Comfort, Connection, and Community: A Self-Care Sunday Journey
This past weekend, as snow blanketed everything in sight, I found myself leaning into the cozy comfort of warm, hearty foods. It was the kind of weekend that called for slow cooking, simmering pots, and dishes that warmed both the body and soul. From Thursday night through Sunday, my kitchen became a haven of experimentation, a place where successes and flops came together to create something meaningful.
Flop to Fix: The Tale of Shredded Beef Tacos
On Thursday night, I decided to tackle slow-cooked shredded beef tacos. Feeling inspired, I aimed for a little "Iron Chef" creativity, throwing a pinch of this and a splash of that into the mix. I even added a dash of red wine to deglaze the pan after searing the beef, thinking it would add the perfect depth of flavor.
Boy, was I wrong.
Here’s a gentle reminder: always take a sip of the wine before adding it to your food. This rookie mistake led to a sauce that was… well, terrible. By the time the four-pound cut of beef had simmered for hours, it was late, and I called it a night, vowing to fix it the next day.
Friday came, and I poured the sauce into a pot, simmering it down with orange juice (because I read it somewhere) and chicken stock (because I didn’t have beef stock). Miraculously, I saved dinner. While the shredded beef tacos didn’t look as appealing as I’d hoped, I put my heart into them. Cooking isn’t always perfect, and that’s okay. But wasting food—especially something as costly as beef—hits hard.
Culinary Wins: White Bean Chicken Chili and French Toast
Saturday brought redemption in the form of white bean chicken chili. This dish couldn’t have gone smoother. It reminded me that, yes, I am a decent cook. My fridge staples—bell peppers, cabbage, onions, garlic, ginger, and broccoli—often form the base for endless variations of meals. On this day, my chili became a comforting, flavorful triumph.
As the chili simmered, I prepared an overnight French toast in a bundt pan. By Sunday morning, it was ready for the oven. After baking, it stubbornly refused to set, but flipping it onto a cookie sheet and baking it for another 10 minutes did the trick. While it rested, I whipped up a fresh blueberry sauce—easily the culinary highlight of my weekend.
Later, I plated the French toast with care on my wedding china, capturing a photo that reinforced the effort and love I put into cooking. Photography—even with just my iPhone—is my way of celebrating the beauty in everyday moments, especially when it comes to food.
A Reflection on Giving Back
While I filled my family’s plates with comfort this weekend, I couldn’t help but think about those who don’t have the same opportunity. Life is hard for so many, and hunger is a devastating challenge. Making an annual donation to a food bank isn’t enough; regular support is crucial. One idea I’m considering is a monthly pantry purge—donating items that are going untouched to help those in need.
My thoughts also turned to families struggling to care for their pets. Too often, financial hardship forces families to surrender their animals to shelters or abandon them. That’s why I regularly support my local rescue shelter by fulfilling items on their Amazon and Chewy wish lists and donating towels and blankets. These small acts make a big difference, and I encourage you to consider doing the same.
Decluttering and Rediscovering Joy
Another focus this weekend was clearing out cabinets and closets. I started with games my kids no longer play, posting them on a local Buy Nothing page. Many were snapped up quickly, but I also rediscovered a few that will make their way back into our family game night rotation. I even suggested my daughter host a game night with friends, though I wondered if it might be a "lame" idea.
As a Gen X kid, I grew up on board games, landline calls, and Saturday morning cartoons. My childhood was far from easy—we relied on government cheese and shared bathwater in a rented house that barely held us. Those memories shaped me, fueling my passion for helping underserved families today.
Growth in the Everyday
This weekend was a mix of food, family, and reflection—a reminder that growth doesn’t have to come from grand gestures. It’s in the meals we make, the spaces we clear, and the kindness we show to ourselves and others. As Andy Grammer sings in Grow:
"You gotta grow, love yourself and be kind, water your soul. Celebrate, find your light…"
Let’s water our souls and help others grow, one small action at a time. Whether it’s donating to a food bank, supporting a rescue shelter, or simply savoring a meal with loved ones, every effort counts. What’s one way you’ll grow this week?