In the Kitchen with Laurie

I started my one year art project last week. These are the first six daily atcs (Artist Trading Cards).  Only 359 to go - ack!  You can see each card in detail over at my flickr photostream, where I upload these daily. 

It's been a bit difficult to muster up the enthusiasm to do these because it hasn't even been a week since Mr. P.'s departure, but once I get started on one, I feel my creativity stir ... I'm sure I'll be back in the studio with more regularity and enthusiasm very soon.

At this time of year, I always find myself reading Laurie Colwin, in particular her cooking essays (Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kichen and More Home Cooking: A Writer Returns to the Kitchen).  It is so nice to read books about cooking that aren't written by a high brow Chef or a TV Personality or a snotty food critic.  Laurie Colwin's style is down-to-earth, totally no-nonsense, encouraging, witty, amusing, and real.  She is someone I would've enjoyed having a meal or cooking with.  In these books, published in 1988 and 1992 respectively, she covers topics dear to many of us in 2007 (organic foods, buying locally and seasonally, for example).  These aren't your ordinary cookbooks, they are essays about food and cooking that happen to include recipes and methods.  I defy you to read these without chuckling or nodding your head in agreement at some of her cooking experiences.

Sadly, Ms. Colwin died suddenly in 1992, making these two volumes all the more precious; there isn't anyone writing about these topics today that writes the way she did and we are all poorer for it.  I can't recommend these books heartily enough.

When I read these books, I am always inspired to try something new in the kitchen.  Today I am making Lemon Rice Pudding (to be found in More Home Cooking, p. 15).  That I am even making rice pudding is a testament to Ms. Colwin's writing - I am not a fan of rice pudding, normally.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

In the meantime, check out the new blog banner I whipped up for the Christmas season ...

Comments

[amanda bel]

Your new banner is stunning! And I want to see Enchanted, too! I doubt Max would be into it, but skittles and popcorn are all it would take to seal the deal!

[Beth Leintz]

I love those Laurie Colwin books- I read them about 10 years ago, loaned them to a friend and haven't seen them since! It's time for a re-read- thanks for the reminder :)

[tamy]

I have heard about these Colwin books too! Will see if I can get my hands on one for some yummy holiday reading!! Your ATC's are truly fab - what a lovely testament to your creativity and ability to stay strong and focused. Despite the circumstances that have lead to your one year art project I am really looking forward to seeing more. You are truly very inspiring!

[~tracey]

your one year art project is a fabulous idea gal. i think when the year is up you should think about seeing about showing them locally, as in a art show. and make them in to a book. *grin*

♥♥!

[violetkey]

Your ATCs are great. The girl with the cheery background is my favorite of the group. The banner is lookin' good.

I will have to find/buy these Laurie Colwin books. I need some inspiration for cooking!

[Marie]

The banner looks deliciously festive! Good luck with the ATC project, the days are disappearing as you create :-)
hugs
Marie

[Sandra L.]

I am a HUGE fan of Laurie Colwin's and adore her cookbooks! Have you read her fiction? You really should if you haven't yet.