Hey you!

I'm headed off to Arizona this week to check in with my neurologist. After years of having nothing but bad news at doctors' offices, I still have a lot of anxiety going in. Yet, I'm sure it'll be nothing but great news as I continue to be miraculously in full remission. Going from such intense suffering to being "normal" is just such a strange thing to experience.

I've been doing a lot of podcast interviews recently. I talked about the Cheap Eats Meal Plan on the Better Budgeting Podcast, which was such a fun and easy chat. I also went on The Well Seasoned Librarian, where I ended up getting a little emotional chatting about my story with The Stay At Home Chef and how Cheap Eats came about.

My favorite, though, has been Sendy Mom. Becky is someone I know locally through my children's sports, and she has a podcast where she tells the stories of everyday women who are pushing their limits, taking risks, and continuing to try despite obstacles. It is just so uplifting and wholesome and everything this world needs. It's just a small podcast (for now), but it's SO worth checking out beyond my episode!

It's such a special thing to be able to share your story and connect with strangers all over the world in such an intimate way. My life doesn't feel particularly special or unique, let alone inspiring. To me, the reason I've had such an impact on so many people is that my story is not unique. The root feelings of my life experience are shared by so many.

I had a chronic illness that rocked my world, then mysterious symptoms that put m in a wheelchair on occasion, then a brain tumor, then a neurological disease that was slowly killing me and trapping me in my own body, then an experimental treatment brought me back to life. And that's just the health part of my life. I've also built a business from nothing and helped pioneer an entire industry that impacts almost everyone on the planet.

To me, it's just life. And man, what a ride it has been!

Anyway, thanks for being part of my story. The Stay At Home Chef is such a huge part of my identity. It was 13 years ago this month that I decided to start this thing and turn my little hobby of publishing recipes online at Rach's Kitchen into a business. Best decision ever! It's what led me to you.

See ya later!

Rachel

Bread making is my favorite and while I've definitely perfected the softest and fluffiest dinner rolls ever, I also love a good brioche. These are perfection, too! A little more dense, but oh so soft, and absolutely buttery. So everything a brioche should be! They are sure to impress.

Listen, I love a sweet potato casserole on Thanksgiving, but this one has stolen the spotlight for me this year. You can bet I'll be making this for more than just Thanksgiving. I can't get enough of that maple sweet potato goodness.

A sweet potato pie topped with a pillowy cloud of marshmallow meringue? Yes please! Pass me another slice! I kept things as easy as possible on this one, but if you want to go the extra mile, bake your sweet potatoes in the oven for a little more caramelized flavor.

Keep helping me build momentum for Thanksgiving. My goal is to donate $20,000 to food banks which is a lofty goal! Check out all of my Thanksgiving recipes here. I've made it easy to build your menu!

The best part of Thanksgiving is the pies so I've rounded up all of the pie recipes I've got. My favorite is the peanut butter fudge pie with pretzel crust. It's sweet and salty perfection if you ask me!

All the best side dishes I've got for your Thanksgiving feast from the classics to new spins on things. My personal favorite? Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce. It's become a staple for my entire extended family because it's just so darn good!

New YouTube Videos

And here are the two new video demonstrations for you this week over on YouTube! Always appreciate you watching and sharing.

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