Extending the Table

A few weekends ago, while in Center City, I was delighted to find a 10,000 Villages store. Aside from buying some delicious coffee, I also purchased a new cookbook called Extending the Table. This weekend, I took the time to sit down and read it. It's full of great stories about world cultures and how they regard, use and enjoy food. It really makes me think...

A few weeks ago, I read an article about "ecological homesteaders" preparing for some kind of Armageddon and how they will need to prepare to live off the land and how they will need to hoard and turn people away in mobs because of the eventual food shortage. I found the article hideous (rather, I found the people highlighted in it suchly), and I wish I could remember the link, but I can't.

So many of the stories I read remind me of the stories I heard from my mom and aunts about growing up in rural northern Michigan ... how there was always a plate on the table for people who stopped in--regardless of how little they might have had. And from my own experience of growing up in that knowing people were hungry, and so, you fed those who stopped by, brought them something to drink... and now, in my own grown up life, and in my own way, I do the same--I love to cook, I live alone, and I can't possibly enjoy everything that I make, so, I happily find others to share with...

Several of the stories were also about using the entire food source... I learned how to make use of fruit and vegetable "scraps" I might never have considered, but will cherish. As such, instead of just juicing my lemon and lime for a recipe, first zested for a marinade and then after juicing, tossed the remainders into a jug to use in making some tea (which turned out delicious).

But, there was one story that made me stop and really rethink how I use water. Always aware of conservation, I turn off the faucet when brushing my teeth, washing my face, etc... but when faced with the story of the women who carry gallons of water from the source on their heads and every drop planned and revered because of the effort to get water... I have a whole new appreciation for the water I use and its ease of availability and will take that with me everyday.

And, oh, yes, there were recipes... delicious recipes that I hope to someday invite you to sit down at my table and enjoy with me.