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"No matter how old you get, you always want your mother when you don't feel good."
— UNKOWN
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MAKIN' MAGIC IN THE KITCHEN
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The magic ingredient in cooking is absolutely the love you put into the food. When my kids were growing up and didn’t feel well and took the occasional sick day or mental health day, there were special foods I’d make them. The truth is, there is nothing better than being home with your mother when you’re not feeling great, especially when you get to eat special food that truly transmits love.
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WHO DOESN'T WANT TO STAY HOME SICK WHEN YOUR FOOD IS SERVED ON THIS TRAY?
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Patrick had the same advisor in high school all four years. I was known to call occasionally and let the advisor know Patrick wouldn’t be coming to school that day because of some particular…once in a lifetime experience. At one point the advisor finally said, “I think you have to decide how many of these ‘once in a lifetime experiences’ you’re going to have.” I have to say, it’s one of the best retorts I’ve ever heard, and it certainly stopped me in my tracks that day. But when I look back, I don’t regret those special moments and ways my kids and I created time together. I’m glad I understood the importance of family time and a mental day off.
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MY HEART-WARMING FEEL BETTER SOUP
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For those days, I created this Feel Better Soup that is good for just about anything that ails you. It’s a simple chicken broth—and let’s face it, if you’re able to start with homemade broth, it’s pretty spectacular. Beyond that, the recipe is really easy: include just a bit of rice, so that the soup is mostly broth with bits of carrot, onion, celery, and in the last minute the addition of frozen peas and a sprinkle of Parmesan. I recently made it on the Instagram Stories, and it is not the kind of recipe that I would ordinarily put on the blog, but I was stunned by how many people asked for the recipe. So here it is! I have to say that the magic ingredient is definitely love.
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BULLET TOAST AND HOT COCOA ARE A CURE-ALL
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When I think of foods of love, or dishes my mom fixed that just made me feel better, I think of my mother’s “bullet toast.” I don’t think a person would name it that today, but whatever you name it, it sure pairs well with hot cocoa and marshmallows.
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ANOTHER STAY-HOME-SICK TRAY TO LIFT MY KIDS' SPIRITS
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Since my mom didn’t love to cook, when she and my dad went out, I was allowed to have a 1970’s TV dinner right out of the tray, and you may be surprised to hear I thought it was sublime.
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My mom’s ham salad, for me, was absolutely a food of love: ground ham, dill pickles, high quality mayo, a bit of yellow mustard, plus a little bit of chopped onion and celery. You may have seen me making it last spring, even though it is not a very nocrumbsleft kind of recipe. But that ham salad is all about love and family, and each one of us has recipes like that.
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NOTHING LIKE OUR OCTOPUS PLATES TO LIFT LUCY'S SPIRITS
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Last spring while I was enjoying and sharing that ham salad recipe, a disgruntled follower decided to unfollow for a reason unrelated to the ham salad, and as she exited the nocrumbsleft community, she unceremoniously mentioned, “Just so you know, your mom’s ham salad recipe isn’t all that.” I kind of had to giggle, because of course it isn’t “all that!” I think she sort of missed the point. When food is infused with love, and someone we love makes it, it brings us back to our childhood and heals us, and that’s how I feel about the ham salad. It practically brings me to tears, as food can sometimes do.
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SOMETIMES HEALING CAN BE THIS SIMPLE!
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Other things I loved feeding my kids when they were under the weather included beautiful plates with a little bit of lusciousness like fresh fruit, or a lovely soup on a tray with a cloth napkin and a beautiful spoon. I asked Roy what he liked to make for his daughters when they weren’t feeling well, and he said an old-fashioned grilled cheese with white bread and pre-sliced cheese because, “Everyone loves a sandwich like that.”
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ROY'S CURE-ALL MEAL FOR HIS KIDS
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This week I’ve asked some friends what they love to cook for family or friends who are not feeling well, and some of the answers definitely surprised me. Among this week’s many delicious healing suggestions, we have all kinds of wonderful recipes and suggestions, including a plant-based recipe.
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In this episode, I have a reunion with content creator and brand expert Kevin Masse, who recounts working together when I was at the beginning of my blogging journey. We also discuss showing up on social media as your authentic self, nightly rituals, to drink or not to drink, how to start a major project like his in-home bakery (step by step), and the difference between Pinterest and Instagram. His advice? Be authentic. |
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This episode is in partnership with: CA PRUNES
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We are so delighted when you send us pictures of your pottery. Here, Karen @holdenon2jc sent us a photo of her Molly plates. If you have a gorgeous picture of your pottery you'd like to share, send it our way!
