14 Savory Citrus Recipes For Your Next Summer Fête

Like most people in the world, here at Brit + Co., we’re big fans of summer. And one of the best things about summer? Citrus — it’s synonymous with the season. We’re always on the lookout for new and unexpected ways to use these zesty fruits — other than in our fave cocktails and cakes, of course. Get ready for an immunity and collagen boost, use lemons to deck out a super sunny table and whip up one of these savory citrus dishes for your next summer bash!

1. Grapefruit Tarragon Gin and Tonic: First things first, summer means alfresco happy hours galore. Dress up your gin and tonic with fresh herbs and shot of fresh grapefruit juice and enjoy this seasonal twist on a classic! (via Food 52)

2. Smoked Salmon Lavash Wrap With Lemon-Dill Cream Cheese: Liven up your lunch hour with this delicious and healthy wrap. Light and refreshing, this is the perfect meal to get you through the last few hours ’til you can have one of those grapefruit tarragon G ‘n’ Ts. (via The Cozy Apron)

3. Fish and Chips Tacos With a Chipotle Lime Dressing: Put a new spin on two pub classics — combine tacos with fish and chips! We’re so excited to try this update on another of our summer essentials, fish tacos. But we’re left with one question: Is there any food you can’t improve by the addition of French fries? (via Taste and Tell)

4. Summer Squash Tartines With Ricotta, Rosemary and Lemon: These tartines (or, as we call them, fancy toasts) are sublime with creamy ricotta brightened up by lemon zest. Though the creator uses summer squash, just about any fresh summer produce would work well here. We’re thinking tomatoes from our new garden. (via Eats Well With Others)

5. Ginger Citrus Soba and Snow Peas: So good you won’t even notice it’s vegan, and it’s easily made gluten-free, too! Two kinds of citrus and Sriracha dress up this easy weeknight meal. (via Love and Lemons)

6. Miso Blood Orange Scallops: Nom. We love this dish equally for a dressed up summer dinner party or a romantic summer date night for two. (via Kitchenette)

7. Savory Grapefruit Sabayon: Pour this tart and creamy sauce over any variety of seafood or fresh steamed asparagus, and impress your friends with your haute culinary skills. (via Food 52)

8. Citrus Ginger Tofu Salad With Buckwheat Soba Noodles: So we know we sort of already covered this concept, but we loved this recipe too much not to share it as well. It provides calcium for veg-heads, and the flavor improves the longer it marinates, so you can easily make it ahead of time! (via Food 52)

9. Roasted Sable Fish With Spot Prawn Risotto and a Citrus Beurre Blanc: Here’s another easy dish that brings big wow factor. You just need the patience to stir the risotto. (via Kitchen Culinaire)

10. Crying Tiger Steak: This steak is marinated in fish sauce and topped with a sweet and spicy Thai relish. Have an Asian adventure right in your own kitchen, no need to wait in tedious TSA lines! (via The Wanderlust Kitchen)

11. Lime Infused Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters: Another great bar food mashup — jalapeño poppers and fritters! We’re taking this great combo a step further (several steps, really) with lime juice, bacon and avocado. (via Closet Cooking)

12. Devil Salad With Chili-Lime Vinaigrette: This is one of those rare and beautiful salads we could eat every day without getting tired of it. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, it’s got spicy chorizo, avocado and gooey runny eggs. (via From the Kitchen)

13. Chipotle Chicken and Andouille Sausage Sliders: We want these for our next barbecue. Spicy chicken sausage sliders are smothered in white cheddar and a chipotle lime Greek yogurt aioli. Plus, it’s got a bonus recipe for cauliflower slider buns for the gluten-averse among us. (via The Housewife in Training Files)

14. Meyer Lemon Pizza: Yep, lemons on a pizza. We were skeptical too, but the lemon really plays up the prosciutto, goat cheese and spinach. Someone just kicked Friday Pizza Night up a notch. (via How Sweet Eats)

Have we convinced you to eat citrus for dinner yet? Know of any other weird savory citrus combos that turned out to be mind-blowingly good?

