I go into my kitchen when I need to figure out complex legal structures and documents that I am reviewing and drafting for work. I also go into my kitchen when I feel sad. Chopping, peeling, mixing, stirring, beating, kneading, and rolling makes me happy and relaxes me. When life is too intense, I bake and cook more. That is not to say I don’t cook or bake when I am happy. I do. However, the food that I make when I am happy are recipes that inspire me and challenge me. The food that I make when I am in distress are usually dishes that comfort me.

Our son asked me how I am not 200 pounds with all the good food I make in our kitchen. The secret is to share everything you make. Food is meant to be shared, not eaten alone. My wonderful mom, who is my favorite chef in the world, taught me this. She is the most generous person I know when it comes to food.

I love cooking for others more than for myself. I cook for my family, my friends, my neighbors, and for our neighborhood homeless shelter when we get a volunteer slot. Cooking has kept me sane through the craziness of life. I am not kidding when I say that I have solved many problems at work and in life when I emerge from my kitchen with something good to eat.