This week's menu

It's comfort food week here.

The rain is coming down, almost in sheets, as the red and now brown leaves swirl around in the gusty gales. The temperature today did not top 45. Winter, cold winter, knocks hard upon my windowpane.

(come now, we gather, to dance the night away)

Monday was simple, black bean, red pepper, and corn burritos with jack cheese and brown rice, nicely toasted on my griddle for a little crunch. Then when the sky turned a little more grey on Tuesday, I had to dig in my heels. That night I cooked Ina Garten's turkey meatloaf (sounds so mundane, but you, too, could be converted if you partake in such things) with cheddar and sour cream mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts from our farm. The next night was just as good-- with a simple salad I made macaroni and cheese-- this recipe is amazing. Chop up two baked sweet potatoes and mix right in-- with your cooked pound of noodles, 16 oz. of cheddar tossed with 2 T of flour, and 2 C milk whisked with 8 oz. cream cheese. So easy, so simple, bake for half an hour with a little panko on top if you like a crunch.

Then tonight, the best of all bests, my barefoot goddess again brings me her Chicken Stew with biscuits... this recipe tops all in terms of winter yumminess. The heavy goodness in my belly is making me so happy. No need for anything but that bowl of delicious wintertime.

Food can make you feel good, and I love that.