the speed of enjoyment

i cooked for my friend's wedding this weekend and all of the recipes were from samin nostrat's "salt, fat, acid, heat" cookbook.

at first i didn't want to spoil the pages of the book, but it was inevitable given the nine simultaneous recipes going on in my small, cozy kitchen space. plus, it is a happy memory and lends her recipes authenticity to have a smear of asparagus here, a spot of olive oil there.

and, because of the people and process, i would do it again! everyone was organized and joyful leading up to and including the feast!

i vowed only to go at the speed of enjoyment which meant slowing down my shopping cart while picking up the short ribs from the butcher and pausing to savor the smell emitted by freshly toasted cumin seeds over the stove.

prep done, one of my favorite moments was the final assembly of the dishes, combining the colors and garnishes to nourish both body and soul with flavor and beauty.

food should taste like love, create a memory.  and that's just what we did together!