Warm Weather Comfort Food
More than any other time in my life, 2020 has been a year of adapting, finding new footing, and change. And I mean that in nearly every possible sense. It is easy for my heart to get caught in the chaos of what is happening in the world and start to think that God must be changing, too. It is hard for me to distinguish the changes of the world from the unchanging nature of God, which is why I’m especially thankful for verses like Psalm 33:11, "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations." My heart is desperately trying to cling to this truth right now, even through all of the uncertainty in the world right now.
One of the ways God proves to me his unfailing care and comfort is through sharing meals around the table with family and friends. Now, I know Whole30-ers might cringe over anyone attempting to find comfort in food, but I think of food as a vehicle for the deeper comfort of spending time around the table with people you love. Most comfort dishes I think of feel fairly wintery—roast beef dinner, baked pasta, creamy baked potato soup—but I would like to propose you try my favorite warm-weather comfort food.
One of my favorites is a big Mezze Platter. Think charcuterie meets the Mediterranean. Nothing comforts me more than a big platter with olives, pita, hummus, and fresh summer veggies shared family-style around the table. Another great thing is the platter is highly customizable to your tastes and dietary preferences.
Here are some of my favorite things to include:
Fresh Veggies: tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers
Grilled Veggies: eggplant, zucchini or blistered bell peppers
Dips: hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush (Hint: drizzle some nice olive oil and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of dips to elevate the appearance)
Feta Cheese: try marinating the feta in olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and parsley beforehand for something extra special
Bread & Crackers: I recommend Stonefire Naan Bread, it’s pillowy and readily available
Tabbouleh: storebought or you can find my favorite recipe here
Olives: I love Whole Foods’ olive bar for their excellent selection
Herbs: use parsley and mint for garnishes
Dig out the biggest platter you own and start arranging the ingredients. The arranging is often my favorite part as I’ve found something very cathartic about placing all the components on the dish in a beautiful way.
You can always make the platter a more substantial meal by adding the protein of your choice or preparing rice to serve as a bed for your plate. No matter how you choose to personalize it, I’m sure you’ll find it to be a comforting yet light meal—the perfect compliment to on a summer night. Best of all, because of all the options, this platter is brings everyone together and offers them something they will like.
We know that God uses means through which we experience his grace. My hope is that you will experience God’s comfort through the gift of food, family, and friends. And in the fellowship that food often creates, I pray that you are reminded of this beautiful truth: Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
I will leave you with this benediction from Colossians, dear Sisters,
"Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”