Jamie: Wow! This is my kind of article! I think good food is food for the soul! It tells us there is joy and fun and peace and spice in life, no matter what is going on. The surface of the ocean might be in chaos and storm, but deep down, deep, deep down, All is well and at peace and as it should be. Just a reminder: Words of a deeper truth also feed the soul and heal the mind and heart, words like: I really think you are the cat’s meow, I am still so very proud of the wonderful young man or woman you have become, I think you are one of the kindest people I know, I don’t see you that way….I see your loveliness, your gentleness, your wisdom, even your innocence, which I imagine, you don’t see at all. Stuff like this is also food for the soul. To get them both at the same time: Declare a Feast, good food and good wine. Can we come?
Lenny, thank you so so very much for this beautiful, thoughtful, honest comment. There are a few people on social media who are commenting on my link to article by saying that there is no time for comfort, as if I am being heartless. But if we don't hug one another, share kind words, or take comfort in something nice once in a while, if we don't play music or create art or bake a cake or pet a dog, then not only can't we gather our forces to fight back, but we become as inhuman as those we need to fight. We, as humans need art and music and food and friends. Thank you for your wise and, yes, comforting words.
You are quite a bright light on the earth. Just keep shining! There is a Great Magnetism here and those drawn to you will come and support you. Several candles can really light-up a room! Every room you enter will glow. No credit to you….it is just the way you are:). We have been brought to earth for this great unveiling of millions of bright ones here about to be turned-lose to help lead and guide us out of ego-minded fears into a world of bright, loving, caring, gentle minds, joined closely with the Mind of our Source in Whom we all remain. Where else could we be but within Everywhere:).
Wow - so great to see you and the Contrarian connect! 🌟 Two of my faves in one post ❤️ A very much-needed recipe for these unsettling times...the soup looks delicious!
Thank you for sharing this with us, Jamie! Everyday has been chaotic and I find such comfort in my kitchen. Even more, I love sharing food with people and learning about their favorite foods. This is a wonderful article and I’m looking forward to trying this recipe! Thank you.
Oh, Jamie, thank you! During these crazy days of outrage, anger, sound bites, quick reactions and lots of chaotic noise we need the time to slow down and savor the comfort food more than ever. Taking time for ourselves, or with family and friends must be a priority. ❤️
It's more and more important. Mealtime, sharing food lets us connect with others and we need to do that in a chaotic, uncertain, scary world. It gives us a moment of respite and allows us to restore our spirits, both body and soul.
I subscribed to The Contrarian two weeks ago. I glanced through my notifications this morning and was pleasantly surprised to read that you are now contributing to their publication. That is fantastic news! If we’re going to counter the authoritarian threat of the Trump regime, we’re going to need to eat well to fuel our fight.
Absolutely wonderful. First, I am so thrilled that you are now part of the Contrarian! I first saw your articles when Ann Telnaes wisely recommended your Substack. I have loved your history-based “recipe-articles” - so much research and loveliness in them, and bringing them into present day.
While I do not eat lamb (or, much meat), as you wrote in the recipe this can be made vegetarian, so I will substitute soy for the lamb. This just looks so rich and warm for our snowy weather up here in New England. And unique!
Thank you, and I hope you contribute often and regularly to the Contrarian. It’s becoming such a full publication, I hope it continues to grow this way. 🩷
Thank you so very much! I’m really thrilled when people find the history behind the food as fascinating as I do!! Yes this soup is perfect for this weather and please let me know how the vegetarian version comes out!
Excellent! I didn’t mean to take away from your recipes – they are great – but I absolutely LOVE the history. And it looks like it takes a lot of work, too.
(One of my passions is studying how herbs have come down in recipes through time, and how almost ALL of them had healing properties.)
Good luck with the book deal! Tell them we need a book like this.
Oh!! I love that research! Yes, herbs, like spices, have long been a much-used ingredient in French cooking. One thing that really fascinates me is searching through old medical and health books to find what medicinal properties were in certain ingredients and foods. I wrote about it in my chocolate posts and probably a few others. I'm ready to post 2 posts about the potato, but sadly nothing medical even as they were considered very nutritious. Maybe because the French started to eat them so late.
I'm sorry you feel this way. As I wrote "Comfort food is both personal and cultural." This is a dish I make in my kitchen when I need something comforting, but my Substack is filled with recipes, both savory and sweet, and I hope everyone can find one dish or dessert that will bring them comfort, in both the act of making it and in eating it.
Most people who cook substitute one or more items in a recipe, and do so regularly as part of the creative process. (As Jamie writes at the top of her recipe, the lamb can be substituted, or the recipe made vegetarian, as I plan to do.)
I absolutely love the research and history that goes into her articles, and the unique and creative recipes that feed the spirit and eyes as well as the stomach. 🙂
I sometimes do. I might have when I was younger. But comfort really is found in richer things... gooey desserts or rich thick spicy stews and soups. Buttered noodles or grilled cheese and tomato soup. Comfort to me is also found in the act of making something, especially making dough.
Jamie: Wow! This is my kind of article! I think good food is food for the soul! It tells us there is joy and fun and peace and spice in life, no matter what is going on. The surface of the ocean might be in chaos and storm, but deep down, deep, deep down, All is well and at peace and as it should be. Just a reminder: Words of a deeper truth also feed the soul and heal the mind and heart, words like: I really think you are the cat’s meow, I am still so very proud of the wonderful young man or woman you have become, I think you are one of the kindest people I know, I don’t see you that way….I see your loveliness, your gentleness, your wisdom, even your innocence, which I imagine, you don’t see at all. Stuff like this is also food for the soul. To get them both at the same time: Declare a Feast, good food and good wine. Can we come?
