The Quarantine Cooking Kit

My daughter, who lives abroad, is coming to visit shortly. I can barely contain my excitement, even though, as mandated by Israeli law, she will have to self-quarantine for 10 days upon landing. I have no idea how she’s going to manage being cooped up for so long. I have equally no idea how I’m going to distract myself from thinking obsessively about her upcoming visit.

I’ve decided to prepare a quarantine kit for her as a welcome home present of various cooking sauces and whatnots. As someone who loves to cook, she will have something to keep her a bit occupied for this 10-day period. As for me: Putting together this kit is serving as the perfect distraction. So what to put in the kit?

So, obviously a few basic infused oils to help enhance whatever concoctions she might be cooking up: a habanero-infused olive oil (she loves spicy) and a garlic-infused olive oil for the milder stuff. I will probably add in a saffron water mix, which is great for various rice dishes.

Brinings and pickles follow alongside, good for jacking up the taste of salads, complements to main dishes, or just for snacking. My selections: bread-and-butter pickles (classic southern dish), spicy pickled green beans, Thai pepper confit, shallot confit, garlic confit, and a preserved lemon paste. While I’m at it: toasted almonds in olive oil and sea salt a la Marcona almonds.

My kit is starting to get out of hand, and I probably should stop there, but I just can’t resist: Arugula pesto (vegan version), vegan cheese sauce, and rhubarb vinaigrette to round out this colorful alchemy. Probably throw in some sourdough starter, since she will probably want to do some baking.

Welcome home sweetheart!