November 9, 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. That postelection night exhaustion has hit me hard. As I recover this weekend, you can find me indulging in some serious retail therapy (sorry Dua Lipa, but I think I’ll pass on your knee-high, floral peep-toe boots), running all my errands in a bathrobe (thanks for the inspo, Gigi Hadid), and making Courteney Cox’s no-fuss chicken Bolognese, which is peak coziness. Also, since I’ve bitten off all my fingernails, it’s high time I got a manicure. While I’m a fan of Adele’s goth-meets-glam look, this burgundy chrome polish perfectly matches the season’s “must-have” shoe color (it’s more versatile than you think). And one last thing: Want more ways for staying in the know? Sign up to be the first in line for a new premium Skimm experience, coming soon. 

— Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY

It Doesn’t Get More Comforting Than These Cheesy Pesto Baked Meatballs

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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.

This Motherless Land by Nikki May

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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: Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream. [I’ve got] a tube in my bag, in my car, and on my desk. If I get wrinkly hands, I’m suing.

Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?

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.

Your Next Adventure — No Flights Required

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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 the Peñasco farming community. 

🐋 Nature enthusiasts, this drive’s for you. The Olympic Peninsula Loop (which encircles Olympic National Park) is a stunning 300-mile route with 15 whale-viewing spots where you can catch a sighting. Don’t leave without hiking the Hoh Rainforest, soaking in the natural mineral hot springs, and spotting shorebirds along the sandy beaches at the Dungeness Spit.

⛰️ For an east coast adventure, look no further than Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. The 27-mile drive connects Acadia’s lakes, mountains, and shoreline. Go for a refreshing swim at Sand Beach, taste world-renowned popovers at the picturesque Jordan Pond, and take in the views from the highest 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.”

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.