It was one of those evenings where the day seemed to stretch on forever, and all I could think about was something light yet satisfying to cap it off. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow across my kitchen, and I had a sudden craving for something that felt like a mini tropical escape. That’s when the idea of making Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp hit me. It’s the kind of dish that’s deceptively impressive but doesn’t demand hours of your time—perfect for a weeknight treat. The lemongrass adds a citrusy zing, while the chili paste gives it just the right kick. With a short marinating time, it’s as close to instant gratification as you can get with a grill. Plus, there’s something about skewering shrimp that feels like a fun party trick, even if it’s just you and your family.
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What You’ll Need
Chances are you already have most of this tucked away in your pantry, aside from maybe the lemongrass. But trust me, it’s worth hunting down for that signature aromatic flavor.
- Bamboo skewers soaked in water
- Lemongrass – the star of the show!
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Ground chili paste
- Pinch of salt
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Water
- Raw shrimp – peeled and deveined
How to Make Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp
- Gather all your ingredients and a mixing bowl. Combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili paste, salt, sugar, and a drizzle of vegetable oil in the bowl. Stir until it all comes together into a fragrant marinade.
- Add the shrimp into the bowl, making sure each one gets coated in the aromatic marinade. Let them marinate for 15 minutes—just enough time to sip on a cool drink and prep your grill.
- Thread the shrimp onto the soaked bamboo skewers. It’s all about that balance, so make sure the shrimp are spaced out evenly.
- Fire up your grill to moderate heat. If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are hot but no longer flaming. For a gas grill, a medium setting will do the trick.
- Place the skewers on the grill. The shrimp will cook quickly, so stay close. Turn them after about a minute or so, keeping an eye out for that beautiful pink hue and slightly charred edges. They’re done when they’re opaque and firm, about 2-3 minutes in total.
Cook’s Notes
If you’re like me and tend to get distracted, set a timer for the marinating and grilling time. You don’t want to overdo the shrimp—there’s nothing worse than rubbery seafood. If you don’t have a grill, a griddle pan on the stovetop works surprisingly well. Just make sure it’s hot enough to give you that lovely char. Leftovers, if you have any, are great cold in a salad or tossed into a noodle dish the next day.
Make It Your Own
- Swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein. Adjust cooking times accordingly—chicken will take a bit longer.
- For a sweeter twist, add a splash of coconut milk to the marinade. It brings a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the lemongrass.
- Throw in some chopped cilantro or mint into the marinade for a fresh, herbal kick.
- If you’re feeling brave, up the chili paste for more heat. Just have a cool drink at the ready!
If you try this, I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment or tag me! It’s always fun to see how different kitchens bring their own flair to a dish. Enjoy your little slice of tropical heaven!
Related update: Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp
P/E Compression Is the 2026 Bull Market’s Tell
TL;DR
- In the 2026 bull market, the wrinkle is P/E compression: the S&P 500’s forward P/E sits below where it began the year even as prices climbed, because earnings rose faster than prices [1].
- FactSet pegs Q2 2026 S&P 500 earnings growth at 23.3%, with 10 of 11 sectors up, led by Energy, Information Technology, and Materials—fuel for prices without needing multiple expansion [2].
- Math check: with the S&P 500 at 7,499 and a 20.4x forward P/E on June 30, the market discounts roughly $368 in next-12‑month EPS; if forward EPS lifts to $380–$400 by Q4 while the multiple merely holds 20x–21x, you still get 7,600–8,400 [3].
What the source said
Yahoo Finance reported that the 2026 rally left the S&P 500 cheaper on a forward basis than where it started the year, because the “E” outran the “P,” compressing the index’s forward P/E [1]. The article pointed to an “earnings boom,” with back‑to‑back 20%+ EPS growth quarters and a 23.3% estimate for Q2 2026 from FactSet [2]. Ten of eleven GICS sectors should post year‑over‑year profit gains, with Energy, Information Technology, and Materials leading the pack [2]. The takeaway: if Q2 beats again, analysts raise numbers into Q3 2026, while prices can climb even if the multiple stays flat [1][2].
