The 2020
Haven Life Family
Cookbook

Recipe 1

Japanese Milk Bread

From the kitchen of:

Becky

Part of the Haven Life family since March, 2019

Becky’s story:

“When the pandemic hit, my stress levels skyrocketed. I used cooking and baking to help ease my mind. I found new recipes (like this Japanese Milk Bread) to try and revisited old recipes that I hadn’t made in a long time.

All the while, I had been tossing around the idea of starting my own food-related business for quite some time but was always scared to do it. With the support of my friends and family, I took a leap and launched Becky the Bakester in September of 2020 and have been loving every minute since.

Well, maybe not all of the dishes I have to clean on a daily basis.”

Recipe 2

Salmorejo

From the kitchen of:

Peter

Part of the Haven Life family since November, 2017

Peter’s story:

“My long-time friend made this soup for my family when we visited him in Spain two years ago. It was an OK soup — it didn’t blow me away — but what made it so special and memorable were the conversations, fun stories and laughter we shared that evening. And so ever since then, salmorejo kept coming up in our conversations and WhatsApp messages.

Have you ever seen that episode of Friends where they come back from London and erupt in cheers every time someone yells “Boddingtons”? Well, salmorejo became our Boddingtons.

Each spoonful brings warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. It makes me feel like we’re not that far apart and gives me hope that we may see each other again soon.”

Recipe 3

Vegan Spaghetti Squash Marinara

From the kitchen of:

Dorothy

Part of the Haven Life family since August, 2019

Dorothy’s story:

“2020 has been a year. My family decided to do a vegan challenge to break our bad snacking habit that we’ve developed since being quarantined. My kids were skeptical and did the challenge begrudgingly. However they loved this dish and even though the challenge is over they still request it regularly!”

Recipe 4

Korean Braised Short Ribs

From the kitchen of:

Luke

Part of the Haven Life family since May, 2019

Luke’s story:

“Both my husband and I love Korean food especially on a cold day. This short rib braise is like a hug in a bowl that will be loved by everyone you make it for. It takes some time to make but most of it is just simmering on the stove. You can do something else while it does that. It’s inspired by the Korean braised short ribs we get at the Korean restaurant but adapted to be easy and comforting to make at home.”

Recipe 5

Almond Berry Layer Cake

From the kitchen of:

Elizabeth

Part of the Haven Life family since August, 2020

Elizabeth’s story:

“My kids are both very social and athletic, so missing out on sports and not seeing friends regularly in 2020 was really hard on them. But they stuck together. My son (he’s in third grade) taught my daughter (she’s in kindergarten) how to read. He’s never been a very patient kid, but when he’s reading to her and helping her sound out words, he’s more patient than I’ve ever seen. I really watched him grow up in a great way this year.”

Recipe 8

“Belinda” Bread

From the kitchen of:

Sara

Part of the Haven Life family since May, 2019

Sara’s story:

“New pastimes and pleasures emerged in place of soccer practices for the kids, dinner party prep, birthday parties, yoga classes, trips out of town… They happened because not much else was happening. So I used the opportunity to rewire my life to make room for things that provided a respite from the chaotic “what’s next” feeling that was common in 2020.”