I've been having problems sleeping lately. I reason this as work related stress from the upcoming launch of a new travel catalog program, recent personal events and the changing of the seasons. But the upside is that my dreams have been lucidly entertaining. One dream had me visiting a friend only to open her fridge and find it full of pomegranate in all ways--clear bottles of deep red juice, bowls of glistening seeds, whole cubed fruit seeds still intact. This morning I had a work related dream episode where a management meeting had us shout out a 'feeling.' Mine? I'm curious, challenge me. Boy that speaks volumes.
So in order to channel that latent bubbling energy I am going to turn to my writing and launch an idea that I've had simmering for a while now--The Baker's Passport.
I've often daydreamed about being a flanuer. Simply outfitted with my passport, camera and boundless curiosity I explore the world near and far to learn about food cultures. Short of cash but not on desire this project will view the world through that of a baker. Another way to look at it would be this, if I was to travel to that country in mind what would be the one sweet treat that I would need to seek out and savor.
Any effort of this sort is overwhelming at first. In evaluating this quest I've shaped it as follows: I will learn a bit about the culture of food and place and in turn post a recipe that defines that country. Now my political friends will now ask how are you defining a country? To quiet that discussion I am going to lean on the United Nations. If they so say it so say I. How many is that? Eek. That's 192. Sixteen dozen recipes--if I'm lucky. I'm also wanting to learn about the food culture in each country as this helps me see the similarities and appreciate the differences. The trip holds a lot of promise. If your coming bring your sweet tooth.
Sounds great! I look forward to reading about your baking travels. :)
Posted by: kt | October 23, 2006 at 09:22 AM