Original analysis
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Shown work on valuation math using June 30, 2026 inputs: S&P 500 = 7,499; forward P/E = 20.4x [3]. Implied next‑12‑month EPS = 7,499 ÷ 20.4 = $367.6, which rounds to $368 [3]. Scenario A: if forward EPS = $380 and P/E = 20.0x, price = 20.0 × 380 = 7,600 [3]. Scenario B: if forward EPS = $400 and P/E = 21.0x, price = 21.0 × 400 = 8,400 [3]. Risk case: if EPS = $380 and P/E compresses to 19.0x, price = 19.0 × 380 = 7,220, which shows downside even with higher earnings [3].
-
A 2×2 for 2H 2026:
- High earnings growth + Flat/Down P/E (compression): steady grind higher; resembles mid‑cycle periods like 2004 when profit momentum outpaced sentiment.
- High earnings growth + Up P/E: melt‑up risk; think of 2013 as a year when both earnings and multiples helped.
- Low earnings growth + Flat/Up P/E: brittle rally; vulnerable to guidance cuts during October–November 2026 earnings season.
- Low earnings growth + Down P/E: drawdown; typically follows negative revisions clusters across at least 6 of 11 sectors.
-
Contrarian read: leadership concentration in mega‑cap AI names such as Nvidia, Microsoft, and Alphabet could mean broad EPS beats help equal‑weight indices more than the cap‑weighted S&P 500 in 2H 2026, while pockets like Utilities and Real Estate remain rate‑sensitive even if Energy and Tech print strong results [2].
What others are missing
The market underestimates how 2026 AI data‑center buildouts at Microsoft (Quincy, Washington), Amazon (Hilliard, Ohio), and Alphabet (Council Bluffs, Iowa) flow through GAAP EPS via depreciation schedules that stretch 6–8 years, which can lift reported margins even before full cash returns materialize; that accounting timing could fortify EPS in Information Technology and Communication Services while masking capital‑intensity risk that shows up in free cash flow.
What to watch next
- By November 15, 2026, FactSet’s published S&P 500 forward 12‑month EPS will print at or above $390.
- On December 31, 2026, if the S&P 500 forward P/E closes between 19.5x and 21.5x, the index will finish between 7,600 and 8,400.
- By November 30, 2026, at least 8 of 11 GICS sectors will show positive year‑over‑year EPS growth for Q3 2026 in the FactSet scorecard.
Sources
- Yahoo Finance (malaysia.news.yahoo.com) — Summarizes 2026 P/E compression alongside price gains, framing why valuations look less stretched than headlines imply.
- FactSet Insight (insight.factset.com) — Provides the Q2 2026 23.3% S&P 500 EPS growth estimate and notes 10 of 11 sectors with positive YoY earnings, plus sector leadership.
- J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Guide to the Markets (am.jpmorgan.com) — Supplies the June 30, 2026 forward P/E of 20.4x and context for index‑level valuation math.
Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.
I was standing barefoot in my kitchen, staring down a can of pumpkin puree with the kind of resolve usually reserved for epic culinary battles. It was mid-October, and my house was awash with the smell of burning leaves from the neighborhood bonfires. I craved something cozy yet indulgent, and not just another pumpkin pie — no, this had to be something with a little extra pizzazz. Enter the Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Pie. It’s the perfect treat for when you need to impress without stress. It’s rich, a bit decadent, and just when everyone thinks they’ve guessed the flavor, the trio of chocolates takes them by surprise. Trust me, this isn’t your average pumpkin dessert.
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What You’ll Need
I bet you have most of these ingredients lounging in your pantry already. This pie brings together the familiar comforts of fall spices with the irresistible pull of chocolate.
- Ground graham cracker crumbs – the base of our crust
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Light-brown sugar
- Coarse salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Bittersweet chocolate
- Semisweet chocolate
- Canned solid-pack pumpkin
- Canned evaporated milk
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Ground ginger
- Ground nutmeg
- Milk chocolate – for that final drizzle
How to Make Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugars, salt, and cinnamon until it resembles wet sand.
- Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a deep, 9 1/2-inch pie dish. It should feel like you’re building a sandy fortress.
- Bake the crust until it’s firm, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, take it out and immediately sprinkle the bittersweet chocolate over the bottom. Pop it back in the oven for just a minute more to melt.
