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Bread, Renata Poleon, 2024 I am an avid baker of primarily desserts. I’ve always avoided anything to do with dough because it just takes too long. The kneading and waiting for the mixture to rise quite honestly is irritating to me, so I have never took it upon myself to bake bread. I am a committed Trader Joe’s shopper for over ten years so I have always been satisfied with their selection of bread, but recently, I found myself wanting to bake bread. The ingredients are simple, so I figured I would give it a go. I ended up on Lil Luna’s website where they claim to have the best bread recipe . I figured why not. They did not lie. This is the absolute best plain loaf of bread recipe, because it delivers. This recipe is fool proof and delicious. It refrigerates, freezes and reheats well. So as the season of warm comfort foods approach, try this recipe. Bread Recipe You’ll need: 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) 2¼ cups warm water ¼ cup sugar plus 1 pinch 1 tablespoon salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 5½ – 6½ cups bread flour butter for topping (optional) In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. When the yeast is bubbly and foamy, add the sugar, salt, oil, and 4 cups flour, and mix until smooth. Add remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, to form a soft, smooth dough. The dough should stick just slightly to your finger when touched, but not be overly sticky. Knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth, then roll into a ball. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turn over once to coat the top with oil, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for one hour, or until doubled. When the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it in half. Roll each half of the dough into a long rectangle about 8 inches wide. Roll the dough up, starting at the short edge, to form a cylinder that is approximately 8 inches wide. Repeat with the remaining dough. Place the dough, seam side down, into lightly greased bread pans, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for one hour, or until the dough is ½ – 1 inch higher than the top of the pan. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Brush with melted butter, if desired. Remove to a cooling rack and cool before slicing. MAKES 2 LOAVES. Just a few notes. I typically go with five and a half cups of flour only and I put it all in at once. That’s partly my impatience, but it always succeeds, so I have no qualms about it. If you do try this recipe, go on over to Lil Luna and rate the recipe. Happy baking!

For the past week few weeks, tomatoes have been making a repeat appearance in our meals. Even though only the two adults in the home consume them, we have been loving diving into some beautiful and fresh tomatoes. I always seem to grab tomatoes when I go grocery shopping, eat them, and never truly think about it when I am eating them. Fortunately, on one of my runs to the halal market near me, I grabbed some beautiful tomatoes. I washed and sliced and drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, and then sprinkled some salt, black pepper and onion salt . Yes, onion salt specifically from Trader Joe's. When I say I fell in love at the first bite, it is an understatement. It was firm, ripe and juicy. With every bite, it felt like there was a party going on in my mouth. It started off with what felt like a seductive kizomba dance , then the lively energy of salsa and a dramatic end with a paso doble . There is no other way to describe what was happening in my mouth and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. These tomatoes made their mark and they are here to stay. This is truly the beauty of buying local, because you can tell the difference. They honestly took me back to the tomatoes of my childhood; the ones grown in small batches, fertilized with cow manure and grown in nutrient rich soil. I haven't stopped eating a few daily, because I did not realize how much I missed tomatoes. I also paired my two favorite things, tomatoes and avocados along with some fresh mozzarella. Hmmm. It makes my heart just smile thinking about it. I had a beautiful moment preparing and eating this simple and nutritious fruit. There will be more tomato dishes on the menu going forward and I will never again forget this amazing fruit.

