A Lunchtime Mezza for One

It probably comes as no surprise to you, after reading about our three day London eat-a-thon, that I am in the mood to talk about food.  In fact, I have quite a few food (and drink) posts lined up!  But today's is quick and simple, and comes with a confession.

Things have been going a little bit badly for me in the last few days, and blogging is a nice way to step out of the momentary pressures.  A few things are going on:  I am going to school nearly full-time right now.  My daughter is on two weeks of school break, but I am not.  Elections.  Jeff hurt his back and has been limping around, and will finally see a chiropractor tonight. Our washing machine broke when I had put off washing our clothes for way too long, so much so that we were out of undergarments before it even went kaput.  We got it repaired this morning by a very cheerful Italian man who was a genuine pleasure to meet.  But then our drain clogged, and all of the water that had been stagnating and getting really smelly overflowed all over the floor when I did the first load.  I have a number of deadlines looming, including two mid-term exams this week, one of which has to do with two books I haven't even started reading.  As amazing as my daughter is at engaging people, she is proportionately challenged when it comes to keeping herself occupied.  This is just the sort of thing that episodes of River Cottage were made for, but the computer she usually uses to watch it on won't seem to work.
It's true that my typical approach to life could be described as winging it but all of this feels like a bit much today.  These are relatively tiny issues, but seeing them all together, I just wan to go back to bed.

This is the exact kind of day that requires a quiet, colorful lunch.  When I get stressed, I tend to forget about eating-- but today I made a special effort.

Do you eat grilled eggplant?  I think it's one of the best, most versatile veggie foods ever.  I peeled and sliced an eggplant into rounds, rubbed them with a little olive oil, and put them under the broiler until they browned, turning them to get both sides "grilled."

 While that was going on, I assembled some things onto a plate that I could put on the eggplant.  Some simple, complimentary flavors: feta cheese, grilled red peppers, my favorite salad blend from our market, marinated olives, fresh parsley, and a lone tomato.  These are things I had available.  I would have been very happy to include babaganoush, bruschetta, some leftover steak or shredded chicken, etc., if I had them in my fridge.  The main points are some herbs, and a few stronger flavors that all combine nicely.

I love composing bites as I go...  And this did cheer me up, without making me too sleepy to read and type.  (Which is exactly what I need to get back to, now that I've had this little break.)

Do you take time to sit and enjoy lunch?  What do you like to make?

(This post was shared at Thank Your Body's Healthy Living Linkup and Fill Those Jars Friday.)

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.