Day 14
Today is Thanksgiving here in Canada, and I’ve taken a welcome break from the camp kitchen to be at home for a few days. After several intense weeks of cooking for groups, those three days of rest felt like a deep breath—time to slow down, regroup, and reconnect with the ordinary comforts of home.
Home is a small sanctuary for me during this season. With the physical demands of preparing dozens of meals each day, I rarely have the energy or time for “home” tasks. When I finally do step through my door, I’m grateful simply to sit, to notice the familiar corners and little things that make this space mine. The house still wears its summer decorations; I joked to myself that maybe I’m getting an early start on next year’s decor.
I’m heading back into the kitchen later this afternoon. A group of 85 arrives tomorrow, the largest number I’ve cooked for so far on this run. That means a lot of advance prep, planning, and triaging of tasks. I’ll begin with a big pot of chili to feed hungry appetites and build flavor for the week. Please wish me luck—cooking for large groups always brings a mix of exhilaration and logistical puzzles.
On this Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking about the many things I’m thankful for. It’s a short list but meaningful, and it keeps me grounded when the work gets tiring.
- Health: Physical strength has never been my strong suit, so I don’t take my ability to keep going lightly. Standing for long days, lifting pots, and moving through a busy kitchen are challenges I didn’t expect to meet with such endurance. I feel thankful for each day I’m able to do this work, and I try to approach every meal with humility and gratitude.
- Joy: I’ve been praying to find joy in this job, and I’m grateful that joy has shown up in unexpected ways. Simple things—smiles from guests, compliments about a dish, the rhythm of a successful service—bring real satisfaction. Finding joy in hard work has been a quiet gift.
- Support: I could not do this alone. The hands that help set tables, wash dishes, and support planning make everything possible. Beyond physical help, I’m grateful for those who listen as I make decisions, test recipes, and coordinate menus. There are so many small choices that add up to a smooth service, and I appreciate every person who contributes.
Before I lace up my sensible, admittedly uncomfortable shoes and pin my hair up for the rush ahead, I wanted to share a bit about how I use downtime. When I have a few hours away from the stove, I write. During my last break I drafted the previous 13 posts in one sitting, and then added six more a couple of days later. Writing helps me process the day-to-day in the kitchen and preserves the recipes and stories I collect along the way.
Tomorrow I’ll begin what I’m calling the Beef Stroganoff saga—a series of thoughts and recipes around a classic dish that I often adapt for larger groups. It’s one of those comfort meals that brings people together, and I look forward to sharing how I scale, season, and serve it in a busy camp kitchen.
To my fellow Canadians: Happy Thanksgiving. Whether you’re sharing a traditional meal or enjoying a quieter day, I hope it’s filled with good food, meaningful company, and moments of gratitude. And to anyone who cooks for groups—thank you for the care you put into feeding others. It matters more than you might imagine.
