In the Kitchen: The Vanilla Bean Blog
Sarah, from The Vanilla Bean Blog, is one of those wise souls that you want to sit around a slow burning fire with a glass of wine in hand and talk to for hours. That is as long as she brings her Blackberry and Basil Focaccia Bread that I’ve been eyeing for weeks. I’ll bring the wine. Want to join?
What is your best memory in the kitchen [current or past]?
I think the memories I am making now in the kitchen are my best. Growing up I didn’t care much at all about cooking or baking, but as I’ve come to love and need it in my 20′s and 30′s, almost any time spent in the kitchen is good time. I’ve especially loved having my children by my side—those moments are lovely.
What is the best thing about your kitchen?
I have a small garden window that lets in a lot of light, and I often find myself daydreaming by it while waiting for onions to saute or water to boil. The moon light also streams in at night, and I often sneak out of bed at night to gaze at it.
What is your favorite meal to prepare?
I’m pretty sure it’s pizza. It’s taken me years, but I think I’ve finally nailed a good crust. My favorite way to eat it is sauce-less, with fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, roasted sweet potatoes, and a big heap of spinach and basil drizzled with olive oil.
What does your dream kitchen look like?
Oh dear. A nice, big, open room with lots of windows. And white! I dream of white wood floors and a big white farm table to seat all my nearest and dearest. Counter space, too. I have one small counter in my current kitchen and I’d love just a bit more room.
What three guests would you like to have at your dinner table?
I’ve never met either of my grandfathers—both died when my parents were young. I would love to sit and eat with them, and just get a glimpse of who they were. I also would invite C.S. Lewis. After reading The Chronicles of Narnia as a child, I fell in love with his narrative voice. I often pretended I was Lucy from the books, discovering secret worlds in every corner, and wished Mr. Lewis was my grandfather. It would be a very quirky dinner, I think, but I would enjoy it immensely.