Peanut punch is a traditional and popular blended drink made in the Caribbean. Each island has its own variation of this nutritious drink that is served primarily during holiday celebrations. They all carry the key basic ingredients of peanut butter, milk, condensed milk, and cinnamon. For the adults who drink, we spike with a little rum. Whether you're drinking the alcoholic or non-alcoholic version of peanut punch, you can never go wrong with this festive, creamy Caribbean peanut drink. Here is my recipe. Caribbean Peanut Punch You’ll need: 2 cups whole milk 4 heaping spoons of peanut butter crunchy or smooth 11 oz or 3/4 can of condensed milk 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract *Optional: rum Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Chill and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon if you would like. I can taste it already. I hope you enjoy it. (Photo of Peanut Punch in Mason Jars/ The Seasoned Skillet )

What are your plans this weekend? This weekend, we were planning to head to Brooklyn to visit my mom, but we changed plans after Mom suggested we come another day. I quickly found an activity for the girls and I to attend. It's the Taste of Korea happening in our neighborhood. The girls are super excited since this is one of the cuisines that my family enjoys. Afterward, we are going to head to the mall to visit a few stores so that the girls can get ideas. I have to say that I am somewhat heartbroken that it has been unseasonably warm this autumn. To make up for this, I will just keep watching my Lifetime Christmas Movies where I can just be jealous of watching people frolic in the snow. Uggggghhhhh! Maybe the local high school play we will be attending might help me feel like the holidays are near, because this weather is not helping at all. I had the opportunity to hear their choir group perform and they sounded like angels, so I am convinced that they will deliver on this play. We are also late putting up our Christmas tree so tonight we will be setting this up while we make pumpkin soup with dumplings, potatoes, and chicken . This is the food of my childhood and that is all I want to eat today in this cold rainy weather. I am also going to make churros to remind me of NYC. My older daughter is really excited that we're making churros after I jogged her memory on what they are. I reminded her of how much she loved eating them when she was younger. I'm just really looking forward to a cozy night at home with good food and the best people in the world. I plan on getting lots of snuggles Share your weekend plans. (Photos: Pumpkin soup Taneisha Morris/The Seasoned Skillet Blog , Churros Adrianna Adarme/A Cozy Kitchen )

I believe recipes should get to the point, the recipe , without the fluff. There is no counting of calories here. So as promised, here is the recipe for the delicious kimchi rolls that can be served as an appetizer or dinner rolls I made last week. Kimchi Cheese-Filled Rolls For the rolls: 1 parcel of premade pizza dough ¾  - 1 cups of kimchi Mozzarella cheese (any form) Goat cheese Garlic Butter 2/3 tbsps of butter 2 garlic cloves finely grated or diced ⅛-¼ tsp oregano Dash of black pepper Preheat the oven at 350°. Dice the kimchi into very small pieces and use a cheesecloth, towel or a strainer to squeeze out the liquid. Place your dough on a different chopping board with a thin layer of flour in a round shape and cut it into 6-8 triangles depending on the size that you would like ( for an appetizer 8, as a dinner roll 6 ) Form each piece into a ball while applying flour to your hands to prevent sticking, then flatten the dough with a rolling pin or widen using your hand (expert level). Add a tablespoon of kimchi in the center of the dough and top with a small amount of mozzarella cheese and goat cheese on top of the kimchi leaving about 1 inch of space from the edge of the filling and the edge of the dough. Pull the edges to the center to cover the filling. Ensure there are no gaps then roll gently in your hands to seal. Place on a liberally floured dish. Brush garlic butter on the rolls, place in the fryer or oven, and bake for 12-15 minutes or till golden brown. While the rolls bake, h eat the butter on low heat. As it slowly starts to fizzle, add the garlic. Mix and allow to become translucent or slightly brown. Add oregano and black pepper and stir a little more. Remove from the heat and brush the garlic butter onto the rolls. Enjoy.

