Five Little Things

Summer and fall have collided in my little part of the world. One day it’s nearly 80 degrees and sunny, and the next, it is pouring rain, and I am swapping my iced matcha for a hot ​matcha latte​. But that is the beauty of this time of year! The farmers market is still brimming with pluots and berries, but now it is also bursting with gourds, and apples, and all things fall. Even San Francisco was warm and pleasant when I was at the Italian Heritage Parade last weekend. This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year! 

I’ve been making some old favorites this week, including my comforting ​Arroz Caldo (Filipino Chicken and Rice Soup).​It’s so cozy when the chill of the evening emerges as summer concedes to fall. What are you craving these days?

Here are Five Little Things I loved this week:

1. Citrus Peels

While last week, I was crazy about pears, this week, I absorbed in all things citrus! Candied citrus peels, in particular. After my podcast interview with Mary Bryant Shrader of Mary’s Nest, I popped into my kitchen to try her recipe for candied citrus curls. Due to the size of my fruit, I had to pivot to simple Candied Citrus Peels, but they were still very delicious and a tasty treat.

They will also be a lovely garnish for my Cranberry Trifle this holiday season!

2. Good Night, Irene

I am a sucker for historical fiction, and this week, I was absorbed in Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urea. He weaved a stunning and moving masterpiece of fiction carved from his mother’s firsthand experience of WWII.

3. Acapella

Fun fact: when I was in college, I was in an acapella group. So when I heard that the LA-based, all-male Flipino-American The Filharmonic was going to be in town, I dragged the hubs to the show! So fun!

4. Sweet Harmonies

Speaking of harmonies, this acoustic version of Sarah McLachlan’s Reminds Me with Kelly Clarkson on the harmony line is so beautiful. I wish they would release this as a single.

5. Joy is Contagious

When we take the time to spread joy, it passes on!

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Stay joyful!