Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Ode to Butter

Not margarine or anything in between
Ranging from dappled-light pale or
Luscious dark ale
Caressing buds, silkily
Taste enhancing, seamlessly
Toast swathed (its not depraved!)
Mushrooms browned, snails drowned in
Butter.

My History with Food

Like most introductions to food literature, my history with food is much the same. I was brought up by a European mum in Australia. From a young age I was privy to the gourmet delights of the globe, eating: olives, tofu, Spaghetti (not from the can), herrings and Pumpernickel instead of Vegemite sandwiches, meat and three veg. My sister and I would always eat what our parents were eating, no questions asked, be it Laksa or Fondue. As such my food repertoire expanded (and it will do so as long as I shall live!)

Contrary to what I just wrote, I was an extremely fussy eater as a baby. I am told there was a time when I would only eat my granny's food, and it was she who helped me locate my sweet tooth. Under her guidance I gobbled up trifle, meringues, creamy sago pudding and Tiny Teddy's hand-dipped in chocolate (before Arnott's had the same idea).

My interest in food has grown exponentially. Every birthday since I was old enough to understand menus and blogs, I have tried to outdo myself in finding a lusciously decadent meal whether it be a home-cooked Kingfish with a mushroom wagu or a ten course degustation at Galileo. Yet I realise that my meagre student-budget and waitressing tips hinder my ability to dine weekly at the food establishments that are recommended in Good Living, Epicure, Good Food Guide and some of the saliva-inspiring fellow food blogs.

EpicSoc (The Sydney University Epicurean Society), which I helped start with friends at the end of last year, is one way in which I have been able to help the students indulge their palates and fulfil the need to philosophise about the definition of a sandwich. Mark Best's foi gras-filled beetroot macaroons at Marque or the Bentley's popcorn-like crisp potato coated Chorizo sausage with Harissa sauce are just a few examples of what we have managed to munch.

Since moving out of home, I have had no choice but to put spatula to frying pan and feed my taste buds. When my stomach is craving a hug, I cook it porridge with cinnamon-infused apple chunks (I cannot cut cubes for the life of me) and a sprinkle of roasted hazelnuts. Recently, I have been nutty about nuts: dry toasted they add flavour to anything be it a warm salad of roast pumpkin with a Cumin and Cayenne pepper dressing or the topping to decadent dessert for one (usually paired with a good book) such as Hazelnut Gelato, caramelised banana and a drizzle of double cream (yes, I know, my poor heart).

I could write a novel on my history of food (maybe one day I will, then again this has been done one too many times) because it is a central part of my life. Like a lover, I have had my fair share of wars but in the end, it only makes my relationship with food stronger.

Ardently Apples.

Paprika Promises

This is a promise I make to myself:

I will conquer my perfectionist tendencies and put finger to key.
I will end the endless ricochet of edible-musings and ingest and digest them through this blog.
I will go in search for both savoury and sweetened wares that make my petite-palate flavourgasm (hopefully multiple times).