35 Gorgeous Pairs of Handmade Wooden Earrings

Heaven Mayhem Tabi Earrings

IMO, Heaven Mayhem is the queen of gold statement earrings! They have so many different styles and options for the classic and chic, cool-girl look! Even THE It-Girl herself, Hailey Bieber, has been seen rocking these beauties lately.

Heaven Mayhem Hoop Earrings

I see these earrings everywhere, and for good reason! They're a great starter pack to gold statement earrings, and they go with every outfit; casual or dressy! After these, you'll be hooked for sure!

Sézane Flora Hoops

I have these in the white, and I wear them to almost any major event, dinner, or wedding that I have because they mix and match with so many different outfits! I get soooo many compliments on them multiple times anytime I go out, so be prepared — they're well-loved!

Open Edit Teardrop Earrings

These are almost identical to the Bottega earrings that went viral last year, worn by Hailey Bieber and so many others. Except these adorable earrings are about $800 less than their designer counterpart, so I would definitely opt for this cheaper, but still chic alternative!

Madewell Chunky Heart Earrings

Madewell does such a great job with their accessories — I've bought multiple items from them with them never really tarnishing. These chunky earrings are perfectly on trend, and at such an affordable price too!

Mango Chunky Stone Earrings

I love these gold statement earrings! The hardware is definitely gold, but the pops of color in the stones bring such a fun element to any outfit. I'd pair these with an otherwise simple dress for date night, matching my bag to one of the four colors in the stones. I can totally see these with a dainty pink purse, or a classic chocolate leather bag.

Jenny Bird Florence Earrings

These were gifted to me, but I'm telling you right now, I've worn them SO much that I would buy them in a heartbeat. In fact, I've already planned to re-purchase them once they show signs of wear, but that's yet to happen after having worn them for nearly a year! They are extremely high quality, durable, and perfect for everyday use!

Coach Carriage Studs

These are giving me all the vintage-vibes with the sweet horse-drawn carriage engraved into them! I love the detailing, and I especially love how affordable they are, given these earrings are Coach. They're simple but are sure to become an everyday pair!

Madewell Pearl Earrings

Pearl and gold together just look phenomenal and so classy! I love these because they aren't as weighty, so they won't feel super heavy on your ears when you wear them, all the while still giving the illusion of more hearty earrings. Definitely perfect for a comfy, cute statement earring!

Heaven Mayhem Wine Earrings

I personally have these and wear them ALL the time! They are the perfect accessory to an all black look. My favorite way to style them is with a chic blazer and jeans with a slicked back bun, and voila! The earrings pack a punch and add some fun to an otherwise simple outfit!

Bauble Bar Flower Earrings

Flower earrings are a great way to make a statement, and I absolutely love Bauble Bar for all of their statement jewelry! They have some other great gold options that are sure to stand out and help add some flair to your outfit!

Sézane Heart Earrings

These gold statement earrings definitely made a statement (see what I did there?) when they went viral on Tiktok! They sold out for a brief moment, but they're available now, so run to grab them while they're still in stock!

Anthropologie Gold Starfish Earrings

Want to be an IRL Princess Ariel?! Then these are the earrings for you! I would definitely grab them if you have any upcoming tropical vacations planned because these would be to-die for during a beach-front dinner!

Petit Moments Dangling Earrings

Dangling earrings are such a moment because they just feel so elegant and extravagant at the same time! Every time I wear earrings like this, it feels like I'm headed off to fancy ball in a gown. And these stunning earrings are made with 18k gold plating, so they're extremely nice quality without all the fully-gold cost.

Sterling Forever Pearl Earrings

The vintage '80s brooch-looking earrings will never be out of style, I'm truly obsessed with them! If you can't thrift them, then I would highly suggest these stunning pearl earrings from Sterling Forever, because they really do look straight out of the '80s! These are the perfect statement piece to any outfit!

Silver Necklaces

Anthropologie Sparkling Tennis Necklace

This sparkling tennis necklace proves that silver jewelry is far from basic.

Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace

All you need is a simple knit sweater and a pair of bootcut jeans to complement this silver pendant necklace.

Anthropologie Double Layer Herringbone Necklace

Herringbone necklaces are a classic staple that works with all holiday outfits.

Mejuri 5mm Curb Chain Necklace

This necklace from Mejuri is perfect for layering, but it's bold enough to make a statement on its own.

