On Friday evening after picking up G. from the sitter, I came home to make dinner. In my mind I mull through different ideas of what I can make before M. gets home. An 'aha' moment makes me excited, as does the prospect of not having to go to the store. A well-stocked fridge/pantry - another source of momentary peace!
G. is quite tired, but I secure him in his high chair and give him a small snack while I go to work preparing a mushroom ragout over soft polenta. I pull out my trusty Joy of Cooking to ensure I have the polenta recipe correct in my mind: 3 c. boiling water, mixture of 1 c. water and 1 c. corn meal. Stir constantly and salt.
The ragout was great - sauteed (butter) onion then sauteed (butter) mushroom and garlic. Combine all and add salt, ground pepper and chicken stock. Let it work its magic. The result was a rich sauce that tasted and smelled wonderful. All with a tossed salad and a good Reisling.
Peace does not have to come from; peace can come from momentary pleasures like preparing and enjoying a delicious meal with those you love. Isn't the Joy of Cooking a wonderful phrase of peace? Our edition was an engagement gift from my mother. She included two Bible verses in her inside-cover note:
Joshua 24:15:
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Philippians 1:9 (Msg.):
So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much, but well.
