Eat, Read, Go: Spinach Artichoke Pasta, “Crush,” and Beaufort

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. With temps ranging between 20 and 60 degrees (in one week, no less), I’m at the point in the season when I don’t know how to dress myself. While scrolling for inspo, I learned Penny Lane-coded coats are finally getting the attention they deserve (Almost Famous fans, rejoice); preppy, pleated skirts are back — but are “much chicer and timeless” (someone check on Rory Gilmore); and cape coats are the new scarf jackets (to say I’m obsessed would be an understatement). Speaking of things I can’t stop thinking about: The news that a certain Gossip Girl icon is joining the cast of Nobody Wants This and the apparent revival of the bandage dress (respectfully, no). Oh, and one more thing, Skimm+ is here to make your life easier. We’ve taken everything you love about theSkimm and leveled it up — more perks, actionable insights, and a community of like-minded Skimmr’s to back you up.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

Warning: You’ll Want to Eat This Spinach Artichoke Pasta Straight From the Skillet

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While there certainly isn’t anything wrong with eating spinach-artichoke dip for dinner (we would know), there might be something even better. That’s right, better. Introducing Salt & Lavender’s Spinach Artichoke Pasta — which essentially combines everything you love about the party dip (namely, the ultracreamy base, sneaky amounts of spinach, tangy canned artichokes, an aggressive helping of cheese) with perfectly al dente fettuccine. The result? A stroke of culinary genius that’s both ridiculously comforting and ridiculously easy.

The Time Commitment: In 30 minutes, you could be digging into rich, cheesy bliss.

Key Tips: According to Natasha Bull (aka Salt & Lavender), “This recipe will go much smoother if you ensure the cream cheese is nice and soft.” Either leave it on the counter for a couple hours before cooking or pop it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. And remember to save some of the starchy pasta water — it’s the key to bringing the sauce together.

Other Takes: We firmly believe there’s no problem that a bowl of pasta can’t fix. Exhibit A: This Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle is “a winter dream” that’s impressive enough for company, but simple enough for a weeknight. That’s also true of this salty, savory, five-star New York Times recipe, featuring fried sage, crispy bacon bits, and roasted cauliflower. In more of a red sauce mood? This Romesco Sauce with Rigatoni delivers vibrant, slightly smoky flavor — and is covered in toasty Parmesan-herb breadcrumbs. Plus, this take on classic Pasta alla Norma is so delicious (think: tender eggplant, plump cherry tomatoes, a generous serving of pecorino), it’ll convert eggplant skeptics.

Crush by Ada Calhoun

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If your husband gave you permission to explore a crush, would you? That’s the dream — or nightmare — at the heart of Ada Calhoun’s debut novel, Crush. Described as “a polyamory tale for Generation X,” Crush is written from the perspective of a Brooklyn writer who seems to have it all: an ideal marriage, a child, a solid career, and meaningful friendships. But things take a turn when, at her husband’s suggestion, she embarks on an emotional affair with David, a crush from college who’s now a dangerously charming professor. Inspired by her own experience, Calhoun masterfully captures the intoxicating, sometimes perilous thrill of desire — and the complexities that come with it. We asked Calhoun a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about? 

Calhoun: Frostbite by my friend Nicola Twilley. [It’s] an honest-to-goodness page-turner about the history of refrigeration.

Q: What’s one recipe everyone should make?

Calhoun: Well, I just make two things over and over: Marian Burros’s Plum Torte (I usually use pears) and Eleven Madison Park Granola (I only use half the truckload of kosher salt they call for).   

Q: If you could be the world’s leading expert on one thing, what would it be?

Calhoun: Stone walls. I built a bunch of these one summer and it was so soothing, like playing 3D Tetris.

This Coastal South Carolina Town Is Basically a Nicholas Sparks Novel IRL

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Sure, Beaufort may be Charleston’s sleepy cousin — but that’s precisely what makes South Carolina’s second-oldest city so charming. The quaint, quiet “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands” feels straight out of The Notebook, thanks to narrow streets shaded by oak trees and Spanish moss, centuries-old homes and architecture, wide driftwood beaches, and a downtown area that’s somehow retained much of its original character. But, best of all, if you make the trip now, you’ll experience all of Beaufort’s magic — without the oppressive heat and humidity.

🛏 For a stately Southern mansion that comes straight from central casting, check out Anchorage 1770. Formerly a Union Army hospital and a raucous social club, the meticulously restored, 18th-century property is now a boutique inn, boasting old-school touches (detailed plasterwork, four-poster beds, neoclassical fireplaces) and modern amenities like rain showers, complimentary bikes and beach chairs, and luxury bedding. Plus, there are three front porches overlooking the Beaufort River — ideal for taking in the striking, candy-colored sunsets.

👟 Beaufort is a treasure trove of history — so much so that a good chunk of downtown was designated a historic district. After wandering the oak-lined streets filled with stunning Victorian, Greek Revival, and Federal-style homes (pro tip: the well-preserved John Mark Verdier House is a museum that’s open to the public), stop by the Pat Conroy Literary Center (the late Prince of Tides author called Beaufort home); the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, which brings the experiences of newly freed African Americans to life; and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park (Forrest Gump fans will enjoy views of the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge).

🗺️ Given its location on Port Royal Island, it should come as no surprise that one of the best ways to see Beaufort (and the Lowcountry) is from the water — via a boat, kayak, or paddleboard tour. But if you prefer to stay on land, consider a stroll along the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile greenway that winds through serene marshes and Spanish moss-draped trees. Or, take a short drive to Hunting Island State Park, where you’ll find several gloriously untouched hiking trails, five miles of pristine beaches, a saltwater lagoon, a maritime forest, and a more than 150-year-old lighthouse.

🍴 If you’re not feasting on Lowcountry fare, are you even in South Carolina? Obviously, the answer is no — so swing by Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe (do not leave without a po’boy) and hop just out of town to Gullah Grub Restaurant, which was featured on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and is famous for its shrimp gumbo. For dinner, nab a reservation at Old Bull Tavern, a local fave known for elevated comfort food (like wasabi deviled eggs) and fun cocktails (hello, Snoop Juice). Or, head to Breakwater Restaurant & Bar for she-crab soup, blackened mahi, and more locally sourced seafood.

We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:

Q: Whenever we stay with my sister-in-law, she puts away her nice, expensive shower products and leaves out cheaper shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash. Am I wrong to find it rude?

“Your sister-in-law isn’t necessarily being rude — she’s simply setting boundaries in her home. People have different comfort levels when it comes to sharing personal items, especially luxury products. They may be carefully chosen for her specific needs, used sparingly due to their cost, or something she simply prefers to keep for herself. 

… Consider it from another angle: Just as some hosts bring out their best china or most expensive towels for guests, others may prefer to keep certain things for personal use while still ensuring their guests have everything they need. This doesn’t mean they value their guests any less; it’s just a matter of preference. Rather than viewing it as a slight, you might see it as her way of being a practical host.”

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.