Sunday, July 6, 2025
52 Weeks of Sunday Lunches
Table of Contents
After two whirlwind weeks of prep, paint, and party, I declared this Sunday one thing only: a day of rest. I didn’t cook. I didn’t clean. I didn’t even move much. I just vegetated, grateful for leftovers and the stillness that followed all that motion. My body needed it. My mind craved it. And once you hear the week I had—you’ll understand exactly why.
Two weeks before the 4th of July, I dove headfirst into preparing not just a menu, but my home. We were wrapping up construction projects, cleaning every corner, painting walls, and trying to make the house guest-ready. My family was driving in from all directions, and my heart was excited.
They began arriving on Wednesday, and of course, I had to feed them. So I made a hearty lunch of curry goat, curry baigan and aloo with chickpeas, rice, and paratha. I promised myself this summer I’d keep things simple and stick to the plan, but somehow the flavors of home always pull me deeper into the kitchen.
Then came Thursday, the big prep day. We set up the tent and arranged furniture outside, thinking we were ahead of the game. But just as we were admiring the setup, a freak windstorm swept through—ripping our tent apart, snapping tree branches, and blocking roads. We saw the full aftermath as we drove to my cousin’s house for dinner that evening. At that point, I just had to laugh. You can’t fight nature.
Still, I held it together. I stayed focused. I had a plan for the 4th, and somehow—everything came together beautifully. (A reel is coming to show it all, because honestly, explaining it in words won’t do justice.)
4th of July Menu:
- BBQ chicken
- BBQ pigtail
- Grilled Korean short ribs
- Fried rice
- Lo mein
- Creamy orecchiette pasta with sausage
- Caribbean boiled corn
- Stir-fried vegetables for the vegans and my brother-in-law
- BBQ Portobello mushrooms
- Grilled burgers, hot dogs, and chicken sausages
My sister brought macaroni pie and potato salad, which completed the table with her signature comfort-food classics.
Desserts:
A sweet trio of fruit cake, chocolate cake, and cheesecake closed the meal on the perfect note.
We danced. We ate. We played lawn games (Leo had the time of his life), and we soaked in the joy of being together. One of the highlights this year was having Auntie Toyzie, my dad’s sister, visiting from Trinidad Via Canada, in the kitchen with me. She became my right hand—my sous chef—and helped manage a local water issue that had me on edge. Thankfully, we made it through the day with no interruptions (and water left in reserve). No pun intended, but everything flowed just right.
On Saturday, things had quieted down, but the kitchen stayed warm. My sister and her family came over, and she insisted that we make rib-eye steak for lunch. I pulled together a quick chickpea salad using some of the leftover salad from the day before (I plan to share that recipe soon), and it paired perfectly with the grilled steak. Later that evening, I got a head start on Sunday breakfast (so I didn’t have to wake up early to cook for the Canadians)—prepping dough and frying up bake, fried cabbage, and fried saltfish. Thankfully, I had kneaded enough flour for both dinner and breakfast the next morning, which gave us all something hearty to eat as I packed away the dishes and decorations from the day before.
By the time Sunday arrived, the last of the guests had gone. The Canadians headed out around 9 AM after breakfast. The house grew quiet. My husband drove back to the city with a cooler packed with leftovers for himself, my mom, and my uncle.
I didn’t cook. I didn’t clean. I didn’t even move much. I just vegetated, grateful for leftovers and the stillness that followed all that motion. I did the same—picked at plates of everything I had poured my energy into over the last few days (plus some broccolini I steamed for something fresh)—every bite reminding me of the love and laughter that had filled the house.
This week was about slowing down.
About eating leftovers with no shame.
About letting the body catch up with the spirit.
It was a reminder that rest is part of the rhythm too. After pouring into my family, my guests, and my kitchen—I poured into myself.
Recipes from This Week
(Links will be updated as they go live—check back soon!)
- Curry Goat – Trinidad Style
- Curry Baigan and Aloo with Channa
- Paratha Roti (Buss up Shut)
- Fried Rice
- Lo Mein
- Creamy Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage & Broccolini
- Grilled Korean Short Ribs
- Caribbean Boiled Corn
- Macaroni Pie
- Potato Salad
- Chocolate Cake
- Fruit Cake
- Cheesecake
Did You Love This Week’s Sunday Lunch? Leave a Comment!
If this week’s story brought a smile to your face or inspired your own Sunday lunch, I’d love to hear from you! Your thoughts, memories, or even your own ‘recovery and leftovers’ moment can help others feel part of the community. And if you’ve made any of the recipes above, please consider leaving a 5-star rating in the respective recipe card.
Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
See All Sunday Lunches in the Series →
Questions or Concerns—Write me!
If you have any questions, concerns, issues, or suggestions about this post or any other recipes, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out via email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you and am here to help make your cooking experience as enjoyable and successful as possible.
Happy Cooking, Sharing, and Resting,
Ria ❤️
Other Posts You Will Love:
Week 26 – Simplicity, Chores, and Curry Chicken Before the 4th
Week 25 – Simple Menu, Big Flavor Wins
Sunday Lunch Week 24—Father’s Day Sunday Lunch
