🥣 Cozy Up — It’s Comfort Food Month with Chef Kareema!

Hey Foodie Family!

The air is getting crisp, the days a little shorter—and you know what that means: it’s comfort food season! 🍁 This month, we’re slowing things down and turning up the cozy. Whether you’re simmering a pot of soup on the stove or pulling out the pressure cooker for quick stews, September is all about heartwarming meals and filling your home with the smells (and memories) of love-filled food.

Let’s get into it.

🍲 Food Tip: Explore Hearty Soups & Stews

Comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy—it just needs to feel like a hug in a bowl.

✅ Chicken Noodle Soup – A classic that never misses
✅ Coconut Pumpkin Soup – Creamy with a Caribbean twist
✅ Red Lentil Stew – Quick, protein-packed, and perfect for batch cooking

Chef Tip: Toss in fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) toward the end of cooking for maximum flavor.

🧂 Kitchen Tip: Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry

When it’s chilly outside, your pantry should be your best friend. Stock up on the basics so you can whip up comfort food any day of the week.

🛒 Essentials to keep on hand:
✔ Canned tomatoes & coconut milk
✔ Dried beans or lentils
✔ Pasta, rice & quinoa
✔ Spices: garlic powder, thyme, curry, bouillon

Bonus Tip: Keep your favorite soup base in the freezer for quick starts!

⚡ Appliance Spotlight: Get Cozy with Your Pressure Cooker

Don’t sleep on your pressure cooker—it’s a comfort food powerhouse.

💨 In 30 minutes or less, you can make:
✅ Oxtail stew
✅ Creamy mac & cheese
✅ Chickpea curry
✅ Even banana bread pudding (!)

Chef Challenge: Pick one weeknight to try a pressure cooker recipe you’ve never made before!

🥄 Utensil Must-Have: The Mighty Ladle

It might seem simple, but if you're not using a ladle… you're making life harder than it needs to be.

✔ Perfect for portioning soups & stews
✔ Reduces mess when transferring hot liquids
✔ Look for one with a deep bowl and grippy handle

Pro Tip: Keep a second ladle just for desserts (bread pudding or stewed fruit, anyone?)

🎉 Fun Activity: Host a Soup-Tasting Party!

This one’s for the friend group, family, or foodie crew.

🎊 Here’s how to do it:
🍵 Everyone brings one soup
📄 Everyone gets a scorecard (taste, texture, creativity)
🥇 Vote for the winner & crown the Soup Queen (or King!) of the season

Don’t forget to bring the crusty bread or fried dumplings on the side. You know the vibes.

🌙 Do Remember: Midnight Brunch Returns Sept 19!

It’s the Southern Hospitality Edition — and we’re going late-night again!
📍 Location: 91 Rylander Blvd, Toronto
🕦 Time: Doors open at 11:30 PM
🎟 Tickets are available now at chefkareema.com

Don’t miss the music, the flavors, and the community vibe that makes every Midnight Brunch a night to remember. 💃🏽🎶🍽

📲 Follow Chef Kareema on Instagram @iamchefkareema for recipes, real-time kitchen fun, and event sneak peeks!

💌 Love this newsletter? Forward it to someone who could use a little cozy in their life this month.