From Food Policy to Pantry: Craving Comfort, Simple Recipes & a Cookbook Giveaway

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? One moment, you’re deeply immersed in crucial discussions about global food security and sustainable systems, feeling the weight of the world’s culinary future on your shoulders. The next, you’re battling a full-blown family flu, desperate for the simplest of comforts. This past week has been a whirlwind of these extremes, a stark contrast between intellectual engagement and the raw, visceral need for warmth, health, and a perfectly melty, unexpected grilled cheese sandwich.

Reflections from the Calgary Food Summit: A Quest for Sustainable Food Systems

Last Friday night was anything but ordinary. It was spent not at a bustling dinner table, but rather celebrating World Food Day at the very first Calgary Food Summit. My “dinner” was a humble yet meaningful combination of apple cider and delicious Kinnikinick cookies – a fittingly simple meal for an event focused on the complexities of our food future. I had the privilege of speaking to a passionate group of 130 individuals, all dedicated to tackling the pressing issues of food security, food policy, and the overarching goal of creating a truly sustainable food system for our community and beyond.

The discussions were vibrant, the brainstorming sessions intensely engaging. We delved into everything from local food initiatives and urban farming to addressing food waste and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for everyone. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many forward-thinkers, all committed to fostering a healthier, more resilient food landscape. Despite the intellectual stimulation, a different kind of challenge loomed. With flu season in full swing, I found myself in a constant battle against germs, trying my best not to touch anything or anyone, and washing my hands so obsessively that by the end of the evening, they looked like they belonged to a 90-year-old. The irony of discussing health and sustainability while feeling my own health on the precipice was not lost on me.

Navigating the Flu Smackdown: A Family’s Battle for Wellness

By the time I finally made it home last night, the feeling of an impending flu smackdown was undeniable. My body felt heavy, my head foggy, and the thought of engaging with anything beyond the essentials seemed impossible. I couldn’t even manage to hold myself upright at the computer, my eyes desperately scanning my cluttered office for something, anything, to distract me before I finally surrendered. I crawled into bed, declaring the next morning “Free Stuff Saturday Mornings” in my delirious state, a nod to my usual blogging schedule, now completely disrupted by illness.

Our household has been a symphony of coughs and fevers. My little one, W, has been up and down, grappling with a persistent fever that peaked again last night. He kept drifting off to sleep throughout the day, utterly drained, and we spent another night with him twisted around me, hacking out what sounded like a lung. Adding to our collective misery, Mike has been struck with gout again – there appears to be a frustrating connection between his long car drives and these painful flare-ups. Between the three of us, we’re a bit of a glorious, germ-ridden mess. As I write this, W, ever the budding diagnostician, is diligently trying to take Lou’s (our dog’s) temperature. It’s a good thing he only knows the under-the-tongue technique, much to Lou’s perplexed delight.

The Ultimate Comfort Food Revelation: Grilled Cheese on Raisin Bread

When I was unceremoniously roused from what little sleep I managed, pushed to the side of our king-sized bed by a fit of phlegm and a squirming child, at just slightly after 4 AM (!!), I knew I was in dire need of true comfort food. This wasn’t a time for the usual suspects like fluffy scones, a warm loaf of banana bread, or even a hearty bowl of oatmeal. My soul, and frankly, my rapidly deteriorating physical state, demanded something more profound, more unexpected, yet utterly satisfying. I needed a grilled cheese sandwich, but not just any grilled cheese. My craving was hyper-specific: it had to be made with aged white cheddar, nestled between slices of soft, sweet raisin bread. Seriously, guys, you absolutely have to try this combination. The salty tang of the sharp cheddar, perfectly melted and gooey, contrasted with the subtle sweetness and chewiness of the raisin bread, creates an almost magical flavor profile. It’s a simple pleasure, yet profoundly comforting, a beacon of deliciousness in a sea of sniffles and aches.