There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of spinach rice—simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor. This easy recipe combines tender spinach, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked rice to create a wholesome dish that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal prep option, or a flavorful side to complement your main course, this spinach rice recipe has you covered. Best of all, it comes together in one pot with minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy days. Let’s dive into this vibrant, earthy, and delicious dish! Spinach Rice 8 servings You’ll need: 2 cups of rice (I used jasmine) ½ of a medium onion 1 packet of frozen spinach/diced fresh ½ tsp ground black pepper 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 packet of Sazon (optional) 1-2 teaspoons of salt ¼-½ cup of tomato sauce 1 tbsp oil (canola, vegetable, sunflower etc) 3 cups of water *If using frozen spinach, be sure to defrost ahead of time. Dice onions and garlic. Add the oil to a pan on medium-high heat and sautee. Lower to medium as they begin to brown a little and cook through until softened. Add black pepper, smoked paprika, Sazon (optional), salt, and tomato sauce making sure it is thoroughly mixed. Add the spinach to the onion and garlic mixture and mix the ingredients. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much of the moisture before adding. Finally, add the washed rice to the pot and mix thoroughly. Add the water and mix again. Bring to a boil then bring the heat to low and cover. Allow to cook for 15-20 minutes then serve. I hope you enjoy this simple recipe.

Originally posted: 04/22/2024 Revised: 04/28/2025 From “The Lives We Actually Have” by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie I love my role as a mother to the two girls I have been gifted. I love being the first in many roles and moments in their lives. I enjoy being the one they can reach out to for love, help, and support in a way that no other person in their lives can fulfill. Daddy has his place, Grandma has her place, but I get the most special room where I am greeted with hugs, kisses, and my children’s love. As much as I love it all, I would be remiss to say that motherhood has not sometimes taken a toll on me to the point of burnout. These are the days when I don’t think I am quite suited for motherhood, no matter how much my partner and mother remind me. I get annoyed by my kids sometimes, I yell sometimes, and there are times I simply want to retreat from motherhood. I want to be like a bear seeking refuge from the brutal elements of the cold until the season is over.  As the child of a single parent who had the help and support of an amazing grandmother, I don’t think I truly got a sense of what motherhood would look like to me, before becoming a parent. I knew that becoming a parent was on my priority list and that finding someone to build that family with was the ideal. If someone were to simply explain the sacrifices of motherhood in my younger years, my mind would not have been able to wrap around the magnitude of it. Like many roles, motherhood is where you get a lot of on-the-job training. Your life is no longer fully owned by you, because you now have to prioritize little humans who depend on you for their every need.  In the early stages, I recall days of being so sleep-deprived that all I could do is cry. This was also countered with the celebration of all the milestones that my children would accomplish: first roll, sitting up, first word, first teeth and first steps. Who can forget? I loved it all. I relished it all. I remember the first time that I noticed that my very witty two-year-old understood sarcasm and shared our first inside joke. When my first daughter transitioned from saying “or-dayng” to finally saying “orange.” I still miss “or-dayng” to this day. As they get older, I know the child I can connect with on our love of movies and the child I could connect with on our love of food.  Motherhood ebbs and flows. It is an adventurous, joyous and fulfilling journey. It is a full-time commitment that is physically, emotionally and psychologically demanding. It requires commitment above all else to the highs and lows of being within and outside of your comfort zone. Whether you view motherhood as birthright, obligation or choice, in its most authentic form, motherhood is ministry . It is a sacred calling that we shouldn’t tread into lightly, whether it is by choice or circumstance. I have such great respect for the women who choose not to be mothers. It shows self-awareness on the highest level, as it pertains to a whole human life. For those who choose to fulfill their calling, by birthing, surrogacy, or adoption, know that your role is valuable and appreciated. Here are some of the ways that motherhood is ministry: Nurturing Hearts and Minds : As mothers, we tend to the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of our children. We become their teacher and their source of love and guidance. The simple act of listening and comforting our children is ministry to their hearts and minds. It shapes them into compassionate, resilient, and thoughtful individuals. We may not always get it right, but focusing on doing better with every new day is how we can fulfill this role. Cultivating Values and Virtues : Mothers play a crucial role in instilling values such as honesty, kindness and empathy in their children. As we interact daily with our children, we model these virtues, guiding them to understand the importance of integrity, compassion, and respect for others. As we heal and protect our inner child, we will keep passing on these lessons learnt. Creating a Safe Haven : In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, our love and support offer a sense of security and belonging. A mom’s goal is to creates a safe haven for her children. Moms also need support from their tribe and nothing feels better than when needs are communicated and everyone is up to speed. In the meantime whether it's through a warm embrace, a listening ear, or a comforting presence, moms will continue to provide refuge, solace and strength. Embracing the Sacredness of Everyday Moments : In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the sacredness of ordinary moments. Yet, in the eyes of a mother, even the most mundane tasks become sacred acts of love and service. Whether it's preparing a meal, tucking her children into bed, or sharing a laugh together, a mother recognizes the divine beauty in these simple gestures, knowing that they are building bonds that will last a lifetime. Growing Together in Faith : A mother guides her children on a journey of faith. Whether it's through bedtime prayers, family rituals, or conversations about life's big questions, a mother helps her children cultivate a sense of wonder and reverence for the world around them. Together, they explore the mysteries of life and deepen their understanding of their place in the universe. Motherhood is indeed a ministry—a sacred calling that requires love, devotion, and a deep commitment to nurturing the souls entrusted to her care. So, to all the mothers out there, remember that your work is not just important; it is holy. And may you continue to embrace the sacredness of your role, knowing that you are shaping the future with every gentle touch, every guiding word, and every loving embrace. (Photo: First image from “The Lives We Actually Have” by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie)

