✨Latkes
+ January class schedule & gift classes for the holidays
These last few weeks of the year had been challenging for a long time. Even when I was smiling, decorating the house, shopping for gifts and baking gingerbread houses with the kids, the hole in my heart created by loss always left me feeling hollow where it mattered most. It’s a reminder you never know what someone you encounter is actually going through.
When someone is unkind or rude and I'm having a level-headed moment, I try to remember they just may be wearing how they’re feeling outwardly instead of masking it to keep up appearances. This year, like last year, is different. I’m eager and excited.
The countdown is on now. Only four more days left of work before a much needed 10 days off. In five days Bella comes home from college for the winter break. In 18 days Matthew and I celebrate our second wedding anniversary on New Year’s Day.
We tend to think of life in years but there are 365 days filled with thousands of micro moments that fill up the story of our lives. Some moments nourish us, fueling us forward another day. Other moments drain our life force, challenging us to the depths of our soul. In the end, my hope is these balance each other out even if balance isn’t visible when I’m in the thick of it all.
One more moment coming up soon that I’m excited to share with my family is Hanukkah. It’s even more special this year because it begins two nights after Bella comes home. Last year Hanukkah fell before her winter break began, and while we would FaceTime almost every night to light candles together, nothing replaces being together.
This year, there’ll be all three menorahs steadily growing in glorious light as we add a new candle each evening. Latkes will be on repeat, as will homemade doughnuts. And just as Hanukkah ends, we will welcome the peace and solitude of Christmas Day. I live in so many worlds, often feeling like I belong to all of them and none of them simultaneously.
I used to think I had to choose. Now I know it’s all part of that collection of moments making up the story of me. Be well, and remember to be kind. –xo, j.
p.s. recipe for my latkes is below the new class schedule.
January Classes are live, and ready for sign ups!
Sunday, January 8th - Sunday Sauce
Growing up, Sundays were always red sauce for dinner (not to be confused with gravy which is an hours long affair, filled with braised meats). In this class, we’ll be making beef ricotta meatballs (with a vegetarian option) and my favorite tomato sauce, complete with a seasonal vegetable side and 2-ingredient chocolate mousse for dessert.
Class is limited to 12 people, and the $25 fee includes recipes & class recording.
Sunday, January 22nd - A Cozy Winter Meal
Winter is all about comforting meals, and who doesn’t love a good stew? This hearty vegetarian meal will quickly become a winter staple, plus I’ll share a tip on how to beef it up to also satisfy the meat eaters in your life. Mushroom Bourguignon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Pavlovas with Microwave Lemon Curd.
Tip: cauliflower works great in place of potatoes for the mash if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.
Class is limited to 12 people, and the $25 fee includes recipes & class recording.
The recipe related to this post is available for paid subscribers only. Join hundreds of other subscribers now for only $5/month or $30/year (that’s six months free!). Quarterly e-cookbooks are an additional benefit of paid membership.