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As some of you may know, at the beginning of 2020, I decided to take a break from writing the cooking column after 13 years, 340 columns, and one book. Who knew that just three months later, we would all be on lockdown and home? At first, it was a daze. We were on a March vacation in Utah. Flying there was normal. Flying home just days later felt very different. A few people were wearing masks, but it really hadn’t set in yet how bad it would get. By April, we all knew about COVID-19, and I thought maybe a gap year was a good idea after all.
I needed a break to refresh my mindset. I’ve always wanted to write a positive column that I could share with you. Nothing too crazy or political and definitely nothing upsetting. Just good food and good friends. I found that I had lost sight of all of you. Sometimes I felt as if no one was really interested in cooking for themselves anymore. I was so wrong! I started getting emails and Facebook messages almost immediately that you wanted recipes now more than ever. It was so nice to hear your ideas. To be honest, I was stumped too. My husband and sons were home working and studying online. I needed to cook now more than ever.
I dug out some recipe boxes and cookbooks to find traditional meal ideas. Shopping for a lot of ingredients wasn’t possible. I started stocking a kitchen like my parents did, ready for the apocalypse. I found comfort food had new importance. It wasn’t just about a meal; it was about soothing a soul during an unprecedented time. Smells took on a new meaning. The baked chicken smelled of warmth, the cake took on the smell of a hug, and citrus lightened the darkest days with a smile. Here are three of my favorite new recipes. ~ I missed you, friends, and I’m glad to be back. Peace, Sandy
“No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other’s worth.” ~ Robert Southey
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