During this week's episode of Counting On, Jana Duggar, Jessa (Duggar) Seewald, Jinger Duggar, and Joy Duggar pick up ingredients at Harps Foods for Jessa's fall feast. On the day of the feast, Jessa scrambles to put the turkeys in the oven before her sisters arrive to help her prepare the rest of the meal.
Jessa admits that she rarely cooked when she lived at home. "Jill and Jana were so good at it, and it was so easy for them," says the new mom. Now that she's married, she cooks a full meal a couple times a month. The rest of the time, she and Ben, who are focusing on saving money, snack on foods such as yogurt and eggs.
Take a look at the videos below, and click here to read our recap of the show. (Hey, that rhymes!)
Shopping For A Duggar Fall Feast
Jessa Cooks For the Family
Photo/videos courtesy TLC/PEOPLE
I felt pretty sorry for Ben when she talked about not cooking many meals. Remember when his sisters taught her how to make his favorites?
ReplyDeleteBen could always cook some of his favorite meals if he wants them.
DeleteYeah but Ben should cook too. I get that she is a stay at home mom though and Spurgie will need those home cooked meals. So maybe hopefully, she will progress in that area.
DeleteI'm sure Ben isn't starving, and if he wants more home cooked meals he could cook!
DeleteYeah, but those sisters won't always be around to help her cook. Besides; as long as they have a relationship with God, he will provide for them.
DeleteNaw… she should be cooking for her husband. There's no excuse not to.
DeleteBut the question remains--what does Jessa do with all her free time at home?
DeleteJess is just joking when she says that. I'm sure Ben is quite taken care of and she is a perfectly capable cook. Wow, everyone find something more important to worry about!
DeleteIt's a wonder they didn't all get food poisoning. A ton of food handling and hygiene procedures were broken during that cooking segment! Don't these girls know better?
ReplyDeleteI know Jessa got dinnerware for wedding presents. Her registry items were fulfilled. I see a dishwasher. Yet they ate on plastic plates with plastic utensils AGAIN. You'd think that if you had to eat on your lap, a real plate and real silverware would help matters.
ReplyDeleteWhy did she ask for those presents, if all she & Ben really need are some plastic spoons for their yogurt?
Maybe they always use disposable when the cameras come so they don't have to wash dishes? IDK. It is a bit weird.
DeleteCooking is not rocket science.
ReplyDeleteCooking is soooooo easy! If you can read, you can cook anything (and if you can't read all it takes is trial and error).
DeleteIt felt so good to see them all together (well almost all of them) at the end. I
ReplyDeletenow also wish it was centered on the whole family; however, I am grateful for being able to see them in this way anyhow - I will take what I can get. Glad to have them back!
Lots of newlyweds that don't have experience cooking eat this way in the beginning. If Jessa and Ben get one of those inexpensive grill presses and make grilled chicken some veggies and salad it can be easy and healthy. There are so many great ideas on the internet I'm sure they'll get the hang of it.
ReplyDeleteShe cooks a couple times a month!? I thought Duggar views on gender roles were that men work outside the home and women cook, clean and raise the children?
ReplyDeleteI must agree I thought the same thing!
DeleteWhy doesn't Ben cook?
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn't Jessa cook?
DeleteMy thoughts too. He doesn't have a regular -go to work everyday-job. He's home as much as Jessa so why can't he pull out the recipes and cook? Jessa was bragging about not changing diapers when Spurgeon was born ( Ben's job) so why not be in charge of family meals?
DeleteHopefully they would feed their baby more nutritious meals 😞
ReplyDeleteAdvice for Ben that my husband received when we first got married, if she makes something nasty you need to tell her and be honest, offer suggestions on what would taste better or what she could do different. If you don't and tell her it's great when it really isn't, you're gonna be eating that nasty stuff for the next 40, 50, 60 years. You don't help her, you or anyone else by lying to her, tell her the truth. My husband followed that advice and after 8 years of marriage my husband loves every dish I make now and says I cook better than anyone he's ever known and if there's ever a bad one he tells me and I fix it. If you're worried about hurting her feelings you don't have to be ugly to get your point across, she's not gonna bite your head off or cry, she'll probably appreciate the honesty.
