I haven’t taken any days off since we moved here, and since the start of school always feels loaded for a multitude of reasons, I took the last few days to reconnect with my kiddos during their transition back to school, and with myself. Rest means different things to everyone, and the ways in which I’m able to rest best are with music, books, and good food. I thought in the event you might find rest in the same ways, I’d dedicate a whole newsletter to what’s been nourishing me this week.
MUSIC
I’ve always been a big fan of Noah Kahan, but Stick Season holds my heart right now in ways I can’t explain. Northern Attitude is on repeat today and I’ll make no apologies about it.
2. I get to see Allison Russell at my favorite venue in Woodstock this winter, so this one’s been on every playlist I’ve made in the last month. It doesn’t hurt that I saw her perform it last year at MSG.
3. Joy’s a staple, especially when I need a refresh. This one’s a keeper.
Ben Rector was our summer soundtrack. Since I’m not quite ready to let it go yet- I’m not letting this one go, either.
BOOKS
It’s been a long time since I read a few books at once, so I’m grateful for this new open brain space to entertain a few at a time. I’m going to list a few cookbooks here because I read them like novels and they’re comforting to me in a way that I need right now.
Here’s what’s on my side table right now:
Court of Mist and Fury ( Book 2 in the Court series by S. Maas, and honestly, I’m still on the fence about this series so I’m listening to it on Audible right now).
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint- I’m a sucker for a greek myth re-telling
Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future - equal parts fascinating and terrifying
FOOD
I’m going to separate this into two categories: where I’ve eaten that’s been fabulous, and what I’ve made at home that I’m loving. Obviously, if you’re not local to NJ the first won’t matter much, but if you’re ever planning a tri-state area trip I’d save them on your list.
WHERE I’VE EATEN
According to their website, “Built in 1860, and purchased from the Stryker Family by Robert Crowley in 1941, "The Store" originally served as a General Store and the Ironia Post Office (c. 1871-1970). In 1949, Robert's son, Bill Crowley founded Bill's Luncheonette and General Store, and Bill's has been a mainstay on the border of Randolph and Chester ever since.” But we’ve only known Bill’s as the best place to get coffee roll french toast and a breakfast sandwich entitled, “The Broke Millenial” that’s so good I’ve witnessed more than a few Boomers order it, too.
2. I’ve heard rumblings about Bread and Culture’s dedication to sourdough, their expertly crafted coffee offerings, and their minimalist designed space but I hadn’t made it over there to see for myself- until today. I was shocked to discover a line of patrons nearly out the door at 9 a.m. on a Friday, but it was made clear after I was served. A spandauer is a Danish, yeasted pastry that no one makes anymore… but you’ll find both sweet and savory options here. I couldn’t decide so I went with both the mushroom and gruyere and the pumpkin cheesecake, and it was a good thing I did. Also- even though it’s not on the menu, their dirty chai is fantastic. Get it.
3. St. James Gate in Maplewood was a staple when we lived in the area, so it was such a joy to go back to the place where our oldest used to charm every patron on Irish Breakfast Night with her cute little toddler wiggle. She’s now almost 13, and while it was a bit nostalgic not to have to juggle a stroller it was also really great to sit at the bar with both hands free of baby oatmeal.
.WHAT I’M MAKING
If you’ve been here a minute, you already know I’m one of those weirdos who cooks to relax. Here’s what I’ve been loving these days:
This is not a joke. I don’t like pancakes but these….well, I wrote about how I feel about them here. Use the link for the recipe.
Chicken and Stars
The season is turning! It’s time for this comforting, childhood classic. Molly Yeh’s recipe is the closest to my own (though you’ll notice this shot omits all the good stuff for my youngest who has an aversion to well, vegetables.)
.3. The Stew went viral a few years ago, but that isn’t any reason to refuse to make it on principle. It’s delicious and full of nutrients, great for folks who aren’t vegetarians but still need some plant-based sustenance. As soon as I spot a single, red leaf I start soaking chickpeas for this.
I’ve been toying around with the idea of changing up the format in this newsletter to see what sticks, so it would help me out if you were to answer a few questions with your own thoughts in the comments!
Would you prefer an entire newsletter dedicated to where and what to eat once a month, rather than a few offerings at the bottom of the weekly newsletter?
Would you prefer I stop talking about faith and family altogether and find the food content most interesting?
Was there a particular newsletter you’ve read this past year that you loved the most?
Asking out of curiosity and to better serve all of us.
Enjoy this long weekend, friends. I hope you eat every single grilled burger and fat slice of watermelon with wild abandon.