Recipe for Comfort: My At Home Survival Guide Right Now

One thing is for certain. I’ve never spent this much time in my own kitchen-- ever. But the truth is, I like it. Actually, I love it. I’m not a stranger to this part of my home, I’ve just never really had the time to “hone my craft.” I watched my mother and then my sister Alix prepare glorious meals my entire life and am pretty sure that even Jean-Georges would be impressed by their standard for excellence.

My mother taught me early to appreciate the food we ate from ingredients to the final presentation. She never took shortcuts (this is a woman who makes her own mayonnaise) and made the act of eating both ceremonious and artful--even after school snacks. For me, the main attraction of cooking was what came afterwards; quality time with my family and other loved ones and lots of conversation. I’m not sure why it took this moment to fully recognize the repressed chef within but here I am. If you know me, then you know dabbling isn’t really what I do. I’m more of a “if I’m gonna do this, than I’m going to really do it kind of gal.” Like, I’m going to major in cooking and get so good at it, that people will start to know me for things like my salad dressings and pound cakes wherever I go. I want to go pro. I can hear it now “you know Brooke, the one who makes the homemade cinnamon donuts.” And speaking of donuts, if you’re not watching the Great British Baking show which I promise you is far more soothing than CNN, Mary Berry (the show's judge) is now my favorite influencer. I aspire to have her declare me “star baker” one day soon for the aforementioned donuts.

Cooking is also working for me as a kind of meditation. It’s an opportunity to get off of my phone and immerse myself in something I love. It feels creative and satisfying to produce a product I can touch, taste and smell and it makes your quarantine mates like you better. I wanted to create a master list of some things bringing me comfort right now. I’ve included a range of things including recipes, my favorite sweatpants and even the new Vitamin C I’m taking in the mornings. Personally, this is the type of information I’ve been enjoying from others and I hope you will enjoy reading here.

Sending everyone wishes for health and comfort where you can find it.

Xoxoxoxo

Brooke

IN THE KITCHEN

FAVORITE COOKBOOK OF 2020