Food Prints

Most foodies love cookbooks,present company included. As a little girl, I always used to stare wide eyed at the long wide shelf of books next to my mother’s bed side. Despite seeing it everyday,it continued to amaze me. Mom would always read it like she would read her other novels. I say ‘other novels’ because for her ,reading a cookbook,was very similar to reading fiction. The level of satisfaction and enjoyment were the same…and sometimes those ‘stories’ ended up getting translated on a plate ! Lucky us !!! I am not sure if that’s a genetic trait but I’ve inherited it ,nevertheless ….and so very thankful for that too.

In everything in life there are degrees of comparison. While reading a well planned cookbook is enjoyable enough,reading one with little snippets added is so much more joy ! That is exactly what I felt, while reading Food Prints written so lovingly by Priya Bala. I feel like I know her and can visualize her life. I think among the many things ,the thing that impressed me the most is the stark simplicity and homeliness of the stories. It’s very obvious that she is well travelled and has in fact, ‘been there and done that’…so,  for such a person ,to show restraint in sharing her recipes,would not, I think ,have been so easy. It shares and yet does not intimidate.

The writing and sharing of her stories is so close to my heart,that I know this is a book that I would definitely reach for often….not just to cook from but to find comfort in. The emotions are so close to the ‘Indian culture’ of family values that I grew up with. A lesson for me in many ways….writing my blog…the visual appeal was very important…pictures,clarity ,colours, presentation etc etc….here she manages to create a longing for flavours ,a desperation to linger….without resorting to food photography ! It’s not that I discount food pics in any way, I love taking them…many of them ,in fact !!! I’m just amazed that I did not miss the lack of it in this book ! Maybe our paths will cross some day and I can chat with her …the many more words that keep popping up….over a few hours of food and drink to comfort,nourish and inspire…along this incredible journey !

I’m very thankful to my darling friend (the original foodie….in my life,post wedding and motherhood 🙂  ! ) for knowing me well enough to gift me this book. It has enriched my food journey in many ways and will hopefully help me translate it in the way I do things from here on.

Yes… I guess you could say, ‘I loved the book’ !!! 😉