They say that good things come in small packages, and when it comes to mini pies, it's definitely true. Whether sweet or savory, these 31 picks are just perfect for dressing up your appetizer and dessert displays from Pi Day to Thanksgiving, or any upcoming festive gathering. Some of them are even so spectacular, you could serve them alongside your favorite side dishes or our deliciousbourbon cocktail. Pick your faves, and get ready to impress guests all season long. Sweet and savory cravings, satisfied.

SAVORY Mini Pie Recipes

Mason Jar Banoffee Pies

As far as mason jar DIYs go, this one is definitely the most delicious. Follow our tutorial to create scrumptious mini pies using fresh bananas, dulce de leche, whipped cream, and chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Mac and Cheese Pies

Everyone’s favorite comfort food just got a brand new look. Featuring Parmesan cheese and pancetta, this scrumptious dish will tickle your taste buds while warming you up. (via She Knows)

Flaky Broccoli Cheddar Soup Mini Pies

Chilly days and nights call for rich and hearty soups or, even better, these flavorful and flaky mini pies. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Mini Spaghetti Pies

Kids and adults alike are sure to gobble up petite pies filled with Parmesan and cottage cheeses. (via Plain Chicken)

Apple, Bacon + Cheddar Breakfast Pies

Who needs pancakes and pastries? Get your day off to a sweet and savory start with bite-sized breakfast pies. You’ll dig the unique blending of apple, sharp cheddar cheese, and bacon. (via Betty Crocker)

Cheeseburger Pies

Grilling season may be over, but you can still enjoy cheeseburgers with a twist thanks to these simple four-step pies. Served with mini dill pickles and topped with tomato pieces, they’ll be the highlight of the night. (via Betty Crocker)

Shepherd’s Pot Pies

What would Thanksgiving dinner be without mashed potatoes? Dish up these beef and veggie pot pies as a delectable new way to enjoy them. (via Pillsbury)

Buffalo Chicken Pies

Score a game-day touchdown by tossing together buffalo chicken mini pies that are just as tasty (and a bit less messy) as wings. (via Betty Crocker)

Tex-Mex Chicken + Cheese Pies

Tex-Mex lovers can’t go wrong by whipping up these shredded chicken and pepper jack cheese mini pies. Sprinkled with cilantro and served with spicy salsa, they’re great for Sunday brunch. (via Tablespoon)

Taco Pies

Taco Tuesday, anyone? Skip the shells and layer your favorite ingredients on top of Bisquick pie cups for an easy weeknight dinner. (via Tablespoon)

Butternut Squash + Beefy Mushroom Pot Pies

Butternut squash, mushrooms, bacon, beef and pumpkin beer combine to create one ridiculously mouthwatering pie. Looks like you just discovered a new fall fave. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Aussie Beef Pies

Where’s the beef? Hidden inside these gooey-good, Aussie-inspired pies! Bake them in muffin tins, then serve with ketchup and cold glasses of beer. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

SWEET Mini Pie Recipes

Cranberry Brie Pies

Craving something savory but with a little hint of sweetness? Mini pies made with cranberry sauce, brie, and chopped pecans are sure to satisfy. (via Something Swanky)

Apple Pecan Mini Pies

Okay, so these tasty treats aren’t exactly pies. They’re made with brown sugar-sprinkled English muffins, plus Granny Smith apples and pecans, giving you a sweet snack that’s every bit as good as the real thing. (via The Pioneer Woman)

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Pumpkin pie might just be the perfect fall dessert, whether or not you're eating it on Thanksgiving Day. This recipe features just the right amount of spice. (via Culinary Hill)

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Hand Pies

Warm guests’ hands and hearts with cinnamon apple delights featuring whole wheat crust and bourbon. (via Baker by Nature)