Dazzling Rock Collection 10mm Round White Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Infinity Pendant

The unique crossing design atop the pearl in this necklace pendant grants it a truly unmatched charm. It's intricate and simple all at the same time, allowing for easy pairing with any outfit or other pieces of silver jewelry.

Pendant Zodiaco Sagittarius

Show off your star sign with this sweet, simple zodiac necklace.

Brilliant Earth Zodiac Engravable Tag Pendant

Looking for something similar, but just different enough from the round zodiac pendant? Look no further than this adorable zodiac tag necklace.

Anthropologie Book Locket Necklace

Book lovers need thoughtful gifts they can appreciate — like this book locket necklace.

Gorjana Compass Coin Necklace

Let this Gorjana Compass Coin Necklace guide you to your best look yet.

Brilliant Earth Mountain Range Diamond Pendant

Love the great outdoors? Show off your natural passions in style with this pendant.

Silver Earrings

Baublebar Reagan Earrings

Take a break from crystal drop earrings and sport Baublebar's embellished version instead. Trust me — you'll love the effect statement silver jewelry has on your confidence.

Mejuri Pressed Flower Two-Tone Large Stud Earrings

Wearing silver doesn't mean you can't mix metals. These two-toned earrings let you play around with your accompanying accessories!

Brilliant Earth Moon Stud Earrings

Simple and chic, these moon studs go perfectly with any look.

Alexis Bittar Crumpled Silver Small Post Earrings

But, there's also power found in wearing small silver post earrings.

SHASHI Estelle Earrings

Just when you thought silver jewelry couldn't get bolder, these crystal drop earrings showed up on the scene.

Brilliant Earth Cultured Pearl Threader Earrings

Threader earrings give all the goodness of a drop earring with all the contemporary chicness.

Jenny Bird Florence Earrings

Hoop earrings are the easiest way to add an extra dose of 'oomph' to your OOTD. Besides, the polished silver will give your ears a bit of shine as you go to and from your intended destinations.

Gorjana Rose Huggies

Huggies are a great way to ease yourself into the world of hoop earrings.

Mejuri Charlotte Bold Huggies

If you want huggies that are a little more bold, well...it's literally in the name!

Baublebar Chiara Pavé Hoop Earrings

Go all out with these silver tone earrings. Featuring glass stones, they're the perfect accessory for that in-office holiday party you've been invited to.

Gorjana Tanner Hoops

Absolutely loving these hammered hoops for a little extra texture.

Sif Jakobs Earrings Elisse Lungo Cinque

Elevate your silver jewelry stash by buying this stunning pair of drop earrings. They're exude opulence and will be the star of any holiday party you attend.

Jenny Bird Aurora Ball Stud Earrings

Inspired by the idea of flying saucers? I totally get it.

Madewell Puffy Heart Statement Earrings

Throw these silver heart earrings on when you're running errands. They'll elevate your winter cozy style in less than 30 seconds.

Sif Jakobs Earrings Livigno

Not a hoops girl? These circular Sif Jakobs earrings can blend in or standout, depending on how they're styled, so you get a similar effect.

Mejuri Pyra Medium Hoops

These hoops from Mejuri are perfectly classic with a modern twist. Love!

MEJURI Puffy Charlotte Hoops

These mini sterling silver hoops may be on the smaller side, but they still make a bold statement.

Silver Rings

David Yurman Cable Collectibles Stack Ring

Stack your silver jewelry on your fingers starting with David Yurman's collectibles ring.

Local Eclectic Moonstone Decco Ring

If some guy said your aura's moonstone just 'cause he was high, then this is the ring for you! 😉

Dazzling Rock Collection 0.05 Carat Round White Diamond Flower Marquise Illusion Set Ring

Fall in love with this ring's unique diamond setting that can be worn for formal occasions and in your everyday. The floral-inspired design will adorn your finger with an alluring aura!

Tory Burch Miller Stud Ring

Tory Burch's brand has become synoynmous with effortless style that has a unique twist.

Gorjana Parker Link Ring

Loving the chain look? The Parker Link Ring can really tie it all together for you!

Gucci Sterling Silver Trademark Heart Ring

If this piece of sterling silver jewelry makes you sing, "Gucci this. Gucci that," I won't judge you.

