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Summering


I fell in love with Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc At Home cookbook when I first laid eyes on it almost 3 years ago.  I have given it as a gift, but never splurged on it for myself.

I have even stopped by a local book store before a party or two to sneak a peek at a few of its recipes.

Mr. Urban who has observed this peculiar behavior, decided to end this madness once and for all, and surprised me with my very own cellophane wrapped copy of Ad Hoc on our new kitchen counter when we moved in.

Summer days are lovely.  They have always been.  I wake up early to meet them.   Especially here in the woods, where the cool morning air bares a faint smokey, woodsy smell that intoxicates you.  And what's more if you go for a walk on the path outside, you are greeted with fresh horsey droppings, courtesy of our local equestrians.   And all this takes me right back to my childhood summer days by the glorious Caspian Sea or the beautiful mountain villages nestled in the nooks and crannies of Alborz, North and Northwest of Tehran. 


And the predominant memories of my life, be it by the back drop of the sea or in the mountains, are not snapshots of fun hikes or swims or running around wild in the fields.... they are always centered around FOOD. Trays of grilled fresh White Fish, on the side of marinated local olives, bowls of fresh sour yogurt....    Crates of freshly picked peaches or tomatoes or cherries that local villagers would drop by.   Standing over hospitable and kind local village women, that would offer to make us fresh bread, kneeling at the ground tandoors in front of their family homes. 

Picture of a village woman making bread via WN.com
Yesterday, after my girl had completed her first Chemistry experiment, litmus testing our waters with daddy, and while Mr. Urban caught up on calls with old college friends, my girl and I savored the pages of Ad Hoc.  Inspired by its Tomato salad, the two of us then stopped by the market for Heirloom tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella Cheese and Persian cucumbers and Fine Fine Angle Hair Pasta and Steaks and Fresh Garlic and the Sweetest Melons... 

Placing her litmus paper next to the guide to check the water.  A+ for the water and the Chemist!

Mr. Urban's brothers joined us for dinner. After we all played a round of Bingo and enjoyed the evening summer breeze.

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