Originally published: 03/27/21 Revised: 05/01/2 5 May is here and the summer is about to begin. With all that sunlight and better weather, we have more opportunities to be outdoors. Increasing serotonin requires no grand gestures , but with so many of us still spending hours at a time indoors, it is still important to be intentional about engaging in serotonin-boosting activities. They just need to be small repetitive acts that become habits. Here are 4 ways to boost serotonin and your overall well-being: Go for long walks outside . There is nothing better than communing with nature. The quiet, the stillness and the solitude have a way of clearing the mind of all the clutter. When done well, a long walk allows you to let your mind float, and just really immerse in what can feel like a moment to exhale. Psychologists...suggest that a 10-minute walk may be just as good as a 45-minute workout. If a short walk has such a great benefit, imagine the benefits of longer walks. Bask in nature. Enjoy a great view if you’re lucky enough and savor living in the moment. Exercise . It promotes health throughout the body and is also shown to increase brain serotonin function, increasing overall mood. The experience of fatigue during exercise is associated with elevated brain tryptophan and serotonin synthesis. Physical exertion also acts as a distraction from stressors. Whether it’s brisk walking, jogging, or even swimming, whatever way you choose to exercise serves as a way to activate the production of serotonin. Enjoy some bright light . Exposure to bright light is another approach to increasing serotonin. A few studies suggest that bright light is an effective treatment for nonseasonal depression. There was also a positive correlation between serotonin synthesis and the hours of sunlight on the day the measurements were made, independent of season. Regardless of whether it’s a cloudy or sunny day, light exposure from the outdoors is truly beneficial to improving your mood. Meditate and visualize . Meditation can be life changing for those who choose to practice. The good thing is that you do not have to be an expert at the practice, to reap the benefits of its serotonin boosting effect. Changing your mood can be difficult to shift sometimes, but something as simple as redirecting your thoughts from a place of stress to a positive experience can do the trick. Visualizing a happy moment, a place or a person that induces positive thoughts is a great way to increased the levels of serotonin in the brain. Add some deep breathing and you’re now in your happy place. Try to make these four strategies a part of your daily life. and see the transformation. What do you do to improve your mood?

