Go easy

Breathe.

Thanksgiving, in all its oven-hogging, prep-for-days, button-busting glory, is over. You did, or didn't, shop yourself silly for 72 hours straight. The pile of emails waiting for you when you got back to work is (barely) manageable again. Yes, Christmas is coming, but not just yet.

Breathe.

You can think about that later. Now is the time be with a friend who found cancer in her body. Now is the time to clasp her lightly about the shoulders, because there are tubes in her chest where her breasts used to be. Now is the time to imagine how much fear she has carried alone.

They got it, she says, with hope and a little awe at the odds of it having been found at all.  Her mouth twists and she holds her thick black hair in her hands. It is not over yet. 

You breathe, together.
Then you both breathe a little more easily and begin to talk again while you eat.

Now is the time, the perfect time, for a gentle lentil salad and some peace.

Warm Lentil Salad with Feta

by Sharon Graves

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Go easy on yourself.  You can make dinner from scratch another time. This wonderful, healthy dish comes together almost instantly, thanks to my favorite grocer, Trader Joe's.  A fellow soccer mom passed this treat along to me, and I am forever in her debt.

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Ingredients

• 1 1 lb. package Trader Joe's pre-cooked lentils
• 1 container Trader Joe's Bruschetta Sauce
• generous amount of Italian parsley, chopped
• a handful of arugula, chopped
• 1/2 c. feta cheese, optional

Instructions

Combine lentils and bruschetta sauce in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir to break up the lentils completely (they come compressed in the package), and mix well.

Zap in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until warm but not overly hot, stirring halfway through. Top with parsley, arugula and feta (if using). 

Serve immediately, or bundle up and go see a friend for lunch.

This keeps and reheats exceptionally well. You can serve it over fresh greens, instead of stirring the arugula in, and top with marinated chicken. I also love it warm over brown rice.