Sarah J. Hauser | Food, Faith, Creativity + Motherhood
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Sarah J. Hauser | Food, Faith, Creativity + Motherhood

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Sarah J. Hauser | Food, Faith, Creativity + Motherhood
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Sarah J. Hauser | Food, Faith, Creativity + Motherhood

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Hey Friends! I'm Sarah - wife, mama, writer, food photographer, and omnivore from Batavia, Illinois. 

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It’s the season of gratefulness, the time when we go around the table, recounting our thanks. Some years, responses come easily. Other times, grief intrudes on our joy and wreaks havoc on our hearts. ⠀ ⠀ So we wipe our tears and conjure up an answer. We write lists of thirty things we’re thankful for and pray happiness will follow each stroke of our pen. Yet gratitude doesn’t always work like that. We should write lists and share our thanks, but doing so truthfully isn’t like picking blooms from a field of flowers. It’s more like we’re on our knees, digging in the dirt, desperately longing for a garden. ⠀ ⠀ That messy work of gratitude often begins lament. Honest cries before God and ourselves may unearth pain we've buried, but in that torn up soil, gratitude grows. ⠀ ⠀ Are you craving a heart of thanks, but all you really want to do is shake your fists and scream at God? Friend, do it. Wrestle and weep and plead with him just like David, Habakkuk, Job, and so many others. He can handle it. Jesus himself was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. The same God who inspired the writing of our favorite verses on thankfulness also inspired words of gut-wrenching grief. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is as surely the Word of God as “all things work together for good.”⠀ ⠀ Rest in this. Growth comes after burying the seed. Dancing comes after mourning. Healing after pain.⠀ ⠀ Grief will not have the last word, and lament will not be our final prayer. Because after death came Resurrection. ⠀ ⠀ Oh, how I’m grateful for that. ⠀ ⠀ Lamentations 3:15-24⠀ ⠀ “He has made my teeth grind on gravel,⠀ and made me cower in ashes;⠀ my soul is bereft of peace; ⠀ I have forgotten what happiness is;⠀ so I say, ‘My endurance has perished;⠀ so has my hope from the Lord.’⠀ ⠀ Remember my affliction and my wanderings,⠀ the wormwood and the gall!⠀ My soul continually remembers it⠀ and is bowed down within me.⠀ But this I call to mind,⠀ and therefore I have hope:⠀ ⠀ The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;⠀ his mercies never come to an end;⠀ they are new every morning;⠀ great is your faithfulness.⠀ ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,⠀ ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Everyone talks about the main Thanksgiving meal, but I want to know...what’s your favorite appetizer? I could live off appetizers! ⠀ ⠀ Here’s a super easy Thanksgiving appetizer for ya’! And a bonus: having "chanterelles" in the recipe title makes them sound super fancy. The full recipe is below, or you can also find it on the blog at sarahjhauser.com. (P.S. It’s also vegan!)⠀ ⠀ Crostini with Garlic Sauteed Chanterelles⠀ Yields about 20 appetizers⠀ ⠀ 3-4 Tablespoons olive oil, divided⠀ 2 garlic cloves, minced⠀ 3-4 sprigs of thyme, plus more for garnish⠀ 16 ounces chanterelle mushrooms, large ones cut in half lengthwise⠀ 1 baguette, cut into ¾ inch slices⠀ Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper⠀ ⠀ Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and and thyme and cook for about 30-60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.⠀ ⠀ Add the mushrooms in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes without stirring until the bottom side is golden and browned. Sprinkle with a few pinches of salt and freshly ground black pepper.⠀ ⠀ Reduce the heat to medium. Turn the mushrooms over and cook for about 5-7 more minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are tender to your liking. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.⠀ ⠀ While the chanterelles are cooking, set your oven rack as close to your oven’s broiler flame as possible. Preheat the broiler (to high if you have a high/low setting). Lay the baguette slices out on a parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle with a tablespoon or two of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.⠀ ⠀ Broil the bread for 1-2 minutes until the edges are browned and slightly crisp. You may need to turn the pan once or twice to ensure even browning. Make sure to watch this very closely. It only take a few seconds for the bread to go from toasted to burned!⠀ ⠀ Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Top each slice with the sautéed mushrooms, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve and enjoy!⠀ ⠀ Note: The olive oil left in the pan has so much flavor. Use it on leftover bread for an extra treat for the cook!
