Welcome to Cooking Stuff. What are you doing next Saturday, October 28th? We have a seat open for our backyard dinner and would love for you to join us. Grab a ticket below and send me an email with any questions you have. Can’t make it? Tell a friend ❤️🔥
“So, what’s your plan? Do you want to open a restaurant?”
Since starting my supper club I get asked that almost weekly. It’s a harmless and logical question to ask but it creates this panic in me that I’m not doing enough. I have spent nights ruminating on restaurant ideas and debating how many dinners I can do before my neighbors start to complain. When I bring myself back down to reality and focus on what is right in front of me, I am reminded that I am doing enough. In fact, I just got started on this new venture and giving it all my attention is what I should be doing right now.
I had that same panicked feeling when Marco and I walked through a house for sale in our neighborhood. Four beds four baths, double the size of our house. “This is the size our next house should be…when we have kids.” Cue the Zillow searches. Hello, we just moved into our house which is beautiful, perfect for us, and just fine to start a family in. But we both couldn’t help it.
There is a constant pull all around us for more. I don’t think it is all bad but focusing too much on what’s next, you miss what’s right in front of you. Like when I was running into the gym for my Zoom yoga class, a giant woosh flew over my head from the oak tree. It was an owl about a foot above me but I only got to see him fly away. Since then I have been walking outside and scanning the yard for animals, trying to be present. It really is gorgeous.
I now noticed this with media, not just social media, but newsletters too. The constant consumption of someone else’s life is making me feel sad. Sad that my life isn’t like theirs. Then when I close my computer I’m instantly reminded of how perfect the present is, right in front of me.
Cooking has always brought me back down to earth. It requires both hands and all your senses. Listening for a sizzle, smelling toasted nuts, and flipping over a piping hot steak to check the sear. I have started to enjoy cooking a lot more with the pressure of sharing the experience removed. Just cooking in the moment and enjoying the results.
This week I’m loving my One Pan Brussels Sprout Bowl. Remember this recipe? I have cooked every night for the last two weeks and this was a lifesaver recipe. One pan, about an hour-ish, and so good I was happy to eat it for lunch the next day. I made brown rice in the rice cooker to go with it too! It’s very fall and I plan to make it again soon.
California becomes the first state to ban 4 food additives linked to disease – It’s about time.
18 Highly Affordable Dining Options in Los Angeles – A timely article since we are trying to save money eating out. Joy and Homestate are on our affordable rotation.
I don’t know if I like this podcast…but I liked this episode and the behind-the-scenes chat about recipe development.
Loads of googly eyes to decorate for Halloween!
Granola!
A very fall version. I’m going to make a bold statement that pecans are one of my favorite nuts. When they are toasted their light crunch is like nothing else, seriously. So this granola has pecans, sliced almonds, oats, lots of seeds, and raisins. It’s sweetened with maple syrup and flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. But it is not cinnamon-y or nutmeg-y. There is just a little kind of fall spice in the background.
If you have never made granola, welcome! It is very easy and worth the minimal effort. I like mine extra crispy and toasted so that’s how I make it. You can switch and swap ingredients for sure. Oh, and there is egg white in this recipe. It may sound weird but when baked it gets extra crunchy making this granola have excellent crunch. Give it a try, you’ll like it.
P.S. Granola makes a great gift for the holidays!