Good morning, friends! I hope this note finds you well and enjoying your summer. I am feeling fully settled and back in the swing of things after our trip, and dipping my toe back into work (recipe development) a bit, after taking a little time off. I made a version of chickpea fries last night for a client, and ended up eating them folded into tacos, which was actually really good (sort of like how you guys in California like fries in your burritos, maybe the most genius thing to come out of The Golden State, above maybe even the iPhone). Note to self: share a chickpea fry recipe soon, promise!
Otherwise, things have been pretty low-key around here. I made a conscious choice to fully embrace slow living this summer, and I’m happy to report, so far so good. We’ve visited local farms, our community pool and lake, roasted vegan s’mores by the firepit, explored Liberty Science Center and, of course, have taken plenty of family walks in nature. Recently, we went hiking with my brother in law, who showed us Ghost Pipes, an apparently rare perennial plant that pops up in my area in early July. Apparently they can be foraged and turned into a tincture for pain relief and anxiety, though I haven’t attempted that yet (for all my interest in natural medicine, I’m still pretty nervous about consuming wild plants since I’m far from a foraging expert).
I digress. Here are a few things I’m loving lately:
We just started watching Jury Duty and I was practically screaming laughing a few times during episode 2. Haven’t enjoyed a new comedy this much in a long time. Speaking of great, funny shows - the latest season of perennial favorite It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is hilarious, as always.
I really love the 1000 Hours Outside podcast, and this episode on untangling our worth from productivity really resonated with me (plus I love her thoughts on staying creative within the margins of motherhood).
I just finished Pineapple Street and thought it was a fun, easy beach read. An entertaining look at the inner lives of an elite, uber-wealthy New York City family.
I’ve been putting this Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce on everything and can say I’m fully obsessed. It doesn’t taste smoky like American barbecue sauce, just a great umami, salty hit to whatever you’re eating. I especially love it drizzled on rice bowls, baked sweet potatoes and tofu.
Totally fascinated/overwhelmed by discoveries like this: Ripples Across Space.
Have you signed up for Threads yet? I have posted a few times and so far, I like it a lot! It feels refreshing to not have the pressure to be constantly sharing photos and videos that exists on other platforms.
I can’t wait to return to Maine later this summer, and this list of 101 Reasons to Love Summer in Maine is getting me even more excited!