A Great Surprise
One of my passions is cooking. I love to be alone in the kitchen preparing meals - experimenting with ingredients, wandering away from recipes in order to create something new, putting together something that will satisfy those that will consume it - it’s a beautiful experience. And, there’s also something oddly spiritual about cooking. I don’t know if it’s the solitude, the creative process, or simply working with fresh and natural products to provide strength and nourishment, but every time I really cook, I come away from the experience feeling close to the Creator.
In my years of cooking, there is one chef that stands out as my favorite…Jamie Oliver. I love his cooking shows (Naked Chef, Oliver’s Twist, Jamie’s Kitchen, etc)! I love his recipes! I am encouraged and amazed by his passion and enthusiasm for cooking (it reminds me of my need to be passionate and enthusiastic for my craft). I mean, he’s a drummer…so how could you go wrong? Almost every time we have people over for dinner, I prepare some meal that was, at the very least, inspired by Jamie Oliver.
So, last night, Emily comes home from a shopping trip with a wonderful surprise…Jamie Oliver’s cookbook “Jamie’s Italy.” We watched the program “Jamie’s Great Escape” on the travel channel. It’s the trip that inspired the cookbook. The whole time we watched the series, I longed to have the cookbook. Well, last night I recieved the cookbook. After Sammy went to bed, I spent about an hour thumbing through the book. During her afternoon nap, I’ll probably work back through the book…marking the recipes that I’d like to take a shot at.
The real beauty here is having a wife that knows my passions and desires and took time and resources to provide a bit of joy into my life. Of course, she brings joy into my life simply by being my love and friend. But, the cookbook sure is nice!
So, give me a call, come on over, and enjoy some tasty food!
Hey the Fairchild’s are always ready to eat
Glad to hear about the new cookbook, send a few good recipes my way 
Comment by rachel — September 25, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
Let’s be real: this was a selfish gift. It’s like giving my wife a beer-making kit or amazing coffee. I know I will end up reaping the benefits. But guys get called out on this stuff; girls get praised. I don’t get it.
Comment by Matt — September 27, 2007 @ 3:42 am
Good point Matt. However…this is a both/and situation. Emily will reap some benefits of giving this gift. But, I have also longed to have this gift for a long time. I just couldn’t justify spending $30 on a cookbook…I’d rather spend the money on good beer, wine, and coffee.
Comment by jasonmorris — September 27, 2007 @ 3:08 pm