Mejuri Wave Ring

Take your typical silver ring and give it a (literal) twist!

Mejuri Croissant Dome Ring

Croissants are always a good option — even if you can't exactly eat this one. 😗

BEN ONI Cody Cuban Link Ring

This gender-neutral ring works for anyone. It's sleek and constructed into a stackable ring that features Cuban links. There's nothing sexier than that.

Ippolita Classico Hammered Statement Dome Ring

Don't want anything flashy on your finger? Rock this hammered dome ring.

Monica Vinader Riva Diamond Hoop Ring

Monica Vinader has cracked the silver jewelry code by creating a design that's simple and elegant.

Mejuri Oval Gemstone Signet Ring

This ring speaks for itself — simplicity is stunning elegance.

Dazzlingrock 0.05 Carat Round Ring

This ring comes complete with a gorgeous floral design and set of diamonds that makes it the most ideal choice for occasions like Valentine's Day. It's expertly crafted and will pair well with the other silver jewelry you plan to wear.

Silver Bracelets

Kendra Scott Addison Stretch Bracelet

If you're not already thinking about it, pair this bracelet with Kendra Scott's Elisa pendant necklace!

Sif Jakobs Bracelet Ellisse

Let this silver-tone, chunky chain bracelet sit pretty on your wrist!

Local Eclectic Chunky Stainless Steel Curb Chain Bracelet

If you wanna go bolder than the Sif Jakobs bracelet, then this is a great choice to stand out.

Gorjana Parker Link Bracelet

Looking for a less chunky link bracelet? And one that can match your Parker Ring, too? We got you. 😇

Anthropologie Assorted Chain Bracelets

The girlies need options...it's me. I definitely need options, so I'm eyeing this silver assorted chain bracelet set.

MEJURI Puffy Charlotte Cuff Bracelet

Available in four sizes, MEJURI's silver cuff bracelet is has a memorable design that's easy to wear.

Silver Watches

BREDA Virgil Metal Watch

If it's time to replace your wristwatch, step your game up with this silver metal watch.

VANNA Claire Sandstone & Jade Watch

Having small wrists doesn't have to be a disadvantage. You can easily rock this dainty silver watch without worrying about it slipping down your wrist.

Versus Versace Colonne 45MM Two Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

Why buy a regular watch when you can a two-tone one that doubles as a bracelet? It's a piece of silver jewelry that works smarter, not harder.

FOSSIL Stella Three-Hand Date Stainless Steel Watch

FOSSIL knows how to create lovely designs that stand the test of time — pun intended.

Tips For Cooking With Your Partner

Share in the planning and prep

The holidays can be kind of stressful (and sometimes we look forward with both excitement and dread!). Having another person share in the planning and prepping can de-stress the activity and even make it fun! Plus, you can create fun memories around new dishes you try (like, remember Alex, when we made that amazing apple galette with bourbon salted caramel for Thanksgiving?).

Focus on individual tasks (over a glass of wine?)

We each have our own skills and preferences. Alex is really good at things like making bread or searing meat, so he takes the lead in those sort of recipes. I tend toward prepping soups, salads, quick breads, desserts, and overall meal planning / strategizing. But often we'll change things up depending on the recipe! It's really a kitchen dance.

Put the relationship first

We often argue over the final seasoning and how much salt to add at the end of a recipe! I generally add too much to trying to get the flavor "pop" so Alex has to hold me back. Or we spar over how to style things on a plate (that's more of a food photography argument, but it translates to meals too!).

We've learned to really listen to each other and back down if we find the other person is very passionate about something. Of course, that could end in an "I told you so" moment later, but we've found that we try to remember that relationship and the experience is more important than one person being "right".

Don’t forget the herbs!

Our favorite cooking hack: Using fresh herbs! Every recipe is a little better with a few chopped herbs. We have an herb garden and some favorites are dill, basil, thyme, mint, and tarragon, and our rosemary and sage even hang through late fall to winter. If you don't have a garden, buying fresh herbs is absolutely worth the few extra dollars for the difference in flavor.

