Lidia B

She is my favorite TV chef and if I ever have the honor of meeting her, I don't even know what I would say. Well, I do. I would tell her how incredible a teacher she is and that she embodies every memory I've taken from Italy.

I'm watching her make foccacia with her 3 grandsons. She reminds them to make sure the tomatoes were turned seed-side-up on the bread so that the water and juices are not released into the dough which would make it soggy.

"Nature gives us such beautiful ingredients", she began to explain. "We must respect these ingredients and exalt them to the delicious, expressive gifts they are".

I'm not 100% sure these were her exact words... but they are close and they remind me why I genuinely love cooking and food. Sometimes we lose sight of all the simple joys in life, however, it only takes a moment to remember and receive their warmth.

Thank you, Lidia.