Cranberry Apple Mini Pies

This is a great recipe for any point during the holiday season — the mix of cranberries, apples, and orange zest will please everyone. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Chocolate Pecan Pies

Sorry, grandma. These chocolatey pecan pies just might be the best Thanksgiving dessert ever. (via Mom on Timeout)

Chocolate Nutella Pies

Satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth during a fall bridal shower with Nutella mousse mini pies. They’ll look especially spectacular garnished with shaved chocolate curls and melted chocolate chip drizzle. (via The Gunny Sack)

Mint Chocolate Cream Pies

Is mint and chip your favorite ice cream flavor? If so, you’ll love feasting on chocolate pudding pies with minty whipped cream topping. They’d be an adorable addition at any gender-neutral baby shower. (via Mom on Timeout)

Apple Pies With Streusel Topping

Change things up at your fall wedding by serving mini apple streusel pies alongside or in place of a traditional cake. Or, pass some around as a late-night snack to help keep everyone partying hard. (via Center Cut Cook)

Butterscotch Cream Pies

Build me up, buttercup! These creamy, dreamy pies will never break your heart. (via Lauren’s Latest)

Samoa Pies

Already counting down the days until Girl Scout cookie season? Luckily, you can enjoy these caramel- and coconut-infused mini pies right now. (via Crazy for Crust)

Oreo + Peanut Butter Pies

These lattice-cut pies marry two all-American treats: Oreo cookies and creamy peanut butter. Serve some at your party and watch friends line up to grab ‘em until they’re gone. (via Picky Palate)

Boston Cream Pies

Need proof that gastronomical heaven truly exists? Sink your teeth into one (or five) of these tantalizing treats. Featuring sugar cookie cups, vanilla pudding mousse, and chocolate syrup, they’re a great non-traditional choice for holiday get-togethers. (via House of Yumm)

Coconut Cream Pies

Bored with traditional fall desserts like pecan, apple, and pumpkin pie? Think outside the box by serving coconut cream mini morsels instead. This recipe calls for pre-made phyllo cups, allowing for particularly fast party prep. (via Country Cleaver)

S’mores Pies

Too cold to sit around the campfire? Fear not, because thanks to these mini s’mores pies, you can still enjoy your favorite flavor combo straight through the fall and winter seasons. (via Lil’ Luna)

Salted Caramel Chocolate Pies

Get your salted caramel fix outside of Starbucks with Ghirardelli chocolate tarts that take just 45 minutes to make and mere seconds to devour. (via Ghirardelli)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies

Trick or treat! These almost no-bake mini pies are even better than the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups that’ll soon be gracing your kids’ Halloween candy stash. (via Carlsbad Cravings)

Mini Strawberry Pies

These mini pies are sure to be the star of the show — not only are they beautiful but they feature a delicious strawberry, lemon, and sugar filling. (via Amanda Wilens)

Apple Hand Held Pies

Still thinking about the sweet apple pie you ate after Thanksgiving dinner? Take this hand held version to go so you can have a snack while waiting in that long Black Friday line. (via Two Peas & Their Pods)

Follow us on Pinterest for more mini pies + fun recipes!

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Amanda Wilens

Finding gifts for the person you're closest to can be the absolute hardest thing to do, especially when there are so many things that would make great gifts for him. If you're shopping for the main man in your life this season – whether you call him your dad, husband, fiancé, boyfriend, partner, or your preferred pet names – of course you want to find a gift that shows him just how much he means to you. Just remember that the key to the perfect gift is simply that it comes from you. These stunning gift ideas will help you say "this made me think of you."

Our 49 favorite gifts for men for 2024:

Amazon

RVCA Commonwealth Snapback

This flat-brimmed baseball cap replaces those older, worn-out styles you know your man has been hoarding. The green corduroy fabric on this gift-worthy hat will grace his head perfectly for every season!

