For the sick

Food can be so many things. It can be a way to satisfy your senses. To console yourself after a bad day. To celebrate a special occasion. To occupy you when you are anxious or stressed. To come together with friends and family. And for my boyfriend and me this week, to heal and comfort.

This week we were both struck with debilitating colds. I suppose most colds are, but when you are obligated to work 90 hours a week (as my boyfriend is), or to work and study 15 hours a day like I am, speedy recovery is essential.

But what is it that we actually crave when our appetite is diminished and energy lost? What are the foods that will help us get well but will also feel good to consume? Of course you can down a bottle of cold medicine, but where is the love in that?

Yesterday's gan mao yao was Vinh's Chicken noodle soup, Vietnamese style. There is something so nourishing and comforting about soup when you're sick, especially when it is prepared for you with the best of intentions, by the best of the chefs!

THIS IS chicken noodle soup with chicken, rice noodles, bean sprouts, bok choi, lime juice, andd touch of fish sauce, garlic, and chilis.

Floral Fever

My CSA share is in full swing! My farmers of Garden of Eve farm deliver local, organic vegetables, fruit, eggs, and flowers to McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn every Saturday morning, where I pick up my share of tasty, beautiful bounty for the week. This week we got heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, basil, spinach, sweet corn, leeks, string beans, cayenne peppers and jalapeno peppers. Usually I go to an early morning yoga class but since I started my teacher training, I decided that I was going to save my weekends to do things I can't do during the rest of the week.

It has become my perfect Saturday morning ritual. Wake up, ride my bike to the park, pick up my vegetables, fruit, eggs, and flowers, and then come home to cook cook cook! I have no photos to post of my recent creations, but here is our flower share from last week.

(NYers, contact Just Food if you want to find a CSA in your neighborhood)