Cooking for the Soul: The Sacred Sunday Meal Prep

Posted byAbPosted inADHD, adoption, cooking, FASD, Parenting, Positive Parenting, Positive Thinking, wellbeingTags:, , , ,

Sundays are for self care and cooking is my therapy.

With headphones and dance music on, I get lost in an uninterrupted hour or two of prep for the week ahead.

Caregiving for T, a child with FASD, needs me to stay organized.

With work and school during the week then chores and T’s extra curricular activities on weekends, I am intentional about this sacred time to recharge.

Cooking is a simple way to feed my soul – and my family.

Prepping meals for the week ahead saves me time, now that I’m in the office three days a week – and usually tired when I get home.

It also saves money, as I only buy what we need and I’ve cut out buying lunches when I’m in the office; I pack leftovers instead.

Home-cooked meals are also often healthier.

I’m thankful for moments by myself, focused on an activity I enjoy. So I can reinvest the renewed energy back to T.

I protect this sacred time and tell T to buzz off when he tries to bother me 🤣 – unless he asks to help, which he sometimes does. 😇

Here are some recent cooking therapy adventures – some inspired by a Korean cookbook gifted by a dear friend.

Tuna kimchi jiggae
Cumin Lamb
Beef bulgogi
Homemade hotpot
Chia Siu (BBQ pork) – It was so delightful to demystify how to make this!
Pancit bihon
Gochujang chicken
Butternut squash chicken curry
Braised pork belly and cabbage
Galbitang (Korean beef short rib and radish soup)

40 thoughts on “Cooking for the Soul: The Sacred Sunday Meal Prep”

    1. Thanks Linda. 😊 T seldom shows interest in helping but when he does, he gets enthusiastically involved in the process. I keep hoping his involvement in cooking will help broaden his interest to try new things out.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks Serena. I get stressed out cooking for other people outside my immediate family. The pressure! Haha. But it’s also nice when it’s appreciated by others. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Oh I love this! Everything you cooked looks delicious! And I also love the variety of the dishes: from Korean to Filipino. And you made char siu?! That’s very impressive. I agree that cooking can indeed be therapeutic, and it’s a good way to recharge ourselves. How sweet that T sometimes offers to help. When I was at his age, I don’t think helping my mom in the kitchen had ever crossed my mind. 😅

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Bama. Char siu was a lot of fun to make. I always thought it was some magical thing that made the meat red. 🤣

      I still have not done an Indonesian dish and it’s on my wishlist to tackle!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. Love that you have your sacred time — and that it feeds you on so many levels. How interesting that you demystified the BBQ pork. Absolutely gorgeous meals – your family is lucky that cooking is your go-to restorative trick!! Have a great week! ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. this is truly good for your soul and for your belly (for all of your family’s, really). i love how there’s dance music going on, leftovers, and every dish looks delish, this is an all-around win!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Brian. I wouldn’t go as far as Stanley Tucci but I do appreciate the vote of confidence! 😊 A podcast over cooking would be so much fun. Thanks for the idea!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks Michelle. It’s a creative outlet for sure, in addition to therapy. 😊 occasionally, I love going to the market, like St Jacob’s, and getting inspiration too. Definitely sacred time to protect!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. It all looks delicious, Ab. These days I think anything dish home cooked is healthier than restaurant meals. They use too many ‘additives’. A plain dinner salad isn’t even a safe choice anymore. Have a great rest of your Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. Ab, these look incredible. ❤️

    I’m also glad you protect this time of selfcare. It truly is needed, especially for parents who love and care for children who have deep need. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday and enjoy your meals in the week ahead.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a Reply