Apple Watch SE

Get him motivated to reach his fitness goals with features like fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring, plus he can send a text, take a call, listen to his favorite music and podcasts. You can customize the watch faces and bands to his liking too. It's the perfect gift for the active guy!

Amazon

Every Man Jack Mens Amber + Sandalwood Body Set

This gift set is filled with an ideal assortment of gifts for him. From body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and face wash, your man will have everything he needs to feel fresh – plus, having a good-smelling guy around is the real gift for you that keeps on giving.

Nike

Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit

Be his biggest cheerleader as he reaches his 2025 fitness goals in these best-selling Nikes, made with sustainable materials. We are loving this vintage green.

Target

VANKYO Leisure D30T Mini Wi-Fi Projector

Bring the cinema home to your movie buff with a sleek projector setup for your own private screenings and viewing parties!

Sunswell

Sunswell The R&R Pant

Made from recycled materials for rigorous wear, the Sunswell R&R pants are bound to be a staple in your man's year-round wardrobe.

Amazon

Cosori Pour Over Coffee Maker

This sturdy coffee maker will be a total hit for the caffeine-loving guy in your life. The layered stainless steel filter allows for a rich, creamy flavor in every sip, plus the decanter is holds a whole 34 ounces of brewed coffee to help him wake up!

Amazon

Stanley Stainless Steel Shot Glass and Flask Gift Set

This durable drinking set complete with a flask and shot glasses will be his new BFF for sharing on camping, fishing, or hunting trips. Top it all off with a brand-new bottle of whiskey to complete the gift for him.

Creem

Creem Magazine Subscription

For the music-loving man in your life, a subscription to Creem (the coolest rock 'n' roll mag) will really impress. The publication's covered plenty of classic names in the industry – as well as newer bands – so he's sure to soak up plenty of new knowledge about the scene. There's a handful of annual subscription tiers for the mag starting at just $79.

Amazon

Thermajohn Thermal Shirt

Whether he's hitting the slopes or is braving the cold winter weather to run errands with you, this warm thermal base layer tee will swarm his upper half in comfort, flexibly moving with his each and every move.

Herschel

Herschel Little America Backpack Pro

For his outdoor adventures or social gatherings, outfit him with a cool backpack (literally, this one is insulated) that he can fill with his favorite snacks and beverages.

Ties

Ties The Scientist Sock Pack

Whether it's a stocking stuffer or a smaller gift, a playful set of socks is both practical and personal.

Tie Bar

Tie Bar Navy Travel Tie Storage Case

This tie storage case means business, just like your man does. If he travels for work often, he'll appreciate that you're looking out for his formal-wear.

Amazon

Marlowe. Coffee Bar Soap

This manly bar soap is infused with coffee beans and cocoa butter butter that help tackle even the worst bouts of sweat and body odor. It's definitely long-lasting, too, so he can smell lovely all night long.

Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch The Workhorse Jacket

This jacket will hug his bod in the most stylish way, all while keeping him comfy throughout the season's cold weather.

Williams Sonoma

Breville Precision Brewer 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe

For the early risers and coffee-obsessed, a programmable coffee maker means he can wake up to the smell of coffee every day (and no longer has to use wasteful pods for an instant brew).

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Italian Leather Desk Set

Whether he's going to work, outfitting a permanent at-home office, or heading back to school, a personalized desk set like this luxe leather one will please the most studious types of guys.

Nordstrom

Ugg Beckett Fleece Robe

If your man loves a cozy night in just as much as you do, a soft robe to lounge around in will make the ultimate gift for him.

Mejuri

Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace

Once you've reached long-term status with your guy, gift him a signature gold chain he can flex for years to come.

Pangaia

Pangaia 365 Heavyweight Hoodie

For the hoodie-obsessed, Pangaia's signature sustainable sweatshirts (and sweatsuits!) are best-in-class.

Etsy

Custom Soundwave Art Print

From a first dance song to the one you always blast together in the car, every guy has their favorite tune. Memorialize it for your music-loving man with this custom art print.