ReplyDeleteYass!Love your comment!
DeleteI totally understand not cooking very many meals. When you don't have children yet, it's easy to snack instead of cook. As Spurgeon gets older, she will start to cook more. We are once again in the snacking phase, as my son is 5 and is very content with a sandwich, fruit, and a veggie and my daughter is only 5 months, so I'm more focused on getting the calories I need quickly through snacking while I'm nursing her. It's a season of life that will pass! (And my husband cooks on his days off- he enjoys it, and he has the time to do it!
ReplyDeleteJess , pull out a cook book . The instructions are there . Many easy easy and budget friendly meals you can make that you don't need to be a genius at . I know under all that prettiness is some brains . You can do this Jess . Your man will love ya for it. You can't just exist on koos koos and snacks . Soon when it's time your baby will need healthy full meals . Start practicing now !! Smh . Love you and your family tons ,, this is pityful to think its ok just to cook a few meals a month . And just eat snacks when your hungry . Your hubby and baby deserve better or a better reason why you can't .
ReplyDeleteI think you mean couscous.
Deletecouscous
DeleteWhy do so many feel compelled to correct spelling? It's rude and could hurt people's feelings. It's not your place to correct anyone's spelling but your own children or your students, if you are a teacher.
DeleteI'm glad someone came back on & spelled it out. Was wondering myself what koos koos was! Sounded like some Australian bird or something.
DeleteIf he gets hungry enough he can make some meals.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the Proverbs 31 woman's husband cooks his own meals. Don't these women aspire to be the Proverbs 31 woman?
DeleteThey ARE aspiring to be the best they can be. It doesn't hinge on food.
DeleteAs long as it's her job to "stay home," she should be doing the cooking. Or at least a large majority of it.
DeleteI think Ben knew exactly what Jessa would and would not do. She comes off as a bit of a princess.
ReplyDeletePractice makes perfect. And it's not like he expects her to be the perfect cook. But this not cooking because she isn't that good at it. Or because she doesn't know how. I must confess. I am a bit ashamed of her. I have been a new mom and wife before. I still gave it my best shot. And let me tell you. I learned by trial and error what works and what doesnt. We ate a few burned meals. But now my friends and family enjoy what I cook and my husband makes request.
ReplyDeleteIt takes time to learn those cooking skills. Jess will have to cook more as time goes on.Some day she will be over the stove day and night. Good luck Jessa someday you will enjoy it. God bless ya.
ReplyDeleteHow could someone in such a large family not learn how to cook, but I will say that not everyone has the talent. I am a good baker, but no matter how hard I try, my vegetables and meat taste bland; even after following recipes. Good cooks are a gift from the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Jessa's skipping cooking dinner because they're saving money...I got the distinct impression last night that she doesn't want to cook, nor is she particularly good at it. Which is no revelation - she's said that herself many times before.
ReplyDeletePretty sad for her husband. Most men really coming home from work to a delicious hot meal.
DeleteI don't know why they sell those flimsy turkey pans in stores. Every time I see someone try to lift one, there's a near-disaster with hot juices. Last night was no exception. Those pans are a danger. They ought to come with a warning. Better yet, not be sold at all. Surely TLC could have found Jessa 2 decent roasting pans to use, along with a sturdy casserole pan for the beans, knowing the skill level of the cooks. Were they waiting to catch a bad moment? Because they almost did!
ReplyDeleteAnd those roasting bags come with very clear picture instructions about flouring and cutting slits. Jana knew. The film crew didn't bother to stop Jessa from a near-disaster there, too.
Josie looked adorable with her hair up! I think shes going to be beautiful like her Mom when she grows up.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to like Jessa. I'm also quite horrible cook, although I know that it is good for your health to eat at least one proper warm meal every day... and I love butter, too! lol
ReplyDeleteButter is not so good, try to eat it the least the possible!
