Finding Your Tribe: A Food Writer’s Retreat That Reignited My Passion

There are moments in life when something just clicks—and you don’t even realize how much you needed it until you’re right in the middle of it.

That’s exactly what happened to me this past weekend.

I spent a long weekend at the Substack Food Writer’s Retreat with a group of incredible women (& two men!)—chefs, food writers, cookbook authors, photographers, bloggers, and storytellers.

And here’s the wild part… most of us had never met in person before. We had only connected through Substack.

But from the moment we arrived, something felt different.

There was this instant ease.

This shared energy.

This feeling like… oh, these are my people.

Magical fun weekend

🍷 A Weekend of Food, Stories & Connection

The weekend was everything you’d imagine—and more.

We cooked together.

Shared meals around a big table.

Talked for hours about food, creativity, business, and life.

Laughed until we couldn’t breathe.

It was one of those experiences where time slows down just enough for you to really feel everything.

And somewhere between chopping herbs, plating dishes, and pouring glasses of wine… we became a tribe.

Not just a group of women who met at a retreat—but a community built on shared passion, mutual respect, and genuine connection.

✨ What “Finding Your Tribe” Really Means

We hear this phrase all the time—find your tribe.

But what does that actually look like?

For me, it’s not just about being surrounded by people.

It’s about being surrounded by the right people.

The ones who:

understand what lights you up
see your vision
support your growth
and remind you who you are at your core

It’s that feeling where you don’t have to explain yourself.

You don’t have to tone it down or play small.

You just show up as you are—and that’s enough.

There’s a quote by Jim Rohn that says:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

And when you’re in a room full of creative, passionate, driven people?

You feel that shift immediately.

🌿 Why the Right Environment Changes Everything

One of the biggest takeaways from this weekend was just how much your environment impacts you.

When you’re surrounded by people who are aligned with your passions and values:

your creativity expands
your confidence grows
your ideas flow more freely

You start thinking bigger.

Dreaming again.

Taking yourself—and your work—more seriously.

Because you’re no longer questioning whether you belong.

You already know you do.

And that’s where real momentum begins.

🤝 Collaboration Over Competition

Something else that really stood out to me was the energy of support.

There was no competition. No comparison.

Just women genuinely cheering each other on.

Sharing ideas.

Offering advice.

Talking about ways to collaborate.

And it reminded me of something so important:

The right people don’t see your success as a threat.

They see it as inspiration.

As Brené Brown beautifully says:

“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.”

And that’s exactly what this experience felt like.

🍲 The Meals That Brought Us Together

Of course, no food writers retreat would be complete without an unforgettable meal.

And we had many! We all shared breakfast, lunch and dinner together

made by our individual cooking teams and everything was delicious!

For our final dinner, a few of us teamed up to create an Indian-inspired feast with street food appetizers,

Chickpea Curry, Salad, Cumin Rice, a variety of Indian Condiments and a Spiced Cake for dessert —

and I made:

Mini Curried Spinach & Queso Mini Pot Pies w/ Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce

Golden, flaky pastry filled with warm curry-spiced spinach, chickpeas, and creamy queso.

They were comforting, flavorful, and perfect for sharing—just like the weekend itself.

Curried Spinach + Queso Mini Pot Pies

By Kristen Hess / The Artful Gourmet

Baked in Muffin Pans

Makes about 24 pot pies / or 48 mini pot pies

INGREDIENTS

Puff Pastry

4 sheets store-bought puff pastry or shortcrust pastry, thawed
Flour for dusting

Spinach + Queso Filling

2 1/2-3 lbs fresh baby spinach, chopped
12 oz queso fresco, crumbled
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
2 small yellow onions, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp curry powder
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Glaze

2 eggs, beaten (optional, for brushing on pastry tops if using)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic, curry powder, and turmeric and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Spinach

Add the chopped spinach in batches, stirring until wilted.
Stir in the chickpeas and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk and simmer for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Fold in the crumbled queso fresco.