DUER

DUER Performance Relaxed Taper Denim Jeans

A good quality, fresh pair of denim is gonna set him (and his style) so right for the new year. These jeans feature a stretchy fabric that'll allow wear for practically any occasion.

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Leather Poker Set

Outfit his next game night with a poker set that's sure to impress and easy to bring on the go for weekend trips and group hangs.

New Balance

New Balance 9060 Sneaker

Secure your status as the greatest of all time by copping him that stylish pair of sneakers he's been eyeing.

Amazon

Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle

If your man is into photography and all things nostalgia, consider surprising him with a retro Polaroid camera set. We bet you'll be his favorite muse.

Manly Bands

Manly Bands The Forged Ring

This sleek wedding band stands up to tough, hands-on jobs with a carbon fiber construction, unlike traditional rings. The inner part is actually made from a Jack Daniel's whiskey barrel, making the perfect personalized touch for gifting the guy who loves a drink.

Uncommon Goods

New York Times Custom Football Book

This isn't just any coffee table book, but one that true sports buffs will actually want to devour – with clippings from his team's history, glory days, and highlights.

Still trying to figure out the perfect gifts for him? Subscribe to our email newsletter for more gift guides!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated. Former reporting by Kaitlyn Ingram and Lauren Black.

When I'm stressed or overworked, I have this bad habit of skipping breakfast. However, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Firstly, because it provides the essential fuel our bodies need to kickstart the day's activities while setting the tone of the day, and secondly, because it can be an absolute delight for your taste buds.

To make sure I don't skip on breakfast ever again I made a list of the most savory breakfastideas, so that I can look forward to starting my day with enthusiasm, no matter how hectic life gets. I've discovered a treasure trove of tasty breakfast options that not only nourishmy body, but also satisfy my cravings for delectable flavors and textures. From savory egg creations that ooze with creamy goodness to hearty breakfast burritos bursting with fillings, this list has it all.

Vegan Breakfast Pastry

Image via The Edgy Veg

Elevate your breakfast game with these vegan breakfast pastries! Using vegan puff pastry, cheese, plant-based milk, and a touch of maple syrup, you'll create a tasty morning treat. These pastries are easy, customizable, and totally vegan. Try different flavors and ingredients to start your day with a smile!

Spinach with Eggs Breakfast

Image via Give Recipe

The combo of eggs and spinach is one of my all-time favorite meals. The lush, vibrant green of sautéed spinach paired with perfectly cooked eggs is an absolute taste sensation. It's a hearty, wholesome breakfast that consistently satisfies my appetites, making it a favorite go-to in my recipe collection.

Vegan Breakfast Burritos

Image via Crowded Kitchen

Say hello to vegan breakfast burritos, the ultimate morning lifesavers when you're in a rush but still want a tasty and satisfying meal. For the ideal breakfast-on-the-go for hectic mornings, these wraps seamlessly mix a variety of flavors and textures.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Chorizo and Eggs

Image via Vikalinka

Overnight breakfast casserole is the solution for those times when you crave a nutritious and hearty morning meal but need to streamline your morning routine with some meal prep magic. With its make-ahead convenience, it ensures you wake up to a mouthwatering breakfast without the morning hustle and bustle, giving you more time to savor every bite.

Roasted Dill Potatoes

Image via This Wife Cooks

Potato lovers, get ready to meet your new addiction: Roasted Dill Potatoes! This recipe takes boring old potatoes and turns them into something with that irresistible dill kick and the satisfying crunch of perfectly roasted spuds.

The BEST Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwich

Image via Bowl of Delicious

This breakfast masterpiece is like a fiesta on your plate! With creamy avocado, zesty Sriracha mayo, and a perfectly runny yolk, it's a flavor-packed morning dance party that's impossible not to love.

