"It's medicinal." Mémé had taught Emma the only food you shouldn't be eating was food that didn't taste good. But that moderation mattered. Comfort food today, because it was what she needed, as much as she felt like eating at all. When her appetite was more even, she'd eat more variety.

"If you want to grab some bowls, this should be almost ready," she said, lifting the spoon and watching the cheesy puree stretch up in a thick, glossy ribbon.