19 Soul-Warming Beef Stew Recipes For Cozy Nights At Home

beef stew recipes

There's nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew. Whether it's a chilly winter evening or just a craving that won't quit, beef stew has the magical power to warm both your body and soul.

I've always been a bit of a culinary adventurer, and experimenting with different beef stew recipes has become a delicious obsession of mine as the seasons change. From the classic and timeless beef stew that reminds me of my grandma's kitchen, to modern twists that incorporate exciting global flavors, there's a dish for every palate and occasion.

Without further ado, let's dive into the aromatic, soul-soothing world of beef stew recipes that will make your kitchen the ultimate comfort zone.

Persian Inspired Herb and Beef Stew with Rice

Herb and Beef Stew is like a warm hug in a bowl. With tender chunks of beef, a medley of fresh herbs, and a rich, savory broth, it's a recipe that transforms a simple stew into a gourmet experience. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Turkish Stew with Beef

Beef Stew in Clay Pot is a culinary adventure that takes comfort food to a whole new level. Cooking in a clay pot not only infuses the dish with earthy, rustic flavors but also creates a sense of tradition and warmth. (via Give Recipe)

Irish Beef Stew

This recipe is a culinary ode to the Emerald Isle, bringing the rustic charm and hearty flavors of Ireland to your table. My favorite for cozying up by the fire with a bowl of stew on a chilly evening. (via Vikalinka)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew With Red Wine

Ultimate comfort food, marrying the robust flavors of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and the rich depth of red wine in a harmonious and convenient recipe. As it simmers low and slow in the slow cooker, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the bold essence of red wine. (via Averie Cooks)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew (Super Flavourful)

What sets this stew apart is its dedication to achieving maximum flavor. The long, slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a stew that's rich, robust, and incredibly satisfying. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Chunky Beef Stew (Made in One Pot!)

This stew is truly special because of its rustic simplicity. It's the kind of meal that harks back to homemade dinners with family gathered around the table. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Vegan Beef and Rice Stew

The reason why I love this stew is because of its ability to capture the essence of a traditional beef stew while remaining entirely vegan. The plant-based "beef" delivers a meaty texture and taste, while the blend of herbs and seasonings infuses the stew with comforting flavors. (via This Wife Cooks)

Barley Vegan Beef Stew Recipe

Barley Vegan Beef Stew is a hearty and nutritious twist on a classic, bringing together the wholesome goodness of barley, savory vegan "beef," and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful stew. (via Veggie Society)

Chipotle Butternut Squash Beef Stew

Sensational fusion of flavors and textures that transforms a classic beef stew into an unforgettable culinary experience. With tender beef, sweet butternut squash, and the smoky kick of chipotle peppers, it's a stew that's as exciting as it is comforting. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Easy Oven Beef Stew

Oven Beef Stew is a comforting and heartwarming dish that brings the rich flavors of a slow-cooked stew to your table without the need for a slow cooker. It's the kind of meal that warms your heart and provides a sense of comfort, perfect for sharing with family and friends. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Best Beef Stew

This recipe is a culinary masterpiece that lives up to its name, delivering a hearty and flavorful stew that's perfect for warming your body and soul on a chilly day. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Beef and Lentil Stew

If you're looking for a dish with a perfect balance of ingredients, look no further. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the lentils provide a hearty and protein-packed addition that's perfect for keeping you satisfied. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Pressure Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage Irish Stew

Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply craving the flavors of Ireland, Pressure Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage Irish Stew is a delicious and efficient option that brings the spirit of the Emerald Isle to your table. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Whole30 Beef Stew Recipe

If you're in the midst of a Whole30 journey or simply seeking a nourishing meal, this stew is a testament to the idea that good food can support your well-being while still being incredibly flavorful. (via Olive You Whole)

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Get ready to enjoy the classic flavors of a slow-cooked beef stew with minimal effort! Great reminder that delicious meals don't have to be complicated, and sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that bring us the greatest joy. (via Salt & Lavender)

