A Pre-Election Collection of Comforts

Some books, podcasts, movies, and recipes to get us through the next few hours (or days?).

Dearest friends,

As I’m sure every single one of you knows and has lost sleep over, it’s election day. I could run you through my week of delights—including my sister’s triumph at the New York City Marathon, and my truly joyful office Halloween party at which all the parents brought their kids in to trick-or-treat around our desks. I ate delicious food at Saint Theo’s and cooked a big pot of Molly Baz’s tomato soup. I even ran a very short race of my own. However, I figured that instead of recapping all that, I’d lay out a brief collection of essays, books, shows, recipes, podcasts, and movies that are uplifting, comforting, distracting, and transportive. Maybe one of you will find it useful.  

My silly 5K on Saturday and then, Kerry zooming through First Avenue at the marathon on Sunday.

READING: The first thought I had when I was thinking about books that I love and are cozy and comforting was, of course, “Pride and Prejudice.” I haven’t read it since I was fourteen, but I’ve recently had a strong urge to pick it back up. Maybe it’s the focus on quotidian and domestic dramas or a desire to transport myself to the countryside of Victorian England, but this book has been calling to me. Other thoughts I had were, in a similar vein, “Tom Lake,” Ann Patchett’s most recent novel. It’s twee and concerns itself very little with big problems or questions, but I was entirely swept away by the stories of Lara and her three daughters on their cherry farm in Michigan. All of Ann Patchett’s novels feel like a warm cup of tea and a soft blanket to me, but this one in particular feels especially gentle. Finally, I ripped through Gabrielle Zevin’s 2022 bestseller “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” when I first read it. It is smart, funny, and surprising. Also, a special shoutout to this essay by Nora Ephron about moving out of The Apthorp—my favorite building in New York City. 

EATING: It should come as a surprise to no one that food is where I find my most reliable sources of comfort. Of course, the fusilli alla vodka from Bon Appétit is the coziest pasta recipe ever written. This recipe for vegan coconut-ginger black beans that I made last week was a surprising and delightful addition to my rolodex. Add a lot more salt than you think you need, and let the beans simmer a bit longer than the recipe calls for. Serve it with rice, cilantro, hot sauce, and your favorite tortilla chips. Other recipes that are delicious and quick to make are this red lentil soup and these gochujang sesame noodles. This Panang curry recipe is also surprisingly simple—requiring some chopping and passive cook time. For a drink, I’d suggest a dirty vodka martini (I’ve used these ratios) or a chilled red wine. Conor and I have been enjoying this one from Paul Achs since we first had it on Valentine’s Day earlier this year. The harvest blend herbal tea from Trader Joe’s is also spicy and supremely cozy. Otherwise, I’ve had a consistent hankering for mac & cheese for a while now, and I might indulge in a box from Whole Foods tonight. Mostly, I’m leaning on cheesy, starchy, creamy foods that don’t have much nutritional value, but that make me happy. 

CONSUMING: Mostly, when I’ve needed a break from election coverage, I’ve turned to “Hacks.” I’m now watching the third season, and it has yet to disappoint me. Otherwise, Critics at Large and Celebrity Memoir Book Club have both offered enjoyably apolitical content. Kerry was watching “Gilmore Girls” last night, and I could feel my heart rate slowing as I listened to the rapid-fire conversation between Lorelai and Rory. Movies like “Mystic Pizza,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and, randomly, “Definitely, Maybe” are antidotes to the moment—offering portraits of the north east that are autumnal and romantic. On the other hand, in moments when I feel frustrated, anxious, and out of control, I’ve found myself turning to films like “The Departed” or “Goodfellas.” There’s something about the organized violence and corruption of mafia movies that makes me feel vindicated at the state of the world. 

My first time voting in person and in New York City. Hope!

SAVORING: I’m very grateful for all my friends and family who’ve indulged my election anxieties. And, who’ve stewed in it with me. I’ve been thinking a lot about election night 2016 in the past few days, and, just as then, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by smart, involved, curious people who’ve dedicated time to caring for each other and the place we live. Those who believe in a woman’s right to choose, the humanity of immigrants, and a healthy democracy. In the eight years since November 8th, 2016, I’ve become more cynical, but that hasn’t stopped me from feeling inklings of hope when I see parents bring their children to the polls, or when my friends in LA tell me they’re phone banking with voters in Pennsylvania. Every single one of us has a stake in this. I don’t take that for granted. 

With love and hope, 

Erin 

FYI, I’ll likely be watching the “Love Is Blind” reunion on one screen while MSNBC plays on another. It’s all about balance folks. And, in the next few days, I’ll celebrate my mom’s birthday at Café Chelsea, grab dinner with Lydia and Andrea at al Badawi, and maybe see “Conclave” with Conor. It’s good to keep busy.