Baked Bacon Cheddar French Toast

Image via Averie Cooks

Morning routines will never be the same after you've tried Baked Bacon Cheddar French Toast. Imagine the ultimate breakfast comfort food, where the classic French toast meets the savory charm of bacon and cheddar. It's a breakfast dream come true that's as irresistible as it is comforting.

Chorizo Breakfast Skillet

Image via Cilantro Parsley

This one-pan wonder not only fills your plate with deliciousness but also minimizes the mess in the kitchen. It's the kind of breakfast that's sure to fuel your morning and put a smile on your face.

Puff Pastry Breakfast Egg Tarts

Image via Cozy Cravings

Bacon Egg Cheese Cups are like little bites of breakfast heaven. They combine the irresistible trio of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs in a convenient and cute cup form.

Cheddar Chive Biscuits

Image via Cozy Cravings

Whether you pair them with eggs and bacon or enjoy them as a grab-and-go breakfast option, these biscuits are bound to add a cheesy and savory delight to your breakfast table.

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake

Image via The Endless Meal

Ultimate breakfast indulgence! Imagine waking up to the aroma of sizzling sausage, fluffy eggs, and a golden crust of cheese baking in the oven. This breakfast bake is not only a delicious way to start your day but also a crowd-pleaser for brunch gatherings.

Stuffed Waffle Breakfast Sandwich

Image via Rachl Mansfield

Enjoy this Stuffed Waffle Breakfast Sandwich on a leisurely Sunday morning or as a grab-and-go option for a busy weekday, this breakfast sandwich is a delightful way to kickstart your day. So, grab a napkin, because things might get a little messy in the best way possible as you dive into this waffle wonder.

5-minute Savory Breakfast Plate (gluten-free + paleo)

Image via Rachl Mansfield

The best solution for those mornings when you're short on time but still craving a delicious and nutritious breakfast. This gluten-free and paleo-friendly breakfast plate combines all the savory goodness you need to fuel your day in just a matter of minutes.

Caramelized Spam and Eggs Recipe

Image via Takes Two Eggs

You definitely need to add this option in your breakfast rotation! It's a dish that combines the savory goodness of perfectly caramelized spam with the richness of fried eggs, creating a mouthwatering breakfast experience.

Savory Breakfast Bowl

Image via Two Peas & Their Pod

Savory Breakfast Bowl is a breakfast revelation that proves mornings can be deliciously savory. I especially enjoy it because it allows me to start the day with a burst of flavor and a mix of textures that wake up my taste buds.

Sausage Breakfast Hash with Summer Vegetables

Image via Whole and Heavenly Oven

I particularly love this recipe because it celebrates the seasonal bounty of summer. The crisp-tender veggies, aromatic herbs, and perfectly browned sausage create a symphony of flavors that transport me to a sunny summer morning, no matter the time of year.

Chilaquiles Verdes with Sweet Corn

Image via Whole and Heavenly Oven

Breakfast revelation that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. This dish is a delightful combination of crispy tortilla chips bathed in tangy green salsa, sweet corn, and creamy avocado, all topped with a fried egg for that perfect morning indulgence.

Cheesy Egg & Bacon Breakfast Sliders

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Cheesy Egg Bacon Breakfast Sliders hold a special place in my breakfast-loving heart. These sliders are the best breakfast possible, and I can't get enough of them. Picture this: fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled between soft slider buns.

Savoury Buckwheat Breakfast Bowl

Image via Vikalinka

What I love about this recipe is its versatility and health-conscious approach. It's a reminder that breakfast can be a personalized and wholesome experience that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Looking for more recipe ideas? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to get them right to your inbox!

Header image via Whole and Heavenly Oven

Gilmore Girls simply wouldn’t be the same without Lane Kim. Played by Keiko Agena, Lane is much more than just Rory’s best friend. She’s feisty, hilarious, and can totally keep up with Lorelai and Rory’s hectic conversations (something not EVERYONE in Stars Hollow can do cough Kirk cough). However, the actress recently revealed how she really feels about playing a complicated, and sometimes controversial character like Lane.

