Coronavirus Journal Entry #2

Photo taken by author

Throughout the twelve days I've been in self-quarantine, I've witnessed something magical happen. Jimmy Fallon moved The Tonight Show to Youtube where his daughters and his wife have helped him produce the show. He performs his monologue while they shove putty in his face and hang off of his chair as his wife giggles in the background. It's completely unfiltered, raw, and honest. He's doing his best to continue to be a light while we navigate these dark times. Miley Cyrus started hosting an Instagram Live show called "Bright Minded" where she talks to other celebrities and explores what's been going on throughout the week. Singers are hosting virtual concerts inside their homes, and fitness influencers are teaching online exercise classes. My parents are having virtual happy hour meetings with their colleagues over the phone. Everyone is finding a way to connect despite the distance because we won't get through this if we don't come together.

One of the best things you can do for yourself and people you are quarantined with, whether it be with your roommates or family, is to strive to be a positive influence. Doing something for someone else will make that person happy, as well as yourself (look out for a blog post coming soon on the Science of Well-Being inspired by the Yale Coursera course I've been taking!) Whether it's cooking a great breakfast, mopping the floor, cleaning a communal workspace, or sending around a funny picture that everyone would enjoy, this is a great time to bond with people in your space. Here's an easy, fairly cheap, and delicious recipe for french toast that's guaranteed to raise spirits that I made for my family earlier this week:

Flee from the Frightening French Toast

Ingredients:

(Serves 6, 2 slices/person)

1. Loaf brioche bread (pre-sliced)

Very important that it's brioche bread--normal bread will not soak in mixture as well.

2. 2 cups 2% milk

3. 4 eggs

4. Pinch of salt

5. Maple syrup/honey

6. Butter

7. Fruit for decorating

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, eggs, dash of maple syrup, and salt in a mixing bowl.

2. Heat large pan over medium-high heat and enough butter to thoroughly coat pan.

3. Once pan is hot enough that butter is sizzling, submerge one side of bread only long enough to coat the whole side, then perform the same to the other side. Hold bread over bowl for a few seconds and let excess drip off into bowl, then place onto pan.

4. Fit two slices of bread on the pan at a time and let cook about two minutes per side (use spatula to peek under bread to make sure it's browned before flipping).

5. Repeat on the other side.

Pro-tip: Cut up all of your favorite fruit while the french toast is cooking so that you're all ready to decorate while the toast is hot!

6. Once the second side is browned to your liking, transfer both slices to a plate. Douse in french toast and get creative decorating with your fruit.

7. Repeat the process for all your friends and family. Enjoy!

To enjoy this french toast even more, FaceTime a family member or a friend that you can't see right now while you enjoy your breakfast and see what they're up to!