This morning will start with the usual protein shake, the kind of breakfast that gets me out the door while the day is already running ahead of me. Dinner, though, belongs to the leftovers. Mario’s pizza box waits in the fridge, its edges softened but its promise intact. The thing about leftover pizza is this: it can be just as good the second time, if you give it the right treatment. Reheating pizza in the oven is the easiest way to bring it back to life. I’ll preheat to 375 degrees, slip a baking sheet inside until it’s scorching hot, then lay the slices down like they’re getting a second chance at greatness. Seven to twelve minutes later, the crust crisps again, the cheese melts just enough, and the whole kitchen smells like round two.
To go alongside, I’ll try a dirty soda—apple cider stirred with Coca-Cola and a splash of vanilla. It’s playful, sweet, and maybe a little over the top, but that’s the point.
On the counter, a new loaf will be waiting: Cinnamon Maple Cream Swirled Pumpkin Spice Bread. This is where the KitchenAid mixer earns its keep, cutting through the thick batter with steady strength. It’s not about overmixing, but about letting the machine handle the heavy lifting while I stand back and watch. It’s kitchen choreography and the mixer always keeps tempo.
Between the reheated pizza, the dirty soda, and the swirl of pumpkin bread, the table will be equal parts familiar and surprising. And maybe that’s what Fridays are meant to be—a reminder that even the leftovers can feel like something worth celebrating.
What’s on your Friday table?
Gracefully yours,
Help keep the words flowing and the stories brewing.
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Meal & Grace 
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