Welcome to A Global Garnish and my world of food and travel.
I’m old now, but as far back as I can remember, I was food focused. When I was a kid, at the dinner table, my sister used to surreptitiously feed me liver, eggplant, lamb, turnips, or whatever else she considered too exotic for her young palate. Nothing was too weird for me to try — as long as I beat the dog to the under-the-table food pass.
Village in the Foothills of the Atlas Mountains – Morocco
My food focus became an obsession when I was 18 years old and roaming Morocco with a friend. A meal in a Moroccan Riad altered my understanding of taste and flavor boundaries forever. I learned that all you had to do was to keep exploring and traveling and you were likely to find a new taste treat around most any corner.
Four decades and two careers later, I can still remember that Moroccan meal, and I’m still exploring the world of food — whether in my neighbor’s vegetable garden or the far reaches of the globe.
I knew it was time to retire from my three-decade career as a scientist when I was as interested in the food I was eating on my international business trips as in the work I was doing. So, at age 50, I went to culinary school, surrounded by hopelessly-energetic 18-year-olds. Then, thanks to a bit of chutzpah and unbelievable luck, I worked for two thrilling years as a prep cook with some of the best and brightest — at Vie Restaurant (now a Michelin Star restaurant), and for nearly five years as a private chef. I’m not sure which was more exhausting. The food business is not for the faint of heart or the over-50 crowd — no matter how much you love it.
So, I quit the food business and moved to the beautiful Worcestershire countryside in England with my husband. It was convenient to say that I quit because of our move rather than admitting that my joints were screaming at me — although both were true.
Now, I continue to travel and write about foods I discover — sharing tricks I have learned from culinary school and the food trade. It is so much easier than working in the food business….
Food Stalls at Night in Jemma el-Fnaa (UNESCO Heritage Site) in Marrakech’s Medina
LOGO ARTWORK:
Logo artwork by Nanci Yermakoff
Jeannee – is there no end to your talents? Made e kedgeree yesterday so am super grateful we can get smoked haddock here. Have you posted the crab cakes yet? Sorry to keep on about them but they were the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Maybe it was the beach/wine/company – but I’m sure you’ll agree that’s what good eating’s all about.
Jan x
Jan – The crab cakes post will be out soon! I can see a story about the Vale Ladies starting to brew…..
I’m sharing the blog love (because I love A Global Garnish). Today I have recognised you with a blog award (of your choice, no less!)
Only a fellow blogging addict like you could understand what a treat it was to find your recognition of my blog. Thank you so very much ThisSydneyLife !
Hard to believe with all those great sites out there. I’m not sure I deserve this until I can learn to post fabulous photos like you and so many of my peers, but I won’t turn it down
I followed you back from my blog — no I’m not a stalker — and liked what I’ve seen of your blog so far. I’ve subscribed so you’re bound to see more of me. Till next time … John
Thanks John. I haven’t had a chance to do much Italian yet, but have plenty of ideas from travels there as well as from my childhood Italian-American friends. I’ll look forward to your feedback….
Merhaba! I’ve nominated you for a much deserved award so pop on over to my blog for details. Don’t worry if you are unable to fit it in as I won’t be offended – just enjoy the moment
Thank you soooo much Crazytrain! Funny, I had drafted a post to pass on my awards and YOU were on my list. So, you’ll be getting one more
So am I just supposed to pick one from your list?? That would be fun.
Just found your blog and slowly starting to read my way through it. Great stuff. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks so much Anthony. And good luck with your Australia chronicles!
Hi, I like reading your blog and have passed along the ‘Blog on Fire’ Award to you. Congratulations! Keep those posts coming…Peri.
Read here: http://perisspiceladle.com/2012/09/25/a-shower-of-awards-praise-and-recognition/
Thank you so much Peri. I think your blog is great as well. I wish I had time to try all your recipes!
Thanks! I have the same issue, I like so many recipes but can’t get down to trying them all!
You have a lovely blog. I enjoy reading your stories and looking at your photos & recipes. I look forward to reading more.
-Anne
Thanks so much Anne — and for following….
Hi Jeannee, I see you have already gotten nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award. Regardless, I wanted to nominate you again because you do have a lovely blog.
http://unihomemaker.com/2012/10/11/one-lovely-blog-award/
All the best,
Anne
Anne – Thank you so much for this award and for your inspiring comments. They are always a thrill to receive.
Great blog (I popped over after you visited me) and I agree with what you say about those first impressions of Morocco
You now live in a beautiful part of England and have some wonderful recipes/tips on here!
Thank you Chica. We are now back in the U.S., but, yes, we were so lucky to live in the beautiful English countryside. While I love London, I think England is at its best in the country’s rural life. We could have lived in Birmingham, but chose to rent on a working English farm instead. I can’t imagine anything that would have been better than waking to the sound of the horses and birds in the morning
Hi. Just to let you know that I’ve nominated your blog for the ‘Blog of the Year 2012′ Award. All details within my post: http://feedthepiglet.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/blog-of-the-year-2012-06/
Hi, Thanks for your support of Peri’s Spice Ladle…I’ve nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award. There’s no obligation to accept or re-post it, this is just my way of saying ‘I enjoy reading your posts’.
Here’s the award post link: http://perisspiceladle.com/2013/01/16/blog-of-the-year-2012-and-more-a-heartfelt-thank-you/
Have a great year!
Peri.
Peri – Since I LOVE your blog, I am very flattered that you are willing to nominate me for an award. I must admit that I am so very behind on returning these awards as well as saying “thank you”. My apologies for that but I truly cherish your feedback.
Thank you, we have mutual admiration:) No worries on the acceptance post, I am in your boat there, takes me months to get around to them…
ciao! luvFAB blog.
thebestdressup
Thanks so much TBD!
What a lovely blog you gave. Living on a working farm & waking to the sounds of horses sounds divine!!! Looking forward to reading more of your recipes…hope you’ll visit my space sometime..
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, I’ve been very fortunate to travel to and live in so many interesting places. And I did visit your space – and will be back!