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Enjoy the unexpected and delightful pairing of chocolate and Guinness. The stout beer infuses the stew with a unique depth and complexity of flavor, while the chocolate adds a touch of sweetness and richness that's simply divine. (via The Endless Meal)

30-Minute Vegan Beef Stew Recipe

Great option to enjoy all the goodness of a classic beef stew while staying true to your vegan lifestyle! (via Live Eat Learn)

Cranberry Cider Braised Beef Stew with Rosemary Polenta

Remarkable plant-based take on a classic comfort dish, showing that you can enjoy all the flavors and heartiness of traditional beef stew without using any animal products. Sometimes flavor and compassion do go hand in hand. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Instant Pot Spicy White Bean Beef Stew

Instant Pot Spicy White Bean Beef Stew is a game-changer in the world of hearty stews, blending the comfort of traditional beef stew with a healthier twist. With tender beef, creamy white beans, and a kick of spice, it's a recipe that satisfies both your taste buds and your well-being. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

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Header image via Feel Good Foodie

Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian, want to kick off the middle of 2024 with a plant-based diet, or love a good Meatless Monday from time to time, there are a slew of creative vegetarian dinner recipes that are fun to cook up and even more delightful to eat. From one-pot meals to hearty soups and salads to comforting pastas, pizzas, and casseroles, we've rounded up 65 savory vegetarian dinners to add to your weekly rotation. They each offer a flavorful twist to traditional dishes so you're sure to find a new recipe to pique your culinary interest. Now let's get cooking so you can enjoy your vegetarian feast!

Crockpot Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup With Quinoa

This hearty soup with a flavor kick needs to be at the top of your vegetarian dinner recipes list even if we're a couple of weeks away from Summer. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Gemelli Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This simple vegetarian dinner is so creamy and delicious you'll want to add to your weeknight meal planning STAT. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Easy Pan-Seared Honey Garlic Tofu

Tossed over your favorite grain or veggie, this honey garlic tofu is a delicious vegetarian dish loaded with flavor thanks to honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. (via Cozy Cravings)

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

Roasted peppers, potatoes, and squash with a tahini sauce makes this dish full of flavor and so healthy. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Get your fill of chipotle-flavored rice, beans, and veggies smothered with melty cheese and crunchy tortilla chips. (via Culinary Hill)

Butternut Squash Orzo With Kale

Vegetarian comfort food at its finest: Orzo and roasted butternut squash for a creamy, delicious pasta dish. (via Barley & Sage)

Easy Bake Gnocchi

This meatless gnocchi is so satisfying and easy to make with just a few classic Italian-inspired ingredients. (via Salt & Lavender)

Red Lentil Curry

Cozy up to a bowl of red lentils cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce with sweet potatoes and Indian spices. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Spicy Black Lentils

Made using red onion, cilantro and a roasting technique in Indian cooking called tadka, you can serve these delicious Indian-inspired lentils with bread or naan. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Brown Butter Sage Pasta

This creamy pasta only takes 10 minutes and is gluten-free, so many wins. (via RachL Mansfield)

Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna

Layers of roasted butternut squash sauce with roasted garlic and a cheesy spinach mix make this perfect for any dinner crowd. (viaCozy Cravings)

Thai Curry

Mix colorful fresh vegetables and tofu in a rich coconut red curry broth, and serve over rice or quinoa in just 35 minutes. (via The Endless Meal)

Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

This sandwich is similar to a classic chicken salad sandwich with a creamy sauce, savory spices, sweet grapes and crunchy celery. (via Maggie Bakes Grace)

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

The rice makes this dish super hearty and comforting with a healthy dose of veggies. (via Fancy Peasant)

Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Not actually made with vodka, this dish still has the same kick as a delicious vodka sauce with red pepper, basil, and thyme. (via Nareen's Eats)

Tortilla de Patatas with Gochujang & Woody Herbs

Spice up this traditional Spanish omelette with woody herbs like thyme and rosemary and Korean red chili paste. (via Allo Simone)

Linguini With "Clams"

Swap clams for king oyster mushrooms and you have a scrumptious garlic, buttery meal. (via Chef Bai)

