Sep 27, 2026 · 5 min listen · Last updated September 27, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe, September 27th. The morning read — ten things in health worth the eight minutes. Let's get into it. First, from millitaylor. Fig Frangipane Tart. The pastry is made with a mix of butter, icing sugar, and ground almonds, and the creator has really perfected it over time.
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Daily Health & Wellness Brief · September 27th
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Fig Frangipane Tart
The pastry is made with a mix of butter, icing sugar, and ground almonds, and the creator has really perfected it over time. It’s designed to be easy to handle, which is a relief since pastry can be daunting. You just need to chill it for a couple of hours before rolling it out.
After blind baking the pastry, you fill it with the frangipane and figs, then bake it until it’s golden. The whole thing keeps well, so it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few days. Plus, any leftover pastry can be baked into snacks! It sounds like a lovely way to celebrate the season. Let me know if you try it!
In this week’s Batch Better, the focus is on practical meal prep that can simplify your week. You’ll be making two flavors of chia pudding—matcha and strawberry beet—using the same base, giving you four easy breakfasts. There’s also a big batch of bone broth to freeze, which is great for sipping or adding to soups. Plus, you’ll prepare six marinated proteins that can be thawed overnight, making dinner a breeze.
And of course, there are cookies! The black sesame oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a standout, offering a nutty flavor without being overly sweet. They’re perfect for stashing in the freezer for a treat anytime. This week’s recipes are designed to be nourishing and accessible for everyone, not just for postpartum. Enjoy the ease of having meals ready to go!
In a heartfelt reflection on autumn, AmyAnn shares how she’s nurturing seasonal traditions with her daughters, inspired by her own childhood in the Midwest. For her, fall brings a sense of comfort and family, marked by familiar rituals that create a cozy atmosphere. Living in Los Angeles, she adapts her practices to foster that same warmth, focusing on routines that encourage slowing down and connecting.
One special ritual is a monthly full moon ceremony with her daughter, where they express gratitude through ten glasses of water and draw cards from an oracle deck. This practice not only deepens their bond but also teaches the girls about intention-setting and appreciation. As the season shifts, AmyAnn embraces cooking hearty meals, emphasizing the importance of eating seasonally and honoring their bodies' needs. Through these rituals, she hopes her daughters will carry forward the joy and comfort of autumn traditions.
In this episode of The Habit Healers Podcast, the host dives into the tricky world of health research, focusing on why studies often contradict each other. They start with a cautionary tale about beta-carotene, where initial observational studies suggested it could prevent lung cancer. However, a large randomized trial found that heavy smokers taking beta-carotene actually had higher cancer rates, highlighting the healthy user effect—a type of bias that can mislead us into thinking a supplement is beneficial when it isn’t.
The discussion continues with various biases that can skew research results, like recall bias, where people might misremember their habits, and publication bias, which can occur when studies with positive results are more likely to be published. The host introduces the Bradford Hill criteria, a straightforward checklist to help listeners evaluate claims about food, supplements, or diseases, emphasizing that anyone can learn to spot bad science without needing advanced degrees.
Overall, the episode encourages critical thinking when reading health headlines, reminding us to ask the right questions to discern trustworthy information from junk science.
A recent study explored how sitting by a window impacts blood sugar levels in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants spent equal time at desks facing either a window or a wall. Those by the window maintained normal blood sugar levels for nearly two hours longer each day. This highlights the potential benefits of natural light, which can also enhance mood and sleep quality.
Further research shows that spending time outdoors can improve overall metabolic health, including blood pressure and mental well-being. Regular walks, especially in nature, can reduce stress and promote positive feelings. Simple habits like getting outside shortly after waking and taking mindful walks with friends can make a significant difference.
In essence, incorporating daylight and nature into your routine isn't just beneficial for blood sugar; it supports overall health. Aim for at least twenty to thirty minutes outside daily, and consider facing a window while working or eating. These small changes can lead to lasting improvements in both physical and mental health.
Today’s Kitchen Projects focuses on the Swiss meringue buttercream featured in "Fancy Cakes" by Roxy and Corinne Mankoo, also known as April’s Baker. This buttercream is celebrated for its silky texture and versatility, making it a favorite for decorating cakes. The conversation dives into the nuances of making this buttercream, emphasizing the importance of temperature and technique for achieving that perfect consistency.
Additionally, the Mankoo sisters share some clever tips for mixing colors into the buttercream without compromising its smoothness. They highlight the balance between achieving vibrant hues while maintaining the integrity of the frosting. Overall, it’s a delightful exploration of both technique and creativity in cake decorating.
Today’s Kitchen Projects highlights the debut cookbook *Fancy Cakes* by Roxy and Corinne Mankoo, the sisters behind London’s popular bakery, April’s Baker. This book is packed with practical tips and detailed instructions on cake decorating, making it a valuable resource for anyone facing the challenge of creating a special occasion cake. The sisters emphasize clarity, sharing insights from their experience teaching classes, ensuring readers can replicate their stunning designs at home.
The cookbook features 40 modern designs, including their signature vintage piping and smooth buttercream techniques. Roxy’s artistic journey led her from animation to baking, while Corinne’s business acumen supports the bakery’s operations. Their collaboration shines through in the book, which aims to empower bakers to tackle everything from stacking to transporting cakes without stress. The sisters’ passion for cake-making and their commitment to helping others succeed is evident in every page.
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