I did not think I would be here yet, but here I am. I always planned on my daughter getting her first phone at thirteen, but that’s not the way it actually happened. I stepped into my room while her aunt stopped for a visit, and by the time I returned, my nine-year-old was pleading with me to let her have a phone. Her aunt offered her a cell phone as her present for her ninth birthday. I wasn’t happy at all, and to make it worse, Dad said it was okay, so to avoid getting into a massive conflict with my daughter, I said yes. I let her know immediately there would be strong limitations on how and when she can use it. She was fine with that. When we got the phone, I put every parental control you can think of on that device. She only spends about thirty minutes a day reaching out to her Nana, aunt, and one friend. So when she came to me yesterday that a friend added her to a group chat, I asked who was on there. It was five of her classmates from last year who I am familiar with. I instantly noted that we needed to talk about how to navigate group chats and my expectations of her behavior in the chat. Here are some of the things we talked about regarding navigating group chats safely and respectfully. Setting Ground Rules Privacy and Security We talked about the significance of privacy. Once she assured me that she knew and trusted everyone in the chat, we went ahead on identifying the names of all five people. I also highlight the need for keeping personal information private and not sharing any photos and videos of herself or our family. Respect and Etiquette The importance of treating others with respect in group chats was discussed. I reminded her to think before posting, avoid gossip, and refrain from bullying or making hurtful comments. If at any point she observes or experiences inappropriate behavior, I expect her to speak up or leave the group. Managing Digital Footprints Permanence of Online Posts I explained that anything shared in this group chat can be saved, shared, or screenshot by others. Even if a message or photo is deleted, it may still exist somewhere online. Therefore, she needs to conduct herself in the same manner she would if I was present. Appropriate Content We discussed what is deemed as appropriate content for group chats. No offensive content and/or jokes. Don’t share anything that could be considered inappropriate, illegal, or harmful. I reminded her that all it takes is one act and a complaint from a member of the group chat for things to go wrong. Handling Conflict Responding to Negative Behavior From the time my girls started playing Roblox, we talked about strategies to handle conflicts or negative behavior. This applies to group chats. We talked about trying to stay calm and seeking help from a trusted adult if needed. I encouraged her to report any bullying or harassment in the chat to myself or dad. Leaving a Group Chat Sometimes, the best option is to leave a group chat. If the conversation makes her uncomfortable or unhappy it is time to exit. Her well-being is more important than staying in a toxic environment. We have a saying in our house: “No friends are better than mean friends, because mean friends are not friends.” Ideally, this is not a bridge I wanted to cross, but we are doing our best to help our 9-year-old navigate what has become a significant part of modern social interaction. To ensure that she does so responsibly, we will continue to set limits on screen time to promote a healthy relationship with technology, maintain an open line of communication with her, and encourage her to share her thoughts and concerns. We will always be approachable when she seeks advice or help and do our best to provide the guidance she needs. This is a conversation that we will continue having as many times as she needs to be reminded. Our kids are learning and so are we. All we can do is be proactive with the best intentions in mind.

When my partner proposed to me 12 years ago, the only place I thought of getting married, was at City Hall. Simple and easy just the way we like it. The whole experience was unlike any other. Just being in a waiting area surrounded by so many couples dressed down or up, but all here for the same reason. Here are some of the photos that will live on forever… The day On a rainy and relatively warm December day in 2012, we made our way to city hall in Manhattan. We had to make a stop to get our rings in downtown Brooklyn that were ready on that day. With my mom we made it to lower Manhattan to be meet our second witness and the photographer. Afterwards, we all went to Tartinery Nolita Restaurant Bar Café, for a great meal. How did I find a dress and decide on flowers? I hunted for a dress to exhaustion and finally found a DVF store in SoHo a few days before our wedding. It was paired with a pair of off-white Anne Klein shoes and a bouquet of roses and hydrangeas that I bought from a quaint flower shop on John Street in Tribeca. Hydrangeas were always going to be part of the bouquet. What do you remember most about that day? Exiting the building and realizing that it was still raining. I am a pluviophile. There is nothing more soothing than rain and rainy days. It felt like the ultimate blessing. I also enjoyed just getting home and just laying in bed once the festivities were over. If you had a city hall wedding, share the best part of the experience. (Photos by Erneil Johnny )