About a month before I birthed my second baby, I met Maria, Joe, and their infant son Kenny on a neighborhood walk. My first-born Maddie, then 21 months, was snugged into the jogging stroller eagerly awaiting our visit to the playground.

After a few minutes of friendly small talk, Maria gave me her phone number and asked me to let her know when Baby 2 was here. "We'll stop by with dinner," she said.

The promise of a meal I wouldn't have to cook while caring for a newborn was the kind of excitement that almost induced labor! PB & J on squishy white bread would have made me swoon!

What I didn't know on the day Maria extended the offer to feed us was that Joe is a chef and his food would knock my socks off.

I come from a long line of extraordinary cooks and I know good eats. My maternal grandmother's house was often filled with the warm, yeasty aroma of bread and homemade doughnuts. Grandma Kling, my dad's mom, prepared exquisite holiday meals from the confines of her wheelchair, going so far as to heat our dinner plates in the oven before setting the table. My mom could whip leftovers into something yummier than the meal they came from and my dad's fried green tomatoes are still the best I've ever wrapped my lips around!

Soon after my son Jude burst into the world in early May of 2005, the days became a sleep-deprived blur of nursing, burping, and changing him while keeping his big sister playfully entertained. For the second time after giving birth, I developed post-partum depression and had to harness Star Wars level force to peel myself out of bed to tend my little bundles of joy.

On a day I felt weary to the bone came replenishment in the form of Joe and Maria, arms laden with a most magical supper: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and creamed spinach.

I'm not sure I've ever been gifted a more perfect, life giving meal!

There was something about that creamed spinach that nourished me to my core and has filled me with happy memories for almost 17 years. I had never thought about, let alone cooked, this buttery, cheesy, savory dish that danced happily across my tongue with each forkful!

But I think what made my taste buds spark to life was the LOVE from which the meal was prepared and delivered.

I believe whole-heartedly that food made and shared with love can provide sustenance long after the serving plates are empty. Whether it's a solo sup or a multi-course feast with friends, the "secret ingredient" is the star!

Is it just me who has such deep sensory memories of a delicious dish? Or are you also someone who has been sustained by a good recipe?

What meal feeds you deeply?

How will you nourish yourself today?

Bon appetite, with love!

Jennifer (she/her)

Body, mind, and soul-level nourishment are always offered with love when you work with me. Learn more here.