A Gift From Me to Me and Me to You

Better at Home by Colu Henry

Last week, a text came in from my friendly neighborhood bookstore (Three Lives, where else), informing me that, “Better at Home has arrived and is ready to be picked up. Thank you and see you soon!” Reader, I can’t describe the joy with which this news was met. You see, I had been sitting around for the past week reading rave reviews of Colu Henry’s latest cookbook—admiring photos of the beautiful cover (see below), the even more beautiful food inside etc., and wondering whether it would be at all possible to get my hands on a copy.

I never formally decided that my year long ban on book buying would extend to cookbooks, but in my heart I knew that it should. The unread novel languishes on the shelf, and the uncooked (?) cookbook also! In each cookbook, a hundred (or more!) odd recipes—languishing! Well, my past self, as excited about the whole thing as my current self, had preordered the book when she (me?) first heard about it LAST YEAR. I am so wonderful. Thusly saved from having to on the one side make an exception to my rules (laws) and on the other side deny myself the pleasure of this book and the recipes therein, all that was left was to decide what to cook first.

It’s spring technically (officially as of today!!!!), but it’s still…hmmm, cold. Something light but comforting was what I craved and, was I immediately drawn to the lovely looking Poached Halibut with Fresh Chiles, Tomatoes, and Mint. I almost talked myself out of it in favor of the Lamb Meatballs with Mint and Feta in Saucy Couscous (also delicious looking for what it’s worth). It’s not tomato season and the fish counter at Citarella is good, but doesn’t have the same je ne sais quoi as the fish market at the summertime beach. I’m glad I went with my gut (ha ha). SOMETIMES I EAT OUT OF SEASON PRODUCE, okay! SOMETIMES I am a modern girl.

This was literally so easy to make. I always roll my eyes when I see “TIME: 20 minutes” at the top of a recipe and plan for double that, but this one genuinely took 20 minutes. I halved all measurements since it was just me and my lover, used halibut as called for, and subbed dry vermouth for white wine (as suggested) because I had an open bottle of white wine and did not have vermouth. I served the fish and broth over a little rice because I will take any opportunity to incorporate rice into a meal, but honestly it wasn't needed. A hunk of fresh bread is the optimal carb accompaniment for this dish. No notes, enjoy enjoy enjoy!!!

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