Love Is a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I wished I had a hat.

The sun had already surrendered to the night, and a fierce wind nipped at me as I left work and hurried to my car.

I got inside, cranked up the heater, and headed home with one thing on my mind—dinner.

The cold had seeped into my bones, and I sought a very specific remedy. I planned on making tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.

The soup I had in mind was not fancy. Just sauté a shallot and some garlic in olive oil, add cans of both diced and crushed tomatoes, pour in a few cups of stock, bring it all to a boil, and then let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

I got home from work, tired and very hungry. My son and husband had already eaten. My husband—who is the superior cook in our family and a prince of a man—kindly offered to make my dinner.

I asked him to add some kale to the tomato soup to make it a little heartier and nutritious. He cooked the kale with the shallots and garlic and chicken stock to soften it before adding the diced and crushed tomatoes.

I usually make my grilled cheese sandwiches in a frying pan, but my husband took the time to use our Panini press.

Whether it’s simple or elaborate, nothing is better than a good meal made by someone you love.

(Except maybe the smell of butter browning on bread.)