The mic-drop of address changes
When we heard one of our cookbook authors, Viktorija Todorovska, had changed her address to: “the Mediterranean” we had to hear more.
So, you’ve sold your house and are hanging out, traveling, eating, and teaching wine courses this summer. And you don’t know where you’re going to land this autumn! What?
Well, the Mediterranean was calling, and I had a need to explore places where my soul feels more at home. Really. I have always dreamed of doing this, and decided to go for it. Right now, as I travel, I’m looking for a sign that will tell me where my new home will be!
Amazing! What attracts you to a particular place?
Food. Wine. and People. Not in that order!
Actually, I look for the spirit of a region. What is the flow and engagement people have with each other? I’ve noticed that a lot of my favorite places have a devoted aperitif hour, where people gather and connect, which says a lot about their attitude towards life.
I grew up in Europe, where there are town centers that create these moments around food and community. It’s something I find myself missing when I’m in the US.
You’ve written an entire cookbook about Provence, which we’re releasing digitally, on Alta Editions. It’s really wonderful! Where would you recommend someone start?
I would point readers to the Aïoli recipe, it has a wonderful storyand taste. In Provence, it is traditionally made without eggs, which is not how most people experience it. This came about because it was made on Friday, and there were religious rules about what you could eat on that day. So, it was made with potatoes, not egg; and pounded with a pestle to get the thickened smooth texture. On Fridays, on certain side-streets, you can still hear the sounds of aïoli being made.
What made you decide to write a cookbook?
We talk a lot about health, and diet. But, in reality, it’s about the lifestyle of the Mediterranean, and I want to help people discover this old wisdom.
When people say I don’t like to cook, I think they don’t realize how simple cooking can be. It’s so easy to make food that is delicious and healthy, and when you cook you relate to your food differently. You know what is going into each meal, and you have total control over what you’re eating.
Also, sharing food is as important as making it! We should eat in the company of others! In the US, too often we eat lunch in the office, and dinner in front of the TV. That’s why I chose “Sip Taste Share” for my handle on social media; I feel that food is about community.
What’s your favorite recipe from the book?
Strawberry Tiramisu. Its perfect for summer and so easy to make. Every time I teach this dish in a class, I never get to taste my students’ work, because it’s eaten so quickly!
Also, my recipe for mini stuffed vegetables is a perfect entertaining dish. You can make them ahead and serve them at room temperatures. Finally, my recipe for Provençal tomatoes is foolproof, you can enjoy them warm, or at room temp; so they’re great for parties and the simplest most delicious thing!
Alright, last question: What was the last delicious thing you ate?
Ha ha! A salad Niçoise, made from farmer’s market produce. Delicious!
(Check out Viktorija’s book, or join us on Instagram for more!)
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