I’m back from the coast and feeling refreshed. We had a lovely trip—quiet, sandy beaches and plenty of time to relax.
With work keeping me busy right up until the night before we left, I only had time to plan and shop for one meal. I wanted something new and tasty for the adults, but also kid-friendly since I was visiting family. I briefly considered Greek Beef Patties (biftekia), but because we were already planning American-style hamburgers another night, I settled on Beef with Green Beans (moschari me fasolakia).
My four-year-old niece insisted on helping and spent a happy half-hour snapping beans. I usually only trim the stem end, but she got mixed up about which end was which, so we ended up taking off both tips. Together we trimmed four pounds of beans, and she kept at it patiently until they were all done.
Both nieces absolutely loved the beef and green beans. They ate and ate, and when we had leftovers a couple of days later they mourned the end of the “snappers.” It was a small, simple joy watching them enjoy something homemade.
Not being in charge of every meal felt unexpectedly freeing. I had the time and energy to experiment with sides and small extras as the mood struck. One night when my dad grilled steaks, I caramelized a skillet of onions and quickly turned them into a pan sauce by adding minced garlic, chicken broth, and a splash of wine, then reducing it until it was glossy and flavorful. Another evening I roasted carrots and onions to complement my mom’s meatloaf. I also baked bread a few times, which made for easy breakfasts and great sandwich bread during the day.
Now I’m back home—relaxed, refreshed, and thinking about what to cook next. I’m inspired by simple, seasonal dishes and by the way a few small touches—a caramelized onion, a quick pan sauce, a fresh loaf of bread—can lift a meal. Time to decide: what should I make next?