Food, Fantasy and Reinvention

Last night I made a new dish from Michelle Maisto's  The Gastronomy of Marriage: A Memoir of Food and Love. This is one of the latest in a series of books I've been reading that connect stories of women (and a few men), travel and their search for identity with cooking and foodie-ism.

There have been others that I've enjoyed reading in 2013 and I'll write about them separately I'm sure. They include: On Rue Tatin: Living and Cooking in a French Town by Susann Herrmann Loomis; Molly Wizenburg's A Homemade Life; and David Leibowitz's The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the Worlds Most Glorious - and Perplexing - City. Currently I'm loving Elizabeth Bard's Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes

There will also be more to read this year and of course I'll document them here. But today I want to write about our dinner of Stuffed Eggplant from Maisto's book. Excellent easy entree with an ingredient I don't cook enough - eggplant. I added chopped mushrooms and red peppers and some extra breadcrumbs. The stuffing was custardy but filling - definitely needed the tomato sauce. Left overs will make us dinner tonight. David was happy and the idea of creating a delicious new dish to add to my go-to repertoire is always a happy occasion for me.

So what's the scoop on my fascination with these books?

I have a surge of interest lately in Paris and France. Its probably that "better in theory than reality fantasy." But there is something romantic and stress free about thinking of an old world with culture and style. These books give me an opportunity for arm chair travel to different place that stokes my creativity. It gives me a place to go in my mind that inspires while allowing me a little vacation.

The stories of ex-pats finding a new life in an unknown place - women finding and re-defining themselves in new surroundings or new relationships - trying on different personas - and always exploring the joy of food which brings comfort and creativity in the midst of the adventure.

These are independent women in interdependent relationships - I love to explore my similar world through theirs and take some sense of camaraderie with me.

I find them inspirational because I envy their ability to strike out and take the risk of the unknown. I love their ability to journal and tell the story of their experience. And the recipes have not failed me yet. I live vicariously through these stories and dine in style too.

One day I too will go back to Paris better able to speak the language and to explore the world there. On the other hand, the Paris in my mind may be more wonderful than the gritty truth of the real City of Light. At least for now, I can afford this version and this way of travel.

(Paris books photo at right can be purchased from Kathy Fornal on Etsy)