You must stay true to your own voice. This is true in cooking as in life. It is difficult to be true to your own voice. Life is full of influences, obstacles, and trophy ceremonies, all of which can alter an original voice. I know recently I have been affected. That is why my recent writing and observations about food have been lacking the personality and drive which is instrumental to our cuisine.
I have been quite inspired by Aki’s writing and integrity in discussing the turbulent world of food, its politics, and which side of the line you should stand on. Check out her eloquent response here. My point is simply this: do what you truly believe in. Live life and observe it with integrity. And have fun doing it.
A writer with whom I should have been familiar and was not is the late Laurie Colwin. Yesterday evening Aki opened one of her books, placed it in my face, and said read. I could not stop reading the vignettes and stories, married with recipes and life. I laughed, smiled, and read aloud to Aki, who knew most of the tales by heart and still became entranced by the world of the author. Laurie Colwin has a voice that is honest and true and speaks to the reasons why I cook. With that said, I must eagerly share these two books by Laurie Colwin: *Home Cooking* and *More Home Cooking*. If Marco Pierre White were to have a feminine alter ego, it might be close to this. Oh yeah, all this and she makes creamed spinach with pickled jalapeños and Monterey Jack cheese.
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