News From The Nest, February 16

New on the Blog

Cold February days call for yummy chocolate treats, amiright? These chocolate chocolate chip cookie bars land somewhere between a brownie and a cookie—they’re sturdier than brownies with crisp edges and soft, chewy centers that stay fresh for days. Toasted walnuts balance all that sweetness, making the chocolate taste even more intense. The secret to getting them right is simple: don’t overbake. When the edges are set, and the center looks barely done, pull them from the oven—they’ll firm up as they cool.

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

Learn how to knit the diagonal basketweave stitch with this step-by-step video tutorial. This lovely textured pattern looks like woven fabric and creates a denser, more substantial fabric than stocking stitch—perfect for blankets and washcloths that need a bit of heft. The diagonal movement of the pattern keeps it interesting to knit, so you won’t get as bored as you might with plain stockinette.

If you want to try the pattern on something smaller first, make these practical diagonal basketweave washcloths using worsted cotton. The tutorial includes instructions for adding a charming crochet picot edge to finish them off beautifully—complete with video tutorials that walk you through each step. These make wonderful handmade gifts, and once you get the rhythm of the pattern down, you can knock one out while watching your favorite show.

Once you’ve mastered the stitch, knit yourself a cozy diagonal basketweave blanket using chunky yarn and large needles. The pattern includes all the details you need, plus resize instructions if you want to adjust the dimensions to fit your bed or favorite couch spot perfectly. The large needles and chunky yarn make this a relatively quick knit for a blanket this size.

If you’re anything like me, you have yarn stashed in multiple places and can never remember what you bought or which pattern you were planning to use it for. Download this free printable knitting journal and organizer to keep all your yarn and project information in one place. The system includes yarn inventory cards, pattern storage pages, project tracking sheets, and all those handy reference charts you’re always looking for—all designed to fit in a 3-ring binder with pockets for storing your swatches right alongside your project notes.

If you’d like to learn to knit or brush up on your knitting skills, we have a series of lessons to help with that! I received this comment over the weekend about our ‘how to knit’ posts. I set out to make these instructions as helpful as possible, and I’m thrilled when someone shares that it’s working!

Lynn,
I want to thank you for the myriad of knitting posts! I am a very beginning knitter who has searched the internet looking for solutions to my knitting problems. I am never able to find lessons that are understandable and helpful 🥺 Your lessons, though, have answered all my concerns! It’s like you were able to predict exactly what a beginning knitter would need to know. Your explanations are so clear, with accompanying pictures to aid in comprehension. You are a wealth of knowledge and I so appreciate you sharing it with people like myself. Thank you, thank you!

Shucks, I’m still blushing! 😊

From the Kitchen

I know, I know—peanut butter soup sounds a little odd at first. But this West African-inspired soup is one of those “try it before you knock it” recipes that’ll surprise you with its rich, savory flavor. Made with peanut butter, tomato paste, ginger, garlic, cumin, and coriander, you can add your choice of protein. Reader Chris says she’s already made it twice—“The first time was for my very unsure husband. He really liked it! Within a week company was coming for a few days. I made it again, and everyone’s reaction was so positive.”

These roasted olives with caperberries are the kind of elegant appetizer that looks like you fussed but takes almost no effort. Toss together Castelvetrano olives, Kalamata olives, and caperberries with garlic, rosemary, crushed red pepper, and fennel seeds, then roast a bit. Top with cubed feta cheese and serve warm or at room temperature.

Put your sourdough discard to good use with these homemade sourdough discard tortillas that are way better than store-bought. You can adjust the size from small street tacos all the way up to big burrito-sized tortillas, and let them ferment for a nice tangy flavor. Cook them in your air fryer, skillet, oven, or grill—whichever method works best for you. They’re freezer-friendly too, so make a big batch.

This slow cooker pulled beef is fall-apart tender and perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner to cook itself. Season the chuck roast with a simple combination of garlic, onion, Worcestershire, and soy sauce, then let it go low and slow until it’s fork-tender. Use it for sandwiches, burritos, or tacos—basically anything that needs delicious shredded beef. You can even make it in the oven if you prefer.

These moist, flavorful turkey burgers use a few clever tricks to stay juicy rather than dry. Grated onion with its juice, panko soaked in milk, mayo, and Dijon mustard all work together to prevent that hockey puck texture turkey burgers can have. Cook them however you like—air-fryer, skillet, oven, or grill—and they freeze well for meal prep. I mean, what’s not to love! No more boring, dry turkey burgers!

When winter days just seem to go on and on, and you need some joy, then getting in the kitchen and baking cookies is the only solution. These cranberry oatmeal cookies have chewy centers and crisp edges, packed with rolled oats, dried cranberries, and your choice of walnuts or pecans. Warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, plus a touch of molasses or maple syrup, give them that wonderful flavor. The recipe includes tips for achieving the perfect texture—like using room-temperature ingredients and not overmixing the dough.

From the Arts + Crafts Studio

Tired of tangled charging cables and earbuds at the bottom of your bag? These leather cord keepers are the perfect solution and make great gifts. Use your Cricut to cut the leather and add monogrammed iron-on vinyl initials so everyone in the family can identify their own cords. The tutorial includes a free template and a complete video walkthrough showing you every step. You could whip out a whole batch in a couple of hours for gifts.

If your heels are anything like mine, they need regular attention. This moisturizing heel balm recipe uses simple ingredients like shea or cocoa butter, beeswax, and essential oils. The genius part? You pour it into wind-up tubes, letting you apply the balm directly to your heels without getting it all over your hands. One reader wrote that her grandson’s wife “used it that night and texted me to say it was working as soon as she applied it. She loves it.” Makes a thoughtful, handmade gift, too.

Remember making loom potholders as a kid? They’re back, and they’re better than ever thanks to larger looms that make bigger potholders and gorgeous loop colors in botanical and neutral palettes. You can weave one in about an hour, and the Friendly Loom website has an interactive design wizard that lets you choose colors and patterns. They’re customizable, practical, and make wonderful gifts. And, TBH, I find them the most effective of all my potholders…purchased or handmade. In fact, I need to make some more for my kitchen!

In the House + Home

When your to-do list feels endless but your time is limited, these 49 quick household tasks that take 15 minutes or less are lifesavers. From scanning the fridge for past-prime food to freezing fruit for smoothies, wiping down appliances, or cleaning out your purse, each task is something you can tackle during those small pockets of time throughout your day. Some can even be done while sitting in traffic or waiting for an appointment. Chip away at your list a little at a time—you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

If you’re a linen collector like me (a gene inherited from both grandmothers), you know the struggle of overflowing drawers stuffed with tablecloths, runners, and napkins all jumbled together. The solution? Hang your tablecloths and runners in a closet to free up drawer space and keep them wrinkle-free. Create simple labels showing each piece’s size and description so you can grab exactly what you need without hunting through stacks. Now your napkins finally have room to breathe in the drawers, and you’ll actually be able to find that specific tablecloth when you need it.