One Spoon, Big Change

Hello Reader, It's Yukari!
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Today I’m thinking about the tiniest tool in the kitchen... a spoon, and how one taste can change everything you cook and share.
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It’s the thread that ties generosity to good food, the first nudge toward real hospitality.
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(Stick around for Aric’s chef tip at the end! 👨🏻‍🍳)
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But first… come with me to the kitchen where “Taste this” became the lesson I didn’t know I needed.

“Taste This”

Remember the Chawanmushi incident?
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That’s how I met Terumi, the new apprentice at our clinic who quickly became my soul sister in Japan.

After we went our separate ways, she was caring for her mom at her place.
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I’d visit her (well, it was more so to invite myself), chat with her dad over a bit of sake, and Terumi would glide through the kitchen.
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Quiet, focused, juggling three pans at once.

I stayed out of her way and watched. Every so often, she paused, handed me a spoon, and said,
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“Taste this.”

“It’s good,” I’d answer.
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Terumi was the first one who showed me the importance of tasting food while cooking, but I didn't know it at that time.

At dinner, when I said her dishes were delicious, she’d smile, slip back to the stove, and return with more:
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“Have another,” “I made this too,” “I thought you’d like it.”

She loved cooking for others and found happiness in seeing us enjoy her meals.
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It wasn’t showing off.
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It was the joy of sharing.

Terumi wasn’t just serving dishes; she was serving love.
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It took time to see why bringing more made her so happy. I had to open my mind and let go of something I didn’t know.
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That part is coming next time. 🧡

What’s your own ‘Have another’ moment? Hit reply and let me know! I read every reply! 🧡

⏲️ How did we "prep" our meals for the 7 days?

The first thing first.
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Aric cooked off two whole chickens, and baked off some potatoes at the same time on the first day of the $100 Grocery Challenge.
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(The video will be in our next newsletter! 🥳)
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After he cooked off the two whole chickens and baked potatoes, I cooked one entire box of pasta and 2 cups of brown rice.
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Now we have the main ingredients of protein, starches, and veggies.
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The Aric's magic of cooking begins now...

📹 Email Subscribers only video of "Making Our $100 Grocery Challenge"

Watch how simple prep Aric did, reply to this email, and let me know if you're enjoying our journey of the $100 Grocery Challenge!

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👨🏻‍🍳 Chef's Tip from Aric (1-minute win)

It’s a good practice to have a tasting spoon on the kitchen counter. (or an entire silverware set like we do… 🤣)
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Because quick tastes help you adjust seasoning and doneness in real time, and a dedicated spoon keeps things clean and within reach, making the habit stick.
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(✅ Bonus: no double-dipping if you keep a few on hand!)

Tip 2. Park the spoon in a utensil holder or a small mug of hot water between tastes, and swap the water every 20–30 minutes.
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Or, rotate through a few clean teaspoons, so you don’t have to rinse each time. 🥄

📹 Chef's Tips from Aric is now on Reel on our Instagram!

Have you watched the video of the "Chef Aric's Tip" on our new Instagram account?
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It's a short reel, but it shows you how simple a wet towel can help you cut veggies and meats smoothly.
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So please check it out, follow, like, share, and comment! 🙏

⏲️ PS: Our Weekly Custom Meal Prep Service is FULL!

We can't thank you enough for being such loyal clients, for your support, and for your friendship!
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Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts! If someone you love would be a great fit when a spot opens, please share this post. 🙏
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🎄 P.P.S. We are now closed for private dinner parties for the rest of the year!

Thank you so much for trusting our work and welcoming us to your special day! 🙏

But we'd LOVE to chat with you if you'd like to reserve us for your special day in 2026!
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Want to host a fun Private Dinner Party or In-Home Coo​king Classes in Colorado next year? 🤩
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Thanks again for building this with us.
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We’re not perfect chefs. We’re just real people who love feeding others and figuring it out with you.

With flavor, love, and stainless steel tongs in one hand,
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Yukari & Aric
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(and Senna + Ka-En, snack ninja & firecracker in charge 🐱🐶)

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