The Causes of Stress and A Recipe for Success

It is Day 3 of mandatory quarantine and the official start of remote learning. The statistics are grim; New York State has nearly 26,000 coronavirus cases and 280 deaths. Today, I found out one my closest friend's 45 year old brother is hospitalized with the disease and is in critical condition. My heart is heavy for all of those suffering and all those who are losing loved ones to this invisible antagonist that is indiscriminately ravaging hundreds of thousands of lives across the world. 

Each day with my family is a life's worth of love and joy. While we traverse peaks of moods throughout each day, wavering from anger and dread to calm and humor, we live as graciously and gratefully as possible. We follow our work/school schedules and make sure to sit down and share meals together. We try to agree on family activities such as walking the dog or watching a movie though that can be challenging since the kids often complain about going for walks, and we deliberate for an hour before we can agree on a movie. But these are minor stresses. The stack of students' picture books I have to grade, the video lessons I have yet to plan, the unavailability of time slots for Fresh Direct and Pea Pod grocery deliveries, are all minor concerns. 

Being home, I cook daily. No take out or delivery in two weeks. Not every dish I make is a success but today's dinner was. Lately my daughter has been asking for Chinese food takeout, so I took her suggestion and made General Tsao's Tofu and Broccoli; this perfect vegan, gluten-free recipe is from Minimalist Baker, one of my favorite blogs dedicated to plant-based food. I used the Wildwood brand High Protein Tofu which has a wonderful texture. I served this with sauteed broccoli and jasmine rice. You can prep several things in advance: wash and cut the broccoli, make the sauce, and cut and marinate the tofu. When everything is prepared, this dish comes together easily.  

The tofu was slightly crisp and dense, the sauce the right balance of sweet and salty, the broccoli crunchy and caramelized. The family loved it; my mood is often tied to the children's response to the food I make, and this time, I was uplifted (instead of angered and offended). Our palates were further brightened by cold, sliced navel oranges for dessert. It was a good meal to help us through the rest of Wednesday. 

Peace and love to all.