- Spread the melted chocolate in a thin layer along the bottom and up the sides. Let this cool on a wire rack while you move on to the filling.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Set up a double boiler and melt the semisweet chocolate with butter, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This is your spicy pumpkin concoction.
- Whisk about a third of the pumpkin mix into the melted chocolate. Once smooth, whisk in the remaining pumpkin mixture until fully combined.
- Place your pie dish on a rimmed baking sheet, then pour the pumpkin-chocolate mix into the crust. The anticipation should be building right about now.
- Bake until the center is set but still slightly wobbly, roughly 55 to 60 minutes. Let it cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, melt the milk chocolate and drizzle it over the chilled pie, creating tempting ribbons of sweetness. Serve immediately and watch the magic unfold.
Cook’s Notes
This pie is a breeze, but here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. When pressing the crust into the pie dish, make sure you really pack it down to avoid crumbling later. Letting the pie chill overnight isn’t just a suggestion — it’s a non-negotiable. The flavors deepen, and the texture becomes perfectly set. If your pie cracks a little, don’t sweat it. That chocolate drizzle will cover a multitude of sins, plus a little imperfection just adds to the homemade charm.
Make It Your Own
Here are a few twists to make this pie uniquely yours:
- Swap the graham cracker crumbs for gingersnaps to add an extra spicy kick.
- For a nutty twist, add a thin layer of chopped pecans on top of the melted chocolate layer in the crust.
- Replace semisweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa hit.
- Sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the milk chocolate drizzle for a sweet-salty combo.
If you try this, I’d love to hear how it turns out — drop a comment or tag me! I’m already dreaming about that first bite.
Related update: Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Related update: Gluten-Free Pressed Lemon Butter Cookies
It was one of those dreary Tuesday afternoons — the kind that has you reaching for something sweet and comforting. And there I was, standing in my kitchen, craving something indulgent yet simple, when I remembered the half-used bag of sweetened coconut tucked away in the pantry. Enter: Coconut Macaroons with Chocolate Drizzle. This recipe is a delightful blend of chewy coconut goodness and rich chocolate, and the best part? You can whip it up with just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for last-minute cravings or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Jump to Recipe
What You’ll Need
Honestly, you probably have most of these ingredients lounging around your kitchen, just waiting to be transformed into something magical.
- 1 cup of flour
- 3 cups of sweetened coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- Optional: melted semi-sweet chocolate for drizzling
How to Make Coconut Macaroons With Chocolate Drizzle
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the moment to get your anticipation—and your oven—nice and toasty.
- In a large bowl, toss together the flour, coconut, and salt. Get in there with a spoon and make sure everything is mingling well.
- In a smaller bowl, mix the vanilla with the can of sweetened condensed milk. This mixture is your sweet elixir; make sure it’s smooth and unified.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir together with a wooden spoon or your hands until you have a thick, sticky batter. Resist the urge to use a mixer unless it’s on the lowest speed—trust me on this, you don’t want a coconut explosion.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will be your best friend for easy cleanup and perfect macaroons.
- Using a big spoon or an ice cream scooper, scoop generous mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Aim for consistency in size so they bake evenly.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, keeping a close eye. You’re looking for that beautiful golden hue and a toasty coconut aroma.
- Once out of the oven, let them cool a bit. Then, get artsy with your melted chocolate drizzle. Alternatively, dip them halfway in chocolate for a more decadent treat.
Cook’s Notes
These macaroons are all about that rich, chewy texture with a hint of crispiness on the edges. Make sure not to over-mix your batter; just a few good turns to incorporate everything will do. If you make them ahead, they store well in an airtight container for up to a week—though I bet they’ll disappear much sooner. For freezing, allow them to cool completely and store in layers separated by parchment paper.
Make It Your Own
- Chocolate Lovers: Double up on the chocolate by mixing mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Nuts for Nuts: Add chopped almonds or macadamia nuts for a delightful crunch.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the wet mixture for a zesty surprise.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry mix for a warm, spiced flavor.
If you try this, I’d love to hear how it turns out — drop a comment or tag me! Whether you stick to the classic or put your twist on it, these macaroons are sure to hit the sweet spot.
Related update: Coconut Macaroons With Chocolate Drizzle
Related update: Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Related update: Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp