"...there is no substitute for the love and care of the home cook." -Sam and Sam Clark
I spent much of last weekend learning about food. While a generous gift had me discovering the tips and tricks of a few French classics, the following nerdy night out featured some wise words from Michael Pollan as he discussed the importance of how we eat. Very different and yet equally wonderful experiences, the message that I took home from both was that food is not just what we eat, but a means to experience pleasure through the acquisition, preparation and sharing of what we grow, and an opportunity to appreciate all of the wonderful people that we encounter along the way. So this weekend I visited some of our amazing producers at a local farmer's market, grabbed one of my favourite cookbooks from the shelf, and simply took the time to enjoy.
With the days takings freshly laid out, a few beans, some Warialda chorizo and a bunch parsley soon became sopa de habichuelas.
There was cordero con garbanzos and slow-cooked fennel with some of the delectable lamb that Anna leaves at my door.
A new Schultz product and generously donated gift quickly turned into the most wonderful vanilla ice cream imaginable.
There was more vanilla to be had in the stewing of some locally grown rhubarb.
And the usual ice cream excesses together with the newfound knowledge that nothing compares to the snowiness of hand-whisked egg whites (possibly necessitating the acquisition of a new toy *cough*), also meant that meringues weren't too far behind.
Pleasingly, vanilla, rosewater and rhubarb also happen to be one of life's utopian combinations, and so naturally...
From the home cook, with love. Enjoy.