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COSSETTE'S SPINACH AND BEEF STEW
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One my favorite dishes to serve all winter long and especially when my kiddos aren't feeling well is this Lebanese Spinach and Beef Stew served over rice. It's simple, wholesome, comforting, and made with a handful of basic ingredients. Dishes like this evoke such memories of my childhood, and I know my kiddos feel the same comfort each time they smell the rice cooking or the meat simmering. It’s a meal that is sure to make anyone feel better when under the weather. Give this simple recipe a try this season.
Cosette Posko, Photographer, Blogger
@cosetteskitchen
cosetteskitchen.com/spinachbeefstew
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MY GRANDMOTHER'S SMOTHERED OKRA HEALS
THE MIND, BODY, AND SOUL
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My family didn’t serve chicken noodle soup when we wanted something deep in flavor to make you feel better. Growing up with Cajun and Creole roots, a slow cooked meal with hot, steaming broth was more likely to be gumbo than soup. My grandmother’s Smothered Okra is a meal that I truly believe heals the body, the mind, and the soul. When I cook it, the spirits of my mom, my grandmothers, my aunts, and all my ancestors are in the kitchen with me, and who can argue with a meal like that?
Ben Goodly, Food Blogger
@mrgoodlycooks
foodislovemadeedible.com
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Kitchen Sink Cookies Nothing warms the hearts and bellies of the kiddos in my home more than fresh chocolate chip cookies. Those comforting, familiar flavors and sweet morsels of chocolate throughout bring a smile, even on our hardest days. These Kitchen Sink Chocolate Chip Cookies have become a go-to for their adaptability, as we use whatever leftover handful of nuts, oats, chocolates, and mix-ins we have on hand. My daughter loves white chocolate, peppermint, and pretzels, while my boys love M&M's or sprinkles. Make these cookies your own or stick with the oats, pretzel, and chocolate version I've prepared; either way, they're delicious.
Kate Wood, Blogger, Wood and Spoon
@katie_clova
thewoodandspoon.com/
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RECIPE TIN EATS BEEF STROGANOFF
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My oldest was born early on a cold morning in December, so I shouldn’t be surprised that the dish that makes him feel comforted and well-fed is a big bowl of beef stroganoff. We landed on the version found on Recipe Tin Eats. Using a good cut of steak really elevates it. A delicious, tangy Dijon mustard and fresh mushrooms add more complexity. Instead of the chopped chives, we opt for fresh parsley. It’s the dish no one thinks they want until they’re eating it, and then I see a smile wash over their faces.
Alisha Sommer, Director of Marketing
@alisha_sommer
sommersalt.com |
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If any of my loved ones are feeling physically or emotionally down, there’s nothing like serving them a steaming bowl of Masoor Dal and basmati rice. It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl! The lentils cook up beautifully creamy, and there is the perfect blend of warming spices. Feel free to make the dal spicy or mild to your own tastes and that of your family. Masoor Dal Tadka is one of the quickest and simplest dals to make, which is an added bonus if you need to take it easy on yourself too!
Eva Agha, Vegan Food Blogger
@thecuriouschickpea
thecuriouschickpea.com |
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A PERFECT MEAL FOR COMFORT OR CELEBRATION
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DIANE'S LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE
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A Perfect Meal for Comfort or Celebration Few meals are guaranteed to put on smile on my kids’ faces more than chicken cutlets and mac and cheese. Hearty and homey and so nostalgic, they are bound to convince them to always return to my dinner table. These foods from my childhood have become equally special for my own family. If someone doesn't feel well, or if someone is having a bad day--or if they got an excellent grade or made a team--we usually turn to this old reliable meal of chicken cutlets and mac and cheese. It’s the best cure-all and celebratory meal ever!
Diane Morrisey, At Home Cook and Blogger
@dianemorrisey |
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CRUM-BOWLS IN CHERRY BLOSSOM
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This week we are giving away a Crum-bowl on this post. Head over there for details on how to enter. Good Luck!
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Myleik Teele raved about those marinated onions on Instagram, and the book’s cover appealed to my design senses, so I ordered it. Cooking with Teri’s recipe ingredients makes me feel fancy! I love how the recipes are Whole30 friendly and healthful.
Brittany Lyons, Interior Designer
Dallas, Texas
@brittanylyonsart
brittanylyonsart.com
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If you want to be featured here with the cookbook, DM Teri and let her know.
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California Grown Steak Salad! Oh boy, is this delicious! I recently had an agriculture tour virtually...if you can't go to the farm, they bring to you! Read more about it here and make the recipe.
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I've tucked away a little money in a Santa Fund to gift fellow Crumbles pottery who otherwise couldn't afford it. In past years, some of you have wanted to add in a little something. If you would like to chip in any amount, please do so here.
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We are looking for an exceptional part-time team member who is passionate about food and a creative thinker with a real understanding of social media. This Chicago-based team member must have a superpower in note taking, tracking time, and keeping a schedule. If this is you, please email Teri here.
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