We had a fight, yes one of those horrible senseless fights that always end in tears.
What was it about, did not matter, it was what that was gratuitously added on that hurt the most.
Never mind, all things pass, ego and pride can be overcome, a kiss, a hug, are enough; when love is known.
Anyway when stressed beyond all reason, I cook, and I'm not bad at it. [Serves 2 and I do mean 2]
Mussels in a white wine, saffron and cream sauce to start.
Clean the mussels of their beards and barnacles.
Heat some oil in a pot.
Add 3 cloves of garlic crushed with their skins on.
Add some saffron.
Throw in the mussels [ 1kg or just over two pounds] and cover.
When they start to open bathe deeply in a good white Muscadet [or any good very dry white wine [half a bottle]
When the mussels are fully open remove, then add a couple of tablespoons of full rich cream to the residue heat and stir.
When heated sprinkle with roughly cut flat parsley, pour over the mussels and serve with warm fresh crusty bread.
Feel the nerves start to unwind.
Smile
Obviously you have finished the rest of the bottle of white wine whilst unwinding.
Now if you are still feeling a little miffed open a really good bottle of white burgundy [only burgundy will do, honestly]
Grab a couple of hand fulls of eruca sativa [rocket] make a light dressing of olive oil [first cold pressing], a dash or two of jerez vinegar, sea salt and ground black pepper.
Crush some garlic into a good butter, then heat this in a frying pan pan. Cut a thin slice of crusty bread and brown [one side only] this lightly in the buttered garlic. grind on a good dose of black pepper.
Now for the trick, put the fried bread brown side down, put a few slices of a good goat cheese [preferably French from the Loiret if possible] on the uncooked side, then put on a rack and place under a very hot grill. When the cheese begins to melt remove. Garnish with some chopped chives and serve with the rocket salad.
Finish the white Burgundy, finish it... I mean it...
Coffee if you want, a kiss is a must.... then.....who knows.