Recipes Excerpted From A Couple Cooks

Harvest Caesar Bowl

Here’s a bowl that’s endlessly customizable—a riff on a dinner we started eating on repeat around the birth of our daughter and still do today! What began as a pregnancy craving for Caesar salad turned into a weeknight main dish with a rotating topping of veggies, chicken, or shrimp. (We’ll always remember devouring a takeout version in the hospital room while awaiting the baby’s arrival!) This satisfying combination of roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned chickpeas, and shaved Parmesan cheese is topped with an irresistibly creamy, Greek yogurt–based spin on Caesar (though feel free to use store-bought dressing if you’re pressed for time). Customize the bowl by adding cooked chicken or a grain like rice or quinoa, making it a filling meal that never gets old.

SERVES 4

• 2 lb [910 g] sweet potatoes (about 2 medium), skin on, scrubbed and cut into ¾ in [2 cm] dice
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (see Tips)
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• 15 oz [430 g] can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or 1½ cups [240 g] cooked chickpeas
• ⅛ tsp cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch (about 8 oz [230 g]) Tuscan kale, washed, torn into bite-size pieces, and massaged
• 2 romaine hearts (about 8 oz [230 g]), chopped
• 2 cups [120 g] chopped red cabbage
• ¼ cup [18 g] Parmesan cheese shavings
• ¼ cup [35 g] roasted pepitas (see Tips)
• 1 recipe Creamy Parmesan Dressing (see page 189) or 1 cup [240 g] store-bought Caesar dressing

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F [230°C].
2. In a large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the garlic powder, chili powder, Old Bay, and ¼ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potatoes on it in an even layer. Bake, without flipping, until the cubes are tender and browned, 25 to 27 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the chickpeas with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the cumin, the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
4. To serve, divide the kale and romaine among four shallow bowls or plates. Top with the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, cabbage, Parmesan cheese, and pepitas. Drizzle generously with the dressing and serve.

Creamy Parmesan Dressing

• ¼ cup [60 g] mayonnaise
• ½ cup [120 g] Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup [8 g] finely grated
• Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar
• ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

To make the dressing, in a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until a creamy dressing forms. If necessary, stir in 1 tablespoon of water to bring the dressing to a pourable consistency (this varies based on the yogurt brand).

Tips

Don’t have Old Bay? Substitute ½ teaspoon smoked paprika plus an additional ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt. If all you can find is raw pepitas, you can toast them yourself in a skillet over medium heat until they start to pop and become golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

Cooking Together

While one of you gets the sweet potatoes in the oven and chops the fresh vegetables for the bowl, the other can mix up the chickpeas and the dressing.

For Vegan

Use Lemon Tahini Sauce and omit the Parmesan shavings.

Storage

Leftovers will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

Diet Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan option

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Shelly Westerhausen Worcel.

Spiced Latte Loaf

The moist slices of this fun and funky quick bread are reminiscent of a chai latte, with notes of milky vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The best part is when you cut the first slice to show the beautiful spiced swirl decoration inside. There are a few components to assemble, so it’s nice to have a partner to help with this baking project. One day we had the crazy idea of slicing up leftovers into strips and baking it to make biscotti, and it’s surprisingly effective. The crunchy strips pair well with morning coffee or an afternoon snack.

MAKES ONE 9 X 5 IN [23 X 13 CM] LOAF

• 1½ Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ cup [52 g] packed light brown sugar
• 2 ¼ cups [315 g] all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup [200 g] granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup [240 ml] milk of choice
• ¼ cup [60 ml] neutral oil
• ¼ cup [60 ml] unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F [180°C]. Butter a 9 x 5 in [23 x 13 cm] metal loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the spice mix: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
3. In a medium bowl, make the streusel topping: Add the brown sugar, ¼ cup [35 g] of the flour, and 1 teaspoon of the spice mix to the bowl and mix lightly with a fork. Continue mixing while pouring in the melted butter until a crumbly mixture forms. Set aside.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups [280 g] of flour and the granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until a smooth batter forms. Pour ¾ cup [180 g] of the batter into a liquid measuring cup and stir the remaining spice mix into the measuring cup to create a darker spiced batter.
6. Pour about half the vanilla batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it into an even layer with a spatula. Pour the spiced batter on top and smooth it, then pour on the remaining vanilla batter and smooth it. To swirl the batters together, insert a butter knife in the top corner of the pan so it just touches the bottom. Draw about 3 large S shapes through the entire pan, then repeat in a slightly different position. Rotate the pan 90 degrees and make 2 large S shapes in the other direction. Sprinkle the top of the batter with the streusel.
7. Bake the loaf for 50 to 55 minutes, until the top springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edge and invert the loaf onto a cooling rack. Let cool fully to room temperature (30 minutes to 1 hour) before cutting into slices.

