Kitchen Notes
So for years I have been collecting cookbooks, buying them somewhat guiltily thinking this is the last one each time. I cook from them here and there, usually finding only one or two recipes that I follow up on regularly but truth be told it is more a visual fix rather than a creative one. Yet lately while on my little podcast mission and following cookbook authors on Instagram I have started to question myself. There is something I am attracted to here, something that sparks me.
I started to notice authors and artists showing their bookshelves filled to the brim with cookbooks, overflowing in fact, this eased my worry somewhat. Years ago I walked into a bookstore looking for a travel narrative to read over the summer break, there were seven travel books laying forlorn in that department store while the cookbook section was two metres squared and absolutely chokers full.
I was somewhat miffed at the time but always happy to pull something off the shelf that was show casing international cuisine and some beautiful scenery. So certainly I was obliging. I was mostly gravitating to Italy, France and Spain. I usually do.
Recently however this whole process has moved in a new direction as I have discovered the food podcasts and that has led to a complete abandon of art and writing. Back to the kitchen, baking bread, biscotti anything that will feed the family and listening to multiple conversations on their paths to the kitchen, chef’s lives and home cooks galore. And then I discovered Skye McAlpine home-cook extraordinaire and all hell broke loose.
Not only did is her Insta style ridiculously stunning she has created a beautiful book celebrating her table in Venice. Sharing the Venice the locals know and love. A watery city makes for a magical back drop but she is stylish so there is no question there. And me I am here salivating over the images and thinking, man where have I been? In the meantime my Wishlist on the Booktopia website has quadrupled. With birthday and christmas around the corner I am mostly in luck. I even found myself in the antique store eyeing antique cutlery and napkins, this could be a problem.
Although the thing that really sent me over the edge was when listening to one of her gorgeous interviews in podcast land about A Table in Venice: Recipes from my home is when she mentioned she reads them in bed. Cookbooks in bed. Say no more. This was the nail in the coffin, I was hooked, like if she can do that I can just go for it.
Most of the time I meander over a mid morning cappuccino and a book and then I am off at my day, but in bed takes things to another level. Cups of herbal tea, candles, lamps, lists to write down ideas. Something in me clicked that the possibilities were really endless and there is nothing really wrong with trying to create a beautiful table for the people you know and love.
And really what we take from these beautiful books is the lifestyle inspiration. I am always curious as to how other people live, where and why, so all in all its a general inspiration thing I take from these books....... the location, the places, the seasons, the food, everything.
Fortunately I had a reason to fuel this fire, a while back I planned for a late spring lunch with my Mum and brother and family, the invitation was sent out, we live three hours apart so it helps to plan these things. And then the lists began, new tablecloth, glasses and bottles of Prosecco. The day turned out well, the weather was average, windy and pretending to rain, yet mostly fires raged twenty kilometres away; but we were safe, the table was plentiful and our family were together sharing a rare moment. Happy, and the inspiration......my bookshelves of books and old country style magazines glistening in the corner and waiting to bring it all home.
Postnote:
Nigella keeps her cookbooks in the loo, as shared in the wonderful episode with Anna del Conte on SBS on Demand: Nigella: The Cook who made me.......... (delightful, the perfect share on a lazy Sunday afternoon)
Podcasts: Hashtag Authentic #45 and My Open Kitchen #6.....(Skye McAlpine conversations)