Dal Palak

This quick and easy dal palak is loaded with spinach and Indian spices like cumin and turmeric. (via Two Spoons)

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA CASSEROLE

This vegetarian casserole packs fresh flavors inspired by the Mediterranean likebell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta. (via The Endless Meal)

Mac And Cheese

Sometimes you just want a classic mac and cheese dinner with cheddar, Swiss, and a sprinkled of nutmeg. (via Most Hungry)

Cacio e Pepe

This six-ingredient recipe for cheese and pepper pasta is so easy and satisfying it will become a staple at home. (via Whole Foods)

Pizza with Mozzarella, Broccolini and Red Onion

Made with mozzarella that’s packed in brine to melt beautifully, this pizza is divine with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. (via Williams Sonoma)

Vegetarian Minestrone

Served with some toasty bread, this gluten-free pasta soup is healthy and delicious and a satisfying meal on a cold day. (via Olive You Whole)

Roasted Artichoke Pizza with Castelvetrano Olives and Oregano

This flavor-packed pizza is topped with artichokes, Castelvetrano olives and two kinds of cheese. (via Williams Sonoma)

Chickpea Noodle Soup

Here's a plant-based twist on chicken noodle soup that's just as soothing to the soul. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sweet Potato, Gruyère, and Sage Gratin

This sweet potato gratin with sage and Gruyère is ultra indulgent. It's crispy and caramelized on the outside, but soft and luscious inside. Grab a fork and dig in! (via Brit + Co)

Vegetarian Gyro Bowl

This vegetarian dinner is made with chickpeas, peppers, onions, tzatziki and pita.(via Feel Good Foodie)

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

This gluten-free soup is full of flavor from earthy mushrooms, smoked paprika, and fresh dill and lemon.(viaA Spicy Perspective)

Baked Feta With Olives And Honey

Make this decadent dish as an appetizer or vegetarian dinner with toasted bread and a side salad -- so good! (via Forks & Foliage)

Vegetable Casserole 

Vegetarian dinner recipes should be simple and hearty like this casserole. It's made with frozen veggies and only a handful of kitchen staples so you don't have to think too hard about dinner on a weeknight. (via Culinary Hill)

Carrot Hot Dogs With Magic BBQ Sauce And Aioli

These carrot-based hot dogs aren't just an amazing vegetarian bbq option, they're soy-free and whole food-based, making them flavorful and nutritious. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Ziti

This simple vegan baked ziti (or rigatoni, or whichever pasta you use) makes getting comfort food on the table a delicious possibility even on the busiest weeknights. (via Brit + Co)

Beet Hummus Bowl

Once you see how stunning this recipe can be, you’ll want to make it for dinner on the regular. Nothing makes eating your veggies more appealing than dip! (via Brit + Co)

One-Pot Three-Bean Siracha Chili

Three types of beans add heft to this vegan chili. Serve it with a whole grain (like brown rice or a side of cornbread) for a complete meal.(via Brit + Co)

Chickpea And Lentil Soup

Red lentils are cooked in a spicy tomato broth until tender, then pureed with chickpeas to make a creamy, protein-packed soup. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Corn and sweet potatoes help balance out the earthy savoriness of black beans and chiles in this recipe. Add a scoop to a bowl of quinoa then dollop with cashew cream and you’ll be all set. (via Brit + Co)

Colorful Quinoa Bowls

A combination of quinoa, roasted veg, and a fried egg will satisfy your dinner cravings. (viaBrit + Co)

Jackfruit And Black Bean Burrito Bowl

Topping a bowl of brown rice with a flavorful mixture of jackfruit, black beans, corns, salsa, and onions gives you all the flavors of your favorite burrito, without the anxiety that comes from trying to properly fold your tortilla around so much goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Kidney Bean and Walnut Veggie Burgers

The key to a memorable veggie burger is the texture. Kidney beans make these patties have a mostly-creamy interior, while walnuts add a hearty, subtle crunch. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Falafel Patties