I fear failure. Maybe we all do to some extent. Of course, no one really likes failure, right? But sometimes, my fear of failure cripples me so badly that I stop moving forward. At best, I limp through motherhood or marriage or work in an emotional cast designed to shield my ego. Maybe that cast protects me from getting scraped up a bit. But it also keeps me from running. And if left on for too long, that casts causes my soul to atrophy—until eventually, I stop trying, stop writing, stop praying, stop hoping, and stop taking good, worthwhile risks.⠀ ⠀ This fear of mine has come to light in a thousand ways lately, and it’s a fear I fight daily. ⠀ ⠀ In @everymomentholy, the liturgy for those fearing failure says this: ⠀ ⠀ “Then let my fears of failure drive me, O Lord, to collapse here upon your strong shoulders, and here to rest, reminded again that I an all of your children are always utterly dependent upon you to bring to completion, in and through us, the good works which you have prepared beforehand for us to do. It is not my own work that is before me now, but yours! … ⠀ ⠀ The success of your endeavors is not yours to judge. He works in ways that you cannot comprehend. And in his economy, there will be no waste. Even what you judge as failure, God will tool to greater purpose.”⠀ ⠀ There is no need to fear. ⠀ ⠀ Amen?
"I sit at the table with my husband and kids, bowls in front of us and my phone out ready to document the occasion. To anyone else, this appears like an ordinary, chaotic dinner with three small children. But to me, sharing Autumn Chowder with them for the first time feels as important as a holiday. My kids will never know their Nana, a reality I will always grieve. But there’s somehow comfort in soup that graces our table as soon as the leaves change and the weather turns crisp. There’s nourishment from certain dishes that goes far beyond the sum of the ingredients, nourishment that happens when the table becomes not just a place to eat, but a place to remember.⠀ ⠀ Tears fall in grief, while I smile with gratitude. This isn’t just a meal. For my family and me, it’s a living memory—one I’ll keep making, year after year."⠀ ⠀ I've got a new essay and a recipe for Autumn Chowder over at @coffeeandcrumbs today. This is probably one of my favorite childhood meals. Link in profile!
Last year about this time, a few friends hosted a shower to celebrate the birth of our third. I gave birth to him in July, but with summer schedules and newborn exhaustion, we decided to wait until the fall for a baby shower—and I loved it! ⠀ ⠀ My friends know me well, too, because that evening, they made it a point to serve home-cooked food and sit around the table together. We passed baskets of bread, poured glasses of wine, and savored spoonfuls of soup. We chatted and laughed, talked about birth stories, and commiserated with each other about sleepless nights. I remember thinking how grateful I was for my new son and the loved ones who took the time to celebrate him with me. ⠀ What a gift. 🍂🍁⠀ ⠀ [New post and recipe for Butternut Squash Soup with Rosemary + Bacon up on the blog! It’s also #paleo, #whole30, #dairyfree, #glutenfree, and can easily be made #vegan! It’s perfect for fall nights around the table. Click the link in my profile to get the recipe, or head to sarahjhauser.com!]
