One positive result of this unsettling time is that more people are cooking at home. I’m hoping that becomes a habit even when it’s no longer necessary. Hunkering down, we need nourishment and a kitchen that smells great. We need dishes that are easy to prepare with ingredients that are easy to find, recipes that deliver a lot of pleasure for the effort. I’ve chosen six favorites from my archive to share with you.
Read moreDinner’s Ready
In the Napa Valley, where we are sheltering in place, caterers are delivering cassoulet to people with deep pockets. The rest of us are plundering our pantries, gardens and freezers. Frankly, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of making do in the kitchen. What tasty thing can I concoct from the bits and pieces? Being resourceful feels good, especially now. With my own hands, I can feed my household. I remember an elderly Italian friend who lived through the Second World War telling me that the rural people were better off than the city folks because the people in the countryside knew how to forage. Feeding yourself is a basic life skill, and this crisis is revealing that a lot of people can’t.
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