Bake up a tray of falafel patties, which get nice and crisp in the oven, and add them to your meals all week. Tuck them into a whole-grain pita, then slather with tahini, spritz with lemon juice, and pair with some vibrant greens. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry

You’ll want a hearty serving of brown rice to accompany this easy vegan chickpea curry. That’ll make it easier to scoop up every last bit of the creamy coconut sauce left in your bowl. (via Brit + Co)

Pressure Cooker Bean and Quinoa Chili

Sometimes simmering a big pot of chili on the stove just isn’t a possibility. On those busy nights, bust out the pressure cooker and make a batch of bean and quinoa chili. It'll be in your weekly rotation of vegetarian dinner recipes (via Brit + Co)

Quinoa Salad

Add walnut halves to a vibrant quinoa salad made with pomegranate arils (or a seasonal fruit), green onions, and parsley to add both crunch and an extra protein and Omega-3 boost. (via Brit + Co)

Mermaid Veggie Sushi Bowl

These customizable rice bowls will be a hit with anyone. Must-have toppings include avo, marinated tofu, sprouts, and tropical fruit. (via Brit + Co)

Indian-Spice Couscous Bowl

The flavors of India infuse this nutritious bowl with sweetness and spice. Whole wheat couscous and grilled tofu bring protein to the table, while garam masala produces the appeal. (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Chickpea Gyros

Season and roast chickpeas, top with tzatziki sauce and put it all on a pita with some lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions. (via Live Eat Learn)

Easy Mexican Quinoa Bowl 

Made with quinoa, corn, black beans, pico de gallo, avocado, and a delicious spicy mayonnaise, this dish is sure to please for lunch or dinner. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Creamy Tortellini French Onion Soup

This cheese tortellini-filled onion soup is quite a meal with caramelized sweet yellow onions and butter. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Pumpkin Risotto

Topped with toasted hazelnuts and crispy sage, this creamy pumpkin risotto is a fall-winter season delight. (via Barley & Sage)

Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

Our bourbon sweet potato casserole recipe is boozy, sweet, loaded with butter — and we can guarantee you won't miss those marshmallows once you try this pecan crumble topping. (via Brit + Co)

Kimchi Tofu Ramen 

Upgrade your stove-top ramen with some fresh vegetables and tofu. Add in some soy beans and kimchi (Korean spiced, fermented cabbage and vegetables) for an added boost of nutrients. (via Brit + Co)

Jackfruit Tacos

If you're new to a vegetarian lifestyle, jackfruit looks and tastes like shredded meat when cooked and it tastes delish. (via Brit + Co)

BBQ Black Bean Tacos

These BBQ tacos are a great camping hack — the filling is super easy to make, and they cook in just a few minutes. A homemade peach salsa finishes them off perfectly! (via Brit + Co)

Masala Veggie Grain Bowl

This veggie grain bowl takes only a few minutes to prepare, tastes great, and is full of nutrients. Check, check, and check!(via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Chana Masala

Made with warming spices and fresh ingredients, this vegan recipe is the ideal antidote to the winter blahs. (via Brit + Co)

Mushroom Frittata

Excerpted from Cooking With Mushrooms: A Fungi Lover's Guide to the World's Most Versatile, Flavorful, Health-Boosting Ingredients by Andrea Gentl. Artisan Books © 2022.

SERVES 6 TO 8

  • 1 pound (455 g) fresh mushrooms, such as shiitake, oysters, maitake, or cremini
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 fresh oregano sprigs, leaves only
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 12 large egg
  • 1¼ cups (125 g) finely grated pecorino cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
  • Finely grated zest and juice of ½ lemon, preferably organic
  • Fragrant fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, and oregano, for garnish

My grandmother, an American-born Puglian, cooked in the manner of cucina povera, which she learned from her mother. This included a ton of vegetables, herbs, spicy dried chiles, and eggs. Frittatas made their way to our table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, sometimes herby one with oregano and mint, or a pile of leftover pasta, other times filled with slow-cooked, delightfully mushy broccoli rabe, and often a mushroom frittata, usually made with cremini. Like a combination of shiitake and maitake. The flavor is extraordinary—rich, earthy, and a little meaty without any heaviness. The key to this recipe, as with many Puglian dishes, is a nice amount of flavorful olive oil and some sharp, salty pecorino.

