I’m sure a few of you realized that we have been missing in action this summer, and unfortunately I was a big part of the reason why, as I’ve been ill for the majority of the summer. Although I am now back (and finally feeling great!) and ready to start blogging again, read on to get the details. (Suffice to say this summer for me was totally on brand for 2020.)
Hello, friends. It’s been a while. How are you?
Like so many others, this year has thrown us some curveballs and we’ve been away from our dear blog longer than we planned. But, we’re really excited about getting back to it this fall with some fun, fantastic recipes for you. Let’s start this thing off with some Halloween Caramel Corn!
As we continue with a little summer break here at With Two Spoons, we’re highlighting recipes from our archives. This week we are talking Cocktail Time! Read on for Simple Summer Drinks perfect for lazy weekends at the lake, evenings on the porch, or a socially distanced driveway gathering. Cheers!
As we approach the upcoming holiday weekend and the world continues the process of reopening, many people will be entertaining (at an appropriate social distance!) for the first time in awhile. I don’t know about you, but I plan to celebrate the reentry into some social events with dessert. Lots of it. Here are my favorite Simple Summer Desserts!
I know that this probably isn’t a post you were expecting here. What does a food blog have to do with Anti-Racism work? Well, frankly, a lot. With Two Spoons is a food and cooking blog. But it is also a blog about community, and in particular, community building. Lately, the community we live in – and the world at large – has been hurting. Much of that hurt has stemmed from the racial injustices so heartbreakingly prevalent in the everyday lives of so many people. I am committed in my personal and professional life to breaking down the old, hurtful world and building up a new, better community. A table where all truly feel welcome.
It’s been a long spring. The murder of George Floyd, protests, Covid-19, social distancing, distance learning, not to mention economic destruction for many. It’s been dark and heavy. But summer is coming and I, for one, believe it’s going to the best summer ever (despite my trip to Barcelona and Italy being cancelled-BOO!). And let me tell you why…ending with these amazing summer salads.
For those of you who keep track, yes, it is my week to post a recipe. And I promise next week I will do so. But this week, as we remember George Floyd and all of the others before him, our friends and colleagues are badly hurting, my beautiful Minneapolis is burning, the National Guard is walking the streets, I just figured we had bigger things to talk about then what to have for dinner. And when I am feeling big emotions I write. Maybe my words will help someone else see what needs to be done. Or at least give you a starting point in the conversation this country needs to have on race.
A month has passed since my last Quarantine Distractions post and while parts of the world are opening up again, we are largely still in the midst of social distancing and I don’t know about you, but I am definitely continuing to search for the little bits of light that brighten up these days at home. Here are my Quarantine Distractions: Volume 2.
01. New Recipes to Try. While I’m still pretty sick of cooking some days (and all of the dishes!), I am still working on trying at least 1 or 2 new recipes each week. The recipes have come from cookbooks new and old, food magazines, and of course, from my favorite food blogs. What’s on my list for the next week or two?:
Skillet Roasted Salmon with Avocado, Pomegranate, and Bulgur
Instant Pot Egg Casserole Bites
Shaved Asparagus Salad
Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
02. More Books to Read. With distance learning, my busy three year old, and working, my free time at home has been more limited than I would like. I’m still trying to sneak in as much reading time as I can and since my last update, have finished a few gems and added many more to my TBR. I particularly enjoyed Saint X and The Stationery Shop. (Side note: if you are looking for a great list of summer reads, I always love the Summer Reading Guide from Modern Mrs. Darcy)
03. Thought Provoking (or just plain entertaining!) Reads/Listens. Sometimes I can’t stomach watching the actual news, but I do enjoy keeping up with the world through interesting articles and links. Here are some I’ve enjoyed recently:
What Life is Like In Previously Tourist Heavy Cities Amidst The Coronavirus Outbreak
90’s Rom-Coms You Need to Revisit Now
A Dad Sharing Practical Knowledge on YouTube
04. Podcasts and Walks. I’ve been taking full advantage of our recently warmed up weather to get out and walk. I love the sun, a fresh breeze, and the bright colors of late spring. Here are some recent podcast favorites:
J. Screwed (NPR)
A Crate Full of Summer Reads (What Should I Read Next)
Tips to Organize Your Photos with Miss Freddy (10 Things to Tell You)
Lori Gottlieb: Does My Pain Count? (Everything Happens with Kate Bowler)
05. Miscellaneous Goodness. Just a few things I’ve stumbled across that were too good not to share!
Spotify Daily Wellness Playlist
How To Host Your Family’s Own Personal Summer Camp (NYT)
Write A Letter To Your Future Self
Need more? Check out Quarantine Distractions: Volume 1 or any of our Good Food Reads posts right here on the blog!
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Like many of you, I am OVER quarantine cooking. I started out excited. It was fun and cozy! And now? Well, I just want food that is easy, nutritious, and doesn’t take a lot of effort. Or a lot of dishes. These Almost Fancy Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish for all of your quarantine cooking needs.
It’s the end of April and, sadly, we’re still knee deep in the land of social distancing, shut downs, and home haircuts (ouch). There are some wonderful things about this slower season of life largely at home. And there are some really stressful things, too. In the midst of it all, I’m continuing to look each day for the little things to lighten the days. Need some fun inspiration for your quarantine day? Read on for my current favorites in Quarantine Distractions: Vol. 1.
