Something Tasty: A cheese pairing to try

Tillamook Cheddar Snacks

We all need some comfort right now. This is one of my always-in-my-fridge comfort cheeses that you most likely can find in your grocery store. No frills- just convenient (and on-the-go) comfort. They have sharp white cheddar versions too.

When I’m overwhelmed, I need to cut out as much opportunity for decision fatigue as possible. Deciding what to eat is something that can take me hours, if left to my own devices.

You’d think being someone as food-focused as I am, this wouldn’t be a problem, but nay, decision fatigue comes for us all. Having these in my fridge will at least insure that I won’t go hours without eating just because I can’t seem to rub my last two brain cells together to make or order food.

Something True: A truth about myself

Superhuman Energy

Dear friends, here’s the truth.

I write to you from Southern California, and if you’ve been following any of the news around the fires and winds, I don’t have to explain that we are all exhausted.

Happy to report my family and I are all okay.

When huge disasters (natural and not) happen, it always highlights the most important thing in life is community. We really do need each other.

There’s something that happens, where this superhuman helper energy emerges. It’s hard to explain, but if you’ve ever found yourself in an emergency of any kind, you know what I mean.

It’s probably the same thing that gives mothers the immediate strength to lift a car if their child is in danger: a surplus of adrenaline + something unknown, yet very powerful.

All of a sudden, you have blinders on, you have a completely clear head primed for problem solving you wish you could have all the time during normal life, and tons of energy to give.

Nothing else matters but what is right in front of you, and you don’t spend a lot of time thinking, you just act.

And then when immediate threats go away, so does that superhuman feeling, and care of all kinds is essential. I can feel this starting to happen now, hence why the cheddar snacks (and watching Great British Bake Off with my mom) are really saving me and my nervous system to keep going.

The way communities have showed up to support friends and strangers is nothing short of extraordinary, and it gives some much needed hope for the world when you see it, especially amongst so much tragedy.

When it comes down to it, community is really all we have, and I’m very grateful for this community of cheese and story lovers. Yes, that’s you. 

Farm to Fable: How food shows up in storytelling 

Agnes Cheesery and Ways to Help

The way the food community has sprung into action is incredible, so I’m highlighting some awesome local cheese folks as the story for today.

The team at Agnes Cheesery in Pasadena is open 10-5, but remaining closed for normal dinner service as their team continues to focus on preparing meals for local organizations in need. If you, or someone you know is in need, they have a meal for you.

If you are in a position to help, but are having trouble knowing what honest places and organizations to fund from afar, my friend Lana is working with wholesale vendors to provide essential supplies to those in need.

Venmo: @Lana-Abou-Assi

She posts full documentation of all purchases made for full transparency on her IG @lanaabou

Until next time,

Anne-Marie

P.S. - Sunday Scaries

A terrifying AI image to help us all rest knowing AI bots could never replace a real human artist:

We could all use a giggle, and all the AI images for even dumb prompts like “a big fart” made me depressed, so here is something silly I saw on the internet.

www.annemariepietersma.com