The Farmhouse Kitchen

This is what I’ve realized in my farmhouse kitchen: it’s not about the individual meals I cook, which will only have to be cooked again. It’s not about the dishes I wash, or the floors I sweep.

It’s about the whole-heartedness of my presence in the kitchen.

It’s taking a pride in being there. It’s practicing a craft. It’s refining a tradition that has been passed down from woman to woman. For me, it’s about handling implements that are timeless, heavy and polished with use – tools that countless women before me have used and handled.

I’m not just there to microwave a pizza, or to spend the least amount of time possible in throwing something together to stuff down my family’s faces, so that I can get up in the morning to do it all again.

It’s about practicing the domestic art. It’s a passionate discipline, with a rich history. And the more I practice, the better it gets – the better I get – and the happier my family is.

And here’s the value-added bit – it satisfies me, as well.

And how many things can you say that about?

Before you start to cook, (or even clean up the mess from earlier) put on some beautiful music. I like the Bach’s Goldberg variations – makes me feel serene and in control, even when I’m not! Treat yourself to a nice apron, and don it with a sense of occasion. Pour yourself something delicious to drink. And light a candle – for yourself. The domestic goddess is in residence – and it’s you! Your presence in the kitchen is a gift to your family, a stabilizing force that they require.

And then try the recipes in this section. Cook for the pleasure of it. Give yourself plenty of time. Set out the ingredients. Smell the yeast, crush the herbs in your fingers and take deep breaths. Mix the dough with your hands, and revel in the feel of it.

You’re not just making food. You’re creating a feast…