Comfort Food...

I've been terribly busy with all the behind-the-scenes minutiae that keeps this creative island afloat. The weekend was a nice distraction, but while I wasn't looking, real life persisted on. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to not have to worry... just to make things without having to think about bills or deadlines or student loans. I wonder about what life would be like without fleas, infected cuts, broken succulents, boxes with faulty bottoms that give out or stubborn cars that refuse to start.

I generally try to stay upbeat and not wallow. I am incredibly lucky in so many ways. I live a rich and beautiful life with many blessings. I am doing what I am meant to do – what I want to do – and that in itself should be reward enough. But some days just kick you in the face.

When I have a not so good day, I usually wind up in the kitchen. There's something primal and instinctual about going to the heart of the home, to the place where nourishment is conjured. I find it relaxing to walk into the kitchen and leave the stress behind, to replace it with the urgencies of the meal at hand.

So, last night I made a meal to take my mind of things. It wasn't anything extremely complicated or fancy – just good old fashioned comfort food. I made broiled cod fish, Bay scallop au gratin and a tangy bruschetta topping. The acidity of the tomatoes helped cut the richness of the buttery fish and the creaminess of the scallop dish. I had some spicy aioli leftover from Sunday brunch and that perked the fish up. The meal was filling, but not heavy; flavorful, but not overpowering.

After dinner, I felt better about all the things that need to be done and must be addressed.