As a mom of a trans (pre)teen I can tell you that every single tiny loving act matters and makes my eyes fill every time. (Including even reading your suggestion in this post.) Thank you!
For at least 8 years now, our neighbors gather once a month from Oct-April for soup night. Everyone arrives with their own bowl and spoon in hand.
We just hosted it last week. I made a gluten-free chicken chili and a vegetarian version of Ina’s minestrone. Her secret: two tablespoons of good pesto stirred into the broth at the end. But now I have to try it with bean-soaked water!
Rancho Gordo beans are amazing. And if you have a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, they're not much more effort to make than opening up a can. You just need to remember to allow yourself enough time.
I also highly recommend their popcorn. It's absolutely delicious, and even though it seems a little pricey, it's still cheaper per serving than almost any Whole Foods or even supermarket snack food.
Reading this while breathing in the scent of red lentil soup on my stove. Thank you for this recipe. Marcella Hazan’s tomato sauce (tomato, onion, butter, salt) is one of my favorite recipes. Also, Cox/Solnit/Craven is my trifecta as well. Thank you for describing the collective and individual scales so well. Do you have suggestions for orgs supporting trans teens and young people?
Free To Be Youth at the Urban Justice Center in NYC does amazing work with LGBTQ youth. Full disclosure, I work at a different project at UJC, but I can seriously vouch for the folks at Free to Be Youth. https://fyp.urbanjustice.org/
Here is a list of trans girl scouts selling cookies! I recommend starting from the bottom of the list as those need more attention. And if you order remember to click "ship the cookies"
Supporting local Girl Scouts, especially those facing challenges, is about more than just buying cookies—it’s about fostering inclusivity and ensuring everyone has a chance to thrive. The same philosophy applies to great dining experiences, like those found on the Red Robin menu, where a variety of options cater to different tastes and needs. Just as a simple act of choosing where to buy cookies can make a meaningful impact, choosing where and what to eat can reflect our values—whether it’s supporting community-driven initiatives or enjoying a meal that brings people together. Food has a unique way of connecting us, whether over a shared table or through small, thoughtful choices that uplift others.
here’s something deeply human about recognizing both the big picture and the small, meaningful actions that shape it. Just as the post reflects on how individual acts of kindness contribute to reducing suffering, food—especially something as simple as a meal—plays a role in providing comfort, stability, and connection.
A meal like Arby’s Half-Pound Roast Beef Sandwich may seem like just food, but at its core, it represents something bigger: generosity, nourishment, and the simple joy of feeling full and cared for. In times of chaos, sharing a meal—whether by treating a friend, donating to a food bank, or simply savoring something satisfying—becomes a quiet yet powerful act of grounding and connection.
Whether it’s reaching out to support someone in need or just taking a moment to care for yourself, both perspectives remind us that small, tangible acts matter. Because in a world that often feels overwhelming, sometimes the best thing we can do is show up, share what we have, and keep moving forward—one bite, one moment, one kindness at a time. https://arbys-menus.com/half-pound-roast-beef/
How is this simple soup so good??? It truly was the very best minestrone I’ve had! So good. And that was with canned beans, I can only imagine how good it would be with dried. Thank you so much!
I know it's not right, but I've been so battered by depression and anxiety that I've barely interacted with the outside world since the election. I deleted my Twitter account (honestly, probably a good thing) and haven't even opened Facebook since the day before the inauguration. I avoid the news and only look at the NYT for my daily Spelling Bee fix. I'm just so scared for my trans kid, and every headline I see about Mango Mussolini (aka "Il Douché") either depresses me, terrifies me, or both. I'm hoping that with the arrival of spring, my spirit will manage to unfurl a bit. In the meantime, soup and other comfort food has been providing spiritual and physical sustenance as I cook for myself, my husband and, when I'm lucky enough to have them at home for the occasional visit, my kids, so I truly appreciate your recipes.
I made a minestrone a couple of weekends ago; and it was delish. The thing that augmented a simple bowl of soup to next level DIVINE was Carla Lalli Music's accompanying Fried Bread with flaky salt. DAMN it was good! See her youtube or instagram for particulars. I, too, am following Jess Craven's Chop Wood! Carry Water! To not feel so stuck in this lurch towards FASCISM, I complete a couple of steps in each of her posts.
My kiddo is a fantastic cook. I gave her Rancho Gordo beans for Christmas and she hasn’t dipped into them yet. I’ll have to show her this recipe or sneak some of those magic beans myself!
My best pals and I had a bean cook off (yes.) during our last weekend away gathering and I can confirm that in a head to head taste-off, the RG beans won handily. The most frugal part of me was horrified, and the part of me that believes what smart women on the internet tell me was so ding-dang justified.
Thanks for this recipe! Looking forward to sharing it with friends soon.
As a mom of a trans (pre)teen I can tell you that every single tiny loving act matters and makes my eyes fill every time. (Including even reading your suggestion in this post.) Thank you!
For at least 8 years now, our neighbors gather once a month from Oct-April for soup night. Everyone arrives with their own bowl and spoon in hand.
We just hosted it last week. I made a gluten-free chicken chili and a vegetarian version of Ina’s minestrone. Her secret: two tablespoons of good pesto stirred into the broth at the end. But now I have to try it with bean-soaked water!
such a great neighbor tradition!
It really has been a gift! I don’t organize the schedule but I try to always go, even when I’d rather not, and I’m always glad I did.
