It’s Friday the 15th, and that means it’s time for my Friday Fifteen. On my father’s suggestion I’m including sixteen links this week because some weeks an extra one just feels right. I’ve picked favourites from the week—recipes, desserts, drinks, gadgets, books and movies—that I think are worth your attention.
See that photo above? That’s one of my newest favourite dishes. I first tasted it at Rick Bayless’s Frontera at Chicago’s O’Hare airport and nearly wept with joy. Yes, airport food. The dish inspired me to recreate it at home, and it’s now a go-to in my kitchen. If you haven’t tried pork and fig molletes (or a similar open-faced toasted sandwich), make it soon—you’ll wonder why you waited.
There’s been so much great content this week for Saint Patrick’s Day. You know how I feel about corned beef, so it features prominently here. And colcannon? Truly a winner—mashed potatoes with greens, onions, butter and cheese is basically comfort food perfection.
Main Dish Madness:
Favourite Slow Cooker Recipes from Add A Pinch. Robyn has gathered her top slow-cooker recipes from the site. Her Balsamic Roast Beef and Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are staples in my home. She’s even running a giveaway for a slow cooker—definitely worth checking out.
Corned Beef Poutine with Guinness Gravy from Closet Cooking. French fries topped with corned beef, Guinness-infused gravy and melted cheese. Rich, satisfying, and unapologetically indulgent—perfect for when you want comfort in a single plate.
Baked Tilapia with Pecan Rosemary Topping from Cookin’ Canuck. If you love fish, this tilapia with a sweet, spicy, crunchy pecan-rosemary topping is a must-try. Light yet texturally exciting.
How to Make Your Own Corned Beef from Black Girl Chef’s Whites. Making corned beef at home is easier and far more affordable than buying it pre-cured. It’s a great project and yields delicious results—even if you don’t make it in time for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a year-round favourite.
Appetizing Appetizers and Snacks:
Chipotle-Cheddar Broiled Avocados from Eating Well. Simple, smoky, cheesy—these broiled avocado halves are addictive and perfect as a starter or snack.
Ricotta Crostini Party from Honestly Yum. A tray of thin, crispy crostini with ricotta and an array of toppings—radishes, smoked salmon, honey and blueberries, strawberries with balsamic, cucumbers and herbs—this platter is both beautiful and dangerously tempting.
Reuben Style Potato Skins from Simple Comfort Food. Potato skins loaded with corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese—what’s not to love? A playful, hearty appetizer that channels all the best riffs on the Reuben sandwich.
Deadly Desserts:
Chocolate Pretzel Nachos from Gimme Some Oven. Pretzel chips layered with chocolate, fudgy sauce, mini marshmallows and sprinkles—sweet, salty, crunchy and utterly craveable. A fun treat for a casual dessert night.
Nutella Peanut Butter Chewies from Seeded at the Table. Flourless cookies made with Nutella, peanut butter, powdered sugar, egg and vanilla—gluten-free, crispy on the outside and chewy within. An easy, irresistible dessert to try.
Classic Shamrock Shake from The Naptime Chef. For those who love the minty, nostalgic shake, this homemade version lets you enjoy the flavour any time—perfect for spring celebrations or a sweet treat at home.
Chocolate Amaretto Crepe Cake from Sprinkle Bakes. A showstopping layered crepe cake filled with chocolate-amaretto ganache. Visually stunning and decadently delicious—great for a special occasion when you want an elegant dessert with many delicate layers.
Beautiful Beverages
Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream from Averie Cooks. A simple blender recipe to make your own Irish cream at home—perfect for gifting or to enjoy in coffee and cocktails.
Cool Gadgets
Magimix (Robot-Coupe). After testing a Magimix food processor for several weeks, I can recommend it wholeheartedly. It’s heavy-duty, powerful and stable on the counter, with sharp blades that handle small and large tasks quickly. If you’re in the market for a serious home food processor, this one is worth the investment.
Books, books, books!
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. A powerful, moving novel that left me reaching for tissues. Hosseini is a master storyteller who draws you into the lives of the characters and makes you care deeply about them. This is a book that reminds you how fortunate many of us are, and it’s worth reading and discussing with older teens and adults.
A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels by Madeleine L’Engle. These junior fantasy classics captivated me as a teenager and continue to offer new insights upon rereading. They’re imaginative, emotional and thought-provoking, perfect for tweens, teens and adults who enjoy layered storytelling. Read one on a dark, stormy night under a quilt for full effect.
Magnificent Movies
Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki. This animated masterpiece follows Chihiro, a young girl who becomes trapped in a world of spirits and must find the courage to save her parents. Miyazaki’s use of silence and visual storytelling elevates the film into something transcendent. It’s a favorite in our household and sits comfortably among my top five films—magical, heartfelt and wise. If you have sensitive children, preview it first, but otherwise this is a beautiful film for family viewing.