Cast Iron Camping + Cider Season

A hopeful fall getaway, doughnuts in the kitchen, and a sheet cake on deck.

Friends, hi!

We’re packing up for a camping trip to Arkansas soon, and I’m trying not to jinx it by saying out loud how excited I am. It’s been one of those years where every little adventure has been rained out, canceled, or otherwise thwarted, and honestly… it’s been a bummer. That’s how it goes sometimes. Still, with tempered optimism (and a very detailed menu), I’m looking forward to this one.

Instead of sticking to the usual charcoal grill setup, I’ve convinced Will to pack the Ooni oven and a propane tank so I can roast marinated chicken (this is my favorite one), potatoes, a skillet cobbler with the last of the summer peaches, and because we’re going all in - a deep-dish cast iron pizza I’ve been eyeing from King Arthur Baking. The number of cast iron pieces I’m bringing? Let’s just say it’s a good thing we’re not backpacking. I’m ready for mountain air, long dog walks, and a little daydreaming from the back of Will’s motorcycle.

I hope the start of your week has been steady and kind. My sister Launa and I have a tradition of sending each other long Monday morning voice notes—catching up on the weekend, cheering each other on for the week ahead. It’s become my favorite ritual. A good sister is a real gift. (Speaking of sisterhood, today’s Platonic Love letter is all about it.)

Here’s what’s new between us this week. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s get into it!

Let It Be Sunday, 535!

This week, Karlee Sisler Flores is reflecting on a September spent surviving, not thriving - but maybe that’s the point. When life gets too full to do it all, what’s left are the things (and people) that matter most. As she rounds out her thirties, Karlee’s focusing on dropping what’s too heavy and holding tight to joy. We love to see it! I can say, that’s absolutely the correct way to enter the 40’s.

In this week’s links: a therapist’s guide to staying calm in uncertain times, a deep dive into how Title IX shaped women’s sports, a fascinating look at the Kennedy legacy (Team John and Carolyn forever), and the cinnamon raisin swirl bread she’s baking with a slab of Kerrygold butter.

Read it here: Links for Another September Sunday

Time to Grab a Jug of Apple Cider!

I couldn’t let September slip away without making something apple cider—so, doughnuts it was! I used Stella Parks’ recipe from Serious Eats, but mixed the dough in my stand mixer (not a food processor) and skipped the rosewater. The real magic is dehydrated apples blitzed into the cinnamon sugar coating. It’s pretty genius. These are a weekend project worth every dish in the sink.

And since we’ve still got half a jug of cider to use, stay tuned for this week’s new blog recipe: an Apple Cider Texas Sheet Cake I’m very proud of.

What are you baking lately?

More from me on Wednesday! We have a new cookbook feature. Get into it - it’s new cookbook season!

xo Joy