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. If using cremini or shiitake mushrooms, thinly slice with a mandoline or sharp knife. If using maitake or oyster, gently tear into small pieces.
  3. In a 10-inch (25 cm) nonstick ovenproof lidded skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.When it starts to foam, add the mushrooms and oregano leaves and cook until soft and any liquid has been released, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the oil.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup (100 g) of the pecorino, and the salt.
  5. Add the egg mixture to the pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ cup (25 g) cheese,the lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until the bottom starts to brown, 5 to 10minutes. (Check the eggs by lifting the bottom with a spatula.) Once the bottom starts to brown, transfer the pan to the oven, uncovered.
  7. Bake for 5 minutes, then check to see if the top is puffing up. Cook a few minutes longer if not. The frittata is done when it starts to brown around the edges and a little bit on the top.Look for the oil bubbling up around the sides. This is totally normal. Once you remove the frittata from the oven to cool, the oil will get absorbed into the eggs, making it yummy and so delicious.
  8. Serve the frittata warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs.

​Butternut Squash And Wild Rice

This GF-stuffing recipe omits the crusty bread but doesn’t skimp on that delicious heartiness by swapping in wild rice, roasted butternut squash, fresh herbs and pecans. (via Brit + Co)

Chimichurri Sweet Potatoes

Drizzle this herby sauce over roasted slices of sweet potato with extra feta cheese to make it a meal! (via Brit + Co)

Butternut Squash Barley Risotto

This risotto recipe replaces Arborio rice with barley and butter for olive oil for a healthier but still delicious version. (via William Sonoma)

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is the Middle Eastern dish that you need in your life. Made with harissa, tomatoes and eggs, this one-of-a-kind dish can be perfectly paired with a side salad or load of bread. (via Brit + Co)

Green Shakshuka

This green twist on shakshuka is a fresh, vibrant, and unique way to enjoy eggs any time of the day. (via Brit + Co)

Vegetarian Meals On the Lighter Side

Slow Cooker Stuffed Mushrooms

Turn this tasty appetizer into a meal with rice or side salad. (via Brit + Co)

Miso Avocado Toast With Miso Soup

Try this unique avocado toast recipe with miso salad from When our copy of Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit($30) by Candice Kumai. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Arugula Walnut Salad

This springtime salad is chock-full of seasonal ingredients with a delicious go-to balsamic dressing. Make it in 10 minutes if you're in need of a quick weeknight meal. (via Brit + Co)

Fatoush Salad

This authentic fattoush salad recipe is a combination of summer's best produce, tossed with a mouthwateringly delicious dressing and crunchy homemade pita chips. (via Brit + Co x Forks & Foliage)


Find more vegetarian recipes in our Food section, get inspired on Pinterest, or join our newsletter!

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

  • Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
  • Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
  • Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
  • Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

  • Cuticle oil
  • Biotin
  • Diet
  • Nail protection
  • Avoid picking and peeling
Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

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Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

Mother’s Day is fast approaching — there are only a few weeks left to decide how you’re going to spoil the lady in your life this year! Whether you’re celebrating your own mom, mother-in-law, sister, or a special someone, breakfast in bed is always a great option.

What could be better than starting the day wrapped in a warm and cozy duvet, being presented with a delicious breakfast and a hot cup of coffee? This “egg in a hole” breakfast sandwichrecipe is ideal — it’s filled with all your favorite breakfast items (I went for avocado, cheese, and sliced tomato), and the top layer of toasty bread contains its very own fried egg. Now that’s how to do breakfast in style!

This “egg in a hole” breakfast sandwich only takes a few minutes to make, but it’s something a bit different, so it makes a lovely treat. If you’re not a fan of my choice of fillings, feel free to use whatever breakfast items you prefer — bacon, sausage, etc. Just remember that some ingredients may need to be pre-cooked before being added to the sandwich.