(The filling should be thick and scoopable, not watery.)

4. Prepare the Pastry

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease two 24-cup muffin pans.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into 5-6-inch squares or circles.

Press each piece of pastry gently into the muffin cups to form small shells.

Note: You can also use two 24-cup mini muffin pans and cut the pastry into 3-inch circles and bake 18-22 minutes.

5. Fill the Pot Pies

Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of filling into each pastry shell.
Cut additional small pastry rounds or squares for the tops (if desired.)

You can either:

Leave them open-faced, or
Add small pastry lids and press lightly.

6. Egg Wash & Bake

Brush the tops with beaten egg (if using).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until:
- pastry is golden, crunchy and puffed
- filling is heated through

Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the pies, then gently remove and serve on a platter with the Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce drizzled on top of the pies (and extra on the side for dipping!)

Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce

Makes about 2 cups

INGREDIENTS

2 cups plain Greek yogurt
3/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2-3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 small clove minced)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tsp honey or agave

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Stir until smooth.
Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors develop.

✨ Serving Tip

Arrange the pot pies on a platter with the yogurt sauce drizzled on top and bowl of extra sauce in the center and garnish with:

cilantro leaves
lime wedges
a light sprinkle of curry powder

👉🏻 Click here for the printable recipe

🌆 A Personal Wake-Up Call

If I’m being honest, this weekend was more than just a fun getaway.

It was a wake-up call.

After spending the past four years in Texas, working in a different rhythm of life and a full-time role, I didn’t realize how much I had been missing this part of myself.

This creative energy.

This sense of community.

This connection to food, storytelling, and building something meaningful.

It reminded me of my time in New York City—where I first built my business, my network, and my creative identity.

And it made one thing very clear:

I want to find my way back there.

Back to a life that feels aligned.

Back to my people.

Back to the energy that fuels me.

❤️ Why Finding Your Tribe Matters

Finding your tribe isn’t just about friendship.

It’s about alignment.

It’s about surrounding yourself with people who:

inspire you
support you
challenge you
and help you grow

It’s about creating a life—and a business—that feels authentic, fulfilling, and connected.

Because when you’re in the right room, everything changes.

A special thanks to Jenn Sharp, our amazing event hostess and organizer who brought us all together and made this retreat magical for all of us!
And another shoutout to my new food tribe! You are all so talented and inspiring, and I am so happy to have met you all – I can’t wait to next year’s adventure together again! France? Italy? I’m In!

Debbie Dale Blackwell, Mindy Crosato, Anne-Marie Pietersma, Betty Williams, Kerry Faber, CulinUrsa — Elizabeth Baer, Annada D. Rathi (& her husband Dinesh), Lori Olson White, Janet Mary Cobb, Elizabeth Pizzinato, Rebecca Blackwell, Kristen Hess, Marjory Pilley, Sarah Pilley, Emily Pilley, Anne Blackwell, Alex_Sharp, Dianne Jacob, Colton Sharp

🎧 Listen to the Full Story

If you want the full behind-the-scenes story—including more reflections from the retreat and what it taught me about life, creativity, and business—

🎧 Listen to the companion podcast episode

Finding Your Tribe: The Food Writer Retreat That Changed My Life

And listen to more episodes on The Artful Gourmet Podcast

✍️ Read the Full Essay on Substack

For a deeper, more editorial take on this experience (with more reflections + photos):

📖 Read the Substack essay here

💬 I’d Love to Hear From You

Have you found your tribe yet?

Or are you still searching for your people?

Drop a comment below or send me a message—I’d love to hear your story.

🔚 Final Thoughts

If you’ve been feeling a little disconnected lately…

or like something is missing…

Maybe it’s not that you’ve lost your way.

Maybe you just haven’t found your people yet.

And when you do?

Everything shifts.

January 23, 2026

Set Yourself Up for Success, Health + Happiness in 2026 | Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowls

Success doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful.

