Author: Deborah M

The other day, my friend Alexia (who ought to be writing her own food blog the way she rocks all things cooking and growing of her own produce) sent me a link to some beautiful illustrated recipes. Not illustrated with photos – we’ve all seen that. That’s the most expected thing in the world. No, these recipes were produced by an illustrator – Lucy Eldridge – working in watercolor.

Ms Eldridge not only produced some yummy recipes but some equally scrumptious illustrations to really tempt you into trying them. Well, OK – I don’t know if that’s why she did it. Maybe she just felt like illustrating them. But the artwork makes the whole thing even more tempting to me. I think I’ll try the carrot cake first.

That recipe and others can be seen in larger format on her site. While you’re there, take a look at her other work. Wonderful stuff.

Naturally, I went looking for other illustrators who might have done the same. Boy oh boy – am I happy I did.

I read about Felicita Sala in a post on Design Sponge (one of my favorite design and lifestyle sites). The recipe there was stuffed calamari and while I am a huge fan of calamari, I somehow have never had it stuffed. This situation must be remedied and I think this is the way to do it.

I can’t wait to try the risotto al radicchio as well. Check that one out as well as the others at Ms Sala’s own site  . I’ll tell you something else – the fact that you can purchase prints of these recipes has me rethinking the walls of my own kitchen.

There are even whole sites, dedicated to displaying and sharing the illustrated recipes of illustrators – sites like They Draw & Cook and Recipe Look. I’ve spent ages looking through them and I find it all really inspiring, both culinarily and artistically. I’ll definitely be trying some of these dishes.

What? Oh no – not drawing. The only thing I can draw is a bath. Seriously – I’m not being modest. I really suck eggs at that sort of thing. But these people rock not only the art of cooking but art itself as well. Cheers to them all.

I think my taste buds are maturing. This seem remarkable in light of the fact that the rest of me doesn’t seem to be doing the same.

Which reminds me – I must tell you about the three rounds of Jacks I played in the lobby of my apartment building last night. It was a spontaneous decision when the gaggle of wee girls already there became embroiled in a debate over the rules.

I stepped in to referee since none of the moms present seem to have the first CLUE how to play. I am now a hero among the small fry and parents alike.

One mom actually asked in wonder, “Where did you learn to play Jacks?” I was stumped since I don’t remember learning. I just remember playing. Since the beginning of time. Through my own camp experience and my time as a camp counselor as well. I excelled at Jacks despite rather short pudgy fingers.

But back to the question of taste buds: Continue reading “Finally Eating Like A Grown-Up” →