solo comfort food

Sundays are usually solo meals for me since Valincy works in the evenings. I've gotten spoiled over the past two years by Valincy's cooking. She can make the most delicious food out of practically nothing. I open the refrigerator and see empty shelves. She opens it and manages to make a feast. When left to my own devices, I usually make do with a bowl of cereal. But lately I've felt inspired more than anything by Valincy. I'm trying to be more like her in the kitchen.

We just returned from our holiday travels this afternoon and believe me when I say the pickings were slim in the fridge. But I was determined to make a meal without having to go to the store. Armed with my new cookbook, How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman, (thank you Secret Santa), I managed to find a recipe that I had all the ingredients for:

Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions

And so I ate like a queen! Of course, like any top-rate chef I added my own finishing touch, sauteed broccoli rabe.
Thank you Valincy and thank you Mark Bittman!!

yuletide cheer

This time of year can empty the wallet. But we feel thoughtfulness is key and not so much price tag. We did all our holiday shopping this year at Ikea and Pearl River Mart. Unique gifts at great prices was our theme. Happy holidays from 'cessions.

Gift wrap and ribbons from Ikea.

with love

Valincy is an amazing cook. She says she loves cooking for me with love. Tonight she made spinach lasagna. And it was all love. Perfect for a cold wintry night. 'cessions has had a long hiatus. But we are back! Instead of trying to make each post perfect and meticulous we are throwing caution to the wind and anticipating 2010 with simple and easy. The true spirit of 'cessions. We hope you enjoy!


Spinach lasagna with fresh mozzarella, ricotta and tomato sauce. Cucumber salad. Madeleines for dessert. Thank you Maryam for the vintage Pyrex. They helped cook the lasagna to a perfect bubbly crisp!