As we step into 2026, I’m choosing a softer, more sustainable definition of success — one rooted in nourishment, intention, and daily habits that support both body and mind.

So today, I want to offer you a reframe.

What if success this year isn’t about pushing harder…
but about supporting yourself better?

Success doesn’t live in burnout.
It lives in energy.
In health.
In joy.
In choices that feel sustainable.

As Oprah once said,

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future by merely changing their attitude.”

And I’d add — by changing how they care for themselves.

Redefining Success

True success isn’t about chasing more. It’s about creating a life that feels good to live inside — one where your energy, creativity, and health are protected.

True success is impossible without health.

You can have goals, ambition, creativity, and drive — but without energy, clarity, and physical wellbeing, everything feels harder than it needs to be.

As Jim Rohn famously said,

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

In 2026, success looks like:

Feeling strong in your body
Clear in your mind
Nourished instead of depleted
Motivated without being exhausted

Nourishment as Self-Care

Food is one of the most practical ways we can support our well-being. Not with perfection — but with care.

That’s why I love this Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl recipe.

It’s not trendy.
It’s not extreme.
It’s grounding, colorful, satisfying, and flexible.

This bowl gives you:

Plant-based protein from chickpeas and quinoa
Fiber for digestion and steady energy
Healthy fats from olive oil and hummus
Fresh herbs and vegetables for vitality

As Michael Pollan says,

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

This bowl lives beautifully inside that philosophy.

The Power of Choice

The Lemon Honey Herb Dressing can be made three ways — creamy, spicy, or lemon-forward — depending on your mood, energy, or season.

Some days we need comfort.
Some days we need a spark.
Some days we need lightness.

This bowl honors that.

Creamy for comfort and grounding
Spicy for energy and momentum
Lemon-forward for lightness and clarity

That flexibility?
That’s emotional intelligence.
That’s self-awareness.
That’s success.

Tony Robbins says,

“Success is doing what you want, when you want, where you want, with whom you want, as much as you want.”

That includes how you eat.

Meal planning isn’t about control — it’s about freedom.

Getting Started: A 7-Step Process

According to experts from Jasmine El Nabli (MS, RDN) on LinkedIn and Brown Health, you can simplify the process by following these steps:

Select a Planning Day: Dedicate a specific time each week (e.g., Friday evening) to plan for the upcoming week.
Take a Kitchen Inventory: Check your fridge and pantry for items you already have to avoid buying duplicates.
Review Your Schedule: Note busy days (like sporting events or late work) that require quick options like crock pot or sheet pan meals.
Choose Recipes: Select meals based on your schedule. You do not need to cook seven fresh meals; plan for leftover nights and simple dishes.
Create a Grocery List: Write down ingredients for your chosen recipes alongside everyday staples.
Shop and Stock: Purchase your items and organize them for easy access during the week.
Prep and Cook: Set aside 1–2 days for “prep work,” such as chopping vegetables, roasting them, or preparing sauces to save time later.

Strategies for Success ::

Meal Templates: Create structure by assigning themes to days (e.g., Taco Tuesday, Slow Cooker Thursday, Pizza Friday, or Meatless Monday).
Batch Cooking: Prepare large portions of versatile proteins (like ground turkey or chicken) to use in different dishes throughout the week.
Customizable Meals: Choose recipes like wraps, salads, or bowls where family members can add their own toppings.
Digital Tools: Use tools like Google Calendar to save recipes as attachments on specific days or Eat This Much for automated planning.
Theme-Based Planning: If you are planning for a specific occasion, consider themes like a Mediterranean Brunch or Italian Meal Prep to streamline ingredient purchases.

Benefits ::

Cost Savings: Reduces impulse buys and food waste by focusing on a specific list.
Health Management: Makes it easier to track macros or meet weight loss goals by pre-portioning meals.
Stress Reduction: Eliminates the daily question of “what’s for dinner” and reduces time spent in the kitchen on busy nights.

