What does “feel-good food” mean? It depends on whom you ask. That’s why each month our Feel-Good Food Plan—with delicious recipes and a few wild cards—is hosted by someone new. This month, our editor in chief Jamila Robinson shares her signature winter bake and her skating routine.
I love to skate outdoors, to enjoy the rumble as my blades cut through the ice, then the pop-pause-swish of landing a toe loop or lutz jump. But ice-skating is more than artistry and mindfulness. It’s a full-body workout that demands energy from ample carbs and protein. The crossovers, turns, and glides that work glutes, abs, and calves require as much endurance as running but with less impact (all while wearing a pretty dress). After a session at the rink, I crave refueling with this greens-and-cheese quiche. It’s baked in a crust flecked with herbes de Provence and filled with Parmesan and Gruyère, baby spinach, and luscious sweet onions. I serve it all winter long, in wide wedges for friends at my skating club or in elegant slices for holiday brunches at home.
More Feel-Good Finds for the Month
Gobel’s fluted quiche pan always delivers an even bake. Plus, it’s cinch to slip off when it’s time to serve thanks to the removable bottom.
Many public ice rinks (like ones in Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC) offer free or deeply discounted admission if you bring your own skates. You can visit your local indoor rink skate shop for a proper fitting and the boots will last for years. For serious skaters or those looking to splurge, Harlick Skating Boots makes custom pairs. You get to personalize everything from the color of the leather to the amount of ankle support to the finish on the soles.
Gloves are a must for brushing off ice after an (inevitable) fall on the rink. The stretchy gloves at discount winter sports retailers are the best. You’ll want to pack a few pairs since it's unadvisable to borrow another skater’s gloves. We use them to wipe our runny noses.
Next Time
January’s Feel-Good Food Plan will be hosted by our Test Kitchen editor Rebecca Firkser, who's sharing how she supports her own well-being after the holiday rush.