Jun
09
I have new cooking idol: Mark Bittman . He's a food writer and home cook famous for The Minimalist column in the New York Times, but I got to know him from the gigantic cookbook my aunt Jane gave me for Christmas, How to Cook Everything Vegetarian . It took me until May to start reading it, but recently I've been doing just that-- reading a 1008 page cookbook.
It's awesome.
Beyond recipes, this book is filled with pithy charts and lists, inspiring introductions, and more ideas that I will be able to implement for a long time. After a 18-month Moosewood obsession, it's good to have some fresh influences (not that I'm ready to give up on Moosewood).
So I'm inspired. I've been cooking up a storm, and I think an outlet for my creative juices is calming some of the anxious energy that's been plaguing me recently.
If I didn't know it before I moved to South America, I know it now: I love cooking.
- I love starting with the things I have and figuring out what I can make out of them.
- I love trying to make things you can buy premade (peanut butter, mayonnaise, all kinds of sauces and dressings).
- I love reusing leftovers in new ways.
- I love exploring new ingredients, although kasha wasn't the biggest hit at our table.
- I love planning the menu.
- I love arranging the food on the plate so that it's beautiful and enticing.
- I love that Tim loves my cooking and receives all this effort as a gift. It's a gift I love to give.
Someday I'll have children (I hope) and probably won't have time to spend planning menus, doing daily shopping at the market, cooking new meals every day, or (and this is the kicker) cleaning up afterward. Until then, I'm keeping myself busy and happy in the kitchen.
Hannah, Your energy feels higher when you write about using your creative Spirit. Love to read about your knitting and your cooking. YES, when you are a Mom you will find ways to creatively make your own baby food etc. Until then, those who dine at your table are embraced by your heart.
Lots of loving prayers as you and Tim are in transition, yet again.
Hugs,
Martha
PS -- Lupine is blooming in Rangeley. Every shade of purple and pink!
If things don't work out in Pucallpa, Han, you are welcome to come live with me (and cook for me)! Miss you, dear friend, and thinking about you daily. Oh, and your friend's comment about lupine reminds me of a wonderful children's book I discovered called "The Lupine Lady" illustrated by the same person who did "The Ox-Cart Man" if you remember that sweet book.
I love the way the Lord uses the striping away times to teach us things about ourselves. Sometimes our lives get so full of other things that the simple things we could love and enjoy are buried or go undiscovered. Look at the gift God has given you. A surprise to yourself and to your husband. He is so good! And trust me, as a mother to 4 you find that God modifies the things you love to do, the gifts he gives you, but creatively grows them to meet you where you are. I agree with Martha on that one! You will bless many in Pucallpa with your talent. Maybe you should write a cookbook called "Going Vegetarian on the Mission Field - Peru"
It would help me when we get there!
Blessings,
Stephanie
kenaston6@juno.com
Hannah, I second Mary's comment. You can move in with me and cook anytime. I keep remembering how at Davidson you were so paranoid that being a married woman would mean cooking. Haha.
Hey Hannah -
Love reading your (and Tim's) blog! Strangely enough cooking has become my hobby since moving to Arequipa...that's funny:) I don't think I have to be quite as resourceful as you though. Looking forward to having you guys in Pucallpa!