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 June 2006 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Food
By Gail Nicholson Usually when I cook, sometimes to my husband’s dismay, I don’t use recipes. I like to search the kitchen and make a fresh project out of it. I’m certain that this style mimics my grandmother. I don’t think of her using recipes; instead she made cooking, canning and baking truly spontaneous. I watched her pouring what looked like unmeasured amounts of food and spice and everything nice with a rhythm — and to my young eyes, she was a wonder. Now, back to my husband, who has had many an enjoyable salad designed by moi. It’s so fun — and isn’t summer wonderful when fresh vegetables gleam in the warm sun at a farmer’s market or in the light from your kitchen window? I am inspired: tossing, grating, chopping and tearing, choosing and arranging. With flavor in mind, I look for color, texture, shape and size — pulling out fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and spices. Choosing a favorite bowl with colors that work well with fresh ingredients is as important as anything. And you know, my grandmother really did have some recipes. They were passed down from her mother and grandmother and I still consult them at times, fading in their old wooden box. So, when I make a fresh salad, I think of my grandmother, then add a rich red heirloom tomato to make sense of it all. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
