“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good … Continue reading Rites of Spring…
“Detestable food passing itself off as Mexican, sold in the U.S. from Texas to New York.” ~ 1959 description of chili in the (Mexican) cookbook, ‘Diccionario de Mejicanismos” And when the winter stretches on, and in these times of darkness, when days are short and nights are long, and spring is snailing distant…there is something … Continue reading Chili is as Chili Does…(more comfortable food)
There is something about very cold weather that gives one an enormous appetite. Most of us find ourselves beginning to crave rich steaming stews and hot apple pies and all kinds of delicious warming dishes; and because we are all a great deal luckier than we realize, we usually get what we want—or near enough. … Continue reading Comfort Food…
Fat gives things flavor. Julia Child There are certain ingredients that seem to be heralded by cold weather. They’re not the exclusive province of cooler days, but they do fit well with blustery mornings and burnished afternoons – just as there are meals that get pushed to the forefront by longer days and heat haze … Continue reading Faux Gras ~ a sheep in wolf’s clothing…
“I asked the maid in dulcet toneTo order me a buttered scone;The silly girl has been and goneAnd ordered me a buttered scone.” ~ Punch Magazine, 1912 There are few things lovelier on a rainy morning, than a still-warm scone to crumble with your coffee. It’s basic, nothing complicated, and absolutely satisfying. If you have … Continue reading Rising Up…
“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps one in a continual state of inelegance.” Jane Austen Sometimes it’s too hot to cook. Sometimes it’s too hot to eat. But, eventually, we do. And if you can manage a meal with minimal effort, while (perhaps) drinking a cold glass of rosé, never breaking your stride … Continue reading Green Melon/Cucumber Gazpacho
“I like reality. It tastes like bread.” Jean Anouilh …and then there are the rainy days, the snail days, the days of duck and cover. Weaving ‘round the puddles like a so-late-it’s-early drunk. And in a cobbled town, a labyrinth of streets, with a chill that filters up through roman stones and bones, a morning … Continue reading Bread Alone…
No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me you desire a fig, I answer that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. Epictetus Behind the Roman Theatre in Arles – ‘behind’ being a relative term, in this … Continue reading Eat Figs While They’re Fresh…
Chasing Snails (And Other Movable Feasts) 