The best laid plans for preparing dinner can be so easily disrupted. It may be that you just forgot to thaw whatever was needed for your meal. One of your children may have needed particular attention during the day. Perhaps an acquaintance unexpectedly dropped by to visit. For me the problem usually occurs when I have not timed my life accurately. I find myself in some non-descript store running errands later than I planned or in traffic as I attempt to get home from an appointment in time to cook dinner.
Time crunches at the end of a harried day find me tempted to… order pizza. I would, at moments like these, like to bring home any take-out meal that would allow me to quickly serve my family dinner. Then I step back, take a deep breath and realize that this is not what my family needs on a stressful evening. What they and I need is comfort, in the form of food.
Comfort food, particularly as it relates to a complete meal, is different from household to household. It generally centers on one particular item in a home. In my grandmother’s house comfort food began with warm tortillas hot off the griddle. In my father-in-law’s home it centered around a pot of beans simmering on the stove.
In our house comfort food begins and ends with cheese. You will find it in many varieties in my refrigerator: sharp cheddar, low-fat mozzarella, jalapeno jack, chevre, gouda and parmesan. It may present itself in paninis, quesadillas or just sprinkled on a salad. In one form or another, it allows me to quickly and simply make an enjoyable meal for my family.
Last night, after denying that urge to order pizza ( We love to order pizza – I just don’t like it to be an act of cooking desperation!), I ran into my kitchen about 7:30 and surveyed the situation. I decided that I could serve grilled quesadillas with salsa and peppers accompanied by fresh fruit to my family in about 30 minutes. I quickly grated sharp cheddar cheese, chopped a variety of peppers and onions, poured salsa and cut up fruit. I put together the quesadillas according to everyone’s liking. After arranging the plates and serving them on a table set with fresh linens, we were all ready to enjoy a lovely meal.
Try to keep your pantry and refrigerator well-stocked with items that can quickly be prepared in a manner that your family enjoys. This may be pasta, deli meats, tortillas, breads, or even leftovers. Whatever the ingredients, timely comfort meals will always work miracles on stressful evenings.
“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” – Julia Child
Today was one of those days at our house! I really like your idea of figuring out your family’s comfort foods and keeping those on hand.
I think that is the trick – keeping the items you need on hand. I’d love to hear what your family’s comfort food is.