The comfiest comfort food

I got a special request for lasagna a few weeks back. As this guy was describing a meaty lasagna with mushrooms that weren't insipid or watery, with a browned-cheese crust I thought  of the bolognese I love, all caramelized and SO rich." So I made it, with grassfed beef, Ellijay shiitakes, and a nice, assertive provolone piccante.

The salad has special cheese too--we're making a batch of fresh cheese to go with some black beans, potatoes, pink celery, herbs and pepitas. More mild than chevre, a little funkier than ricotta. Creamier than both.

And for a little something extra, pick up a bag of sesamaretti, the marbelized, chewy, almond-and-black-sesame cookies that go well with coffee and days that end in "y."

ALSO: We’re gonna be slinging LIVE SOUP next Saturday, February 20th, at Chop Shop (1366 Memorial) from 11-3. Come see us, get some hot ramen or sweet potato & peanut stew, and improve your day.