LCK’s Cooking Well Newsletter | Dec 2024
Cooking tips, delicious comfort food recipes, and more!
Hello, LCK’s Cooking Well Friends,
It amazes me how quickly a year goes by. I remember as a child feeling like time moved so slowly…
What’s even more amazing to me is that this month’s newsletter marks issue #84! The first issue went out in January 2018. It started as a way for me to share additional information with my cooking class participants and has grown into a wider community of home cooks all across the country. I appreciate all of the comments, stories, and cooking experiences you’ve shared with me. This whole experience has been so gratifying and fun for me.
So here’s the hard part… I have decided to retire the newsletter. This December issue will be the last one. The newsletter has always been free of charge, and the amount of content generated is vast. It’s been a labor of love, yet, with cooking classes no longer a part of my service offerings, I had to make decisions from a business economics, time, and alignment standpoint.
It’s not easy for me to let this go, however. I may send a recipe, article, or update your way periodically. (Never say never, right?) For the time being, you can access the articles and recipes on Substack (LCK Cooking Well) and my website (Love + Craft Kitchen).
And, if you are a Costco member, I have an article coming out in the January 2025 issue of Costco Connection (For Your Table section). You may see more of my articles there periodically.
What’s next? I am taking a sabbatical of sorts during the first part of 2025 to consider my business with fresh eyes. Most likely, I will continue to support specialty food producers and new food entrepreneurs with my recipe development work as I have done for many years. But, I am also considering other options that capitalize on my broader skills, experience, and interests.
I welcome you to stay in touch (susan@loveandcraftkitchen.com) – ask a question, share a story or experience, or simply say hello. I truly would love to hear from you.
I will leave you with this…
To cook well, one does not need to prepare complicated or complex dishes, or feel "perfection” is the measure of success. Gather a few good quality, nutritious ingredients, use simple cooking methods, and focus on sharing time and love around the table.
Happy holidays and warmest wishes to you for the new year!
Best always,
— Chef Susan
In this season of GIVING…
As Philanthropy Chair for Les Dames d’Escoffier North Carolina Chapter, I would like to share information about our two current fundraising efforts:
Les Dames NC Annual Holiday Cookie Sale - orders end Dec 10!
** If you order cookies and live in downtown Raleigh, reach out to me about an additional pick-up option.
Les Dames NC Western NC Relief Fund (ongoing)
In response to Hurricane Helene's devastating impact, the Les Dames d'Escoffier North Carolina Chapter has established a relief fund to aid women and women-owned businesses in Western North Carolina. Many small, remote communities have been severely affected and continue to face immense challenges in the recovery process. Our mission is to provide both immediate relief and sustained support to help these women rebuild their lives, homes, and businesses.
These two fundraisers will support the organizations listed below that are currently making a direct impact on the basic, daily needs of women and their families in Western North Carolina.
Later, we will introduce a mico-grant program to assist women-owned businesses starting again or anew.
THANK YOU for your kindness and consideration.
10 Ways to Use Fennel
When selecting ingredients for healthy Mediterranean-style cooking, fennel is a solid choice. It’s packed with beneficial nutrients and every part of the plant is edible - from the bulb that grows above ground, the feathery fronds, and the blossoms and seeds.
Learn 10 ways to use this nutritious powerhouse of a plant.
Seafood Chowder
Chowder is a staple in coastal areas with each maker putting their personal twist on the dish. Its creamy, savory broth highlights the seafood so nicely. This recipe incorporates a secret ingredient to elevate the flavor…Pernod.
Do you have a favorite recipe, topic, or technique that you learned by receiving this newsletter over the years?
Share it with us here! We’d love to hear.
S😢rry to see the letter go, but best wishes in your new endeavors. Thanks for all the helpful tips, news, information, and good, healthy, and easy recipes along the way.