DeleteActually that's a myth that butter's not good for you, leftover from where fat was really "demonized," for lack of a better word. All in moderation, of course, but everyone needs some fat in their diet, and butter's a good natural source!
DeleteLoved the show!
ReplyDeletePlease more of Michelle and Jim Bob and the younger kids!!!
You can still save money - and eat well! That is just ridiculous. Honestly, sometimes the Duggars do not do themselves a favour in the public eye. They could actually show how to eat well on a budget.
ReplyDeleteEating well on a budget takes planning, shopping, and cooking skills that Jessa has obviously not chosen to learn. It's going to catch up with her. She's not going to be able to run a household with children very well without knowing those things. I'm surprised Grandma isn't stepping in to teach her. Grandma could be a good mentor, having struggled financially when her own kids were young.
DeleteChicken breasts and steamed or roasted vegetables are inexpensive, easy to prepare, and totally nutritious. What's so hard?
DeleteI watched it today on my phone for free using the app Discovery Go. https://www.discoverygo.com/jill-jessa-counting-on/at-home-away/
ReplyDeleteIf he has favorite meals he can cook them too. Women are not the only ones who have to cook, even if she is a stay at home mom. Everyone needs to do what works for their family. She may have other strengths and maybe Ben will end up the chef...or maybe eating simpler foods (rather than casseroles) is the right answer for them.
ReplyDeleteWell it seems like he is on diaper duty when he is home so maybe she should be cooking...
DeleteMaybe she's cleaning the house. He doesn't just get to change diapers and that it. Geez
DeleteIt seems like TLC provided the food for the meal so that is why they could finally have Jessa's family over. So it seems like Ben and Jessa are really struggling financially up to this point.Jessa said it is kind of terrible, what did she mean? Terrible to not be able to afford food to cook? Summer is coming so I would think they could buy some seeds and plant a garden on their yard. Gardens are lots of work but they yield good food to eat.
ReplyDeleteThe Duggars are VERY wealthy
DeleteSo true...the adult children are very wealthy as well. They have all been paid handsomely for all the People Magazine covers and TV specials.
DeleteSomebody buy her a subscription to emeals. Get their budget plan. Write down your favorites until you have a couple dozen.
ReplyDeleteWas so happy about the premiere!!
ReplyDeleteAre u guys back on TLC?? O gosh i hope so..been missing seeing the show for a long while now...
ReplyDeleteenjoyed seeing the older kids last night but really was upset that jim bob and michelle was only seen for a very few minutes and had no real dialogue. they are the core of this family and this show and we want ALL the duggars. we want jim bob and michelle, the little kids (especially in video interviews like on the old show), and josh too. it would so interesting to see how josh and sweet anna walk through this time. just makes no sense that all the duggars are not on the show.
ReplyDeleteI hate auto correct, just as my message is slipping away in the send phase I see the strange 'corrections'!
DeleteHey that rhymes!lol. I bet that was Ellie... am I right?
ReplyDeleteYep, that was me. :)
DeleteEllie
Lily/Ellie🌸🌼🌻🌹
ReplyDeleteCould you please get the duggar turkey recipe? Those turkeys looked good!
Oh Jessa, time to start getting busy at home and teach yourself how to cook!
ReplyDeleteMaking couscous isn't cooking. It;s about as easy as boiling water.
ReplyDeleteI know - I laughed - my husband takes that backpacking because it requires no cooking!
DeleteI'm hoping there was someone watching sweet Spurgeon while he was sleeping in Ben and Jessa's bed. There are ways to make cosleeping safer but the pillows and blankets are suffocation risks. SIDS is such a terrible tragedy and it's a shame Counting On is showing a child sleeping in a situation that leaves him more vulnerable to that risk.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. I thought the same thing but didn't "blog" thinking it I would be attacked for being critical. Also--no safety rails on the bed. He's old enough to roll right off onto hard wood flooring. Totally unsafe.
