The Very Best Shepherd's Pie
My college besties, Kelly and Kelsey, and I used to make this dip all the time when we had an off-campus apartment. So, when Ashley from The Wildcards recommended something similar to pair with our podcast episode, I was super excited!
I’ll be honest, I eyeball everything in this recipe. Just sprinkle the herbs and spices to your taste. You can’t mess this up.
We didn’t add heat with jalapeno, but you certainly can if you like a little kick. Or use a can of Rotel instead of tomatoes.
I’m telling ya, once you start eating this dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go!
Try the Drink…
Home-made Spiced Chai
My guest in Ep. 04, Cindy Landham brought over this recipe for warm and cozy homemade spiced chai latte. This cup of magic will make you want to curl up under a blanket with a good book. Get the recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 04 - Being Well is an Inside Job with Cindy Landham
Homemade Spiced Chai Latte
For Episode 4, my guest, Cindy Landham, brought over a recipe for homemade chai tea. The condensed milk in this recipe makes it so creamy and delicious! The aroma of cinnamon, cloves and other spices will make your house smell incredible while it simmers on the stove. Sipping this sweet mixture just make you feel cozy, calm and nourished.
So, curl up with a good book, cuddle under a blanket and try this recipe for yourself!
Try this One Pot Supper…
The Family Wash is a restaurant/music venue that has moved locations and taken on several iterations over the years here in Nashville. Their shepherd’s pie is famous in this city! I hacked the recipe at home and it tastes pretty dang similar. Here’s the recipe for a one pot dinner that will be a hit with your family and last you a few days in left overs. Enjoy!
The Very Best Shepherd’s Pie
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Ep. 04 - Food is Not Your Problem, Dieting is Not Your Answer with Cindy Landham
Ep. 04: Food is not your problem, Dieting is not Your Answer - with Cindy Landham
Have you ever felt guilty about eating something? I'm talking, really guilty. Maybe it even sent you down a shame spiral. Do you ever sneak food, or avoid food all together because it's just too hard to control? After you over indulge, do you exercise harder than usual to balance the "damage" you've done? Do you vow to "do better" tomorrow (or when Monday rolls around)? Have you lost and re-gained the same pounds over and over again?
Then, listen up! Most American adults have experienced these thoughts and feelings. I know I sure have. If this sounds like you, too, then this episode is for you.
Before you set your New Years Resolutions around your health for this coming year, please listen to this episode of Happiest Hour with my guest, Liberated Eating Coach, Cindy Landham.
Ep. 04 Food is Not Your Problem, Dieting is Not Your Answer with Cindy Landham
Have you ever felt guilty about eating something? I'm talking, really guilty. Maybe it even sent you down a shame spiral. Do you ever sneak food, or avoid food all together because it's just too hard to control? After you over indulge, do you exercise harder than usual to balance the "damage" you've done? Do you vow to "do better" tomorrow (or when Monday rolls around)? Have you lost and re-gained the same pounds over and over again?
Then, listen up! Most American adults have experienced these thoughts and feelings. I know I sure have. If this sounds like you, too, then this episode is for you.
Here's the good news: there is a path to freedom from obsessive thoughts surrounding food, exercise and body shaming.
Here's even more good news: this path doesn't involve dieting, shakes, pills, pre-packaged food, counting points and calories, or even joining a gym.
Before you set your New Years Resolutions around your health for this coming year, please listen to this episode of Happiest Hour with my guest, Liberated Eating Coach, Cindy Landham.
It could change your life. I know, that's a bold statement, but she sure has changed mine.
In this episode, we cover:
• Why diet culture is failing us
• Traditional thinking vs. liberated thinking around our health and wellness
• When parents are the food police
• What loving your body really means
☕️ Whoa! All foods fit from Cindy’s perspective, so you better bet we paired this episode with two delicious recipes! Check out Cindy's homemade, made-from-scratch spiced chai latte. This tea will leave you feeling so comfy, warm and nourished.
And I'm sharing the shepherd's pie recipe that has become a tradition for my husband and me during the holidays.
Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓
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Get to know Cindy by visiting her at her website and on Facebook.
If you can’t wait for the results of the book drawing and want a copy of Cindy’s book now, you can snag a copy here!
Get Cindy’s Book!
Get a copy of Cindy’s book and get started on your liberating journey!
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
Homemade Spiced Chai
The Very Best Shepherd’s Pie
More Happiest Hour…
Cowboy Caviar
My college besties, Kelly and Kelsey, and I used to make this dip all the time when we had an off-campus apartment. So, when Ashley from The Wildcards recommended something similar to pair with our podcast episode, I was super excited!
I’ll be honest, I eyeball everything in this recipe. Just sprinkle the herbs and spices to your taste. You can’t mess this up.
We didn’t add heat with jalapeno, but you certainly can if you like a little kick. Or use a can of Rotel instead of tomatoes.
I’m telling ya, once you start eating this dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go!
Try the Drink…
Merry Margarita
My guest in Ep. 03, The Wildcards and I made this delicious craft cocktail together. This variation of a margarita is the perfect idea for the holidays and pairs well with the Cowboy Caviar dip! Grab the recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 03 - Jumping in the Driver’s Seat with The Wildcards
Merry Margarita
Two words sum up The Wildcards: Good Vibes.