It’s cold, rainy, and the perfect fall day to sip some cider - especially cider that’s got a little extra kick! 🍎🌶⠀ ⠀ I’m also cutting down on caffeine, so I’m hoping that savoring other warm drinks will help curb my coffee addiction. 😜 You can find this post in the blog archives, but I’ve also included the recipe below! ⠀ ⠀ Mulled Cider with Cinnamon + Ancho Chiles⠀ ⠀ 2 quarts apple cider (make sure it doesn't have any added sweeteners or spices)⠀ 8 whole cloves⠀ 2 cinnamon sticks⠀ 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)⠀ 1 lemon, sliced⠀ 1 ancho chile⠀ ⠀ Add the cider, cloves, cinnamon sticks, lemon juice and lemon slices to a large saucepan. Cut the ancho chile in half and add it to the cider (seeds and all).⠀ ⠀ Bring the cider to a boil, then turn the heat to low and cover. Let the cider simmer for at least 30 minutes. Pour into mugs and serve with a slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
Happy Friday! After focusing on a handful of other projects the last few months, I’m starting to gain a little momentum on my own blog. I’ve loved writing essays and submitting work elsewhere, but honestly, returning to my own site feels like coming home. I love writing, but I forgot how much I love playing in the kitchen! ⠀ ⠀ I’ve got lots of new recipes coming your way as soon as possible. (Or, to put it a different way, the rate at which I publish new blog posts directly relates to how often my kids’ naps overlap!) What are you creating this weekend?⠀ ⠀ [📷: Picture taken by the lovely @annaguziak. This is my very unfancy photography setup in my dining room. I used to think I needed to have an all-white kitchen, a thousand props, and a full day without distractions to make this work happen. If that was the case, none of it would be possible. So here I am, outdated kitchen, our normal dishes as props, and a hand-me-down table by the window. P.S. This picture was taken while I was pregnant with our third. I am NOT currently pregnant. ☺️]
Chili season is upon us! Snag this recipe for Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili from the blog archives. There's a link in my profile, too!⠀ ⠀ What's your chili preference? White? Red? Chicken? Beef? Turkey? Vegan? Spicy? Mild? Or all of the above? (That's me—gimme all the chili!) Leave a comment and let me know!⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #chili #whitechickenchili #feedfeed #slowcooker #crockpot #crockpotmeals #weeknightdinner #weeknightrecipes #dairyfree #healthyrecipes #easyrecipes #realsimple #fallrecipes #f52grams #instafood #feedfeedglutenfree #foodblogfeed #foodglooby #makesmewhole #tastegodsgoodness #foodblogeats #kitchn #onthetable #beautifulcuisines #chickendinner #chickenrecipes #realfoodrecipes
Sisters and brothers who have gone through - and are going through - infertility and loss, I see you. And I weep with you. I haven’t walked the dark, lonely, painful road you have. I can only imagine it, and the imagining itself brings me to tears. Sorry seems an inadequate sentiment, but I’m so, so sorry. I know my words fall short. ⠀ ⠀ For those like me who don’t know that pain firsthand, let’s learn how to mourn with those who mourn. Let’s listen. Let’s actually pray when we say we’re going to. Let’s lean into the grief even though it’d be easier to walk away. ⠀ ⠀ If you need a place to start, get a copy of @unexpectedmel’s new book, “Infreakinfertility.” For those who can relate to her experience all too well, she’ll remind you you’re not alone. She’ll even make you laugh in the midst of your pain in a way only Melanie can do. ⠀ ⠀ For those who haven’t lived the story of infertility, get this book, too. Your eyes will be opened to a grief we can’t completely understand. Your heart will break for others. You’ll be more equipped to mourn with those who mourn. And yes, Melanie will make you laugh, too. ⠀ ⠀ How much better we’ll be able to listen to the stories of our neighbors, our friends, our sisters if we practice listening to stories through reading. When we read, we can’t offer cliche solutions. We can’t give unsolicited advice. We can’t speak our ignorant opinions. We just have to listen and wrestle with the words of others for 150 pages. ⠀ ⠀ We’d do well to cultivate the ability to listen any way we can. ❤️⠀ ⠀ Link in my profile to order Melanie’s book. ⠀ ⠀ [📷: @coffeeandcrumbs. You can read an excerpt from Infreakinfertility over at coffeeandcrumbs.net.]
I sat at the computer to finish a blog post last night, intending to publish something short and sweet alongside the latest recipe. Instead, I ended up mulling over the meaning of rest in the midst of chaos, what it looks like to trust God in the messy everyday, and my endless longing for the elusive "someday when it gets easier." ⠀ ⠀ So, head to sarahjhauser.com or click the link in my profile to read the post and get the recipe for this Sheet Pan Balsamic Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes + Green Beans. Also, PSA: listen to @emilypfreeman's podcast episode from last week, "Allow the Present to Be Imperfect" at some point soon—maybe while you cook some salmon.
