37 Comments
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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks for the restack, @Marco & Sabrina!🤗

Crowden Satz's avatar

Have you ever considered only buying what's in season? I have. It'd mean dialing down the convenience of making what one wants when one wants but it'd also mean getting back to an older time of looking forward to nature's seasonal offerings. Kind of like having seasons (in the Northeast) vs a single season with some temperature variation (California). And sorry to not see any Ruth commentary for a while on my Letters. Hope all is well.

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Hi Crowden! Thanks for staying in touch and for your comment. I haven’t forgotten you or your entertaining newsletter and (not a) notes. I’ve unfortunately fallen down on keeping up with my favorite bloggers and have a lot of catching up to do! I hope the Satz household is faring well, including the kitties and kiddies.

I completely agree with you about the benefits of cooking what’s in season rather than following whims. However, I’m apt to break the rules when favorite children come to visit from far away and I can make them happy by creating something they want, even if the ingredients are totally out of season and cost too much. That’s the kind of overindulgence parent I am. Perhaps if I had more than one “kid” or grandkids, I’d be different—but I doubt it. Luckily my son hasn’t asked me for a black sapote or a mangosteen, though in California, I’m sure I could find both—for a price!

Jolene Handy's avatar

Have a beautiful visit, Ruth, it all looks and sounds so delicious. 😋 xx

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks so much, Jolene! I might have to add your sister-in-law’s lemon cake to the list of baked goodies!😋💕

Michael Jensen's avatar

That soup looks amazing!

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, @Michael Jensen!

Sally Showalter's avatar

I love all the winter cozy foods you cooked and baked. There is nothing like going home to mom's for those flavors and memories. Thank you Ruth for sharing time with the kids!

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thank you, Sally! That makes my day. It’s been a while, but I remember the comfort of visiting my mom and dad and being fed. It was the place and people as much as the food—the familiar dishes in the home you remember that feels like a warm hug.

Amie McGraham's avatar

Heading over now 😉

Ruth Stroud's avatar

My door’s wide open!

Bev's avatar

I adore shokopan. Unfortunately our local specialist baker has stopped making it but I keep nagging for its reappearance.

Clarice Dankers's avatar

It's wonderful that your family is visiting you, Ruth. But it sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you with all of the cooking and baking. Thank goodness you love making so many different kinds of food, and they all look delicious. (The challah looks perfect!)

Brent Hartinger's avatar

Those breads look AMAZING.

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Brent—they are!

Domenica Marchetti's avatar

The riches of the kitchen ~ nothing better than good soup, good bread, and a scoop of freshly churned ice cream to lift the spirits!

Ruth Stroud's avatar

No kidding, Domenica! Thanks for your comment!🤗

Marg Moon's avatar

Thanks for your cheery newsletter. It always makes me feel better. I hope you have a wonderful time with your family.

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Marg! I’m glad if my newsletter adds a bit of cheer to your day.

Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

I think you might have a French toast showdown...which makes it better? the challah or shokupan. zEnjoy the 'kids'...there's nothing like cooking for them

søren k. harbel's avatar

Sounds wonderful, did you tell them to go shopping for clothes two sizes larger than what they left Japan in? 😀

Linda Marten's avatar

Thanks Ruth! You've inspired me to make some soup. It's pretty cold in Oregon this winter and soup sounds wonderful. I'd like to try your mother's lentil soup with some corn bread. Yum! Have a wonderful visit with the 'kids.'

Leslie's avatar

Latkes, rugelach and challah, all my favorites! Thanks for always making everything sound so delish...I can almost smell the latkes frying. Have a wonderful visit!

Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

they do sound delish!

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks, Leslie! If you ever come for a visit, I’ll make them all for you!🩷

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Ruth, my mouth is watering! Enjoy your baking and kids. What a great distraction indeed, and thank you.

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Thanks for the kind words, Julie! I wish I could share all of it with you and the other wonderful folks I’ve met here on Substack. Maybe one day we’ll have a giant potluck!💜

Julie B. Hughes's avatar

One giant potluck would be amazing!!