I will be buying the Rancho Gordo beans. I believe Julia Turshen uses them too. Two recommendations from great cooks and I’m sold.
RG beans are life changing. you will never regret it. ever!
Rancho Gordo beans are amazing. And if you have a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, they're not much more effort to make than opening up a can. You just need to remember to allow yourself enough time.
I also highly recommend their popcorn. It's absolutely delicious, and even though it seems a little pricey, it's still cheaper per serving than almost any Whole Foods or even supermarket snack food.
Good intel!
They are so good!
Malingering! Thank you for dusting off this wonderful word. Catherine, tell me you've read An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler? Right up your alley.
You bring me joy, and I appreciate it! xoxo
This soup looks great and I will be making it soon!
Reading this while breathing in the scent of red lentil soup on my stove. Thank you for this recipe. Marcella Hazan’s tomato sauce (tomato, onion, butter, salt) is one of my favorite recipes. Also, Cox/Solnit/Craven is my trifecta as well. Thank you for describing the collective and individual scales so well. Do you have suggestions for orgs supporting trans teens and young people?
Free To Be Youth at the Urban Justice Center in NYC does amazing work with LGBTQ youth. Full disclosure, I work at a different project at UJC, but I can seriously vouch for the folks at Free to Be Youth. https://fyp.urbanjustice.org/
Here is a list of trans girl scouts selling cookies! I recommend starting from the bottom of the list as those need more attention. And if you order remember to click "ship the cookies"
https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/2025-trans-girl-scouts-to-order-cookies
Edit: omg i just noticed that Catherine Newman also posted this a month ago. I'm such a goof 🤦🏻♀️
Thank you both, Jeanne and Joy.
Supporting local Girl Scouts, especially those facing challenges, is about more than just buying cookies—it’s about fostering inclusivity and ensuring everyone has a chance to thrive. The same philosophy applies to great dining experiences, like those found on the Red Robin menu, where a variety of options cater to different tastes and needs. Just as a simple act of choosing where to buy cookies can make a meaningful impact, choosing where and what to eat can reflect our values—whether it’s supporting community-driven initiatives or enjoying a meal that brings people together. Food has a unique way of connecting us, whether over a shared table or through small, thoughtful choices that uplift others.
https://redrobin-menus.com/deals/
here’s something deeply human about recognizing both the big picture and the small, meaningful actions that shape it. Just as the post reflects on how individual acts of kindness contribute to reducing suffering, food—especially something as simple as a meal—plays a role in providing comfort, stability, and connection.
A meal like Arby’s Half-Pound Roast Beef Sandwich may seem like just food, but at its core, it represents something bigger: generosity, nourishment, and the simple joy of feeling full and cared for. In times of chaos, sharing a meal—whether by treating a friend, donating to a food bank, or simply savoring something satisfying—becomes a quiet yet powerful act of grounding and connection.
Whether it’s reaching out to support someone in need or just taking a moment to care for yourself, both perspectives remind us that small, tangible acts matter. Because in a world that often feels overwhelming, sometimes the best thing we can do is show up, share what we have, and keep moving forward—one bite, one moment, one kindness at a time. https://arbys-menus.com/half-pound-roast-beef/
How is this simple soup so good??? It truly was the very best minestrone I’ve had! So good. And that was with canned beans, I can only imagine how good it would be with dried. Thank you so much!
The recipe looks delicious but this quote is perfect: “ I am nourishing you is always the vibe. “
I know it's not right, but I've been so battered by depression and anxiety that I've barely interacted with the outside world since the election. I deleted my Twitter account (honestly, probably a good thing) and haven't even opened Facebook since the day before the inauguration. I avoid the news and only look at the NYT for my daily Spelling Bee fix. I'm just so scared for my trans kid, and every headline I see about Mango Mussolini (aka "Il Douché") either depresses me, terrifies me, or both. I'm hoping that with the arrival of spring, my spirit will manage to unfurl a bit. In the meantime, soup and other comfort food has been providing spiritual and physical sustenance as I cook for myself, my husband and, when I'm lucky enough to have them at home for the occasional visit, my kids, so I truly appreciate your recipes.
As for loving acts, I saw this and immediately thought of you. Something to consider when (in the distant future, obviously!) you are elderly. https://nicenews.com/environment/old-ladies-against-underwater-garbage-massachusetts/
I made a minestrone a couple of weekends ago; and it was delish. The thing that augmented a simple bowl of soup to next level DIVINE was Carla Lalli Music's accompanying Fried Bread with flaky salt. DAMN it was good! See her youtube or instagram for particulars. I, too, am following Jess Craven's Chop Wood! Carry Water! To not feel so stuck in this lurch towards FASCISM, I complete a couple of steps in each of her posts.
My kiddo is a fantastic cook. I gave her Rancho Gordo beans for Christmas and she hasn’t dipped into them yet. I’ll have to show her this recipe or sneak some of those magic beans myself!
My best pals and I had a bean cook off (yes.) during our last weekend away gathering and I can confirm that in a head to head taste-off, the RG beans won handily. The most frugal part of me was horrified, and the part of me that believes what smart women on the internet tell me was so ding-dang justified.
Thanks for this recipe! Looking forward to sharing it with friends soon.
how wonderful to have all the ingredients on hand for this soup. used RG pinto beans and red potatoes and it is divine! thank you, catherine.