meal at Tavernetta. We grabbed seats at the bar with a bird’s-eye view of the kitchen, and everything — the drinks, the food, the service — was flawless. If you’re in the Denver area, I can’t recommend it enough. Ten out of ten. No notes!
Woman’s World Cover!
November also marked the publication of my fourth Woman’s World Magazine cover, featuring my go-to Thanksgiving leftovers recipes. I had such a blast shooting for this spread, including an interior feature with the woman, the myth, the legend: Noni!
It’s still on newsstands nationwide so grab a copy if you spot it and make sure to tag me on Instagram.
Embracing the Mess
Life has been messy lately — and I’m learning to lean into it. Between my son breaking his finger while at school (our family’s first cast), my kitchen looking like a culinary tornado hit it, and more than a few recipe fails that will never see the light of day, perfection has officially left the chat.
But somehow, in the middle of the cracked dishes, burned edges and unexpected doctor visits, there’s still laughter, love and a whole lot of grace. Because if this season is teaching me anything, it’s that the mess is where the memories live… and sometimes the best stories come from the recipes that don’t quite go as planned (i.e. the journey to perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms.)
The Thanksgiving Plate
Where would a November recap be without a picture of The Plate? This Thanksgiving featured one of my favorite menus of all time. Noni and I co-hosted for a crowd of 16, and the spread was spectacular from drinks to dessert and everything in-between.
Noni has forever been my idol both inside and outside the kitchen, but if there is one thing she excels most at, it’s hosting with ease. She makes any event a happy, carefree occasion, where all are not only welcome, but feel like they belong. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 100 times: Noni is the master of entertaining and I am just thankful to be her apprentice.
On the Horizon…
There’s so much excitement ahead on Just a Taste — new recipes, fresh videos (Did you see our YouTube re-launch?), bigger projects and a whole lot of delicious creativity coming your way next year. I can’t wait to share everything we’ve been working on behind the scenes.
Most of all, I’m endlessly grateful for this incredible community. Your cooking, your comments, your questions and your support are what make this space so special. Here’s to an amazing year ahead and all the good food and great memories we’ll make together!
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