Tip

Turn leftovers into biscotti! Cut ¾ in [2 cm] thick slices into 1 in [2.5 cm] wide strips, then bake at 300°F [149°C] for 45 to 55 minutes, until golden brown and mostly crisp (they will firm up as they cool). Let cool for 30 minutes. Store in a sealed container with a paper towel. Serve with coffee or tea.

Cooking Together

Have one person start with the streusel topping while the other makes the batter. Then assemble the loaf together.

Storage

The loaf will keep, wrapped in aluminum foil, at room temperature for 4 days, or refrigerated for 10 days (bring to room temperature before enjoying). To store frozen for up to 3 months, slice the loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container.

Diet Vegetarian

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Shelly Westerhausen Worcel.

Apple Galette with Bourbon Caramel

This rustic French tart lets you skip fiddling with pie dough to make free-form folded layers of golden pastry. Piling the crust full of cinnamon-spiced apples is a fun fall treat, but of course you can indulge any time of the year. There are endless variations on this type of fruit tart. Serve with melty vanilla ice cream, or even better, drizzle with gooey Bourbon Salted Caramel. The mad scientist in you will love how easy it is to make a caramel sauce out of a few basic ingredients.

SERVES 8

Galette Dough

• 1½ cups [210 g] all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 10 Tbsp [150 g] cold unsalted butter or vegan butter
• 5 to 6 Tbsp [80 to 90 ml] cold water
• 1 egg, for the egg wash
• 1 Tbsp Demerara or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Filling

• 1 lb [455 g] crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp (about 2 large), unpeeled, thinly cut into ⅛ in [3 mm] slices (3½ cups sliced)
• 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp allspice
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into very small pieces Bourbon Salted Caramel (recipe follows)

1. To make the galette dough, in a medium bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and baking powder. Cut the butter into small pieces, then use a pastry blender or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until mostly incorporated and a pebbly texture forms, with pea-size or smaller pieces.
2. Sprinkle 5 tablespoons [80 ml] of the cold water over the flour, mixing gradually with a fork until the flour is mostly incorporated. Knead with your fingers until the dough comes together, adding the additional 1 tablespoon water. (If the mixture is still too floury, add ½ tablespoon more water.) Form the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a thick disk. Chill the crust in a covered container in the refrigerator for 1 hour (see Tips).
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F [190°C] and line a rimmed baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper. Flour a work surface.
4. To make the filling, in a medium bowl, stir the apple slices with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cornstarch until fully coated.
5. On the floured surface, roll out the dough into an even 12 in [30 cm] circle (if necessary, move the dough around and add a bit more flour underneath to keep it from sticking). Carefully transfer the dough to the parchment paper.
6. Fan out small handfuls of apple slices and layer them on the crust, reserving the juices at the bottom of the bowl. Leave at least 2 inches of dough uncovered around the outside edge. Fold the outside edges of the dough over the filling, overlapping the folds to form a partial top crust. Pour the reserved juice over the exposed apple slices in the center.
7. Dot the apple slices evenly with the small pieces of butter. Whisk the egg and use a pastry brush to brush it over the crust. Sprinkle the crust and filling with Demerara or turbinado sugar (or more granulated sugar).
8. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 38 to 40 minutes. Transfer the galette on the parchment paper to a baking rack and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before cutting into pieces and serving. Drizzle with Bourbon Salted Caramel (recipe follows) before serving, or top with ice cream.

Bourbon Salted Caramel

MAKES ⅔ CUP [160 ML]

• ½ cup [100 g] granulated sugar
• ¼ cup [60 ml] water
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ⅓ cup [80 ml] heavy cream
• ½ Tbsp bourbon (see Tips)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, water, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the sugar and salt are dissolved and it starts to boil, about 2 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat slightly to a simmer and cook, constantly bubbling, until the sugar turns deep amber, 8 to 11 minutes. Occasionally give a gentle stir with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Watch closely toward the end of the cooking time, as the color darkens quickly.
3. Once the sugar turns deep amber, immediately reduce the heat to low. Add the cream, which will cause the mixture to bubble vigorously; stir constantly with a spatula, until it is a rich caramel color, about 90 seconds. Stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract and cook for 20 seconds more.
4. Transfer the caramel to a small bowl to cool, leaving any hardened bits of sugar in the pan. Let cool and thicken for 10 minutes before serving. It will keep thickening the longer it sits; if it becomes too thick, reheat gently before serving (see Tips).