Here's what Keiko Agena had to say about playing Lane Kim on Gilmore Girls.

Even though Lane and Rory are inseparable throughout the series’ seven-season run, Keiko recently revealed she’s actually super close to two other Gilmore Girls cast members: John Cabrera (who played Brian) and Sean Gunn (who starred as our beloved Kirk)!

“There is this kind of lovely nostalgia for that time, and yet also we have years since then,” she says on a recent episode of the Dear Felicity rewatch podcast (via People). “I [have] gone to both of their weddings. Our friendship is part Gilmore Girls and appreciation for that crazy time, and then part just like a million other things.”

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

The insane nostalgia surrounding Gilmore Girls means that everyone has their own annual Gilmore Girls rewatch…and that as we get farther away from the 2000s, the more glaring some of the show’s choices are. Fans have been vocal about Lane’s story arc on the show (namely the fact she had to shelve her dreams of being a rockstar when she got pregnant), and Keiko herself has thought about it more critically in recent years.

“The best thing is to have a Korean American writer [and a] Korean American actor,” she says. “I don't think that that role, cast that way, would happen today. But at that time, in 2000, it was such a different time that I definitely know I wouldn't have said no or pulled myself out of that situation at that time...Now it's just a mix of just having gratitude for having gone through that experience and having that experience.”

But even with its flaws, no one can deny how special Stars Hollow and the Gilmores are — and how much Lane has meant for people. Brit + Co writer Aleena Malik notes how Lane's experiences "mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful."

“In a weird way, I feel like I want to honor the experience that people had from the show, and what it meant to them, especially young Asian people," Keiko Agena says. "Because I get that comment a lot, about what it was like for them to see someone like that on screen.”

“I think I'm at a transition point in my life where I have to let go of the pressure that I put on myself to be the best version of who it is that I think that you love,” she continues. “Because I love her too. I can tell, when I meet someone who knows Gilmore Girls or who loves Lane, it's like, I recognize that love. I see that you love that person.”

What do you think about Lane Kim's character arc when you rewatch Gilmore Girls? Let us know on Facebook!

I thought I'd discovered all of the best celebrity book clubs this year, but writing about the new novels debuting in 2025 proved I haven't. I saw an upcoming book — a riveting story that reads like how Succession might unfold in a Black family — was was surprised to find Mindy Kaling's stamp of approval. She's one of the brilliant minds that wrote for The Office, one of the best fan-favorite NBC shows to date. Also, she gave the world six seasons of The Mindy Project and multiple seasons of The Sex Lives of College Girls, continuously proving that she's as great of an actress as she is a screenwriter or producer.

Knowing this, I think it pans out that the 8 books on her book club list have intricate stories and equally pretty covers for reading that feels attainable.

Keep scrolling to learn about every book picked by Mindy's Book Studio

Amazon

The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev

Anyone would be happy to be a million dollars richer, but not Bindu Desai. She's shocked, but she's also dreading the discovering of something that happened when she was younger. The only way she feels she can bypass this unfortunate event is by choosing to move to Florida. The problem with that is her daughter-in-law Aly still lives with her. As unexpected as this move is, Aly tries to find the bright side in it. She figures that this will give her a chance to reach a turning point in her career.

Then there's Aly's daughter, Cullie. As successful as she once was in the tech industry, Cullie's been struggling and has to face her investors. She's not completely helpless because they're in love with the idea of a dating app, but Cullie doesn't really know what it means to be immersed in the romantic world. Left with no other choice, she'll have to lean on her grandmother Bindu and her mom Aly to help her do what's felt impossible — date. You know, for research purposes.

Amazon

I'll Stop the World by Lauren Thoman

The deaths of Justin Warren's grandparents have followed him most of his life and he can't stand it. He's also over the fact he lives in a town where opportunity and excitement don't exist. Despite never meeting his grandparents, it seems nothing good has come from him being born.

