Joyeuses fêtes!

I'm home for the holidays.

Cheerful & Christmas-y Paris

Since I became an immigrant, I have struggled with the idea of home. Sometimes it was my home state in Brazil and its sunny cheerfulness; sometimes, it was Massachusetts and its snowy Christmases. I'm a lucky one in the home division, for California and its salty scent has been home for the last two years.

Paris is also home now. Do you think it might be too soon to say it's also my favorite?

My time in France has remodeled me, improved me, seasoned me. It was life-changing, for lack of a better word. It was everything. And what makes me most grateful for—as I now list my blessings with Doug over slow coffee & talk—is that I had the ability to share my endeavors with you here. You made this newsletter home for me.

So, thank you for sticking around, for having me at your table, and for always giving me enough space to be authentically me. I'm thankful for our loquacious friendship. And although this might not be the proper American holiday to celebrate thankfulness, I will never miss a chance to tell you what your readership means to me.

I'm physically at home now around Doug ❤️, as we spend the holidays in Boston. This time feels like a combination of the custardy taste of pain perdu on a chilly December morning and the coziness of taking the time to read a book by the fireplace. We've also been unable to do much but snuggle with our friend's puppy, Rico—there's also this.

It's all delightfully relaxing, and I so needed it, but since actual home for me is where I left my cookbooks, I'll be back in California in no time. Mostly because I just cannot wait to unpack my knives and cook again (and finally share some recipes with you, right?)

I know you're probably busy getting ready for the fun weekend ahead, but I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I hope, wherever you are spending this holiday season, that you're home too. And that you get to spend time cooking for and eating with the people you love the most. Don't forget to chew on plenty of cookies!

I'll be back on time to wish you a happy new year.

As always,

Much love from your Jaíne.