cook pot stories

It's winter here in Kansas City. I've discovered this means weather at least as variable as in New England. Mark Twain famously said, "If you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute." Considering the man was from Missouri, where we've had one day with a high of 12F followed by another with a high of 45F, he knew what he was talking about. When the weather turns cold and dark I bake. (I know, wheat is considered evil by many these days. I go back and forth about it. Right now, my need for mental and emotional comfort is winning, so I bake. If that bothers you, move on to a different post. ) I love the feel of dough in my hands, the heat from the oven on my cheeks and most especially the smell. Oh, the magical chemistry of flour, water and a few other things! The kitchen light becomes as welcoming as a sunny day when my home smells like baking. Soon the house feels cozy and warm, a fortress against the grey outside. I've most recently ma...

‎This is my advice to people: Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun. -Julia Child

Really. I'm not kidding. I recently took a three-day road trip from Kansas City to Boston. When I take long drives like this I try to stop at interesting places along the way, though my desire to stop is balanced by my need to get where I'm going. In the past I have seen amazing outsider art , giant muffler men and had some wonderful (and terrible) local cuisine. This time, I stopped at Marlene's Restaurant and Crane's Country Store in Williamsburg, MO . It's a tiny town with a closed museum and a historical road. The restaurant is housed in the same building as a sweet little museum and an antique shop. The antique shop is more of a thrift store, but there were hidden treasures, among them this: As you know, I love cookbooks, especially old quirky ones. How could I resist? At first glance it's a typical 1940's era cooking pamphlet, full of recipes and advice for the modern housewife.  On a  closer perusal I found this: It’s ...

“Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne

“Life itself is the proper binge.”  – Julia Child

Da Capo Take the used-up heart like a pebble 
and throw it far out. Soon there is nothing left.
 Soon the last ripple exhausts itself 
in the weeds. Returning home, slice carrots, onions, celery.
 Glaze them in oil before adding 
the lentils, water, and herbs. Then the roasted chestnuts, a little pepper, the salt. 
Finish with goat cheese and parsley. Eat. You may do this, I tell you, it is permitted.
 Begin again the story of your life. — Jane Hirshfield

No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of present, the wisdom of cookbook writers. - Laurie Colwin