Here’s a few simple ideas:

Cook one grain + one protein at the start of the week
Keep versatile dressings on hand
Build bowls, salads, wraps, and plates from the same base
Repeat meals you love

Decision fatigue disappears when nourishment is ready.

meditation

Happiness is built through daily rituals:

Morning gratitude
Evening reflection
Creating something just for joy
Giving back in small ways
Protecting your energy

As Brené Brown says,

“We don’t have to do it all alone. We were never meant to.”

Support yourself.

Fitness & Lifestyle Choices

Movement doesn’t need to be punishing to be effective. Any movement and exercise is beneficial for your health and feels great too.

In 2026, think:

Walking daily
Strength training 2–3x a week
Stretching or mobility work
Dancing in your kitchen
Moving in ways that feel enjoyable
Sleep well
Drink lots of water
Laugh more
Nourish your body consistently
Move with intention
Practice gratitude
Make space for creativity
Let go of rigid rules

As Hippocrates said centuries ago,

“Let food be thy medicine.”

🌿 Guided Reflection: Nourishing Yourself Into 2026

To read before or after enjoying the Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl

Take a moment before your first bite.

Notice the colors in your bowl.
The texture of the grains.
The freshness of the herbs.
The care that went into preparing this meal.

Take a slow breath in…
and a long breath out.

Ask yourself:

What does my body need more of this year?
More energy?
More ease?
More nourishment?
More rest?

As you eat, let this bowl be a reminder that caring for yourself doesn’t have to be extreme or complicated. It can be steady. It can be flexible. It can be joyful.

With each bite, reflect on these prompts:

Where in my life can I choose support over pressure?
What habits actually help me feel my best—physically and mentally?
How can I make nourishment part of my daily rhythm, not another task to perfect?

Imagine 2026 unfolding one small choice at a time:

Meals that fuel your energy
Movement that feels good in your body
Space for creativity, rest, and gratitude

You don’t need to overhaul your life to feel better.
You simply need to show up for yourself—consistently and kindly.

Let this meal anchor that intention.

Here’s to nourishment.
Here’s to health.
Here’s to building a life that feels good to live inside.

Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls with Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing (3 Ways)

This is the kind of meal I come back to when I want to feel grounded, energized, and well cared for—without overthinking it.

These Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls are built on simple, nourishing ingredients: fluffy quinoa, hearty chickpeas, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a generous spoonful of hummus. Nothing complicated. Nothing fussy. Just food that supports you and fits into real life.

What makes this bowl especially versatile is the Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing—and the freedom to make it three different ways, depending on what your body and mood are craving. Some days call for the creamy version, comforting and grounding. Other days need a little heat and motivation from the spicy variation. And on days when you want something light and bright, the lemon-forward version brings clarity and freshness to every bite.

That flexibility is intentional. I don’t believe in rigid rules when it comes to food—or life. I believe in meals that meet you where you are, adapt to your needs, and help you feel your best.

This bowl has become part of my regular rhythm—easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and deeply satisfying. It’s proof that nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful.

Make it once, enjoy it all week, and let it remind you that taking care of yourself can be both simple and beautiful.

theartfulgourmet

Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowls w/ Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing, 3 Ways

These Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls are a fresh, nourishing, and flexible meal made with quinoa, chickpeas, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, hummus, and a bright Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing you can make three ways—creamy, spicy, or lemon-forward. Naturally gluten-free and rich in plant-based protein and fiber, this easy grain bowl is perfect for healthy meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners. Simple ingredients, bold Mediterranean flavors, and customizable dressings make this recipe ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying, wholesome meal that fits into a balanced lifestyle.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Total Time 30

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowls

1 (14 oz can) chickpeas rinsed and drained
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup cucumber chopped or sliced
2 cups coleslaw mix (dry)
1/2 cup carrots shredded
1/2 cup hummus
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp parsley and mint chopped
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Lemon Honey Herb Dressing

