Eat, Read, Go: Spinach Artichoke Pasta, "Book of Lives," and Loreto

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. After six consecutive years of going as a “cat” for Halloween, I’m officially retiring from the holiday. So instead of dressing up this weekend, I’ll…

• Buy The World’s Most Universally Flattering Coat™ — as evidenced by the fact it looks equally good on 5-foot-tall Sabrina Carpenter and almost 6-foot-tall Kendall Jenner.

• Get to the bottom of these (highly speculative) rumors that Chris Martin may be dating Sansa Stark — which somehow feels both extremely random and perfectly spot-on.

• Spiral about the return of the preppiest and most controversial fashion trend, which is so aggressively Y2K, it might as well come with a heart-shaped Tiffany necklace.

• Contemplate whether I can pull off this deeply corporate-looking skirt, which, against all odds and logic, is being called “the coolest thing you can wear this fall.”

• Steal my niece’s Kit Kats and Reese’s to make these wildly delicious, barely-any-effort Halloween Candy Cookie Bars (don’t worry, she’ll be fine).

— Melissa Goldberg /  Senior Editor / Washington, DC

Apologies to Spinach Artichoke Dip — But This Creamy, Comforting Soup Is Even More Delicious

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Let’s be honest: Every soup season, we bookmark dozens of new recipes — and make approximately none of them. But Plant-Based RD’s Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is the exception. Essentially your favorite party dip in the form of a protein-and fiber-rich soup, the weeknight-friendly recipe is packed with marinated artichokes, silky leeks, garlicky spinach, and just about any beans you have in the pantry. Serve it with some crusty bread — and you’ll feel cozier than Cameron Diaz in the English countryside.

The Time Commitment: A little over an hour, as long as you follow Catherine Perez’s (aka Plant-Based RD) advice to sauté the garlic rather than roasting it.

Key Tips: Leeks are grown in sandy soil, so a thorough rinse is necessary to remove any dirt or grit. If that sounds like too much work (we understand), Perez says to use three shallots, or extra yellow onion instead. Also, depending on what you have on hand, you can sub chickpeas or butter beans for cannellini beans, baby kale for spinach, and sunflower or pumpkin seeds for cashews.

Other Takes: For more soup recipes that you’ll actually make, try…

• Cozy Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup with White Beans. Featuring fall’s best ingredients, this one-pot wonder is actually doable on a Tuesday — and tastes like you tried way harder than you did.

• Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato + Kale. This low-lift, highly rated recipe is proof that if you’re not putting peanuts in your soup, you’re missing out.

• Pesto Parm Meatball and Pastina Soup. You don’t have to be a mathematician to understand tender meatballs + itty-bitty pasta + pesto-infused broth = comfort food at its best.

Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood

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“Silly” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you think of Margaret Atwood — the prolific writer and woman who gave us The Handmaid’s Tale. But her highly anticipated memoir will change that. Book of Lives, which Atwood’s publishers had to convince her to write, tells the 85-year-old’s story, from her unconventional childhood in the wild forest of northern Quebec to writing her first poem at age 6 (relatable) to her decades-long relationship with fellow author Graeme Gibson. Naturally, it also covers her acclaimed literary career: the unexpected inspiration behind her debut novel; how living in 1980s Berlin shaped The Handmaid’s Tale; and what it’s like to be one of the country’s most “frequently banned writers” of our time. Plus, according to Atwood, it includes "stupid things, catastrophes, revenges, and times of political horror." To Atwood’s publishers, we thank you for your service.

Mark Our Words: This Mexican Beach Destination Will Be the Next Cabo

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By our (very unscientific) observations, calling a place “magical” is almost always hyperbole. But in Loreto’s case, it’s official: The Mexican government designated it a “Pueblo Mágico” for its astonishing natural beauty, historic preservation, and exceptional charm. After one quick Google Images search, you’ll agree. Picture: white sandy beaches with impossibly blue waters teeming with more than 800 marine species; a town lined with colorfully painted homes and well-preserved buildings dating back hundreds of years; and some of the best Mexican food of your life. But best of all? It doesn’t have the mega-resorts and tourist crowds of the better-known parts of Baja California Sur (looking at you, Cabo San Lucas). So go now, before everyone else catches on. 

🐠 Sure, you could admire the Sea of Cortez from your beach chair. Or, you could jump into what French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called the “Aquarium of the World.” One of the best places to do that is Loreto Bay National Park, encompassing some 800 square miles of protected waters and five uninhabited islands accessible by boat. Those include: Isla Coronados (a favorite for swimming and snorkeling alongside tropical fish, sea turtles, and starfish); Isla Danzante (a popular diving spot, thanks to a 180-foot-long sunken ship); and Isla del Carmen (home to a ghost town with abandoned houses, buildings, and salt mines). Not to mention, there are also many paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities back in town. 

⛪ Need a break from the water? Thankfully, there’s plenty to explore on dry land. History buffs can discover ancient cave paintings in the mountains at La Pingüica or wander through the historic Spanish colonial missions dotting the area — like Mission San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó, with atmospheric gardens worth the 45-minute drive, and downtown’s Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, one of the oldest in the region. Active types, meanwhile, will enjoy a trip to Tabor Canyon, where the hiking trails include dramatic rock formations, desert flowers, and stunning ocean views. Or, for a more tranquil experience, indulge in Loreto’s burgeoning wellness scene: Book massages and facials at Spa Las Flores; or stay at the sprawling Villa del Palmar for paddleboard yoga, sound healing, and reiki chakra balancing.

🍴 Fuel up for a day of adventure at local fave Orlando’s, where you can enjoy excellent coffee, traditional chilaquiles, and/or a massive poblano omelet alfresco. For lunch, pop by El Rey del Taco, a no-frills spot with fish tacos so spectacular, you’ll be planning your return visit before you’ve even finished. And since mole is practically required eating in Mexico, make a dinner reservation at Mi Loreto, renowned for its authentic dishes (the mole almendrado and chiles rellenos are must-tries). Finally, if you’re in town on a Saturday, go to Hotel Oasis’s weekly beachfront clambake to sample the region’s famous chocolate clams (named for their color, not their flavor), which are cooked in the sand by local chefs.

The lead-up to vacation can feel like a full-time job. But Booking.com makes it easier to find budget-friendly flights that make sense for your schedule, with a comprehensive search that lets you compare prices across airlines. So you’ll have more time to do your laundry, plan your outfits, get your nails done, go to the dry cleaner, etc.

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

Q: My partner walks faster than me, and whenever we go anywhere, I feel like I’m either rushing to catch up or annoyed that I’m being left behind. I’ve brought it up before, but he just brushed it off. How else can I address it?

“There are things about our partners we just need to accept, [so figure out if fast walking is one of them]. If it hints at something deeper, like a lack of respect, [it’s worth a conversation]. Since there is nothing inherently wrong with walking fast, [approach the behavior in a nonjudgmental way]: ‘I know this is who you are, and I’m working on not taking it personally, but there are certain times when walking together means a lot more to me, like when we’re on a date. It feels important to me because it represents mutual care and attention and gives us time to really talk and be with each other. I’m happy to work on getting over the speed difference at other moments.’ This [way], you’ll own your part in the dynamic, let him know it’s not a personal flaw or judgment, and express the ‘why’ behind your request.”

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.