Friday Favorites
How to support L.A. & Honey Ginger Simple Syrup
Welcome to Friday Favorites! This quick glimpse of my week goes out to all subscribers as a free post. I include a fan-favorite recipe, something I’m watching, reading, or listening to, a recent find, and a “win for the week.”
What I’m Grateful For
My heart is hurting for Los Angeles. I saw this quote from Sharon McMahon yesterday: “In moments like this, do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone.” That felt like a good place to start and reassuring in this moment of overwhelm. Everything I try to type sounds trite, so I'll keep it short. But my heart is breaking for the collective trauma and sadness that an entire region is experiencing. Too many of us know a version of this trauma from hurricanes, floods and wildfires. It's difficult even to wrap your head around the vast destruction from this. I've been in touch with World Central Kitchen who is on the ground feeding first responders and those displaced and in shelters. I've started a fundraiser for WCK on my Instagram. I will match up to at least $1000. Please consider supporting their efforts. I've already donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. The LA Regional Food Bank would also be a great place to send support. A friend shared this spreadsheet, an ongoing list of shelters, animal shelters, and resources for those affected. Sending immense love, and I hope this sounds and feels sincere, but I love all of you for being here and I’m grateful for this community.
What I’m Cooking
I'm battling a bit of a winter cold and sipping tea with honey and lemon on repeat. If you haven't made my Honey Ginger Simple Syrup, it's just the thing to add to your tea or hot toddy. Grate the ginger on a microplane for an even stronger punch of anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting compounds. You could also add a pinch of turmeric and some freshly ground black pepper, which activates the anti-inflammatory properties of the turmeric. Warming and comforting and delicious!
Recipe Index
You can find all the SITK recipes I’ve shared on Substack in my Recipe Index.
What I’m Reading
I just finished The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. I could not put it down. It's the story of a midwife in late 1700s Maine. If you like historical fiction, books with strong female characters and a bit of mystery while remaining emotional and tender, this is right up your alley. Seriously one of the best books I've read in a while.
What’s in My Cart
Please consider stocking up on Souper Cubes. The founders of this small business, a young couple, lost their home in the Palisades fire. As they struggle to cope, they need to keep their business alive. I own and use several of these containers, perfect for freezing stock and soup, sauces and leftovers. The cubes are divided into 1-cup or 2-cup cubes, so the portions are perfect for recipes. I pop them right from the freezer into a pot and warm them on low heat until the stock thaws. You can also use them to freeze leftovers: Slices of lasagna or casserole, soups, etc. They make smaller cube-sized portions for freezing sauces like pesto or baby food. You can also use them to freeze cookie batter!
Looking for a birthday or “just because” gift for your best friend, mom, sister, or aunt Sally? I have the perfect idea! You can gift a subscription to my Substack! The annual subscription can start whenever you want!
Order my award-winning cookbook, Dinner is Done! It includes over 100 weeknight and family-friendly recipes, including chapters on meatless mains, fish and sauces, appetizers and snacks, cocktails, desserts and more.
How much ginger syrup do you use per cup of tea or hot toddy?
About a tablespoon! Good question...