What I'm Eating on a Girls' Trip
Life is hard; food doesn't have to be #123 [vol4, 3.2]
Seven years ago I turned 40 and wanted to celebrate with close friends with a dash of reflection. I reached out to 4 other women I met in seminary in Phoenix to join me. That year kicked off a tradition of an almost annual get-away for me in the spring. My closest friend of 17 years always joins and sometimes a few others.
Rachael lives now in DC with her husband, who is also a pastor. We are both within driving distance of her parents’ cabin in North Carolina so it make sense that we meet up in the Smokies.
We both appreciate good food, healthy living and deep conversations. These few days are a highlight of every year.
What do I eat on a girls’ trip?
The 3 C’s are at the top of the list: cream, chocolate, and coffee.
Because the cabin is far from civilization we bring all our food. This year I volunteered to organize the food since in years past I flew in to Asheville from Little Rock. Rachael brought breakfast: a baked blintz by Ina Garten like she brought in 2021.
On the Menu
Last night, after driving all day, we quickly warmed this meat/cheese dip. I made it the day before for my family and brought leftovers. Ate it with chips. Washed it all down with sparkling water (we collectively brought 5 cases! Pastors’ wives live a wild and crazy life.) Filled in the cracks with chocolate.
We’re also eating (bacon) cheeseburger soup I managed to make before leaving. Brought supplies to make Alexandra’s peasant bread. Rachael is gluten free so she brought GF flour for us to try the gluten free version of peasant bread.
I mixed up meatballs but haven’t roasted. Brought veggies, rice, lentils plus sauces to enjoy Mediterranean Meatball bowls.
Brought supplies to make Alexandra’s one-pot chick peas. I made them last week for friends and was a hit. Will eat these with chicken that I cooked before coming.
The night before leaving home, everyone was reading quietly in the kitchen so I asked, “Anyone mind if I run the Vitamix? I want to make hummus for the trip.”
My husband said, “You’re welcome to make the noise but you do realize you can buy hummus?”
“BUT I WANT GOOD HUMMUS! I’m going on a girls’ trip with my friend who also appreciates food so I want to bring delicious hummus.” Recommend Alexandra’s version.
It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day so I’ve planned this Reuben Dip.
I brought sweet potatoes and broccoli to roast. Made this miso tahini sauce by smitten kitchen at home. It’s alll about the sawce.
We have brie + other cheeses and fruit. And chocolate.
Reflections
Rachael and I both have kids so it seems are days are filled with noise. Neither of us are huge consumers of podcasts except when in the car for hours. Yesterday I listened to episode 265 of The Next Right Thing: How to Know What You Want (transcript or audio).
I also listened to The Lazy Genius #304 How to Rest When You’re Caring for Everyone Else. And lots of passionate Keith Green. His music has a special place in my heart.
We both brought more books than we will ever read. Plus pens and journals for digging deeper.
Life is hard, food doesn’t have to be.
Julie
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Chocolate 🍫!! It should be it's own food group.
Everything has me so hungry now! The bacon cheeseburger soup is at the top of my “To Eat” list 🤣.