this shit rocks no. 51: sports docs, sweet peps, and tan drops

Plus, a weeknight chicken thigh & couscous recipe to make ASAP

Over the break, my family and I watched a few of the Untold sports documentaries on Netflix and I cannot get enough of them. We started with Manti Te’o (for the sake of transparency, this is a person that I have never heard of until last week) and his girlfriend that didn’t exist. After eating that up in one hearty sitting, I quickly moved onto all of the other films in the series, as well as a few from the Bad Sport series.

It has been a boost to my ego knowing that I now understand the intricacies of the players and fans involved with the Pistons/Pacers brawl in 2004, the mentally grueling experience of American men’s tennis legends Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish, and the NBA referee who was betting on games. David Stern?? I obviously know who that is, too, and why he is a controversial figure. Please direct any other sports-related questions my way—I am chock full of FACTS.

Aside from my newfound love of sport-adjacent films, here a few other things I’m into these days.

Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Jalapeños

I have been on a serious deli salad kick—most days it’s tuna, egg, or chickpea (or any combination of the 3) for lunch. They’re a great opportunity to use up the random veggies, weird condiments, and neglected pickle-y things in my fridge.

I’ve been putting these jaleps in my salads, and they have been delivering. If you like hot honey, you will love these. The subtle sweetness is just the right amount with the spiciness of the pepper. These are ASKING to be thrown on a slice of pizza or a grilled cheese.

Lux Unfiltered Bronzing Face Drops

A part of me debated including this because I don’t want to reveal that this is by far my ugliest time of year. Circle back in September and I’m basically unrecognizable. I think we need to normalize that everyone is a little pudgy, pale, and poor in January. If you can’t tan it, tone it, and if there’s no sun, then a fake tan it is.

Most self-tanning products smell absolutely disgusting but this one is fragrance free (so is their tanning body cream, which I also use) which is a major win. A little goes a long way, so a few drops will do the trick.

One Skillet Za’atar Chicken Thighs with Pearl Couscous, Dates, and Pistachios

Serves: 4-6

Active time: 20 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

If you have found yourself in a New Year Dinner Rut™, this chicken dish is here to get you out of it. It comes together easily, quickly, and it is FULL of all my favorite mediterranean flavors.

If you’ve never cooked with za’atar before, it’s earthy, nutty, and great on chicken, fish, vegetables, grains—anything. I like this one. Trader Joe’s also makes a good one. You can also make your own za’atar mix.

I love pearl (Israeli) couscous because it is the textural equivalent to Dippin’ Dots. It’s available in most grocery stores next to the rice (though it is technically PASTA), but if you can’t find it, orzo or any long grain rice will do.

If you don’t have a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thighs, you can always cut through the largest thigh and make sure there’s no pink in the center.