Beef Kafta

I read in a book* that everyone on earth can be divided up into two categories. We are all wearing one of two shirts emblazoned with a message that conveys our attitude towards the rest of humanity. This attitude determines everything about your experience in life.

Shirt #1 says: What can I get?

With a little reflection, you’ll realize exactly who in your life is wearing Shirt #1. These are the people who are always asking you to extend yourself for them. They demand your time, attention, money and effort, and they don’t pay one notice to how any of it affects you. It’s me, me, me. They drain you, they frustrate you, and they keep coming back for more.

Shirt #2 says: How can I help?

Ah, you also know exactly who in your life is wearing Shirt #2. These are the people who are always there with a helping hand when you need it. They support you with their time, attention, money and effort. They make a bad day feel better, a heartache heal faster, and a problem seem smaller. When you’re with them you feel like you’re the only one that matters. They fill you with a sense of hope, comfort and belonging. And you keep going back for more.

Honest self reflection isn’t easy, but it’s the first step to self improvement. The truth is that we have all worn both Shirt #1 and Shirt #2 at some point in our lives. You have a grouchy day where you can’t see past your own woes, and you also have days dedicated wholly to serving others. We are dynamic creatures.

And yet, one of those two shirts is your favorite. One of them feels more comfortable than the other.

So you wear it most.

Which shirt do you have on?

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This recipe for Beef Kafta is my recreation of my favorite dish from one of my favorite local restaurants, Mes Amis. It’s tender, savory, filled with aromatic spices and is oh-so satisfying. Make a whole bunch and share them with the people you love. They’ll appreciate it. And they’ll keep coming back for more