Tips

Galettes are endlessly customizable! For the filling, use 3 cups of any seasonal fruit, ⅓ to ½ cup [65 to 100 g] of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Taste and adjust the filling as desired based on the sweetness of the fruit. Try peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, and more.

Make the crust in advance for easy prep. The dough will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days. Before rolling, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Or wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months, then defrost overnight in the refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature before rolling.

You can also make the caramel sauce in advance. Refrigerate the sauce, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Omit the bourbon in the caramel sauce if desired. It’s just as tasty!

Liqueur Pairing

After the galette, enjoy a small glass of Amaro Nonino Quintessentia or Amaro Averna. These caramel-colored liqueurs have a bittersweet, smooth finish and an herbal complexity that complements the apples’ natural tartness.

Cooking Together

After the dough is chilled, have one person roll out the dough while the other person makes the filling. Then whip up the caramel sauce together while the galette bakes.

For Vegan

Use vegan butter and, instead of using the egg wash, brush the crust with nondairy milk. Omit the salted caramel.

Storage

Leftovers will keep, refrigerated, for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

Diet

Vegetarian, vegan option

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Shelly Westerhausen Worcel.

Mini Cardamon Cinnamon Rolls

What’s a better weekend baking project than ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls? The star here is the cardamom-orange filling, inspired by a cardamom bun we had on a Sunday morning bakery run in Chicago. (We couldn’t pass up a visit to Lost Larson bakery, since it’s the name of our son, which he found wildly amusing.)

This makes a 9 x 9 pan of mini rolls, so you can eat more than one and have enough to go around! Baking is a two-day process (since who wants to wake up 3 hours beforehand?). Start the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight, then bake them in the a.m. and enjoy the cinnamon-spiced scent wafting through your kitchen.

MAKES 16 SMALL ROLLS

Dough

• 3 cups [420 g] bread flour
• ¼ cup [50 g] granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) [21 g] instant yeast (see Tips)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 4 Tbsp [55 g] unsalted butter
• 1 cup [240 ml] milk
• 1 egg, beaten

Filling

• ½ cup [100 g] packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp lightly packed orange zest
• 1½ Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Frosting

• ½ cup [60 g] powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp milk
• ⅛ tsp vanilla extract

1. To make the dough, in the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and kosher salt. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the milk and heat until lukewarm (warm to the touch, but not hot, or between 105° and 115°F [40° and 45°C]).
2. Pour the butter and milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and stir with a fork until a rough dough forms. Attach a dough hook to the mixer and mix on medium-low speed for 6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and stretchy. The dough should be very sticky and will not form a ball in the mixer. (You can also knead the dough by hand; keep in mind it will be very sticky at first.)
3. Flour a work surface, scrape the dough onto it, and knead it a few times, then shape it into a rough ball. Place the dough ball in a large clean bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm location until doubled in size, 1 to 1½ hours.
4. To make the filling, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and orange zest. Grease a metal 9 x 9 in [23 x 23 cm] baking dish.
5. Lightly flour a work surface and scoop the dough onto it. Gently roll out the dough into a 12 x 12 in [30 x 30 cm] square. Tug the corners a bit to make them as square as possible. Brush the dough with the melted butter, leaving a ½ in [13 mm] border unbrushed at the left and right edges.

Tips

Instant yeast (rather than active dry yeast) is required for this recipe, which allows quick rise times. If using active dry yeast, the rise times will be about double.

To bake the cinnamon rolls the day of, proceed immediately to baking. Bake 20 minutes covered with foil, then uncovered about 10 minutes, checking whether they are cooked through using a food thermometer.

Cooking Together

This is a baking project that’s much easier with a partner! It’s often helpful to have one person read the recipe out loud while the other gets their hands into the dough. Trade off on tasks and enjoy the process.

Storage

The cinnamon rolls will keep at room temperature, covered with aluminum foil, for up to 2 days. Reheat, covered, at 350°F [180°C] until warmed through,10 to 12 minutes.

Diet

Vegetarian

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Shelly Westerhausen Worcel.