Orzo Risotto: Ultimate Comfort Food

Back in December, I got sick. Twice. In a row. A stomach virus followed by a flu-like situation. It was ugly. But, thankfully, the one thing Mike loves to cook also happens to be the one thing that makes me feel better, no matter what. So he was happy to oblige when my first request for food in days was his version of Orzo Risotto.

Parent-Friendly Cocktail Party Planning

Here’s a parenting issue for you: coping with the multitude of ways you’ve changed since becoming a parent. The cold, hard truth is that becoming a mom has made me a much better person. But, every once and a while, I miss old Stacie. And it’s usually when I think about how I used to socialize and entertain. It’s just so freaking hard to do now. Even when I have the time, I’m T-I-R-E-D.

I used to entertain with gusto. Researching for weeks, menu planning for days, creating a prep schedule that would make the most neurotic party-planner weep (happy tears). And, then, the night of, I’d greet guests in make-up and heels without missing a beat getting food prepped, warmed, and served. Alas, those days are long gone.

Make it Freekeh, Baby

Maybe it’s the funny name that caught my eye. Or the fact that this young green durum wheat looks so damn healthy. (And, as it turns out, IS so damn healthy.) Either way, I grabbed the package of Freekeh off of the Trader Joe’s shelf faster than you can throw this grain into soup for a well-rounded meal.

Freekeh has a great nutty flavor with a pleasant, mild smokiness that makes it a great accompaniment to meat. (I haven’t tried it with lamb yet, but am sure they’re a great match.) Freekeh is also hearty in a way that makes it a nice substitute for meat in soups and stews. So far, I’ve thrown it into butternut squash soup and a chickpea spinach curry—Isaac (and I) loved both.