09/20/2024
A kitchen musing:
I'm cooking slowly all day today, and, musing, and reminiscing, and bragging, too.
We've been helping with The Harvey Hall, and tomorrow (Sept 21) there's a BIG celebration for its 140th anniversary, with dinner, dessert, music, and a lively kitchen party. I'm making soup!
In days long gone, I often cooked up big batches for our family of 6, and had to do it FAST for the clamouring hungry crowd. Today I'm cooking BIGGER batches for more, but I'm doing it slowly, joyfully, in anticipation of the company and camaraderie of the evening tomorrow.
Though alone in my kitchen, I'm mindful of the late Brian Blakney and the many pottery items he made -- including the coffee cup in my hand -- that now hold my spices and ingredients. While I pause to recall happy laughing memories, I'm thankful to have the wooden bowls my grandfather designed and turned before I was even born. I feel compelled to work efficiently and cleanly -- my mother's work ethic ever on my mind. I'm keenly aware of the history of my great-grandmother's ancient two-tined bone-handled fork. I'm impressed by the talent of Joe Cernan whose strong hands turned large beautiful ceramic bowls that this morning hold three pounds of peeled onions. I'm not crying, you're crying!
I'm proud to support local growers at Fundy Farms: local harvest (a recipient of the Molly Kool Award!) whose colourful produce will nourish. I'm delighted to share my love of Hearth & Hive, and I shamelessly admit that I once ate an entire loaf of Rebekah's bread in one sitting. I'm ever thankful for Alisha Joel Cadieux who willingly offered to help with their staff and delicious products from Octopus' Garden Cafe.
So I'll be chopping, sauteing, simmering, and reflecting in the kitchen at Cleveland Place today. Steve's in charge of the Artisan Shop and Book Shop -- but with a tasting spoon handy! If I don't see you today, join the fun tomorrow at the Harvey Hall. Come hungry!
