— Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY
It Doesn’t Get More Comforting Than These Cheesy Pesto Baked Meatballs
theSkimm
Look, a lot happened this week. So we hereby grant you permission (not that you need it) to lean into all things chill and comforting this weekend — starting with these Cheesy Pesto Baked Meatballs with Burrata from How Sweet Eats. The perfectly tender little guys are packed with Parmesan, garlic, and a generous helping of fresh herbs, then smothered with marinara, globs of melty burrata cheese, and a nutty pesto. Add some buttery garlic toasts on the side (ideal for dunking in the saucy goodness) — and you’ve got the culinary equivalent of a nice, warm hug.
The Time Commitment: About 45 minutes — which is honestly the most time and energy we’re willing to expend right now.
Key Tips: Do your meatballs always wind up as dry as a 100-degree day in Las Vegas? Luckily, these are made with ricotta, which is the secret to keeping them moist. Also, be careful not to pack the meat too tightly, so they don’t become rubbery and chewy. And make sure to oil your hands before forming the meatballs to prevent sticking. (If touching meat grosses you out, you can use an ice cream scoop instead.)
Other Takes: Few things are more versatile than meatballs. Take this hearty Pastina Soup with Basil Chicken Meatballs and Escarole, which is perfect for a long day, sick day, or any day. Meanwhile, these Cheesy French Onion Meatballs are inspired by the French classic, so expect caramelized onions, gooey Gruyère cheese, and “the best dinner [you’ve] made all year.” But if you’re looking for something lighter and brighter, fill a few lettuce cups with these Pork Meatballs with Ginger and Fish Sauce. Or, add these minty Greek Lamb Meatballs to a chopped Greek salad and cover everything with the “what dreams are made of” feta tzatziki.
What’s new in food & home:
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Calling all Jane Austen fans: Cross Mansfield Park with Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half, and you get Nikki May’s This Motherless Land. The new novel follows Funke, a British Nigerian girl whose life in Lagos is unceremoniously upended after her mom and brother die in a tragic accident, and she’s forced to live with her family in England. There, Funke meets and becomes fast friends with her free-spirited cousin Liv, but over time, the two drift apart…until another unexpected tragedy strikes, raising questions about race, identity, and the ties that bind. We asked May a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Q: What’s the one thing you can’t leave the house without?
May: The Archers. It’s a British radio soap [that’s] on for 15 minutes a day. I’ve listened to [it] for over 30 years. I’m an addict — even if most of the time I’m moaning about how ridiculous it is.
Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about?
May: Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka. I put it off for ages, worried it would be too dark. Well, I was wrong, and it is brilliant. I’ve pressed it into so many hands.
Meanwhile, on the internet...
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We’re all for international getaways, but we also appreciate an epic adventure in the United States. So say “bye” to passports and jet lag and “hello there” to our roundup of scenic American road trips that are guaranteed to pique your curiosity. Psst…they’re best enjoyed behind the wheel of the new 2025 Ford Explorer® SUV. Buckle up.
⛪ If you’re looking for a picturesque drive you can do in a day, consider The High Road to Taos. The 105-mile trek puts remote mountain villages, historical buildings, and awe-inspiring vistas center stage. Visit one of the state’s most photographed churches, San Francisco de Asis, then drive through the enchanting Carson National Forest, and check out thePeñasco farming community.
⛰️ For an east coast adventure, look no further thanPark Loop Road in Acadia National Park. The 27-mile drive connects Acadia’s lakes, mountains, and shoreline. Go for a refreshing swim atSand Beach, taste world-renowned popovers at the picturesqueJordan Pond, and take in the views from thehighest point on the eastern seaboard.
The open road is calling — and the new 2025 Ford Explorer® SUV is more than up for the task. It even has available Ford BlueCruise driver-assist technology†, so you can stress less behind the wheel and turn driving time into quality time. Go, go, go.*
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
Q: My mother-in-law constantly posts pictures of my kids on social media — even though I’ve asked her not to. Can I politely say something, or should I just live with it?
“It’s perfectly OK to address it again [in a] kind but direct way … Find a calm moment for an in-person chat, where you can express why this matters to you. You might say, ‘I know you’re so proud of your grandkids, and we appreciate that so much, but we’re trying to limit their online presence until they’re older, for safety and privacy reasons. We’d love if you could help us with this.’
For some families, a private family album or a family-only group chat can be a great alternative — allowing grandparents to share special moments, without making the photos public. [Also], involving your partner may be helpful … Sometimes, hearing it from their own child makes it easier for grandparents to understand and respect the request. And approaching this as a team with your partner can help family boundaries feel supportive rather than confrontational.”
My father-in-law is a very loud talker — even in quiet settings, like at church or the movies. It’s embarrassing, but none of his family seems to notice. Is there a nonconfrontational way to say something?
If you have a baby, you’re not going anywhere without a diaper bag. This one is basically indestructible and has a changing pad, stroller clips, and pacifier pocket. Inspector Gadget, who?
Behold: the ultimate list of bookish gifts for your resident book nerd, courtesy of our Skimm Reads editors (aka, our own resident book nerds).
PS: Want more product recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram.
Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.
Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them here.
Skimm’d by: Taylor Trudon, Alex Carr, Melissa Goldberg, and Margaret Wheeler Johnson
Photos by How Sweet Eats, Mariner Books, SDI Productions via Getty Images, courtesy of Kristina Szabova, Brand Partners
Design by theSkimm
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†Available feature. Equipped Ford vehicles come with either a complimentary trial period or an included duration, after which purchase of a BlueCruise subscription is required. Modem activation is required for subscription purchase and for initial activation of BlueCruise (for pre-2024 model-year vehicles). See ford.com/bluecruise for details. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment, or need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a hands-free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
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