As their party anthems can attest, Ashley and Andrea know how to have a good time. When I asked them what drink they’d like to pair with their episode, I knew they’d have something great to share. They did not disappoint!
This variation on a margarita is subtle and super delicious. We used Elderflower Liquor (aka St. Germain) instead of orange flavor. The liquor elevates this cocktail making it perfect for the holidays!
So, pour you a glass of this yummy marg and join us for Ep. 03!
Cheers!
Try this Easy Side Dish…
I’m telling ya, once you start eating this Cowboy Caviar dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go! Here’s the recipe for the easy weekend recipe paired with this week’s Happiest Hour episode. Give it a try for yourself!
Cowboy
Caviar
Catch the Episode!
Ep. 03 - Jumping in the Driver’s Seat with The Wildcards
Ep. 03: Jumping in the Driver's Seat with The Wildcards
In Ep. 03 of Happiest Hour, my guests are Ashley Gearing and Andrea Young -- collectively known as the critically acclaimed duo, The Wildcards. You've heard about this electric duo through American Songwriter, CMT and on stages opening for superstars like Joe Nichols and Chris Lane. We chat about how they are taking control of the creative process, why they jumped into the producer seat for their latest music releases and so much more!
Ep. 03 Jumping in the Driver’s Seat with The Wildcards
Welcome to Episode 03 of Happiest Hour! My guests are Ashley Gearing and Andrea Young -- collectively known as the critically acclaimed duo, The Wildcards.
You've heard about this electric duo through American Songwriter, CMT and on stages opening for superstars like Joe Nichols and Chris Lane. In today's episode, we chat about how they are taking control of the creative process and why they jumped into the producer seat for their latest music releases.
We also cover:
• Creating the ✨ "Friday Night Feeling" ✨ for their fans
• What it's like being a part of Fox's new hit drama, Monarch
• Why it's so important to be a good hang on the road
🍹 We paired this episode with a Merry Margarita -- the traditional tequila classic you love with a little extra “jingle jangle.”
Don't forget to check out our easy weekend side dish: Cowboy Caviar! It's the perfect companion to that margarita. My college roommates and I used to make this all the time, so when Ashley suggested it, I was excited! We put our own spin on this super simple dip.
Get your recipes below!
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Catch The Wildcards' good vibes by following them on Instagram and listening to their music on Spotify.
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The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
Merry Margarita
Cowboy Caviar Dip
More Happiest Hour…
Ep. 02: The Importance of Keeping it Super Real - Jenny Gill
In episode 2 of Happiest Hour, my guest is film director, recording artist, and daughter of country music royalty, Jenny Gill. Jenny is one of the most hilarious and authentic people I know. Listen in as she talks about forging her own path in TV and film, finding work/life/mom balance and why she thinks it so important to keep her social media super real.
Jenny Gill could make anyone laugh — and usually does.
In Episode 2, my guest is film director, recording artist, wife and mother of two, Jenny Gill. She might as well add “comedian” to her bio because she is one of the most hilarious people you’ll ever meet. In this world of highlight reels and social media, she is determined to keep her humor and authenticity front and center.
Jenny and I chat about why it’s so important to her to keep her social media, and her life, super real. We also cover:
• What being the daughter of country music royalty has taught her
• Finding her own path in life
• How to balance career, friendship and motherhood… or not.
Follow along Jenny’s hilarious Instagram feed and enjoy her music on Spotify.
Enjoying this? I wrote a letter I wish someone had sent me at 35 — plus a playlist to go with it. Both are yours, free. Grab them here.
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
Bourbon Cowboy Twist
Bourbon Vanilla Apple Cider Donuts
More Happiest Hour…
Bourbon Cowboy Twist Cocktail
When I asked my guest in Ep. 02, Jenny Gill, if she had a special drink she’d want to share with us, she shot me back a text super quick with an entire recipe. It turns out her husband, Josh, created his own bourbon cocktail that they sip at home and can’t get enough of. Now we get to enjoy it for ourselves! (Thanks for sharing your magic elixir with us, Josh!)
Jenny and I made this delicious craft cocktail together. I can attest: it is delicious. You bourbon lovers out there are gonna love this one.
So, dust off your rocks glass and get ready to embibe with us!
Cheers!
P.S. Did you know that every week when I launch a new episode of the Happiest Hour, I release an Instagram reel of my guests and me making our recipes? Check out Jenny and me mixing up the Bourbon Cowboy Twist here!
Try this Easy Dessert…
Trust me on this: you don’t need a lot of culinary skill to master these delicious donuts. If I can do it, YOU can do it. These were a big hit with my in-laws on Thanksgiving. They might just become our family’s new fall tradition! Here’s the recipe for the easy weekend recipe paired with this week’s Happiest Hour episode. Give them a try for yourself!
Vanilla Bourbon Apple Cider Donuts
Catch the Episode!
