The small and tidy box went nearly unnoticed in the dark, nestled in a drift of a million dusty snowflakes. The deliveryman had pitched it into the doorway from the warmth of his truck. He would have been lazy except that we were all struggling under the weekly ravages of winter storms. I had come in nearly frostbitten, but every second of the bitter day behind me recessed further into foggy memories as my fingers felt around the viscera of packing material. I removed four tiny jars of jam, a thank-you gift from
Lana of Bibberche, for answering her distress signal as the deadline for her photography-class final approached.
There were four exquisitely distinctive flavors: quince and walnut; fig and bay leaf; rose petal; and wild strawberry, all crafted and cured with sugar by Lana's gifted Serbian family. Once the quince and walnut disappeared directly from the jar, one teeny spoonful at a time between sips of severe black tea, I slowed my pace to savor the others over the next weeks. The strawberry was the last to go. I had been holding onto it with the tenacity of tentacles, just like I've been holding onto some community kudos that need their public acknowledgment, too.
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The Versatile Blogger Award was bestowed on me by
Akheela of Torview Toronto. Thank you, A! For this honor, I am to reveal 7 things about myself and pass it forward to 15 others. Do play along as your time and interest allow, and add your own twist. Memes never wind round the blogosphere in the same condition that they started.
Janet - The Taste SpaceSra - When My Soup Came AliveRobyn - Koek!Jaya - Desi Soccer MomJoanne - Eats Well with OthersSoma - eCurryCinzia - CindystarAqua - Served with LoveCathy - What Would Cathy Eat?Vanessa - Sweet ArtichokeNilam - Grow in the KitchenMary Katherine - MK's KitchenShuHan - Mummy, I Can CookGraziana - Erbe in CucinaLori Ann - Lori's Lipsmacking Goodness7 Things About Me ~1) Every time I take myself out and about for groceries, I always pick up a small bouquet of flowers. When you have to drag your purchases up two flights of stairs like a pack mule, you need a little treat to keep you from savaging the box of cookies you promised yourself you weren't going to buy.
2) As much as I have loved my dark red kitchen, after three years, I feel like I am standing in a blood vessel. It is time for a dramatic change. I have my eye on a very particular ivory which will transform the space from a grotto to an airy.
3) Herbs are my very favorite fresh culinary ingredients. I've purchased a variety of mints which will be planted in my mother's garden. I expect them to be the
menace of her neighborhood by July.
4) I've developed a rather odd craving for club soda -- not seltzer water, but club soda. They are not created equally, but depend on the addition or absence of minerals for their flavors. Club soda's definitely got that snap to it. At first, I thought it was the salt content I was after, but both are labeled "Sodium Free." It's puzzling, but not a murder mystery, and will probably burn out before I can figure it out.
5) Scott bought me a stand mixer for Valentine's Day. That would be Valentine's Day 2010. It's taken me over a year to figure out where to put it. Perhaps I should have asked for chocolates, after all. I would have known
exactly where to put those.
6) Speaking of equipment, I probably use my whisks more than any other tools. By the end of the day,
every man Jack of them is dirty in the sink.
7) Of the three major kitchen appliances, the one I am least pleased with is the refrigerator. It is not its fault, though, that I keep stuffing it with greenery. I fantasize about standing in front of one of those French-doored models all agleam in stainless steel, but who am I kidding? With the luxury of such a cavernous space, I would only have to feed the monster. It would be another jungle in there.
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8 Questions were posed to me by Priya of Mharo Rajasthan's Recipes. Thanks for thinking of me, Priya! I'm to pass the same or my own questions* to 8 others. Again, participation is at your discretion and without obligation.
Kirsten - From Kirsten's Kitchen to YoursChristine - Kit's ChowClaire - Chez CayenneJasenka - Sweet CornerLori Lynn - Taste with the EyesIvy - Gourmet Concoctions in AssiniKelly - Eat Yourself SkinnySandhya - Sandhya's Kitchen8 Questions for Me ~1) What is your favorite thing about blogging?
The discovery of new ingredients, recipes, equipment, techniques, and rituals.2) Who best critiques your cooking?
I am my own most strict critic, but do rely on my husband when I need a second opinion. Although our tastes vary often enough, Scott does provide some objectivity. I particularly rely on him when I am doubtful about an outcome; usually, he will confirm my suspicions.3) What are your favorite foods?
Anything spicy, especially if complex and inscrutable, like curries.Cakes of all shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. I love all desserts, but cakes take the cake for me.Legumes, but I think you already know this. ; )
4) What are some of the foods that you've been amazed by on others' blogs?
Soma's Cabbage and Chickpea RouladeHaalo's Poached Donut Peaches with Wild Willow WaterCarolyn's Dandelion Fritters Sayantani's Lentil Paste Designs5) Who inspires you in the blog world?
I am inspired by and admire many blogs for many reasons, but Jen of Simply Breakfast is a dynamo who turns out that first meal of the day with endless variations that never get old.6) Would you prefer a cold sandwich and salad or a hot panini and warm soup for lunch?
Hot panini and warm soup.
7) Are you obsessed about anything related to food?
Yes, that perfect cup of coffee, very smooth yet robust, the one that my local fast-food restaurant no longer sells, the one that I am very close to replicating at home. I know what beans they used and their brew method. I will be conducting my own experiments very soon. If I like the results, I will write a jubilant post to share it with you. And best of all, neither the coffee nor the equipment is excessively expensive.8) Have you ever thought about preparing or actually prepared something for TV or a newspaper?
Not yet, but the future is the next frontier.*8 Questions for 8 ~
1) Do you have a signature recipe which you regularly prepare for special occasions or holidays, or one that your family or friends are always clamoring for you to serve?
2) What particular blogging talent (cooking, baking, writing, photography) would you like to improve as your blog matures?
3) Who are your biggest blog supporters? Are they your family and friends, or other bloggers?
4) What one recipe, ingredient, or technique are you challenged by, but are determined to master?
5) What is your favorite way to enjoy learning about anything culinary: TV, magazines, online, cookbooks, classes, family and friends? Be as specific or general as you like.
6) What ingredients are the cornerstones of your kitchen, the ones which you
must have on hand at all times?
7) How many minutes/hours a day do you spend in your kitchen?
8) Is your kitchen driven by dietary/health concerns or anything-goes indulgences? Or do you struggle trying to balance the two?
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