Day after day I read the newspaper, listen to NPR and watch the news and feel surprisingly fortunate. Granted, most of the publications for which I write have declared bankruptcy and my monthly financial statements have become the butt of sad jokes. Yet, to paraphrase the Republican party of the 1920’s, I still have ‘a chicken in the pot and a car in the backyard, to boot. ‘ Where I notice this economic downturn is in the kitchen. It’s not how often I cook but what I cook that differs. Gone are the big, time consuming dinners featuring exotic ingredients found only at gourmet and specialty shops. Instead I now make simpler, more comforting fare. One such heartening meal is ratatouille. After yet another day of dire news I can think of nothing more nurturing than tucking into a warm bowl of this garlic-scented, vegetable-rich, Provencal stew. With eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers and hints of basil, oregano and thyme, it gives me a much needed lift when I’m down. Who doesn’t feel bolstered by a good, hot soup? I know that I do. Pumpkin, chicken with orzo, vegetarian black bean, potato leek, …