Random Thoughts: Food is latest fascination
I'm now reading a book, "A Year in the World," by Frances Mayes. It is written by the same author who wrote, "Under a Tuscan Sun." That was such a "laid back" story about a couple who were restoring a home in Italy. It contained all the frustrations of finding the necessary material to restore the house to its original beauty. Now, that meant work, hard work but fulfilling the dream made it worthwhile. The author and her husband, while restoring the cottage, bring in stories of the people who help them, the neighbors, guests, and people in the nearby village. They describe the food they eat, mostly food indicative of the area. For instance, they discover vegetables and herbs such as wild asparagus and other plants. All was planted by a former inhabitant. They are very creative in using them in the dishes they prepare. It makes you want to be one of their guests.
The book I'm reading now is about the author and her husband traveling in various countries in Europe. The part I'm reading now is in Spain. She describes the small villages, the places where they stay, a little history, and the foods they eat. They try anything found in the local cafes. I don't think I would be that daring, but I love to read about it. She will take the reader through many individual countries and describe the culture there. I'm really excited about it. I've been in some of those countries, so I know I'll be imagining I'm there again.
All at once, food has become very interesting to me. I watch the cooking shows on TV and my mouth waters on seeing the delicious and attractive foods prepared. Shall we go to the kitchen?
— NORMA HANNAFORD