It's been a roller coaster week...good stuff, hard stuff, and a family diet consisting of bananas, applesauce, and toast (if you know what I mean!). Today's excitement was that we graduated to chicken soup. Hallelujah.⠀ ⠀ There's not too much weekend inspiration from our table this week to share with you, unless you count bowls of applesauce and leftover toast. But while we're on the mend, I'm daydreaming about making another Elderflower, Lemon + Rosemary Cocktail. The recipe will be up over at @coffeeandcrumbs later this month! ⠀ ⠀ What are you sipping this weekend? Chicken broth and water like our family? Or (hopefully) something a little more fun?⠀ ⠀ [In other news, I'll be sending out another newsletter in the next couple days! Make sure you sign up by clicking the link in my profile!]⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #feedfeed #feedfeedcocktails #foodglooby #gloobyfood #kitchn #makesmewhole #darlingweekend #weekendvibes #happyfridaynight #cocktailrecipe #bareaders #mixology #mixologist #cocktailhour #ericksonwoodworks #foodtographyschool #elderflower #vodka #heritagedistilling #lemondrink #foodblogfeed #foodblogger #eeeeats #onmytabletoday #inmykitchentoday #inmykitchen #drinkrecipes
A couple years ago, I started studying what Scripture says about food. Is our eating and drinking merely for physical nourishment? Is enjoying food hedonistic?⠀ ⠀ As I look back over what I've learned the last few years—and what I'm still learning—I'm reminded time and time again that we can literally taste the goodness of God.⠀ ⠀ I'm so excited to be sharing more over at @therabbitroom today. Head to rabbitroom.com or click the link in my profile to read the full essay on why I think feasting is deeply valuable.
Loving this soup weather!!! 🙌⠀ ⠀ [📷: Red Lentil Soup from the blog archives!]⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #vegan #healthy #fallrecipes #thatsdarling #kitchn #f52grams #feedfeed #fallrecipes #soup #rslove #foodandwine #makesmewhole #vegetable #cleaneating #marthafood #bhgfood #foodgawker #tastespotting #foodtographyschool #huffposttaste #gloobyfood #buzzfeedfood #onthetable
I pull out the the giant soup pot I inherited from my mom. That pot has seen gallons of homemade spaghetti sauce, wild rice soup, and our perpetual favorite, Autumn Chowder. I place it on the stove, turn on the heat, and start frying chopped bacon and sauteing an onion. The potatoes, carrots, and corn get dumped in next, followed by broth, milk, and loads of cheese. It’s hearty, rich, and full of the flavors of fall—quintessential comfort food. ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ As I stir, my mind wanders back to my mom’s kitchen. I imagine her standing over the stove, wooden spoon in hand, stirring up magic in that pot. Dishes cover the kitchen island, and the smell of bacon wafts through the house. Our excitement grows as dinnertime nears. The “First Making of Autumn Chowder” felt like a special occasion in our home, despite usually occurring on an average weeknight amidst soccer practice and algebra homework. ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ I pull myself out of the memory and back into my own kitchen. It’s been five years since she died, and I still notice her absence most when I’m cooking. Yet somehow it feels like the act of chopping vegetables and melting cheese keeps her alive.
This little guy. ⠀ ⠀ I took this photo months ago. But even when some days drag, time still manages to fly. He's over a year now, walking, running, and climbing faster than my worn-out body wants to move. ⠀ ⠀ The transition from two kids to three was harder than I anticipated. But at the same time, with him - my third - I felt like I got to enjoy some of the moments I missed the first time. I fed him, then let him fall asleep on my chest. I didn't have to pass him off while I nursed the second baby. I could wear him in wrap without another clawing at my legs, begging to be held, too. ⠀ ⠀ I love having twins. They bring life and joy and chaos to my life every day. But I never spent much time with just one baby until this little guy came along. ⠀ ⠀ The twins are in preschool now. There are so many special moments I get to have with them, so many memories only twins could make. They're my firsts, my answer to prayer, the kiddos who made me a mama. They play with each other, hug each other, and talk about how much they miss each other when they've been apart more than five minutes. ⠀ ⠀ But number three? There’s a sweetness I missed the first time around that I feel like I’m just now savoring. This kid, this sweet Josiah, daily reminds me how grateful I am to be his mama. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #coffeeandcrumbs #motherhoodrising #momsandstories #motherhood #parenting #motherhoodmoments #risenmotherhood #motherhoodunplugged
