Flavorful Friday: Nourish Your Body, Feed Your Soul

We made it to the end of the week—Flavorful Friday! For some, surviving the week might mean going out for a drink. Others might prefer to hunker down with a bowl of popcorn in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Whether you want to go fancy or keep it chill, Flavorful Friday is about finding joy in food, however you define it. 

For me, it’s all about keeping it simple. Of course, “simple” means different things to different people. For me, it’s opening the produce drawer and knowing that if I have a few fresh veggies, I can turn them into something delicious. That’s what led me to the veggie chow mein recipe I posted earlier today. It’s easy, flavorful, and came together in less than an hour. 

I try to avoid processed foods most of the time, but I’m not a purist. Sitting in my freezer, you’ll always find a few packages of Stouffer’s macaroni and cheese. Have you tried it? It’s comfort food perfection when you’re short on time and need a quick, satisfying fix. 

Flavorful Friday isn’t about fancy recipes or takeout indulgence. It’s about taking care of yourself by feeding your body and nourishing your soul. Maybe that means recreating your favorite restaurant dish at home, or maybe it’s picking up pre-cut veggies or frozen ingredients to save time. Sometimes, cutting corners is the secret to making cooking enjoyable instead of stressful. 

The Quest for Corn Soufflé: A Family Tradition

Let me tell you about the great Corn Soufflé Crisis of a few years ago. Stouffer’s, in their infinite wisdom, decided to retire (not discontinue, because there’s still hope!) their beloved corn soufflé—a dish that had been a staple at our family gatherings for years. Cue the collective panic. 

Determined to keep the tradition alive, my family embarked on a mission to recreate it. And when I say “mission,” I mean we tried at least ten different recipes before finally finding one that came close to the Stouffer’s version. Now, two years in, it’s become our go-to, and we still get rave reviews. 

Here’s the key: don’t skimp on the heavy whipping cream. The original recipe we found called for milk or half and half, but let me tell you—this is not the time to cut back on fat content. If you want that rich, creamy soufflé goodness, heavy whipping cream is the hero your taste buds deserve. 

Link here to the recipe (Grandma’s Corn Pudding) so you can decide for yourself if it’s worthy of a spot at your next gathering. But trust me, this is one dish where “full fat” is non-negotiable—it’s practically a love language. 

The Gift of Sharing (and Cooking)

One thing I consistently do is double my recipes. If I love something, I know I might not always have time to recreate it, so I make extra. Beyond that, I’m grateful to have the ability to put food on the table, and I love finding ways to pay it forward. 

For instance, I have a wonderful friend of 15+ years who’s a busy mom to an equally busy teenager. She’s often the recipient of my extra meals, and if I can make her life a little less stressful by taking dinner off her plate (pun intended), then I will. What’s great about this friend is her honesty—she’ll tell me if my soup doesn’t taste the same as the first batch I sent her! And you know what? I’ll take that feedback and make sure the next batch lives up to her expectations. That’s what friendship and sharing are all about. 

Cooking at Home vs. Takeout

Time and time again, I hear people say they just don’t cook. “It’s easier to get takeout or have food delivered.” While that’s convenient, I’ll admit I’m weirdly particular when it comes to how food is handled.  (Call it OCD, call it intuition—I just pay attention!) If someone is handling food carelessly in plain sight, I can’t help but wonder what’s happening behind the scenes. Cooking at home gives me peace of mind, knowing exactly what’s going into my meals. Plus, I never get sick from eating my own cooking—just saying! 

Another reason I love cooking at home? It’s a great opportunity to teach kids life skills. If they’re willing to be useful in the kitchen, I’m happy to let them take the lead. It’s not just about making a meal—it’s about preparing them for life. 

When kids learn basic food preparation, handling, and cooking skills, it’s empowering. It gives them the confidence to whip up something more nutritious than Ramen packets or pizza rolls when they’re out on their own. And let’s be honest, cooking a real meal is bound to impress their friends or dormmates. They don’t call it the “freshman 15” for nothing—knowing how to make a healthy, home-cooked meal can make a huge difference when they’re navigating life on their own. 

The Joy of Trying New Things

One of my favorite ways to try new recipes is by asking friends to share their family favorites. A colleague of mine from an island near Guam once gave me her recipe for chicken kelaguin. It called for fresh coconut, which was outside my comfort zone—my only experience with coconut was the sweetened, bagged kind in the baking aisle. Determined to make it authentic, I bought a fresh coconut, spent what felt like eight years cracking and shredding it, only to learn later that I could have bought pre-shredded coconut in the frozen section. Who knew? Despite the effort, the dish was incredible. I served it over rice, but my colleague wraps hers in tortillas. 

Chicken Kelaguin

The lesson? Be open to trying new things. Simple doesn’t have to mean boring or predictable. Sometimes, a little adventure in the kitchen leads to discovering a new favorite dish—or even a new family tradition. 

 Set the Mood: A Flavorful Friday Playlist

Cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about creating a vibe. For me, instrumental music sets the perfect tone in the kitchen. Here’s a playlist of a few of my own favorites to inspire your next cooking session:

Two Cellos – “Smooth Criminal”

Vitamin String Quartet – “Shut Up and Dance”

Lindsey Stirling – “Crystallize”

Explosions in the Sky – “Your Hand in Mine” 

Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble – “Arabian Waltz” 

Piano Guys – “A Thousand Years”

Your Turn: What’s Your Flavorful Friday Story?

So, what’s your Flavorful Friday story? Is there a restaurant near you with a dish you can’t live without? Have you ever tried recreating it at home? Or maybe you’ve found a way to simplify a family recipe into something that works for your busy week. 

Cooking is about more than just food—it’s about connection, creativity, and nourishment for both body and soul. Whether you’re making a feast or a simple snack, I’d love to hear what’s on your plate today. Let’s keep it simple, soulful, and delicious.