Stuck with making odd choices left and right, Justin eventually meets Rose Yin. The ironic thing is that he discovers she lives in a time before he was born, meaning he's somehow landed himself back in time. And guess who's still alive at this point? His grandparents.

In order to get Justin back where he belongs, he and Rose have a short amount of time to figure out what could've cause this time jump. Also, they'll have to try to rewrite history by preventing something that triggers his grandparents' deaths.

Amazon

The Better Halfby Alli Frank & Asha Youmans

Nina Morgan Clarke has been through a lot between her divorce and making sure her daughter Xandra settles in nicely at boarding school. But now it's her time to shine as a the head of Royal-Hawkins School. She's been waiting for this moment and it's finally hers.
To celebrate, Nina and her bestie Marisol decided to go on a girls' trip. Just as she's finally trusting that everything's going according to plan, Jared Jones makes an unpleasant appearance. He's all ego with his Harvard education and knows how to get under Nina's skin. Suddenly, Xandra's making huge accusations at school while Nina's embracing something that she never thought she would.

Only one question remains: Is this truly the better half of Nina's life?

Amazon

Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea

Charlotte Wu takes her organizational skills seriously and wants to make sure prom is flawlessly executed. She's doing well until a little mishap causes her to face-plant into J.T. Renner. He's the last person she wants to run into, but she doesn't remember much besides waking up years later as a 30-year-old woman. By her side is the sexy bane of her high school existence — J.T. Renner.

They're both confused about their adult lives and how they went from hating to loving each other, so they let curiosity lead the way. What they both discover is there was also more to their high school selves than they initially knew about. As much as they yearn to be teenagers again, they'll have to figure out if they want things to change or stay the same now that they know there's love between them.

Amazon

Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar

Dunia Ahmed went from being an amazing pharmacist to having her case talked about in the world of true crime. No one knows where she is as she's disappeared without a trace. Prior to that, she lived in New York and was dealing with the fallout from her engagement as well as the grief from losing her mom. In her mind, things couldn't get any worse until she realizes someone wants her dead.

Amazon

Friends in Napa by Sheila Yasmin Marikar

Raj and Rachel Ranjani are excited to spend time with their trusted friends in Napa Valley. They have a beautiful itinerary that includes spending time at their mansion, wine tastings, and more! But, these friends haven't seen each other in a long time.
From a cold welcome to the fact the Ranjanis don't seem to be on the same team, one weird thing after another happens. There's old arguments and rekindled crushes that rips this friend group to shreds. Worse, one of them doesn't make it make home because they're discovered dead. But, who could've wanted to kill them in the first place?

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Sorry for the Inconvenienceby Farah Naz Rishi

Farah Naz Rishi's freshman year of college was amazing in her eyes. She managed to move on from her last relationship and mom's marriage expectations, making her feel like she could do anything. She even stopped looking for love until Stephen came into view.

Neither of them feel butterflies at first, plus Farah knows there's no way Stephen would gain her mom's approval. But time gives way to a burning flame that becomes a solid bond because Stephen is there for all of Farah's ups and downs. He's become the one person she trusts with her all of her feelings and intimate moments in a platonic way.

But, sometimes love is hard to ignore when it's a slow burn that gives way to something that defies familial and societal rules.

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Drop Dead Sisters by Amelia Diane Coombs

Remi Finch doesn't get along with her family at all and knows there's nothing she has in common with her sisters. She has too many anxious thoughts in her mind that makes her keep everyone at arm's length. But, a family reunion convinces her to at least try. It all sounds great until someone dies where they've been camping.
The sisters develop an elaborate scheme to dispose of the body and eliminate the chance others will discover what happened. It's an odd way to start bonding, but sometimes traumatic things have a way of making people realize what's important.

Don't forget to check out Jenna Bush Hager's December book club pick after this!

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