Tuesday, July 1, 2008

what is comfort food?

prosciutto spinach manicotti


what does that term really mean? Can food really comfort us? Can food deliver satisfaction, joy, pleasure and a sense of well being? The official definition of comfort is:
com·fort
1. To soothe in time of affliction or distress.
2. To ease physically; relieve.
n.
1. A condition or feeling of pleasurable ease, well-being, and contentment.
2. Solace in time of grief or fear.




These definitions go straight to the heart of the dish I made for dinner tonight, a spinach-ricotta and prosciutto manicotti. I love the gooey, cheesey, melty textures and the simple sense of joy a well prepared dish like this can bring. My mother makes amazing manicotti and this dish, to me is one of the most comforting things I can eat (second only to the asado completos I used to have with my father late at night that usually consisted of organ meats and deliciously garlicy chimichurri!). If you want the recipe, just ask....for now, I will leave you salivating over the photos...I hope they bring you a sense of contentment as well


PS. served this with a wonderfully tangy salad (oil, vinegar and salt, romaine, fresh feta, red onion, tomatoes and cucumbers), hot sourdough bread and a glass of Tempranillio......

Creamy spinach Cobia, balsamic pots and sauteed pattypans

creamy spinach cobia pattypan squash

Last night I decided to use more of the cobia (I have a vacuum sealer and sealed about 10lbs of it!) my husband caught over the weekend. I prepared it with a creamy spinach sauce (similar to a spinach artichoke dip that included greek yogurt, sour cream and a bit of garlic), oven roasted balsamic potatoes and sauteed patty pan squash. (Thanks Tom and David!) The fish and potatoes were good but the squash was delish! I sauteed it with a little evoo, garlic and peperonchino. This if you are interested in this recipe or any others that aren't included on the blog write me either in the comments section or send me an email and I'll be more than happy to pass it along!
XOXO
J