Mushrooms and I got beef (real talk)

Mushrooms and I got beef.

You might read this and laugh, but I didn't mince my words. We got beef.

And it ain't rare, either. It's well-done. It's been cooking for a very long time.

Ever since I was a kid, I never liked mushrooms. I didn't think about them and I sure enough didn't eat them. Why?

Ask a mushroom. I mean mushrooms literally tell on themselves. The mush in mushrooms is a clear indicator (red flag) that they are mushy. Who wants to deal with mushy?

By definition, mushy means soft and pulpy. I ain't soft or pulpy. It just wasn't my vibe. At least, I didn't think so. But, perhaps my husband would beg to differ.

In fact, most of our food fights would result in some tears. I guess I can't help that I'm soft. My fragile heart tends to be a bit sensitive. I feel every emotion for myself and everybody around me.

Literally, when I used to watch the Maury show growing up (don't ask me why I watched that show), I would choke up when the paternity test would come back: "You are not the father!" 🥴😭

I would start to cry for the receiver of bad news. My 4 sisters used to turn around and look at me like: "What is wrong with you? Why are you crying, Kukua?"

(Kukua is my house name and a derivative of my Ghanaian name, Ekua)

(I'd wipe my tears while they'd look at me annoyed)

They would continue: "Kukua, you can't be serious right now."

But, I was very serious.

Soaked up in tears like: "Darn, I really wished for the best." Keep in mind, I do not know these folks from anywhere or do I owe them any tears. 'Til this day, I cannot tell you why I would cry watching the show.

I guess you could call this mushy ... soft. But, let's stay focused on our food fights. Yes, our food fights.

Whew. They don't prepare you in marriage counseling for food fights. I may have to write a book for our newly engaged folks because food fights are real. What do you think?

You see, our food fights would start because my husband and I honestly had two different definitions in our minds about whole foods versus processed foods. I can be honest with you. This is a safe space. I don't think I ever really studied food as a consumer (I do now as a producer).

What I knew about food was from my experiences growing up. What I knew about food was whatever I was taught by my elders (mother, father, grandparents, etc.). What I knew about food was based on what I saw happening in my environment. What I knew about food was cultural. That was it. This is what defined food for me.

My husband, Dominique, had a similar experience. However, (we will have to let him speak for himself) somewhere along the journey, Dominique began to study food. He began to study nutritional facts. He began talking about micros and macros. I started to hear conversations about protein, calories, carbs, good fats and bad fats.

All I knew was, don't eat fast food and you're good. Eat a home cooked meal.

You know what I am talking about. The health talk our healthy guru friends have. Conversations with them leave you more confused than you (probably) already are.

Gosh. I remember one morning. I wanted to give our son Geody some cereal. You know some oat milk and wheat cereal of his choice, probably from Trader Joe's or something. Instead, Dominique cut up some apples for him to eat.

I must of made a comment or two like: "He needs a whole meal. He needs to eat properly to be full for school." Probably something slick too under my breathe. Don't judge me. That was before I was delivered from the sin of sarcasm (I said don't judge me).

Clearly my comment created an upset because my dear loving husband responded by calling me ignorant. Whew, child. I swear I almost broke my neck turning it so fast when I heard those words come out of his mouth.

(Ladies, you know that neck turn where you are thinking in your head: "Laawwd, this man don' lost his mind calling me out of my name!")

After a few exchanges of words (nice-nasty words), silent treatment (by me of course because Dom is a quick forgive and forget kind of guy ... isn't that just convenient), I learned all I needed to learn about how much fiber apples have and how sufficient that option was for Geody to eat for breakfast that morning with a granola bar.

You know, I will never make that suggestion again. Haha. I can laugh about it now but not then. Since, we've both been delivered from that experience. We now serve both apple slices and a bowl of cereal (lol). You learn this in marriage, it's called communication and compromise. There's power in flexibility.

Now, this is just one of many food fights. You would be here for months, maybe years reading this article if I captured all the food fights in this moment.

I can't actually remember any food fights specific about mushrooms. It just wasn't something we ate in our household. It's not an ingredient we ever bought. It was an immediate no.

Honestly, I can't even tell you how or why mushrooms where in the house the day that I made the first rendition of the Cruz Burger during the pandemic. We were shut-in. It's really a miracle.

We wouldn't be founders of The Mushroom Angel Company today. I mean really, who knew mushrooms would become our new love language and end our food fights.

Mushrooms have always been mushy to me. They've always been soft.

But, today, mushrooms and I got beef. No, not in the way that you're (probably) thinking.

We got beef; mushrooms and I got muscle. We've become well developed in strength. I'm talking about our relationship with each other. We beefed up and now we're ready to spread the good gospel of mushrooms together at The Mushroom Angel Company. If you haven't already tried our Cruz Burgers or Cruz Chop, visit our store locator here. We'd love to serve you and earn your business.

Why mushrooms?

Mushrooms are one of the most popular vegetables ( we know for the technical folks, they are not actually vegetables but fungus...we'll get into that in another article) to replace meat due to their savory umami flavor and meaty texture. There are many benefits to eating mushrooms. While different mushrooms provide different benefits, here’s a quick overview of health benefits:

* Decrease the risk of cancer. ...

* Lower sodium intake. ...

* Promote lower cholesterol. ...

* Protect brain health. ...

* Provide a source of vitamin D. ...

* Stimulate a healthier gut. ...

* Support a healthy immune system.

Our products cut and bite like meat, but taste like veggies. We’re committed to producing healthy and wholesome products made from mushrooms! And that's why we're always studying and in search for the best ingredients.

I hope this piece inspires you live in a world of possibilities, never allowing your circumstances to determine your consciousness. I also hope it provides a pathway forward, encouraging you to experience the power in flexibility. Whether it's with your taste palettes or a loved one, there's room for all of us to fly high like angels when we lead life in service with love as we say at The Mushroom Angel Company.

Do you got beef? I want to hear you story below or drop a hello 👋🏾.

Explore My Amazon Storefront I’ve curated a collection of tools, reads, and resources that support a purpose-driven life—both personally and professionally. From books that shaped my consciousness to products that keep me organized and inspired, these are the same items I use to build, balance, and grow.

👉 Click here to explore my Amazon storefront and discover what’s helping me live on purpose—so you can too.