Comfort for a Cold Weekend

What’s in your shopping cart?  Gathering a few necessities ahead of today’s snowstorm, I put Pastina in my cart, along with some chicken for dinner, some fresh fruit and veggies.  Then I headed off to the local library, to stock up on some winter reading.  Winter reading is similar to summer reading, except that instead of consuming it on a beach chair with a cool drink, you read it cuddled up on the sofa, with a warm throw and a cup of hot chocolate.  So, assuming I don’t lose power, I’m all set for another chilly weekend.

Running to the supermarket before a storm is something of a reflex for New Englanders.  Even though we know this isn’t predicted to be a major storm, and most of us will be able to get to the supermarket tomorrow just as easily, we have to run out and make sure we have at least four days’ worth of milk, bread, and comfort food in the house.  Which is where the Pastina comes in.  It’s the only hot cereal that I really enjoy – trust the Italians to invent a hot cereal that is really a miniature noodle!  Maybe it doesn’t stick to your ribs quite the way a bowl of chili would, but all that starchy, salty, buttery (hey, it’s comfort food) goodness can be ready in just 15 minutes!  And best of all, it tastes like childhood.  So, what’s in your shopping cart?