Confessions, Shiraz, and the Joys of “Simmer till Done”

The idea of this particular grilled cheese concoction had actually been simmering in my subconscious for a while, particularly after a recent interview I did for Tell Simmer. In that interview, I hilariously (and somewhat reluctantly) fessed up to my most disgusting snack habit – and no, for the record, it’s not the grilled cheese! You’ll have to read the full interview to uncover that culinary secret. I vividly remember answering all those intriguing questions in a motel room in Salmon Arm, en route back to Calgary, sipping shiraz from a rather unglamorous plastic Travelodge cup. In a moment of either extreme fatigue or perhaps too much shiraz (I blame the wine, and maybe the cup), I somehow managed to erase the entire interview toward the end. The sheer panic! I had to start over, re-typing everything from scratch. It makes me wonder, it would be fascinating to see how differently I might have answered that same list of questions this morning, in an entirely new time and place, under the influence of cold medicine instead of Cabernet!

Simmer till Done is, without a doubt, on my very short list of favorite, funniest food blogs. Marilyn, the brilliant mind behind it, has a unique wit and charm that makes every post a joy to read. Her recipes are not only incredibly delicious but also beautifully presented with a healthy dose of humor and relatable storytelling. I have a ton of Marilyn’s recipes bookmarked, just waiting for me to emerge from this daze and tackle them. I truly wish I weren’t still so foggy-headed so I could do it more justice with my description – suffice it to say, if you’re looking for genuinely good food and an even better laugh, it’s well worth a read. Go check it out!

A Beacon of Simplicity: The “Just 5 Things” Cookbook Giveaway

So, for this special “Free Stuff Saturday Mornings” – though we’ll definitely resume our normal Friday programming schedule as soon as health allows – would you be interested in taking home a brand new cookbook? I have a fantastic, chunky new offering from Reader’s Digest that I’m excited to share. It’s truly sad to hear that Reader’s Digest, a publishing institution, has been struggling. While their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing thankfully doesn’t apply to their Canadian operations, I sincerely hope this beloved publication isn’t at risk of going under, following in the footsteps of Gourmet magazine – news that I, and countless other food enthusiasts, am still seriously stunned by. The closure of such an iconic culinary voice leaves a gaping hole in the food media landscape, reminding us of the fragility of even the most established brands.

Discover the Magic of “Just 5 Things”

This particular cookbook, aptly titled Just 5 Things, is a true gem. Its core philosophy is brilliantly simple: each and every recipe uses only five ingredients. This concept is nothing short of genius, especially as we start to head into the bustling, often overwhelming, busy season of holidays and commitments. Imagine the ease of whipping up a delicious meal without needing a pantry full of exotic spices or spending an hour at the grocery store. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, for novice cooks, for those looking to save money, and for anyone who appreciates the beauty of culinary minimalism.

But don’t let the simplicity of the concept fool you into thinking it’s a small book. Quite the contrary! This tome is absolutely huge – a whopping 700 pages of culinary inspiration. It boasts a flexible hard cover, making it durable yet easy to handle in the kitchen. What truly sets it apart, and what I believe is a non-negotiable for any good cookbook, is that EVERY SINGLE RECIPE HAS A PHOTO. And not just any photos – each recipe is presented on its own page, with the facing page dedicated to a gorgeous, full-colour photograph of the finished dish. This meticulous attention to detail makes it one of the best laid-out cookbooks I’ve ever seen. The visual cues are incredibly helpful for both aspiring and experienced chefs, making it easier to select dishes and envision the final product. From quick weeknight dinners like a speedy chicken puttanesca using only five ingredients, to a vibrant, fresh salad or a comforting soup, this book promises delicious results without the fuss.

Join the Culinary Conversation: What’s On Your Plate?

So now, it’s your turn! I genuinely want to know what everyone out there has been eating. In fact, feel free to “cheat” a little and recount the best meal you’ve had all week – it doesn’t strictly have to be last night’s dinner! Was it a restaurant discovery, a home-cooked triumph, or perhaps an unexpected combination that delighted your taste buds? What does “comfort food” mean to you when life gets hectic?

And on the theme of simplicity and efficiency, do you have any favourite recipes that manage to shine with just five ingredients (or fewer)? Share your quick culinary hacks and go-to meals that save you time without sacrificing flavor. Your insights and recommendations could be the next inspiration for someone else’s busy week. Drop your comments below, tell us your tales, and you’ll be entered into the draw to win this incredible “Just 5 Things” cookbook. Let’s build a community of simple, delicious eating!