Egg In A Hole Breakfast Sandwich Ingredients

  • 2 large slices crusty bread
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1 egg
  • black pepper

Egg In A Hole Breakfast Sandwich Directions

Use a circular cookie cutter to cut a hole in one of the slices of bread. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, just cut around the top of a drinking glass instead.

Butter both sides of the two slices of bread, and place in a frying pan. Cook over a medium heat for a few minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Turn the slices over.

Turn the heat down fairly low. Top the whole slice of bread with sliced avocado, cheese and tomato, and crack the egg into the hole in the other slice of bread.

Cover the pan with a lid, and cook for a few more minutes, until the cheese has melted and the egg is cooked to your liking.

Sandwich together the two pieces of bread, top with a good pinch of black pepper, and serve immediately.

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This article has been updated.

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

Looking for more reading recs? Be sure to check out our storefront for more of our fave books!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Amazon

Calling all BookTok, bookstagrammers, and leisurely readers: the Amazon Book Sale has landed! I can barely contain myself because there’s so many great titles — including more than a few picks from Reese Witherspoon’s book club — that Amazon is discounting for it’s special reading crowd.

I know I’ve been stuck on romantasy books for a while (sorry, not sorry!), but there’s so many other great picks you’ll be able to snag on sale. And if you’re a Kindle type of woman, you’re not being left out.

Amazon isn’t leaving any stone unturned with this sale so let’s jump right into what to expect and which books are on sale right now!

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

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The Amazon Book Sale began May 15 and will end on May 20, so you still have time to add very discounted books to your TBR list!

What should I expect from the Amazon Book Sale?

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The Amazon Book Sale will feature titles from different genres that you can save up to 50% on. Not only that, but Kindle users can save up to 80% on books! In case you’re wondering, you're not dreaming — this is really, really good.

The best news about the sale is that you can start shopping deals NOW. So, what are you waiting for! Take a peek at our picks!

Are Kindle books included in the Amazon Book Sale?

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Yes! You'll be able to find a plethora of discounted kindle books during the Amazon Book Sale. The best news is that you can access three months of Kindle Unlimitedfor $0!

Shop Book Editors' Picks During the Amazon Sale

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Alix Summer and Josie Fair quickly become friends after a chance meeting on their birthdays. They seem to have things in common which leads Alix to feature Josie on her podcast. But the closer they get, the more Alix feels conflicted about her new friend.

Before she can piece together her concerns, Josie has found her way into every part of Alix's life and it's only after she disappears that Alix realizes how much danger she's in.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

Jen Weinstein and her friend Lauren Parker are ever popular in Salcombe, Fire Island during the summer season. They seem to have a hold on anyone that comes in contact with them, including their husbands. However, there's no denying that grudges have been steadily building over the years due to things unspoken. And Rachel Woolf? Well, she's just there to have a great time even if it's at someone else's expense.

However, who knows more than they're willing to share and who would be so angry that they'd commit a murder?

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Weyward is a moving novel that alternates between various timelines and involves a family's mystical powers.

In the present time of 2019, Kate takes refuge at her great-aunt's cottage that's worlds away from the person she's afraid of. She's not entirely sure, but she can't shake the feeling that there was more to her great-aunt than was outwardly presented.

The timeline of 1619 is then introduced and readers get to know Altha, a woman who's accused of having something to do with a farmer's death. The thing is Altha truly does know magic associated with the world around her, but people are on edge and will do anything to have a witch trial.

Then in 1942, we meet young Violet who feels trapped in more ways than one. She wants nothing more than to live a life that's not confined by hiding behind society's expectations of women. Her only connection to her mother and her past is finding the word 'weyward' in her bedroom, thus setting off a chain of events that lead back to 2019.

Stock Up On #BookTok Favorites

It Ends With Us & It Starts With Us Box Set by Colleen Hoover

For the first time ever, get your hands on the limited edition box set of Colleen Hoover's finest, It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us!

