— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC
Few Things Are Cozier (or Easier) Than This One-Pan Garlicky Chicken Couscous
theSkimm
What’s that saying, don’t mess with the classics? We usually agree — but on occasion, we’re willing to make an exception. This time, it’s for the One-Pan Garlicky Chicken Couscous from Carolina Gelen’s cookbook, Pass the Plate. A twist on traditional chicken and rice, this very unfussy, very cozy crowd-pleaser combines perfectly crispy chicken thighs, pearled couscous toasted in schmaltzy deliciousness, jammy shallots, plenty of garlic, and chicken bouillon for that “ultimate chicken-soup flavor.” Finish off the dish with a bright, tangy dill sauce and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to comfort meal.
The Time Commitment: Just over an hour — but the chicken and couscous bakes for nearly half of that time.
Key Tips: If you’re looking for vegetarian or pescetarian options, Gelen suggests swapping the chicken for salmon, tofu, or even mushrooms. Also, if you don’t have pearled couscous, you can use orzo, basmati rice, or pastina instead.
Other Takes: For more chicken dinners as homey as a pair of worn-in flannel pajamas, this Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Chickpeas comes together in one pan (and all at once), making it ideal for a random Thursday when you don’t feel like cooking. That’s also true of this creamy, restaurant-worthy Chicken and Butternut Squash Orzo, which “delivers in every single way possible.” Meanwhile, this recipe for spicy, saucy Kung Pao Chicken with Noodles is the next best thing to going out for Chinese, and this Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma is a low-lift riff on the beloved street food — which must be served with the best pita you can find.
Of all things that needed a rebrand in 2024, bachelor pads — sorry, “boy apartments” — were not on our bingo card.
Look, we could get past the muffins. But nothing screams “Grinch behavior” quite like Costco possibly messing with its peppermint bark during the holidays.
Private Rites by Julia Armfield
theSkimm
If you’re a sucker for a good Shakespeare reimagining (hello, 10 Things I Hate About You fans), you’ll want to add Julia Armfield’s Private Rites to the top of your reading list. A queer, dystopian take on King Lear, the gripping novel centers around three estranged sisters — therapist and soon-to-be-divorcée Isla, office administrator and middle child Irene, and barista-with-an-attitude Agnes — brought together by the death of their father, a famous (and famously mean) architect. As the sisters return to the massive glass house where they grew up to sort through his belongings, they uncover the secrets he left behind — including an earth-shattering revelation in his will, which threatens to tear them apart even further. We asked Armfield a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Light Displays You Shouldn’t Skip this Holiday Season
theSkimm
Take in the magic of the season from the comfort of your own car. Imagine driving through a holiday wonderland in a bold and sleek ride from the Toyota Crown Family. Complete with heated seats and an available fixed panoramic roof for an elevated viewing experience, it’s the perfect way to stay present in the moment. Let’s ride.
🪨 Lights Under Louisville is located exactly where it says it is: underground in Louisville, KY. Drive through the largest man-made cave system in North America and discover nearly 1,000 light and laser themed displays set to holiday music. Drive your own car or book a coach bus or limo for bigger groups and special occasions. Prefer a guided tour? They have that too.
🛣️ Winter Wonderland in Portland, OR, aka the largest light show in the Northwest, is a must-visit attraction. The display spans the Portland International Raceway and has 250 colorful light set pieces and fully animated scenes with festive music. Bonus: All proceeds from the event go towards hunger relief for local families in need.
🌲 Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, NJ invites your family for a magical journey through 32 acres of themed light displays, complete with accompanying music you play right from your car. Continue the holiday cheer as you warm up by the firepit, roast marshmallows, and listen to Santa’s singing reindeer.
It's the most wonderful time of the year...to get behind the wheel of the stylish and sophisticated Toyota Crown Family. Every ride provides an immersive experience and leaves an impression on the road. Let’s go places.
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
Q: A few years ago, I made the mistake of being too enthusiastic about my mother-in-law’s holiday gift, which was a tacky sweater. Now, that’s all she gets me. Should I continue faking my excitement, or is there a way to be honest?
“[I’d say something like], ‘Thank you so much for the sweaters you’ve given me throughout the years. I genuinely appreciate the effort and love that you’ve put into choosing them. However, I realize I may have been a little too enthusiastic years ago. Now, I [have so many] I don’t get a chance to wear all the sweaters … If you’re open to it, I’d love to share some suggestions for future gifts. For example, I really enjoy…’ and then fill in the blank. Or, [you could say], ‘Why don’t we schedule some time to do an activity together instead?’ … [Try to choose something that’s about the same price] and make it meaningful.”
Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.
Hot tip: Transition lenses are cool again. These Zenni lenses darken in the sun and clear up again once you're inside, and you can choose from tons of trendy frames.
If you're sick of your usual dinner-and-drinks situation, try this bowling alley/nightlife experience with great food and cocktails. Even non-bowlers will have fun.
Free T-shirt, anyone? Through December 31, new customers can get Universal Standard's cult-favorite, everyday T-shirt for free with code FREETEE-THESKIMM.
PS: Want more product recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram.
Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.
Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them here.
Skimm’d by: Taylor Trudon, Alex Carr, Melissa Goldberg, and Margaret Wheeler Johnson. Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone.
Photos by Nico Schinco/Clarkson Potter, Flatiron Books, Susan Walker via Getty Images, Milko via Getty Images, courtesy of Juliet Mitchell, Brand Partners
