Making Lunch with Hannah – Homemade Grilled Cheese & Squash Soup with Baked Fish
Sundays are made for slowing down, especially when they’re spent in the kitchen with someone special. In our home, Sunday lunches have become a cherished ritual, particularly when shared with Hannah. Before heading to church, we set aside time to prepare a simple yet delicious meal together, one that warms both the heart and the soul. Our Sunday menu usually features homemade grilled cheese, creamy squash soup, and perfectly seasoned baked fish—a combination that is both comforting and nourishing.
The Art of Grilled Cheese: Crunchy, Melty Goodness
We start with one of the simplest yet most satisfying dishes: a homemade grilled cheese sandwich. While it’s easy enough to make a grilled cheese, creating the perfect one takes a little extra attention. We choose our bread carefully, often reaching for a crusty sourdough or a hearty multigrain, which adds both flavor and texture. To make it extra special, we mix up the cheese selection, sometimes using a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and a bit of Swiss or gouda. This blend creates a gooey, flavorful filling that balances beautifully with the crisp exterior.
Butter is key here. We spread it generously on the outside of the bread for that golden-brown finish. As the sandwiches cook in the skillet, we’re careful not to rush, keeping the heat low to let the cheese melt slowly, mingling its flavors with the bread. The result is a sandwich that is both crunchy on the outside and perfectly melty on the inside—a comforting classic that always satisfies.
Squash Soup: Silky and Rich with Flavor
While the sandwiches are cooking, we turn our attention to the squash soup. This creamy, warm soup has become a Sunday favorite. We use a base of roasted butternut or acorn squash, depending on what’s in season. To enhance the flavor, we add a mix of aromatics like onion, garlic, and a hint of ginger. These ingredients bring a subtle depth and a bit of warmth to the soup, making it perfect for cooler days.
After the vegetables are sautéed, we add broth and let everything simmer until the flavors meld together. Then, using an immersion blender, we blend the soup to a smooth, silky consistency. A bit of cream or coconut milk adds a touch of richness, making the soup both velvety and hearty. Sometimes, for a little extra flair, we sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or a dash of paprika on top before serving.
Baked Fish: Light, Flaky, and Perfectly Seasoned
Our baked fish is the final component of this simple but satisfying meal. We usually choose a mild white fish, like cod or tilapia, which cooks quickly and pairs well with a variety of flavors. After brushing the fish with a bit of olive oil, we season it with a mix of salt, pepper, fresh lemon zest, and a sprinkle of herbs like dill or thyme. This combination enhances the fish’s natural flavor without overwhelming it.
Baking the fish takes only a few minutes, which gives us just enough time to check on the soup and set the table. Once cooked, the fish is flaky, moist, and lightly seasoned, making it a perfect addition to our lunch.
The Sunday Tradition: Food, Family, and Fellowship
As we finish up our cooking, the kitchen fills with the warm, inviting scents of melted cheese, roasted squash, and freshly baked fish. We plate everything simply, letting the food speak for itself. The meal is hearty yet light, leaving us satisfied but not overly full as we prepare to head to church.
For us, this Sunday tradition isn’t just about the food. It’s about creating memories, enjoying the act of cooking together, and sharing a delicious, nourishing meal before we go off to our weekly worship. The preparation is unhurried, allowing us time to talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Each dish we make reflects a piece of ourselves, our family, and our shared love for food.
This Sunday lunch tradition with Hannah has become something to look forward to all week. It’s a way to slow down, connect, and prepare ourselves for the week ahead. In a world that often feels rushed, these moments offer a welcome pause and a reminder of the joy that can be found in simple things.