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Holidays at Home

Half Baked Harvest’s Tieghan Gerard on small but special holidays at home

When it comes to the holidays, Tieghan Gerard isn’t messing around. From her little barn in the Colorado mountains, the author of Half Baked Harvest Cookbook and Half Baked Harvest Super Simple is serving up dish after cozy dish. From ooey-gooey comfort food to daily hikes to all-pumpkin-everything, Tieghan shares tips and inspiration for bringing joy into a holiday season unlike any other.

Photo by Tieghan Gerard

“Amidst all of the difficulties of 2020, a silver lining has been the extra time I’ve gotten to spend with my family this year. My parents and little sister Asher are right next door, and will often pop over to help me in the kitchen (or help taste-test!). These Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondie Bars are Asher’s favorite. She’s claimed they’re better than a peanut butter cup. If you knew Asher, you’d know this is saying a lot.“

Photo by Tieghan Gerard

“Early morning hikes are always my favorite part of the day. I’m grateful to have my favorite hiking trail right in my backyard. It’s so peaceful and I always return home feeling excited to get going. No matter where you might find yourself this season, try to get outdoors if you can—if only for a little while. It can do wonders when it comes to clearing your mind and finding perspective.“

Photos by Tieghan Gerard

“I find recipe inspiration everywhere –from the seasons, from friends, from around the world. Before the pandemic, my brothers were always traveling and would send me photos of menus and dishes they wanted me to recreate. Experimenting with dishes from other cultures and countries and can help open up conversations about other perspectives and traditions—and even transport you to those places, even if you can’t physically be there this year.“