DeleteThat scene of Spurgeon asleep in the adult bed made me nervous, too.
DeleteAmy, I totally agree with you, but you know there are going to be people who will say the Duggars have raised enough kids to know what they're doing, plus they were RIGHT THERE... But you are 100% correct about that sleeping arrangement not being safe. Crib, on the back, no soft items around is the rule. I know that & I don't even have a baby.
DeletePeople have done cosleeping since the beginning of time. It's not a big deal. People will complain about anything.
DeleteDidn't watch Counting On. Several friends who watched said the program was so boring they decided never to watch again. I very much appreciated my friends assessment of this program & I too, will not watch. Grateful the NCAA tournament is now going on. Far more interesting than watching the boring Duggars. Re the Duggars, I would rather watch paint dry. They are NO MINISTRY just using "ministry" as a tool to hide Greed & Need for Fame. It's too Obvious.
ReplyDeleteFor someone who's so "bored" by the Duggars, you sure took the time to come here and comment. Why so bitter?
DeleteThe second video did not play for me.
ReplyDeleteThey all looked great and enjoyed their time together. Wonderful to see them doing well.
ReplyDeleteI have a fear that Jessa and Ben might not provide their children with enough of a structured atmosphere if they do not have a consistent mealtime. The Bible says give the children their food at the proper time. They should begin now to sit down to wholesome meals and form this good habit.
ReplyDeleteIt is not going to get easier as time goes on and their are more children to care for, I see that household getting disorganized and frantic then. Consistent patterns of good habits are what they need to develop or find Nanny 911's phone number.
Some people are so adamant about how things should or shouldn't be done. There's more than one way to do things!
DeleteWise advice. Jessa should pay attention to this.
DeleteDon't stress it, Anonymous 5:54 PM. This is a forum for different opinions. Variety is the spice of life.
DeleteNot having dinner at the same time every night does not make a disorganized house! That's hilarious.
DeleteI don't remember Jessa saying that they were trying to save money (must have missed that), but the best way to do that is to eat at home every night, buying the best sale deals at the supermarket for things you can cook yourself. That means baking chickens and turkeys and parts thereof (saving scraps for soup), along with other non-convenience food prep. Give Spurgeon a year or so and she's going to have to be cooking for 3, not 2, and not living on "snacks" or whatever she called what she & Ben eat.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I would like to see those girls make a pot of coffee at home & stop posting pictures of themselves at Starbucks (whose values as a corporation they probably don't support anyway) for over-priced drinks by the cup. They are always going out for coffee, ice cream, donuts, chicken sandwiches, tacos, etc. That's not exactly budget-friendly. Yet they skimp on "real" food at home to save money? Doesn't make sense.
I'm not sure it's any of our business how the girls spend their money. If they like Starbucks coffee, more power to 'em. Obviously they think it's worth the price, and it is, after all, their money.
DeleteThey couldn't possibly like all the Starbucks corporate policies. They patronize Chick-Fil-A because it's closed on Sundays and all that. Starbucks is quite liberal compared to Chick-Fil-A, and if you're anti- things that they are pro- to, then why do you patronize Starbucks?
DeleteLove Jana. She appears very genuine.
ReplyDeleteI wish the best for Jinger. She has such heart and awareness! May God truly bless her.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe people are so outraged over how many times Jessa cooks a month. She's a young wife and mother, it's a lot to balance! As long as Ben doesn't mind, that's all that matters. Besides, he could cook too. It looks like she works really hard to keep her home clean, take good care of her newborn, and still look good! She seems to have lost all the baby weight after just four weeks, so snacking on yogurt and eggs is clearly working for her! Who knows, maybe Ben told her he would rather concentrate on getting her pre-baby body back rather than cook! Growing up she wasn't taught how to make healthy meals on a budget, and Ben is clearly very focused on eating healthy. I can see where it would be easier for her to provide healthy snacks on a budget rather than meals. Plus, if I had to do the dishes after cooking for over 20 people I would certainly use disposable dishes and cutlery too!