Lenny, thank you so so very much for this beautiful, thoughtful, honest comment. There are a few people on social media who are commenting on my link to article by saying that there is no time for comfort, as if I am being heartless. But if we don't hug one another, share kind words, or take comfort in something nice once in a while, if we don't play music or create art or bake a cake or pet a dog, then not only can't we gather our forces to fight back, but we become as inhuman as those we need to fight. We, as humans need art and music and food and friends. Thank you for your wise and, yes, comforting words.
You are quite a bright light on the earth. Just keep shining! There is a Great Magnetism here and those drawn to you will come and support you. Several candles can really light-up a room! Every room you enter will glow. No credit to you….it is just the way you are:). We have been brought to earth for this great unveiling of millions of bright ones here about to be turned-lose to help lead and guide us out of ego-minded fears into a world of bright, loving, caring, gentle minds, joined closely with the Mind of our Source in Whom we all remain. Where else could we be but within Everywhere:).
Wow - so great to see you and the Contrarian connect! 🌟 Two of my faves in one post ❤️ A very much-needed recipe for these unsettling times...the soup looks delicious!
Thank you, Michele!
I always love the history lesson AND the recipes!
Thank you, Penny! I’m really glad! I love that people find the history as interesting and fun as I do!
A lovely article and I can't wait to try this recipe!
Thank you, Cathy! When you do, let me know how you like it!
The Comforter has come! Long have we waited for your return. Welcome back!
Thank you for sharing this with us, Jamie! Everyday has been chaotic and I find such comfort in my kitchen. Even more, I love sharing food with people and learning about their favorite foods. This is a wonderful article and I’m looking forward to trying this recipe! Thank you.
Thank you so much, Robin!!
Oh, Jamie, thank you! During these crazy days of outrage, anger, sound bites, quick reactions and lots of chaotic noise we need the time to slow down and savor the comfort food more than ever. Taking time for ourselves, or with family and friends must be a priority. ❤️
It's more and more important. Mealtime, sharing food lets us connect with others and we need to do that in a chaotic, uncertain, scary world. It gives us a moment of respite and allows us to restore our spirits, both body and soul.
Oh that's fantastic Jamie! Congratulations!! 👏👏👏
Thank you, Lorraine! And thank you for your constant support! Next time you find yourself in Chinon, let's do lunch!
I subscribed to The Contrarian two weeks ago. I glanced through my notifications this morning and was pleasantly surprised to read that you are now contributing to their publication. That is fantastic news! If we’re going to counter the authoritarian threat of the Trump regime, we’re going to need to eat well to fuel our fight.
Thank you, Greg! I saw your name pop up in my notifications that you saw my post about it and it really made me happy! And, yes, we need to eat!
Yummy for my tummy just reading about your comfort food. It surely helps - Thanks!
Absolutely wonderful. First, I am so thrilled that you are now part of the Contrarian! I first saw your articles when Ann Telnaes wisely recommended your Substack. I have loved your history-based “recipe-articles” - so much research and loveliness in them, and bringing them into present day.
While I do not eat lamb (or, much meat), as you wrote in the recipe this can be made vegetarian, so I will substitute soy for the lamb. This just looks so rich and warm for our snowy weather up here in New England. And unique!
Thank you, and I hope you contribute often and regularly to the Contrarian. It’s becoming such a full publication, I hope it continues to grow this way. 🩷
Thank you so very much! I’m really thrilled when people find the history behind the food as fascinating as I do!! Yes this soup is perfect for this weather and please let me know how the vegetarian version comes out!
I actually find the history even more interesting than the food – it’s something you can’t find easily anywhere else.
(It would make a wonderful book… Just saying.)
I'm trying to get a book deal.... just saying ;-) Fingers crossed, my friend.
Excellent! I didn’t mean to take away from your recipes – they are great – but I absolutely LOVE the history. And it looks like it takes a lot of work, too.
(One of my passions is studying how herbs have come down in recipes through time, and how almost ALL of them had healing properties.)
Good luck with the book deal! Tell them we need a book like this.
Oh!! I love that research! Yes, herbs, like spices, have long been a much-used ingredient in French cooking. One thing that really fascinates me is searching through old medical and health books to find what medicinal properties were in certain ingredients and foods. I wrote about it in my chocolate posts and probably a few others. I'm ready to post 2 posts about the potato, but sadly nothing medical even as they were considered very nutritious. Maybe because the French started to eat them so late.
Most people don’t care for lamb or chick peas. Maybe read the room for something the majority would enjoy before heading to the stove.
I'm sorry you feel this way. As I wrote "Comfort food is both personal and cultural." This is a dish I make in my kitchen when I need something comforting, but my Substack is filled with recipes, both savory and sweet, and I hope everyone can find one dish or dessert that will bring them comfort, in both the act of making it and in eating it.
Most people who cook substitute one or more items in a recipe, and do so regularly as part of the creative process. (As Jamie writes at the top of her recipe, the lamb can be substituted, or the recipe made vegetarian, as I plan to do.)
I absolutely love the research and history that goes into her articles, and the unique and creative recipes that feed the spirit and eyes as well as the stomach. 🙂
Thank you, meD!
Comfort food is usually unhealthy; why make matters worse?
The soup recipe I offer as comfort food is not unhealthy, so, no, it doesn't have to be. And it only makes matters better.
Most people just grab the nearest junk food, but your soup looks good.
I sometimes do. I might have when I was younger. But comfort really is found in richer things... gooey desserts or rich thick spicy stews and soups. Buttered noodles or grilled cheese and tomato soup. Comfort to me is also found in the act of making something, especially making dough.
Brilliant! More please!
The news and social media is filled with negativity. Why make matters worse?
Thankfully, this recipe is full of wonderful ingredients. 🌺
parrot