Giveaway: Own a Copy of A Life of Spice Today!

Ahhhh, those 3 little words that make every woman’s heart beat a little bit faster. You know which ones I mean, right? Well, forget about those for now. Today I’m talking about my three favorites…”food”, “culture”, and “spice”… thanks to one of the most talented writers around, Monica Bhide!

Monica Bhide 

I have long admired Monica for her straightforward, engaging, and pleasant writing style. I have enjoyed her wisdom, wit, and recipes, for years. Her latest book, A Life ofSpice, however, left me enchanted. 

Saffron 

My style of reviewing books is a three step process. I first evaluate the book from a personal level – drawing parallels between my life and philosophies and those of the author. Next, I absorb the content, and decide whether or not it is something worthwhile for me and others to pursue. 

Star Anise

Lastly, I consider the writing style and, from a professional stand point judge the author. If the author is a cook, I judge them on that as well.  In this collection of stories on food, culture, and life, Monica exceeded my already high expectations in all four areas. Apparently, I’m not alone in praising the book because some of the work has already been published in outlets such as Eating Well, Spirituality and Health, The Christian Science Monitor, NPR.org, and The Washington Post.

Cardamom

Reading Monica’s work gives you an intimate glimpse into the life of a world renowned chronicler of culture who treats you as if you are family. I love her way of sharing deeply personal stories in a manner that is universally meaningful. Why I Don’t Cook for My Parents, for example, reveals that sacred notion of childhood food memories which are often not discussed. In just a few short pages, the reader will most likely experience affirm their own place in the kitchen and be motivated to continue to cook for the delight of their loved ones.

In Prayer in a Cup, Monica states: “My cooking has saved me from myself many times,” and I bet there isn’t a cook or chef out there who wouldn’t relate. Creating food is a privilege – a form of free therapy available to all – and in this story, Monica reminds us that it shouldn’t be taken for granted.

I love her explanation of having “good hands” in the kitchen – an Indian ideology of the cook’s energy being transferred into the food while it is being cooked. I have also mentioned a similar philosophy in the Egyptian kitchen in my second cookbook Nile Style:Egyptian Cuisine and Culture. At a time when people are becoming more and more intimidated by cooking, it’s spiritual encouragement like this which adds value to the culinary arts profession, and encourages us to pass down the joy of cooking to future generations.

Any reader of my work and this blog will know the special place that spices have in my heart and kitchen. To me they are invaluable flavor enhancers and traditional medicines whose aromas have the power to transform you to another culture instantly. Throughout A Life of Spice, Monica waxes poetic on turmeric, saffron, sage, fennel seeds, green cardamom, and star anise – revealing some of their nutritional benefits and great uses for them.

Monica with her other books

With its power to prod even the most reluctant cook into the kitchen while reaffirming the culinary passions of professional chefs, A Life of Spice is a fantastic addition to any library. If you would like to win a copy of your own, just leave a comment below (before midnight Friday 5/29/15) explaining why you would like to own the book.  Monica will choose a winner tomorrow. Oh, and before I forget…about my favorite three word combo…I appreciate hearing “I love you” as much as anyone…I just prefer to hear it in Italian. “Ti amo,” technically consists of two words, so I can continue being a hopeless romantic and gourmand at the same time.