ReplyDeleteMaybe all the backlash from the Josh scandal has made going out in public awkward so she never gets to the store? That would be tragic, actually.
DeleteWell, she's buying her yogurt somewhere.
DeleteWhere in the Bible does it say to give children their food at the proper time? Let's not add to God's Word, please. While I do agree that God expects parents to take care of the children He has given them, I do not agree that anyone should put words in God's mouth.
ReplyDeleteJust google it and you will find it, don't get angry. It is there. It says children or household etc depending on the translation.
DeleteI was wondering the same thing about where exactly the Bible gives a schedule for feeding children. We are warned not to add to God's word. Proverbs 30:6. That's getting into dangerous territory.
DeleteI'm surprised that there was another episode about grocery shopping, the "Fall Feast" (whatever that is), and Jessa's lack of basic cooking skills.
ReplyDeleteWas hoping for some fresh content.
I said the same thing and was accused for having an "agenda". Still trying to figure out exactly what that implies as I watched just like everyone else--to see what was new. Turns out nothing...Sheesh!
DeleteI think Jess is just being funny with her cooking comments about snacking on yogurt and all her butter is healthy comments. She is just being funny but it comes off serious. She is probably a very capable cook. I think she just likes to say things when she knows people will fly off the hook over.
ReplyDeleteI don't think she was being funny. She may have flashed those eyes, but you could see that saying that stuff was a little embarrassing (because it sounded weird), and she knew that full well or she wouldn't have made those faces.
DeleteI wondered that also. :)
DeleteIf what you are saying is true...she says things she knows people will fly off the hook over..what does that say about her motives?? I personally don't think she is trying to be funny..and don't find her funny. In fact she has never come across as a particularly warm or friendly person. She is, however, very beautiful. And beautiful women bring ratings.
DeleteWhat exactly is a Fall Feast? Is it a regional thing? Do the Duggar not celebrate Thanksgiving?
ReplyDeleteIt's what you say when you want to make your meal sound extra special. Otherwise, it would just be supper on disposable plates with flimsy forks, all of which will be spending eternity in the landfill.
DeleteI think TLC probably just missed filming for Thanksgiving while they were deciding whether or not they wanted to continue with the Duggars, but thought Jessa cooking a big meal would an interesting episode topic. The Duggar house was all decked out in Christmas already, so it was probably early December when they started filming. They likely instructed Jessa that she would be "cooking" for the family and coached the girls to call it a "Fall Feast." Like any reality show, this show isn't actually reality and hasn't been for a long time.
DeleteThat was a little odd, wasn't it? Joy Anna did refer to it once as "Thanksgiving" in the episode, though.
DeleteYup--I noticed that too. I couldn't figure out if it was over looked in editing or intentional.
DeleteI think what they meant by "fall feast" is just having a ton of food with their family in the fall. Pretty straight forward.
ReplyDeleteAs I read these comments, there is so much judgement and hate! Let the Duggars eat what they want! Jessa may not be the best cook but at least she owns up to it and Ben doesn't seem to mind. He can fend for himself if needed. Being a new mom is tough so having a partner to help make meals is amazing. Good for them!
ReplyDeleteFor all the butter naysayers:
ReplyDeletehttp://draxe.com/top-8-health-benefits-of-butter/
:)
For every study you can find an equal & opposite study, not funded by the butter industry or by any doctor with a book to sell. Butter has plenty of calories in a little space, so it's easy to eat a few hundred extra calories by loading everything up with butter.
DeleteIts not hard to learn to cook. Prepare meals on a small budget. I learned before the Internet by myself with a husband, job,infant and no family to help.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure why having one child and both a stay at home mom and dad can't handle so much more? What do they do for 24 hours a day?
Maybe the younger generation is not used to trying as hard because they have so many cheap fast food or frozen options.