The In-Between Meals
Because sometimes the most luxurious thing in the world is a meal that’s simple
There’s this odd stretch of the season where I swear I’m a human snow globe someone won’t stop shaking. Thanksgiving took me out. The cooking, the traveling, the eating. And now Christmas is barreling toward me like it’s personally offended I haven’t decorated yet.
My fridge is packed, but absolutely nothing inside sounds good. My brain is fried, but takeout feels like admitting defeat. I’m tired of cooking, tired of eating, tired of even thinking about both.
Welcome to the in-between.
That blurry little pocket of time where the energy is… off. Everyone’s exhausted. Somehow, there are three events in one night. No one knows what day it is. You’re panic-ordering Christmas gifts at midnight like it’s a sport. And all you and your body want is something healthy, grounding, and gentle — nothing with twelve sticks of butter or a roasting pan the size of your torso — but you also refuse to eat anything that tastes like a compromise.
Here’s the thing: the in-between deserves its own kind of cooking.
Food that’s soft, simple, nourishing. Food that asks very, very little of you. Food you can throw together half-asleep, wearing the same sweater you’ve had on for four days, using whatever is already living in your kitchen. Food that plays nicely with substitutions, swaps, whatever you’ve got.
So this issue of The Fifth Course is dedicated to In-Between Meals — the dishes I reach for when I need to feel human again, when I need a reset. When I’m craving clean, easy flavors that are soothing but not boring, delicious but not heavy, quick but not rushed. And meals you plop in a bowl and take to the couch.
Because sometimes the most luxurious thing in the world is a meal that’s simple but thoughtful. Warm. Bright. Grounding. A meal that feels like a deep breath…the kind you only take once the guests have left, and the dishwasher starts humming.
So here they are: the three meals keeping me upright during the most tired, overstimulated, over-scheduled, under-nourished weeks of the year.
MEAL IN — The In-Between Meals
Meal 1: Honey Chicken with Citrus and Apricot
I love chicken. Always have. And yes, a whole bird looks intimidating, but here’s the truth: it’s ridiculously easy and the leftovers are elite. This dish is in constant rotation in my kitchen. I mix and match whatever’s lying around and it never misses.
Meal 2: Salmon with Roast Peppers, Tomatoes, and Olives
Fully aware that tomatoes are out of season. Also, I am fully aware my internal battery is at a steady low this month. Pick your battles, right? We’re not doing a tomato salad — we’re roasting them. One tray, big flavor, zero stress.
(not my photo….But looks something like this. These are meals I barely photograph)
Meal 3: Cheesy Spinach Lemon Pasta
It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s basically adult mac and cheese with a green.
MEAL OUT
I squeezed in one restaurant moment this in-between season… reluctantly, but I did it. And honestly? It revived me. Cecchi’s was the old-school New York hug I’ve been craving. Michael is the host with the most — he works the room, drops a story, and suddenly you feel like family.
The meal was simple, cozy, exactly what I wanted.
My order: Jumbo Shrimp, Not a Wedge, San Gennaro in a Blanket, Onion Rings, Chicken A La King, Pork Chop
HIGH CHAIR TALK
Mars is deep in her own in-between era… mainly because of me (sorry, kiddo). But honestly? I think it’s been a happy accident. She’s eating better than ever.
I used to cook her a perfectly curated toddler lunch every single day — thoughtful, balanced, cute enough to photograph. But this season? I’ve been serving her what I’m eating, or she’s been eating what I make for myself. And she’s thriving. It’s also forced me to sit down and eat lunch with her instead of grazing over the sink like a feral chef. A small, unexpected gift.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love crafting her little art-director plates. That will always be my love language.
The other day I was craving beef, so I made us burger patties with cheese, juicy and straightforward. She ate every crumb. Then yesterday she asked for tuna (my girl!). I didn’t have any, but I did have Fishwife sardines… which can be hit or miss for her. So I disguised them, turned them into these crispy baked croquettes, and we both loved them.
Our lunches have become this funny little mirror — what she eats, I eat; what I crave, she joins in on. It’s messy, imperfect, and honestly the sweetest rhythm we’ve found in a while
SIDE PLATE
A luxe pleasure: A magical head and face massage at Head in the Clouds!!! It’s in Williamsburg, and it’s heavenly.
A Simple pleasure: Making olive oil muffins just because — and quietly eating one every few hours like it’s my part-time job
A quick fix: Gold Foil Under-Eye Patches. Your sleepless, puffy eyes will thank you. Really, any eye patches with caffeine in them.
A disappointment: Coffee prices… a much bigger conversation, and definitely not a new one. I usually make mine at home, but the last few weeks I’ve been very on-the-go. And honestly? I’m flabbergasted. I’m a simple coffee girl — hot coffee, non-dairy milk, a little sugar — and somehow we’re at $6+? Meanwhile, my entire bag of beans was $15. I’m confused. It really hits you when it becomes a daily or even weekly purchase. Just… wow.
A date night highlight: A very booooooozy night at Bemelmans Bar.
A good idea: A breakfast burrito morning for two: order four different types from two places and host a little taste test at home :) Best Damn Burrito won.
SOUND BITES
Instead of a playlist, I’m sharing my recap of the year — basically my whole year told through song.
CLOSING NOTE
We’re almost to the end of the year, which feels impossible. I hope this in-between time gives you a moment to breathe — to eat something simple and good, to rest without guilt, to take a pause even if it’s only five minutes.
Here’s to soft meals, light cooking, and kinder schedules.
xx
Gina
the way i need these in my arsenal rn ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 thank you!