Staying in : April Journal

Each month, I share a few things that have been meaningful lately—from recipes, books, films and artists. This journal is a quiet celebration of shared meals and meaningful dialogue—a sacred, delicate practice of connection through food and art.

Here’s what I’ve been enjoying this month:

Recipes

Carrot Tarte Tatin with a Homemade Crust
A savory version of the classic French tarte. Roasted carrots, caramelized onions, a hint of honey and balsamic glaze, all tucked into a homemade thyme crust.

Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Whipped Mascarpone
A bright and citrusy cake, not too sweet, topped with a lightly whipped mascarpone cream. Perfect for spring gatherings—or breakfast the next day.

These recipes are perfect for a slow afternoon in the kitchen. You’ll want to start with the pie crust first, as it needs to sit in the fridge for an hour or two. Click the images below for recipes.

Books

Still Pictures by Janet Malcolm (2023)
A memoir in fragments— combination of photographs and memories. I really enjoyed the concept of this book, it was one of those books you finish reading in 2 days.

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (1967)
Satirical, surreal, theatrical. The story is rhythmic and complex. Filled with layers of depth, and playfulness. My favorite part of this book was the originality, it’s a great combination of complexity and weirdness.

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (1857)
A French classic. I’ve been slowly working my way through French classics. The book is filled with themes of longing, disillusionment, desire. The level of relevancy remaining in a story published 167 years ago, feels like proof of the human condition.

Films

Breathless by Jean-Luc Godard (1960)
An influential French film, part of the French New Wave. I think I’ve rewatched it 2-3 times already. (It’s a good film to help with practicing French)

Good Morning by Yasujirō Ozu (1959)
A quiet, thoughtful film about daily life, family, and growing up in suburban Japan. There’s a stillness in the film that’s refreshing.

Artists

Danielle Orchard — Painter
Women in bathtubs, at tables, in moments of solitude—her paintings feel both timeless and deeply modern. Visited her exhibition in Paris a few years back- highly recommend visiting her works in person if you get the chance.

Alexander Bronfer — Photographer
Melancholic and expansive. His images hold stillness and distance in such a graceful way.

Thanks for being here. If you make any of the recipes or pick up one of the books, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time,
— Jessie