What to do when your brain stops working?

There are times, like now, when my brain seems to be stumbling around, unable to string thoughts together and make coherent arguments for the sake of something value-adding for others. The good news – I can recognize the fog I’m in. The bad news – I’m at a loss for what to do.

This has been happening to me for the past few weeks, a chemo-induced brain fog. I haven’t posted but didn’t want to go another week without offering something and having a chance to respond to all the Amplifiers’ wonderful posts. Yet, here I am on Tuesday morning, past the time to post and with nothing in hand.

While awake and in bed today, I did think of something to share, perhaps a placeholder, perhaps something more. A recipe. Something that can nurture those who choose to explore, something I have relied on and will do so again this week as a way to keep my weight up.

Toscana soup is an Italian sausage, potato, and kale soup in a chicken broth base. Simple. Delicious and satisfying. It gets better the longer it sits in the fridge. It is a staple at the Olive Garden restaurants in the US.

What I am sharing is the Instant Pot recipe, taken from the Jennifer Smith book, Instant Pot Cookbook. 500 Recipes Quick & Easy. You can also find a very similar recipe that cooks up beautifully in a dutch oven.

Toscana Soup

Prep + Cook Time: 40 minutes; Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

2 tsp olive oil

? cup water

1 onion, diced

6 cups chicken broth

4 cloves garlic, minced

Salt & ground black pepper to taste

1 lb Italian sausages, chopped

2 cups kale, chopped

3 large russet potatoes, unpeeled, sliced thickly

? cup heavy cream

Directions:

1.??????Set your instant pot to SAUTE mode, add the oil and heat it up.

2.??????Add the onions, garlic, and Italian sausages. Stir and saute for 4-5 minutes, until the sausages have turned light brown.

3.??????Add the potatoes, water, and chicken broth and stir.

4.??????Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

5.??????Press the CANCEL key to stop the SAUTE function.

6.??????Close and lock the lid. Select MANUAL and cook on HIGH pressure for 20 minutes.

7.??????When the timer goes off, use a Quick Release. Carefully open the lid.

8.??????Set your instant pot on SAUTE mode; add the kale and heavy cream.

9.??????Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Press the CANCEL key and let it sit for 5 minutes. Serve.

This is as much as I can do today, other than respond to others’ posts. I wish you the satisfaction I feel in making and enjoying a good meal, and in taking care of yourself.

#selfleadership #designyourlife #thetruthisenough