Morning: Sourdough Bread and Slow Beginnings

We kicked off the morning in the best way possible: with the aroma of sourdough bread baking in the oven. There’s something so rewarding about making bread from scratch, isn’t there? The crackling crust and pillowy soft interior were worth every second of preparation. As the bread cooled, we couldn’t help but sneak a few pieces, slathering them with butter made fresh in the kitchen (more on that in a bit!).

Key moments:

• Kneading the dough the night before, letting it rest, and waking up to the magic of sourdough ready to bake.
• The sheer joy of hearing the crust crackle as it cooled on the countertop.

Midday: Brownies, Whipped Cream, and Homemade Butter

The kitchen was a hub of activity by midday. First, we whipped up a batch of rich, gooey brownies. While they baked, we got to work on making fresh whipped cream. Using heavy cream and a touch of sugar, we whisked until soft peaks formed, creating the perfect topping for our decadent brownies.

But the highlight of this part of the day had to be making homemade butter. There’s something magical about turning cream into butter with just a little patience and effort. The kids took turns shaking the jar, giggling as the cream slowly transformed. By the time we spread the butter on warm slices of sourdough, we all agreed: store-bought butter doesn’t hold a candle to this.

whipped cream and brownies

Key moments:

• The brownie batter, which we may or may not have taste-tested a little too thoroughly.
• Watching the kids’ faces light up as they made butter for the first time.
• The unbeatable combination of warm brownies and fresh whipped cream.

Afternoon: Pork Chops and Football

As the afternoon rolled in, the savory aromas took center stage. We slow-cooked pork chops that were tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. They paired perfectly with the sourdough bread and a few simple sides.

Meanwhile, the TV was tuned to football. There’s something comforting about the sound of a game in the background while everyone’s gathered around. Between cooking, we’d peek at the score and cheer for our favorite teams, but the real action was happening in the kitchen and around the table.

Key moments:

• The sizzle of the pork chops as they cooked.
• Sneaking bites of sourdough to “taste-test” with the meal.
• Family debates about which team would win the day’s big game.

Evening: Chess, Laughter, and Quality Time

As the day wound down, we transitioned from cooking to playing. A game of chess became the centerpiece of the evening. The kids were surprisingly competitive, and it quickly became a game full of laughter and playful banter. Even those of us who weren’t playing couldn’t help but get involved, offering “tips” that were more likely to distract than help.

There’s something special about spending a Sunday surrounded by family, where the focus is on connection rather than schedules or screens. By the end of the day, the house felt full—not just with the delicious scents of sourdough and brownies, but with love, laughter, and memories.

Key moments:

• Watching the kids strategize their chess moves like seasoned players.
• Sharing stories and laughter around the table, long after the food was gone.
• Ending the day with a sense of gratitude for the time spent together.

Why Sundays Like This Matter

It’s easy to let busy schedules and the demands of life take over, but days like this remind us why it’s so important to slow down. Cooking together, sharing meals, and simply enjoying each other’s company can turn an ordinary Sunday into something extraordinary. And while the food was undeniably delicious, it was the shared moments that truly made this day special.

Takeaways for Your Own Perfect Sunday:

1. Plan a mix of activities: From baking to games, keep the day varied and engaging.
2. Get everyone involved: Let the kids help with cooking or set up games—it’s more fun when everyone participates.
3. Savor the moments: Whether it’s the smell of bread baking or the laughter around a chessboard, be present and soak it all in.

This Sunday was a reminder that the best days aren’t about extravagant outings or big plans. They’re about slowing down, savoring good food, and creating memories with the people who matter most. Here’s to many more Sundays just like this one!