It Ends With Us begins with Lily believing that Ryle couldn't be more perfect for her despite his tendency to be rough around the edges. There's also the fact that he's not 100% open to dating. But, they somehow form a sort of love dance that becomes a romantic relationship. However, this is challenged when her first love Atlas comes back into her life.

It Starts With Us finds Lily and Ryle divorced, but they still communicate on friendly terms. But when Atlas comes into the picture again, Lily doesn't hesitate to let him into her world. It shouldn't feel complicated, but she knows that Atlas is the last man Ryle wants around. The ending is just as shocking, poignant, and beautiful as It Ends With Us.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Still excited that the movie adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue is getting a sequel that'll premiere on Amazon Prime? Me too, but we'll have to wait for more news to drop about it! Until then, we can revisit our favorite couple by Casey McQuiston's book that's on sale for $15!

House of Ash and Shadow by Leia Stone

Fallon Bane spends a great deal of her life being untouched because of a lethal curse she was born with. Despite her acceptance, she still yearns for intimacy. To make matters worse, her father's own health becomes comprised which leads her to seek out help from a healer fae — Ariyon Madden.

He not only begins helping her, but he always touches her in a way she's never experienced before. Fallon is shocked that she's still ver much alive and things finally seem to look bright for her. That is until Ariyon tells other powerful fae about her.

From there, Fallon learns the truth about who her family is and why her curse exists..

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Young Feyre commits an offense agains the immortal and very powerful fae that sends her to their magical world. Though she's away from a life of poverty and tension, she misses her family.

Still, she resides in the home of the 'beast' who allows her to live in his home — Tamlin. What she quickly realizes is that he's actually one of the powerful faes and that she's not the kind of prisoner she thinks she is. Even more, she begins questioning everything she'd learned about the Fae world because it's not quite like what mortals say it is.

As the hostility between Feyre and Tamlin dies down, an ancient evil continues spreading through his world and it'll be up to Feyre to help stop it.

Shop More Amazon Book Sale Deals!

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox has agoraphobia so she spends time by herself at home by herself and fills her days with drinking, watching comfort movies, and being a nosy neighbor. That's how she knows a new family — The Russells — have moved across from her.

She continues her usually nosy activities and finds herself witnessing something that seems horribly wrong. As she frantically tries to piece together the mystery of what happened, it becomes clear that the lines of her imagination and reality have become blurred.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Kate Mularkey was never the popular girl until she met her best friend Tully. Their lives are polar opposite, but there's no denying how tight their bond is. Over time we learn that Tully has abandonment issues and looks for anyone — especially men — to love her. Her journey takes her to the big apple where she achieves all the glitz and glamour that life has to offer.

Kate goes on to become a wife and mother, two things she believes she wants, but it becomes clear that she's missing something. That something is what begins to burn a hole in her being and the more she watches her best friend Tully live a successful life, the more she wants that for herself too.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Elena Richardson and Mia Warren go to warn in this moving novel about classism. It dares to ask readers who deserves to be seen as a shining example of a mother as both women eventually face how far they're willing to go to protect those they love.

For Elena, Shaker Heights is all she's ever known. She's married, has four children, and is well-loved in her community. She believes that she's been able to achieve everything she has because she knows how to be the woman who doesn't color outside of the lines.

On the other hand, Mia is an artist who knows all about creating masterpieces with elements that are otherwise seen as messy. She and her daughter Pearl become a little too close to the Richardsons, finding their lives dangerously intertwined with them.

When a custody battle ensues that involves the young daughter of Mia co-worker, she finds herself willing to dismantle the pretty facade of not only Shaker Heights, but Elena as well.

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed (Only 2 Left in Stock)

Cheryl Strayed has spent over 10 years dishing out advice as 'Dear Sugar' has touched people with her columns, podcast Dear Sugars, and Substack. Deciding to compile all of the best things she's ever told people, Cheryl Strayed pieced together Tiny Beautiful Things so that readers around the world won't have to look far for her empathetic wisdom.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Georgia Mulcahy is the ultimate people-pleaser and her career is the epitome of it. She'd probably always be that way had it not been for a unexpected career change that sends her packing back home. Begrudgingly, she goes and soon discovers a diary where she once wrote down all of her heart's desires.