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 small garlic clove finely grated or minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint chopped
Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing (Variation)

2 tbsp Greek yogurt or extra hummus
1 tbsp water (to thin, as necessary)

Spicy Lemon Honey Dressing (Variation)

1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes, or chili crisp, or Calabrian chili paste

Lemon-forward Herb Dressing (Variation)

1 tbsp additional fresh lemon juice
reduce honey to 1-2 teaspoons
1 tbsp extra parsley and/or mint chopped

Method

Make the Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowls

Prepare quinoa according to package instructions and allow to cool slightly.
Arrange quinoa, cucumber, coleslaw mix, carrots, chickpeas, hummus, and feta into two serving bowls.
Drizzle generously with dressing of choice (see base dressing and variations below).
Finish with olive oil, sesame seeds, S&P to taste and more fresh herbs before serving.

Make the Lemon Honey Herb Dressing (Base Recipe)

In a small bowl or glass jar, whisk together the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the honey is fully dissolved.
Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies and looks glossy.
Stir in the chopped parsley, mint, and garlic (if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of honey if needed.

Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing (Variation)

Add ingredients to the base dressing, serve over Chickpea Power Bowls.

Spicy Lemon Herb Dressing (Variation)

Add ingredients to the base dressing, serve over Chickpea Power Bowls.

Lemon-Forward Herb Dressing (Variation)

Add ingredients and reduce honey to the base dressing, serve over Chickpea Power Bowls.

Notes

These Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls are a fresh, nourishing, and flexible meal made with quinoa, chickpeas, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, hummus, and a bright Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing you can make three ways—creamy, spicy, or lemon-forward. Naturally gluten-free and rich in plant-based protein and fiber, this easy grain bowl is perfect for healthy meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners. Simple ingredients, bold Mediterranean flavors, and customizable dressings make this recipe ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying, wholesome meal that fits into a balanced lifestyle.

This Lemon Honey Herb Dressing is light yet flavorful, with just enough sweetness and acidity to wake up the grains, chickpeas, and vegetables without overpowering them. The base dressing is intentionally simple—olive oil, lemon, honey, apple cider vinegar, and fresh herbs—because nourishment doesn’t need to be complicated to be powerful. From there, it adapts beautifully depending on what your body and mood are craving.

Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing: This version is silky, comforting, and deeply satisfying—perfect when you want your meal to feel cozy and sustaining. It pairs beautifully with quinoa and chickpeas and is ideal for days when you need extra grounding.

Spicy Lemon Honey Dressing: This variation brings warmth and energy without overpowering the bowl. It’s invigorating and bold—perfect for busy days when you want your food to wake you up and keep you moving.

Lemon-Forward Herb Dressing: Bright, clean, and refreshing, this version is ideal when you want something crisp and light. It highlights the vegetables and herbs beautifully and feels especially good during warmer months or reset days.

How to Use

Drizzle dressing of your choice lightly over the Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl just before serving
Toss with chickpeas while still slightly warm so they absorb the flavor
Use as a simple salad dressing or grain bowl finisher

Artful Gourmet Tip

If making ahead, store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and shake well before using.

Success in 2026 doesn’t need to be loud.

It needs to be livable.

Here’s to health.
Here’s to nourishment.
Here’s to living better — one choice at a time.

Success is built in the everyday.

Explore More – tune in to the full podcast episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.

What if success in 2026 wasn’t about hustle—but about health, nourishment, and balance? In this episode of The Artful Gourmet Podcast, Kristen Hess shares a practical, uplifting approach to success and happiness rooted in mindful eating, joyful movement, and simple daily habits. You’ll explore meal planning for real life, flexible fitness ideas, and a grounding reflection—plus a Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl with Lemon Honey Herb Dressing variations. This episode is your invitation to slow down, nourish yourself, and build a life that feels good to live inside.