As far back as I can remember, food has been a singular focus in my life, and I carry the emotional scars of years of shopping in J.C. Penny’s husky girl department to prove it. My most prized childhood possession was a Holly Hobbie Oven – a faux cast iron competitor of the kitschy Easy Bake, and I drove my cash-strapped mother bananas begging for over-priced mini cake mixes that fit perfectly into my teeny, tiny, two-bite cake pans. That was just the tip of the iceberg. I secretly hoped that our old Chevy Malibu would stall like it did that one time when we got to eat in a fancy restaurant and my grandmother gave me my very first taste of shrimp scampi. It didn’t matter that I had to pee in a cornfield and drip dry on the way to that fateful meal, the thought of that garlic-buttery goodness consumed me for years. When my morbidly-obese aunt June came to visit from Texas and made her legendary lasagna, I stuffed myself like a foie gras goose, despite the fact that my tummy felt a little funny all day, and proceeded to hurl all over my bedroom for the rest of the night. It was worth it.
My parents were advised to monitor (read: restrict) my food intake and I endeavored, hopelessly, to keep my perseverations in check. As I got older, I learned to channel my thoughts into something productive, healthy and, frankly, more socially acceptable than a chubby girl stuffing her face –- cooking. Instead of merely thinking about my next meal, I focus on researching recipes and sourcing ingredients….and enjoy sharing fruits of my labor with family and friends. My obsession with eating and cooking has naturally grown into an interest in the issues surrounding food production, consumption and sustainability.
So, Think, Eat is a collection of musings on all things food – from posting recipes and recollections from a recent dinner party to attending a lecture on permaculture at a local food conference. Stay tuned.
Great start. I bookmarked and will be back to hear more.
Emily, I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT!
I have been the recipient of so many incredible meals
from your kitchen – as well as that party we threw that you
catered- and now I understand why everything you EVER make is so extraordinary!! I can’t wait for more on your blog and I have SO many people who need to be on your mailing list. They will LOVE what you are doing too.
Awesome idea for a blog — I bookmarked it too! Also, coincidentally, I just finished Julie/Julia and really enjoyed it. I think what I would have liked more if it included actual recipies (which your blog does!).
xoxox
Felicia
Em, I enjoyed your blog and can’t wait for more. By the way, I never found you “husky” as a child- simply adorable!
Even now , with two young kids at my feet and a husband over seas- I find myself counting down until I can baracade myself in the kitchen and start dinner. The meals I prepare lately are certailny not magazine or even blog worthy, usually containing 10 ingredients or less. Still, I am eager to get behing that stove and enter the “zone”. With the exception of recurrent interruptions (the 2 kids), this time is mine! I can usually manage about 30 minutes- prep time to table. I hope to increase this time paralelling with Carley’s age. I love this blog because I can enjoy your art knowing that my freedom to create in the kitchen will come. Both Samantha and Carley love to help me in the kitchen- so it may not be too long!
Hey love! I adore this first post. You’re such a funny writer. I’m glad you came out of the closet! BTW I write this as I chomp on Danny’s Pizza in Bushwick: pepperoni, fresh tomato and anchovies. Plus a diet Pepsi and a slice ot Tiramisu. Does someone sound depressed or what? lov,e