This inspires her to start checking things off her life's to-do list so that she can really start living. It's just that Levi Fanning is somehow her unexpected roommate while she's at her parents' home and his offer to help her complete her list feels like something she didn't know she'd encounter.

The more they spend time together, the more Georgie feels like there's more to life than checking off things on a list.

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

The Mitford sisters have always been the talk of the town, but nothing is as shocking as when one of the sisters decides she'd rather devote herself to a fascist leader. Another sister decides it's worth following her and this leads people to whisper salacious things about her alleged relationship with Hitler.

As the war between Great Britain and Germany threaten to spill over, their sister Nancy can't help but wonder what her sisters have gotten themselves into. She'll have to decide where her own allegiance lies.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Daphne Bell has always known how long she'll be with a man before moving on to the next one. It's not that she's flighty, but more so that the universe literally tells her what to expect. These little nudges have been in her life for over two decades and it's something she's learned to accept.

However, the universe decides to be cryptic by only clueing her in on the name of the next man she'll spend time with. It's odd because if Jake knew the things she did, there's a chance he could walk away from her forever and that's the last thing Daphne wants.

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass

Brighton Hills appears to be a picturesque place to live. It's a community that beautifully blends luxurious living with the gorgeous nature that surrounds it and the neighbors always have their eyes on each other.

However, Cora's desire to find out if her husband is having an affair leads her to form a partnership with Paige. She's the one neighbor that Cora knows keeps a watchful eye on what's going on in Brighton Hills after her son died.

The two women work together to discover what Cora's husband is really up to, but what they may stumble across will send a shockwave through Brighton Hills.

Discounted Kindle Book Deals

Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalo

The Prince of Envy is struggling to save his demon court in Throne of the Fallen, but he's determined to find a way to do so. He's not afraid of the magic and mysterious people that keep crossing his path because nothing can stop his fierce desire to regain the control he once has.

Things are seemingly no different from Miss Camilla Antonius because she's facing blackmail by someone who literally makes her skin crawl. In order to change her fate, she reluctantly joins forces with The Prince of Envy and thus begins their dangerous journey through the Underworld.

It's the one place that may pull them together in more ways than one.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

Hart spends most of his time patrolling Tanria, but the loneliness does nothing to keep him company. Things couldn't be any different for Mercy though. She's tasked with making sure things are running properly at Birdsall & Son Undertakers and doesn't have time for anyone's foolery.

Ironically, Hart and Mercy both have taken up writing mysterious letters to strangers who have become their friends. The thing is they're not aware they've been communicating with each other.

It's a classic enemies-to-loves fantasy novel that'll make you smile with glee.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Molly Gray is the Head Maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel and runs a tight ship that makes sure the hotel maintains a flair that guests have become accustomed to. All is going well until successful author J.D. Grimthorpe suddenly collapses and is pronounced dead.

This lands Detective Stark — someone Molly doesn't exactly get along with — back on the scene as it's realized there's something terribly wrong going on. Anyone could be a suspect, including Molly. It'll be up to her to revisit things she's kept secret — like the trip she took to Grimthorpe's property long ago.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Emily Henry knows exactly what it takes to write a moving novel that's filled with friendship, laughter, and romance. That's why it's not surprising that Happy Place is well loved by #BookTok and #Bookstagram.

It's all about how a once happy couple — Harriet and Wyn — find themselves embroiled in an interesting ruse so their friends don't suspect something's wrong with them. The fact is that they're no longer together and can barely stand being in the same room anymore.

It would be find if they weren't expected to happily show up to the cottage that's become the yearly hub for them and their friends. Still, they begrudgingly decide to make an appearance.

What's the worst that could happen?

For the first time, you'll be able to read Happy Place on Kindle for $5!

We can't wait to see what you snag during the Amazon Book Sale! Check out our storefront for more reading recs!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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This post has been updated.