Staying in : November Journal
Each month, I share a few things that have been meaningful lately - from recipes, books, films and artists. This journal is a quiet celebration of shared meals and meaningful dialogue. A sacred, delicate practice of connection through food and art.
Recipes
Roasted Chicken with Fig Sauce
A slightly elevated classic. Roasted chicken served with a warm fig and onion sauce, finished with a splash of champagne vinegar. The sauce came together with help from my dad, a reminder of how special shared moments in the kitchen are. Download recipe here
Layered Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with butter, garlic, and thyme. Baked until soft on the inside and golden on top. It’s simple and comforting. Download recipe here
Dark and White Chocolate Mousse Tart
Made with both a dark and white chocolate mousse on top of a homemade chocolate crust. It’s rich and smooth, without feeling too heavy. Perfect for the colder months or dinner parties. Download recipe here
Books
Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata
The story follows a man who travels to a remote mountain town and forms a relationship with a geisha. Their connection is never fully resolved. Ambiguity is part of the book’s weight. Kawabata uses the aspects of time, silence, and landscape to create a connection to the reader rather than the story.
Ethan Frome by Edith Warton
This is a short book, you can easily read in a weekend. Set in a cold New England town, this story centers on a man whose lack of internal and external fufillment leads to infidelity. It explores themes based on isolation, repression, and loyalty. It’s tragic without being sentimental. At times I found myself resisting the messaging, due to my lack of sympathy and understanding of Ethan Frome’s reasonings.
In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
Looking back at past journals, I’m surprised I haven’t included this sooner. This is the first book in Proust’s seven-part series. It’s a long, slow read. His writing requires patience, and is known for its intricate detail and long sentences. But once you adjust to the rhythm, it’s a hard book to put down. The book recalls and reflects on moments from his life. Piecing together memory, time, and sensory.
Films
Masculin Feminin by Jean-Luc Godard (1966)
This film blends fiction and documentary, following the lives of young Parisians in the 1960s. It’s made up of scenes, conversations, fragments of reality. I found this film a bit different compared to other Godard films I’ve seen. There is a more defined message of reflecting the political and societal issues of this time period. The story is more about representation through his medium, than trying to make something cohesive.
Ochazuke no Aji (The Flavor of Green Tea over Rice) by Yasujirō Ozu (1952)
Quiet and slow, this film follows a husband and wife whose different values and habits have slowly created distance between them. What I love about Ozu’s work is how much emotion is conveyed in small, everyday moments. Meals, silences, daily routines. The film explores respect, tradition and intimacy through their reconnection.
Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold by Griffin Dunne (2017)
A documentary portrait of Joan Didion, made by her nephew. It’s personal and unpolished. The film blends archival footage, interviews, and her own words. It feels more like a conversation with Didion rather than a production. What stood out to me was how aware she was of the performance of being a writer, while also being completely dedicated to the work.
Artists
Rala Choi (Photographer)
A photographer whose work blends portraiture and surrealism. His strong style almost mimics a painting. Playing with color and softness in a way that feels cinematic. A lot of the portraits are distorted, half-obscured, or blurred in motion.
Gaetano Pesce (Architect & Designer)
His work doesn’t follow clean lines or traditional forms. It’s uneven and intentionally messy. Pesce’s work spans furniture, architecture, and sculpture. I find the playful and irregular in shape creates an originality that is refreshing.
Thanks for being here. If you make any of the recipes or pick up one of the books, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time,
- Jessie