Each time we gather, the night seems to take on a unique form. How can it not though? Every week we face different challenges and joys, triumphs and losses. We bring all of that to the table. Sometimes it creates celebration. Other times, heavy hearts. But we do it together and we remember we are not alone. That is one of the beautiful things about committing to a group of people and trying to live life together. And this week proved just that. It was a hard week for some and okay for others and the conversation reflected just that. Simple… exactly what we needed.

I’m not sure how it happened but the food this week paired well with the evening… warm, comforting and familiar. I knew soup would be on the menu for its ease of preparation. But everything else? I was quite blank till I remembered that I had wanted to make beef stew! Once I had that the rest kind of rolled out with ease. Creamy polenta, roasted carrots, a light salad and creamy soup.

Dessert was another matter. I knew what I wanted to make but I also knew I wasn’t going to have the time to pull off. So a quick bread? Cookies? A few little things that pair well with coffee? Nothing was sticking. I decided I would just go with a chocolate loaf cake and call it a day. That was till I opened feedly and the first recipe I saw was one for brownies. THAT was it. It has been ages since I’ve made them and they fit my requirements for simple!

Beef Stew: I love this beef stew. And I think I love it because it is nothing like a traditional beef stew. Such perfection when spread over polenta.

Creamy Baked Parmesan Polenta: I think polenta is one of those things worth taking the time to make. But learning how easy it is to make in the oven? I don’t think I’ll be trading in this recipe anytime soon.

Roasted Carrots w/Lemon & Mint: With no carrots in the stew I had to put them somewhere. No better place then roasted with lemon and mint served on the side.

Thai Red Curry Squash Soup: A hearty winter soup that will stick to your bones. Creamy from the coconut milk, just spicy enough from the curry paste, and brightened from lemongrass and lime.

Butter Lettuce Peas & Radish Salad A light salad to balance out the heaviness of the meal. It is loosely based off this recipe.

Brownies: A well balanced brownie recipe. No complaints here.

Dinner and Discussion is a weekly gathering over a meal and discussion. Read more about this series.