An un-Expected connection at a Los Angeles pie contest, a red dirt road in España, and a recipe for Efo Rico--an excellent Nigerian vegan spinach stew from Nancy Mehagian's new cookbook.
Just the perfect dish I was looking for to use some kala chana—black chickpeas—I happen to have! Thanks for the introduction to Nancy, her cookbook and a great story!
I love the way you write hence I throughly enjoy your newsletter. I like that you project a carefree spirit and are open to new people and experiences, yet you are serious about what you do. Thanks
Kate, thanks so much. Opening up to new people and experiences is something I work at because at heart I am what I believe is called an extroverted introvert. I LOVE being home and during the Covid shutdown I was happy to be off the road. Prior to that I traveled for my Art of the Pie workshops, and out on booktours that my publisher sent me on. Sometimes I was gone 5 months out of a year when it was all added up. So, even though none of us liked the reason we had to stay home during Covid, I didn't find it a hardship. I'm strengthening my social muscles which are still rather flabby. One of the ways I can do that is travel. And, did I mention that I have travel anxiety, too? Tomorrow I am walking out the door and will take one plane across the county and another to one of the US Virgin Islands to see my beloved sister, Helen. Like my favorite book, The LIttle Engine That Could, I think I can, I think I can...
What a great story, Kate. And Nancy must have been a child when she loaned Mitchell her dulcimer, as she looks so young. Some friends and I are springing for the JoniJam at the Hollywood Bowl in October. I'm just thrilled.
I saw her one time live at the Santa Barbara County Bowl. The lineup was Van Morrison and Tom Scott at the L.A. Express. She was dating someone in the L.A. Express and everyone let out a huge cheer when she came out on the stage to jam with them.
I think they were! Blue was such a personal album. I think in some ways her songs and agents now being open to cookbooks with personal stories are similar.
Well, I’m definitely saving this episode, because I need that recipe. That stew is right up my alley. And how cool that Joni Mitchell composed California on Nancy’s dulcimer!
I wish I could sign up for the March 10 Maple walnut pie class, but I’m having carpal tunnel surgery on my dominant hand on March 7. So I’d better not.
Mel, we'll be making doughs for savory pasty and options for fillings that can be made vegetarian or with meat. Easy to make. They can also be prepared and put in the freezer for later.
Oh, I love everything about this, Kate! And the dulcimer! ❤️
That little tidbit just wowed me when she told me, Jolene!
❤️
Joni Mitchell + dulcimer + her voice + her lyrics = wonderful.
Yes they are!
Delightful post!! So love the awesome connection to Joni Mitchell……thanks so much!
Oh Lynn, thank you so much! It's pretty awesome. And Nancy's food and story are so awesome.
Oh boy does that “spinach stew” sound good. I’ll be making it SOON! Thank you.
It sure does and I'll be making it, too, Bonita.
Just the perfect dish I was looking for to use some kala chana—black chickpeas—I happen to have! Thanks for the introduction to Nancy, her cookbook and a great story!
You're very welcome, Ruth. Nancy is a gem!
I'm making this tonight! I'll order her book next pension check that comes.
I might just make a blueberry pie to go with it.
You won't be disappointed, Michael! And blueberry pie for dessert sounds like a perfect pairing.
What a rich connection for both you and Nancy. I would say a capital "E." I'm just curious...about how many cookbooks do you have? ❤️
Here's a link to all of Nancy's books: https://amzn.to/3UGa4RQ
And a link to mine: https://amzn.to/48j1f3D
I love the way you write hence I throughly enjoy your newsletter. I like that you project a carefree spirit and are open to new people and experiences, yet you are serious about what you do. Thanks
Kate, thanks so much. Opening up to new people and experiences is something I work at because at heart I am what I believe is called an extroverted introvert. I LOVE being home and during the Covid shutdown I was happy to be off the road. Prior to that I traveled for my Art of the Pie workshops, and out on booktours that my publisher sent me on. Sometimes I was gone 5 months out of a year when it was all added up. So, even though none of us liked the reason we had to stay home during Covid, I didn't find it a hardship. I'm strengthening my social muscles which are still rather flabby. One of the ways I can do that is travel. And, did I mention that I have travel anxiety, too? Tomorrow I am walking out the door and will take one plane across the county and another to one of the US Virgin Islands to see my beloved sister, Helen. Like my favorite book, The LIttle Engine That Could, I think I can, I think I can...
What a great story, Kate. And Nancy must have been a child when she loaned Mitchell her dulcimer, as she looks so young. Some friends and I are springing for the JoniJam at the Hollywood Bowl in October. I'm just thrilled.
JoniJam! Do you have your tickets already, Dianne? So tempting.
I do. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
I saw her one time live at the Santa Barbara County Bowl. The lineup was Van Morrison and Tom Scott at the L.A. Express. She was dating someone in the L.A. Express and everyone let out a huge cheer when she came out on the stage to jam with them.
Hah. So much of what she wrote about was her love life. I guess all boyfriends were potential fodder.
I think they were! Blue was such a personal album. I think in some ways her songs and agents now being open to cookbooks with personal stories are similar.
Well, I’m definitely saving this episode, because I need that recipe. That stew is right up my alley. And how cool that Joni Mitchell composed California on Nancy’s dulcimer!
Nancy's flavors are fabulous, June! And yup, composing CA on her dulcimer is pretty effing cool.
I wish I could sign up for the March 10 Maple walnut pie class, but I’m having carpal tunnel surgery on my dominant hand on March 7. So I’d better not.
All classes are recorded and you have lifetime viewing access to them. 😉
So I should sign up anyway???
Absolutely! There are some who watch the sessions live and then make them later with the video.
Joni really can tell wonderful stories with her music. Just perfect!
Can you tell us a bit more about the savory hand pies class in May? Thanks!
Yes she can.
Mel, we'll be making doughs for savory pasty and options for fillings that can be made vegetarian or with meat. Easy to make. They can also be prepared and put in the freezer for later.
Thanks, Kate! I may take that class. I've had trouble with meat pies in the past. Freezer foods are always welcome!
I REALLY loved this episode of your newsletter! And I just may have to try that recipe!🤗🥰
Wonderful, Teri!
The dish turned out great! It will become a regular in our rotation. Thanks so much for sharing!
E is for Excellent!