Creative Sparks

I’m currently listening to Ina Garten’s new memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens. In it, she shares the many careers and life experiences that led her to become the beloved TV personality so many of us enjoy watching. One statement she made really stuck with me.

She describes how, after years in the specialty food business, she found herself burned out. She was able to sell her very successful store, but then came the challenge of figuring out what was next. Despite being a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, she realized she needed to allow herself to get bored before she could find the next right thing. That idea really piqued my interest.

How often do we let ourselves do that? To recognize when we’re stuck and resist the ever-present distractions long enough to discover what’s truly right for us in this moment?

When I think about my own successful projects, I can see this pattern play out. I’ll run into the same problem over and over again—until I finally release control and stop forcing a solution. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the right idea will come to me—maybe while I’m cooking dinner or relaxing in a bubble bath. Life (and aging) is funny that way.

The Power of a Simple Meal

This past week was a whirlwind. There were challenges that carried tension and no clear right answers. By Friday, most of the fires had been put out, or at least downgraded from emergencies, and I felt relieved. But when I woke up Saturday morning, I had a twinge in my lower back, and I just didn’t feel right. Creative is the last word to describe my mood, despite having some time planned out to do just that–get some creative work accomplished.

At some point during the week, I had received a very large package I’d been looking forward to—but I hadn’t had time to open it. On Saturday morning, coffee in hand, I finally dug in. It was a giant box of whole wheat pasta I had ordered from DeLallo—a definite splurge. Healthy, but excessive. Still, as I sorted through the box, I felt so happy. I couldn’t wait to dig in and enjoy the meals this pasta would become.

Right then and there, I decided lunch would be my first creation. I used ingredients I already had, trusting my instincts instead of following a recipe. The result? One of the best meals I’ve made in a while. And the best part? Once I sat down and enjoyed my creation, I felt so much better—physically and mentally.

Oh, and as an added bonus? A new idea for a really cool event popped into my head, and I suddenly felt creative again. Go figure.

Creative Spark Inducing Pasta

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 4 oz whole wheat elbow pasta

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs

• 1 bag kale, washed and chopped

• 1 cup grape tomatoes

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 Tbsp Penzeys Fox Point Seasoning, divided

• 1 oz Pecorino Romano, finely shredded

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, a few shakes of pepper, and 1 Tbsp of Fox Point Seasoning.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss in the bowl with the dressing.

3. Grill chicken thighs on a grill or in a grill pan until fully cooked, seasoning with the remaining 1 Tbsp of Fox Point Seasoning. Let rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

4. In the same pan used for the pasta, sauté kale with about 1 cup of water to prevent burning. Add tomatoes and cook until the kale stems soften and most of the water has evaporated. Add to the bowl with the pasta.

5. Add the chopped chicken to the bowl and toss everything together.

6. Divide into bowls and top with Pecorino Romano.

Simple, delicious, and maybe even the spark for your next great idea.