Ginger in the Kitchen [Week of 4/8/2012]

Liz Clements | Lifestyles Editor

I’ve been very sick this week. Well, not sick, my essentially clumsy self fell down a flight of stairs and messed up my back. It has been a very long and painful week, probably more painful for the reason that I couldn’t cook. So what does a person like me do while incapacitated? No, it’s not ordering Chinese food from bed. It was an assortment of things that included frozen leftovers, sandwiches, and instructing Vin on what to do.

One night I had him pick up a ball of fresh pizza dough at a pizzeria. I talked him through stretching it out as I lie tucked in the couch watching re-runs of the Big Bang Theory. Then he took pesto I had in the freezer, slathered it all around, layered turkey breast we had in the fridge, and finally tons of fresh grated pecorino. He baked it off in a 500-degree oven for 12-15 minutes, and we had dinner.

The next night I had him take homemade chicken stock and bring it to a boil; he had orzo and cooked it through, tossed in frozen peas, added a chunk of bread, and there was dinner for night two. Also, for this dish, if you wanted to try it, which I would have if we lived closer to a grocery store, pick up one of those rotisserie chickens they sell. They’re not as good as you can make at home, but they certainly do the trick, and you can make stock with the scraps.

On Thursday night I had him take roasted red peppers, tomato, and turkey breast, put that in with some cheddar cheese to make grilled cheese sandwiches, served with a little salad on the side. There was dinner.

By Friday night I was craving some vegetables; I’d gone too long and the thought of walking Vin through how to make them was daunting. So it was time to muster all my courage and energy and return to the scene of the crime. I hobbled across the street to the pub whose lovely flight of stairs graced my bum, and I had my veggies. I had salad full of tomatoes, avocados, mushrooms and butter lettuce; it was tasty and a real treat to be out of the house.

I know most of my recipes are always elaborate and detailed with precise cheeses, oils and brands, which don’t get me wrong, are very important. But, sometimes-even food enthusiasts have to take a day off. Just remember, lack of time, energy, or strength doesn’t mean you have to go hungry or eat unhealthy. It’s just about opening your mind and peering into the back of your freezer. You’ll be surprised with what your mind comes up with. There is no recipe this week, this is it. This week is about getting creative and staying away from stairs my friends. Let me know what you come up with.