More sheet pan dinners coming at ya soon - like this Balsamic Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes + Green Beans! . . . . . . . . . . #kitchn #sitkasalmonshares # #thekitchn #thekitchn #buzzfeast #f52grams #feedfeed #huffposttaste #eeeeeats #beautifulcuisines #foodandwine #yahoofood #buzzfeedfood #lifeandthyme #eattheworld #tastingtable #foodblogfeed #dailyfoodfeed #gloobyfood #rslove #tastemade #paleo #whole30 # #onthetable #bareaders #iamwhole30 #marthafood #bhgfood #foodgawker #tastespotting
Coffee Granola with Chocolate, Honey + Sea Salt - Make it this weekend and have breakfast ready to go all week! Here you go! . Coffee Granola with Chocolate, Honey + Sea Salt . 3 cups rolled oats ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons cocoa powder ½ cup coffee concentrate* or triple strength coffee 1/3 cup honey 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional) Pinch of sea salt . 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. . 2. In a large bowl, add all ingredients except salt and mix well. . 3. Pour mixture onto the baking sheet in a thin layer. . 4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until granola is crispy, stirring 2-3 times throughout the baking process. . 5. Remove from oven and top with sea salt to taste. . 6. Let the granola cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store until you’re ready to serve. . 7. Serve with milk or Greek yogurt and top with additional honey. . . . . . . . . . . . . #instabake #ilovebaking #f52grams #makesmewhole #kitchn #feedfeed #onmytable #huffposttaste #beautifulcuisines #buzzfeast #foodandwine #yahoofood #thekitchn #lifeandthyme #foodgawker #vscocook #inmykitchen #gatheringslikethese #eattheworld #tastingtable #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed @foodblogfeed #foodwinewomen #tastemade #rslove #gloobyfood #coffeeandcrumbs # #bareaders #buzzfeedfood #darlingweekend
When my sense of worth and creative value rests on the shaky ground of outward recognition, it is so easy to falter, to doubt, to grow weary, tired and discouraged. But when I realize that I have worth as a human being, created by God in his image, I remember that I have worth because HE gave it to me. I can echo the words of the psalmist and say, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:13-14). . My worth and the value of my work are determined by the Creator God, and he doesn’t change. Even if no one else sees what I do, he sees it and values it if it is offered up to glorify Him. . Francis Schaeffer wrote, "How can art be sufficiently meaningful? If it is offered up merely before men, then it does not have a sufficient integration point. But it can be offered up before God…So the man who really loves God, who is working under the lordship of Christ, could write his poetry, compose his music, construct his musical instruments, fashion his statues, paint his pictures, even if no man ever saw them. He knows God looks upon them." (And may I add, "cook and photograph her recipes" to that list?) . The value of our work isn't determined by the number of people who see it. And the beauty of that is then we are free to do the work God has called us to do without fear, comparison, and insecurity. What a relief! . . . . . . . . . #cooking #francisschaeffer #risenmotherhood #motherhoodrising #christiancreativity #creativity #honestmotherhood #christcenteredcreativity #tastegodsgoodness #motherhood #thepursuitofjoyproject #motherhoodthroughinstagram #parenthood #creating #writersofinstagram #creativewriting #igwriters #thatsdarling #bedeeplyrooted #darlingweekend #livethelittlethings #recipe #recipes #verilymoment #givemejesus #writersofig
I think the weekend needs to get started already. Double tap if you agree! (And then make this super simple cocktail that's perfect for fall!) 🍎🍸 . Apple + Sage Cocktail . 2 ounces apple juice 2 ounces vodka 1 ounce triple sec 2-3 fresh sage leaves, torn (plus one whole leaf for garnish) Ice . Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for about 15 seconds, and then strain into a glass. Add 1-2 fresh ice cubes to the glass. Garnish with a sage leaf. Enjoy! . . . . . . . . . . #cocktails #drinks #cocktailtime #bartenders #cocktailbar #mixologist #cocktailoftheday #heritagedistilling #feedfeed #f52grams #foodblogfeed #gloobyfood #huffposttaste #craftcocktail #beautifulcuisines #buzzfeast #foodandwine #thekitchn #eeeeeats #yahoofood #lifeandthyme #tastingtable #rslove #bareaders #tastemade #darlingweekend #theartofslowliving #makesmewhole #drinkrecipes #foodtographyschool
It's hot here this week, but I'm still feelin' the fall baking! I loved this recipe for Healthy Apple Muffins from @cookieandkate! What are you baking this fall?

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