It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to write a Sunday Morning Coffee post. These originated as a centering moment in my week, reflecting on some of the highlights in reading and links, and planning the meals for the week ahead. Since November, my weeks and weekends haven’t been very settled. The close of the academic semester, the public schools shifting to a fully remote schedule, and dealing with the emotional and logistical fallout of the pandemic has been overwhelming at times. Not only haven’t I had interesting things to share in terms of reading and cooking, but I didn’t have the mental energy to show up anywhere that wasn’t my school or my kids’.
I’ve been able to take a bit of a break over the last few days. Last week, leading up to Christmas, was more restful than most, but I found I was picking up a lot of the slack I’d let out in the first two weeks of December, both in terms of academic work not related to courses, but also getting ready for Christmas and plugging in to spending time with my family.
With all of that, there have still been a lot of wins. Here is what I’ve been reading and enjoying lately:
What I’ve Been Reading Recently
A chef shares his experience of losing his tastebuds after COVID.
What food is cultural appropriation?
“Happiest Season’s” movie trailer could be the new favorite holiday movie.
What black history should have already taught us about American democracy.
The U.S.’s social safety net is women.
And on a related note, this podcast episode.
Quotes to help you slow down.
Holiday cooking:
Fudge chocolate brownie cookies
What I’ve Been Cooking This Week
Sunday: Spaghetti & meatballs with roasted cauliflower on the side
Monday: Rustic quiche from the Modern Country Cooking cookbook
Tuesday: Sun-dried tomato and chicken pasta, green beans
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Christmas Eve (with my two sisters, the only ones in my bubble): shrimp cocktail, mini crab cakes, bacon-wrapped scallops, Christmas cookies
Friday: Christmas lunch (again, with my sisters)
Saturday: Ham steaks, scalloped potatoes, roasted broccoli
Coming up this week:
- Tofu stir fry with bell peppers & snow peas
- Chicken piccata
- New Year’s Eve menu TBD
