:: Beautiful, ordinary

Posted by Joelle on January 15, 2008

Empty plate Image by Molly at Orangette

I don’t know what it is about my mood that affects what I feel like posting here, but I today I am full of thoughts springing from rather trivial matters like what to make for dinner, that grow into something bigger, about values.

I’ve just this morning discovered a heavenly food blog called Orangette, which I can tell is going to become one of the sites I go back to regularly. There is something so calming about reading about food somehow, especially such good writing, photographs and recipes as are here. The preparation and eating of food is one of life’s necessities, but is so often rushed. But planning and concentrating on food forces you to slow down and think about flavours, sensations, nature, nostalgia, sharing, seasons, and the physical act of creating things. It’s a very good thing to spend a little time on everyday I think.

There’s a lot of thinking about food going on nationally at the moment. Channel 4’s campaign about the horrible reality of life for battery chicken farming has genuinely got everyone talking (I’ve had at least four unconnected conversations with different people this week on the topic), and thinking more about where their food comes from. This can only be a good thing.

“May suitable doses of guaranteed sensual pleasure and slow, long-lasting enjoyment preserve us from the contagion of the multitude who mistake frenzy for efficiency.”

Noone writes manifestos quite like the Italians do they? This is from the Slow Food Manifesto, a real call to arms about taking time to enjoy food. Worth a read, though for me, recipe books and food blogs like Orangette do more to further the cause.

If I am going to be reading American food blogs I had better go buy some measuring cups so I can make their recipes without having to faff around converting quantities. Today I will buy measuring cups and chocolate, and how many little joyful, ordinary moments they will bring.

Categories: blogs
Tags: blogs, food, orangette, slow food

3 Responses to “Beautiful, ordinary”

Kirsty says:
January 15th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Too many people think that food is a bad thing. They are silly.
Vanessa says:
January 16th, 2008 at 12:14 am
I love food. One summer before my MA course and my job started and before my housemates moved in (mostly) I spent loads of time baking because I was bored. I learnt to make quiche and scones. It was very satisfying! Besides, microwave is generally yucky. And why not make something you have to do to survive fun?
:: Four Good Corners » Saturday afternoon, the way I like it says:
February 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
[…] been able to get even more enjoyment from my favourite American food blogs like the delicious Orangette. This afternoon has been made perfect by the addition of these heavenly pistachio, oat and apricot […]

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3 Responses to “Beautiful, ordinary”

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