Ep. 02 - The Importance of Keeping it Super Real - Jenny Gill
Bourbon Vanilla Apple Cider Donuts
I tried this recipe for Thanksgiving this year and it was a HUGE hit! I was planning to try a different recipe for fried donuts, but lets be honest. Mama didn’t need the stress of burning down the kitchen with experimental donut frying while chasing after a toddler on Thanksgiving morning.
I’ll tell you what I was thankful for: this recipe for baked apple cider donuts! Frying is a big “no.” Baking I can do! My recipe is adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction. I tweaked a few ingredients and added my own twist. My in-laws loved them. I’ll make them again!
Make sure you reduce your apple cider on the stove to pack a punch of flavor in the donuts. Allow the cider to cool before using it in the recipe. I reduced mine the night before to get a head start.
You also want to make sure your donuts are cooled enough to handle before trudging them into the topping.
Other than those two quick notes, this recipe is really simple and easy to make. These donuts might just become a fall tradition in my house!
Try the Drink…
Bourbon Cowboy Twist
Catch the episode!
Ep. 02 - The Importance of Keeping it Super Real - Jenny Gill
Ep. 01: The Power of Persistence - Whitney Duncan
In this inaugural episode of Happiest Hour, my guest is recording artist, songwriter and reality TV star, Whitney Duncan. You may recognize Whitney from her single, “Skinny Dippin’” or from her appearances on Survivor, Nashville Star and The Amazing Race!
Ep. 01 The Power of Persistence - Whitney Duncan
In this inaugural episode of Happiest Hour, my guest is recording artist, songwriter and reality TV star, Whitney Duncan. You may recognize Whitney from her single, “Skinny Dippin’” or from her appearances on Survivor, Nashville Star and The Amazing Race!
Whitney shares about the power of persistence in both her personal and work life. We also cover:
• Being multi-passionate and finding balance between a variety of interests
• How to navigate the different career phases of a professional musician
• We unexpectedly took a deep dive into our family planning stories — including IVF struggles and pregnancy loss.
If you watch the live video of this episode on YouTube, you’ll notice that Whitney is pregnant! Her little bundle of joy came a few weeks early and she is now living the full-on mom life!
Follow along Whitney’s journey on her Instagram and listen to her music on Spotify.
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Grab them below. Cheers!
Hack for Super Creamy Hot Chocolate
Classic Roasted Root Vegetables - Perfect for your holiday table!
More Happiest Hour…
Jeb's Super Creamy Hot Chocolate
Music, friendship and food are three of my favorite things. When I first hatched the plan for my new podcast, Happiest Hour, I knew I wanted to chat with my guests over a delicious beverage and share recipes. In Ep. 01, my guest is recording artist, reality TV star, and super pregnant, Whitney Duncan!
I turned to my supporters in our private Facebook group to find a few good recipes I could share. They had some great suggestions!
One idea came from Jeb in Virginia. It’s really more of a hack than a recipe, but it’s a darn good way make simple hot chocolate super creamy and kid-friendly so that the whole family can get involved! This was a perfect choice for Whitney, my mama-to-be podcast guest.
A hand frother or a blender will be your best friend for this hack. And don’t forget the marshmallows!
Try this Easy Side…
Classic Roasted Root Vegetables
Add beautiful color and delicious nutrition to your holiday table with this quick and easy side dish!
This nutritious and delicious side dish will be the perfect addition to your holiday table! Get the easy weekend recipe paired with this week’s Happiest Hour episode here.
Catch the Episode!
→ More Happiest Hour Episodes
Ep. 01 - The Power of Persistence - Whitney Duncan
Classic Roasted Root Vegetables
This is the PERFECT side dish for your holiday table! And it’s easy as pie to make — except it’s more nutritious than pie. 😉 This rustic roasted veggie dish will add beautiful color to your plate.
Dan doesn’t even like cooked carrots, but he LOVES this dish. And can we take a moment to talk about fennel? I’ve been sleeping on fennel! One of Dan’s favorite recipes that I cook utilizes fennel seed, but I have never tried the real thing until recently. Now, I slice raw fennel into my salads, I use the fronds in homemade salad dressings, and I chop it into wedges for this beautiful dish. If you’re not familiar with fennel either, don’t let it intimidate you. Treat it just like an onion. Trim off the ends, peel back the top layer and you’re good to go.
Check out how easy and delicious getting your veggies in will be with this easy weekend side dish:
Try this Beverage…
Super Creamy Hot Chocolate
In Episode 01 of Happiest Hour, my guest, Whitney Duncan, and I tried this hack that will make your next cup of hot chocolate super creamy. Check out the drink recipe paired with this week’s Happiest Hour episode here.
Catch the Episode!
Ep. 01 - The Power of Persistence - Whitney Duncan
Today, you see Cyndi Thomson's luxury jewelry dripping off superstars like Lizzo, Lauren Alaina, Natalie Hemby (of the Highwomen) and Kimberly Paisley. Did you know that Cyndi was on the verge of superstardom herself with a hit radio single and gold album, My World?
Cyndi made the difficult decision to walk away from the music business as her star was on the rise. In this episode, we talk about how walking away from one thing means walking towards something else. And what a beautiful, big life she walked into!
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the live interview on YouTube!