Unpacking readers,
Emily here. An update: I enjoy cooking again.
Back in April, I wrote about feeling some serious meal prep burnout. I was tired of my own cooking and took to Substack to complain about it. It was a pandemic tunnel moment.
Many of you wrote back with commiseration and suggestions. We heard some “same heres” and “buy an air fryer.” Thank you again for that. To catch you up: There were a lot of Chipotle bowls and Panera bags around here for a while.
Now, I notice a shift. I’m making fancy oatmeal in a saucepan, bell pepper sandwiches for lunch and HelloFresh for dinner. What changed? What helped get me back to this place? Here are a few theories:
Keeping it small: Eggs and toast for dinner is perfectly fine.
Mixing it up: Incorporating a new thing into the diet —fish! — spiced things up.
Time: Months of distance from the depths of meal prep burnout helps.
Staying in season: Aka, going with the flow. How fun to learn what’s fresh and in season and leaning into that? This summer = a tomato extravaganza.
This makes me wonder: Have you noticed anything return to you from pre-COVID times? And if so, how did you get that back? Carrie, does any of this resonate?
Carrie: I feel you, Emily! A familiar excitement has returned as I eye tomatoes at the farmers market. It reminds me of the value of seasonal transitions, and of course, Alice Waters’ The Art of Simple Food.
Water Cooler Conversation
Emily: Carrie, I hope my post above doesn’t make it seem like things are all “back to normal.” The world seems especially chaotic and heavy right now. Where are you finding moments of peace?
Carrie: Surprise, surprise, nature has been my go-to. The evenings are cooling down, and I love that subtle shift in seasons.
Emily: I have nothing to recommend to you to read, Carrie Porter! I have been watching White Lotus (recommend), going to weddings, and doing outdoorsy things. Stay tuned for a hefty reading list when the weather takes a turn?
Carrie: I am about halfway through Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club, which I somehow missed reading earlier. Planning to cap off the book with the movie — a fav one-two punch of mine!
Emily: It is September. Have you started doing anything autumnal recently?
Carrie: Saying the word autumnal is probably the first sign of the season over here. I’ve also gleefully started reading fall-themed books with my toddler. You?
Emily: Keeping in theme, I have my eye on this (alleged) Best Pumpkin Bundt Cake recipe.
Readers and friends, we hope you have a restful, tasty weekend and Labor Day.
Your pals,
Carrie & Emily