The kitchen. My battleground, my sanctuary, and the unexpected muse in my slow and steady move towards healthier living. Who knew that a sizzling skillet, the soft crust of warm bread, or the clean and hearty crunch of fresh veggies could lead to such profound life lessons? Here’s what I've learned from turning up the heat and keeping things fresh:

1. Embrace the Spice of Life

I remember a time when adding ginger or a splash of chili flakes to everything was adventurous. Cooking has taught me that variety really is the spice of life. Whether it’s experimenting with turmeric or daring to try tofu, stepping out of my culinary comfort zone has led to delightful surprises. It’s like yoga for the taste buds—stretching them in ways never imagined!

2. Patience Is a Virtue (Especially When Baking)

If you’ve ever waited for bread to rise, you know that some things just can’t be rushed. The same goes for life and lifestyle changes. Whether it’s losing weight, improving my diet, or learning a new skill, good things come to those grounded enough to wait (and I learned the hard way that yeast must be proofed properly).

3. You Are What You Eat (So Don't Be Easy, Cheap, or Fake)

I'll admit it... I've had my fair share of lazy days when grabbing boxed mac 'n' cheese was just too convenient. But working in food content has shown me the value of choosing quality ingredients. Now, I'm more intentional and selective. Beautiful photos depend on what's in front of the camera, and the same goes for life. The view changes depending on what you put on your plate. Fresh, wholesome ingredients in a recipe, not only taste better but leave you feeling better too. Likewise, affirming life choices, an active prayer life, and unrushed self-care improves our overall well-being. I get it now...being more mindful changes the picture.

4. Clean as You Go

Nobody likes facing a mountain of dishes after a good meal. Tidying up as you go not only keeps your workspace clear but also your mind. It’s a lot like handling small problems before they become big ones—deal with them promptly, and you’ll save yourself a heap of trouble. I’ve come to a new place of dedication to tackling small challenges before they have a chance to grow roots and become inconvenient and unpleasant weeds in my life’s garden.

5. The Best Meals Are Shared

Perhaps, the most important lesson of all—sharing. A meal is infinitely better when enjoyed with others. I love sharing the end results of food photography experiments. It's fun to whip up something new that others surprisingly enjoy...and inevitably, devour. Making those I love happy makes me happy. It’s the same with the healthy habits we are always on a quest to cultivate. Share a bit of your journey, support others in theirs, and celebrate together. After all, joy, like good food, is best when shared. ❤️

Italian Sausage and Kale Chili

Ingredients:

1 pound of Italian sausage

1 cup of lentils

1 sizable onion, finely diced

2 to 3 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced

A bundle of kale, with stems removed and leaves hand-torn into smaller pieces

6 cups of either chicken or vegetable stock

1 can of small red beans (like kidney beans), drained and rinsed

Seasoned salt and pepper, adjusted to taste

A bit of olive oil for the cooking process

1 teaspoon of either dried thyme or an Italian herb blend

Instructions:

1. Sausage Preparation: Begin by browning the sausage in a spacious pot over a medium flame, crumbling it as it cooks. Once fully browned, transfer it to a separate plate.

2. Aromatic Base: In the same pot, with a splash of olive oil if necessary, cook the onion and garlic until they soften.

3. Building the Soup: Bring back the sausage to the pot and stir in the lentils and red beans. Pour in the broth and let the mixture reach a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer for around 20 to 30 minutes, until the lentils become tender.

4. Adding Greens: Introduce the kale to the pot, stirring it in until it wilts and becomes tender, typically within 5 minutes.

5. Final Seasoning and Serving: Conclude by seasoning with seasoned salt and pepper according to your preference.

6. Allow the soup to simmer briefly to merge the flavors, and then serve it warm!

Enjoy!