I cant remember a time when cooking and eating haven’t played a major part in my life. From when I was a little girl helping my mother and being rewarded by being given the spoon to lick to today where cooking for friends and family is the backbone of our lives. We all have a memory of a recipe we loved and when we eat it again it takes us straight back to that time be it a family dish or a special occasion where we ate it in a restaurant or a friend’s house. I bet you can think of one right now and your mouth is starting to water.
But its hard to find time to fit it all in. Other things demand our attention. We don’t find the time to spend in the kitchen and to sit down and eat together. Maybe we can’t do this every day but every time we do it is special be there two of you or a whole crowd. Food appeals to all our senses not just taste. The smell of bread baking or something delicious in the oven makes our mouths water, the gentle “plopping” sound of a pan bubbling on the stove or a kettle whistling, the feel of a ripe peach and the anticipation of what is to come when you favourite dish is set down before you. My french grandmother always used to say that never marry a man who does not know how to enjoy his food – he will be a “terrible lover” because he will not be sensual.
I am starting this blog because I keep getting asked for recipes. Most of the things I cook are surprisingly simple yet people do not believe me when I tell them so. Yes, I do sometimes love to experiment with different techniques and french classics but often what I choose to cook is simple and versatile. Where I can I will pass on tips and alternatives so you can customize and make things your own to fit with your life and your needs.
Any feedback can only help others to make these recipes and would be much appreciated.
Love how you describe cooking as it effects all our senses. Glad I found you blog!
I am after a favour in the form of a recipe for pumpkin pie as I have never made one. I don’t know to make it with fresh or canned (I got hold of a can of Libby’s pumpkin purée in case) and it struck me that the person to ask for a recipe was you! There are so many versions but I know yours would be good.
Forgive me if you already have posted one I wasn’t able to find it but that could be me. If you do get time i’d love to make it just to try. Please don’t worry if you are too busy.
Hi LTS (wish I knew your real name– I’m Rhonda)– That’s so funny because I am the wrong person to ask for classic pumpkin pie–my family doesn’t care for it, so we always make a pumpkin dessert that has a topping instead of a crust. Hmmm– I’ll send you that link– https://thethankfulheart.wordpress.com/2012/10/08/pumpkin-pecan-dessert/
or I would recommend
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pumpkin-pie-recipe-1970111
for a real pumpkin pie from two great cooks.
You are such an adventurous baker!! Looking forward to seeing all your holiday baking coming up!
Hope all’s well with you. xox
I have just finished The Aviators Wife. I rationed myself as I was enjoying it so much that I didn’t want to just devour it the way I often do with books. I found the different phases and aspects absolutely fascinating and thought provoking it was so well written. I think Charles Lindbergh was one of those emotionally suppressed and totally driven people that so many “heroes” are. They need that focus and self determination to achieve the things they do and often that means they are very selfish and unable to cope with any other point of view. I did like that she gave him hidden weaknesses as it made me able to see him as a more fragile human person with maybe some compassion somewhere.
I am just about to start on Elizabeth Strout’s “Anything is Possible” a collection of short stories which I have heard are marvellous.
Thank you for the pumpkin pie referrals – I doubt they will beat your wonderful granola but I will let you know whether I love or dislike pumpkin pie after I’ve tried.
Hi again! Love hearing from you! Agree with you about Lindbergh– A fragile hero– and definetly self focused. And– I just finished Anything is Possible! Interesting how she links all the stories– I really liked the janitor character (Ted??) and how compassionate he was. Some characters were much less admirable… I am about half way through Pachinko– story of a Korean family transplanted to Japan in the 1930’s and beyond. People I am really rooting for as I read along… Hope you have time to read away the weekend– take care. xox