Our new project this week was making shepherds pie. Justin and I were both surprised that we’d never made this before, and with the damp, grey weather and our worn-out selves, it seemed like just the time to give it a try. It’s amazing what you can learn and shift by making a new recipe.
On the practical side, I tend to follow directions the first time I try something, learning and assessing as I go. But looking at this recipe from Everyday Food, I realized that at some point, you know your tastes and can trust your experience (I have a funny feeling that can apply to a lot more than cooking). So with this one we futzed and played and made lots of changes. We added my mom’s secret ingredient of cream of mushroom soup and far, far more pepper than prescribed. We grated our carrots – it’s so much faster than fine chopping! And we boiled our potatoes on the stove not in the oven because, well, because that’s the way we do it. The results? Delish!
And on the personal side, it was great to have the structure of New 52 to push us into action a little bit this week, even something as simple as a new recipe. With all the plans for Justin’s mom and all the other things that fill our lives, we’ve been tired. It would have been easy to give this project a pass and instead of cooking, order in some food or grab something quick and easy. But instead, we cooked. And it was wonderful.
Justin and I absolutely love cooking together. I chop, he stirs and we connect at the end of our day, sharing thoughts and laughter and good food. We experiment together, laugh together, make a mess together and then clean up together! When I shared my Project 365, one of my dear friends made note that I really love food. I stopped and thought about that and realized that yes, I do love food, but what I really love is the shared experience of food. Creating, talking, experimenting, exploring, sharing, tasting, all of that great stuff is a part of what makes food so nourishing.
This week the shared experience of creating a new recipe and enjoying the delicious results was just what Justin and I needed for our hearts and our bodies. Our mood shifted as we cooked and we found ourselves having a lovely evening together, nourished by shepherd’s pie and each other’s company.
I wonder what we’ll get up to next week.
I’ve been thinking a lot about nourishment lately and share some more thoughts on this week’s podcast.
Feel free to create your own New 52. Start anytime. Invite a friend or loved one to join you. Involve your whole family. Or maybe share with 52 new people this year! What experiences might you create? What fun and unexpected memories might fill 2010? Life’s an adventure! What are you going to explore?
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{ 4 comments }
Yum! That looks great. I am loving the new thing each week idea. So, inspiring as always. I know you will stay bright and cheery despite the gray weather. Especially with such great food soothing your belly.
Wowza, Jamie that looks soo good…. and soul nourishing. Soul food rocks.
I love this post. I’ve been thinking about what technology has robbed us of (in all of its delicious goodness). It seems to me that we have come to treasure product over process. Instant this and lightening-fast that. Process seems to take so much time. But look at how delightful process can be in such things as baking with husband. And, by the way, that product doesn’t look too shabby.
Oh Jamie, I love this post! Yes, because I am a foodie but also because I know what you mean. When times are hard, making new food experiences and sharing them with others can be so comforting. I envy that Justin hangs out and helps you in the kitchen, lucky woman! I think that you share that experience together is a beautiful thing. Good for you for making the recipe your own too! Funny, I just bought cream of mushroom soup too!
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