If you missed it, please give this essay I wrote for Bon Appétit a read!
When the opportunity presented to write a week-long food diary as part of Bon Appétit’s series called The Receipt, I was at once thrilled for a chance to share my love of food, while also recoiling at the condition that I disclose intimate details such as our income, savings account, and monthly bills. Previous editions of The Receipt had proven that I would be subjecting myself to criticism and scrutiny, but I knew this was an opportunity to bring the stark realities of my chronically ill community to light, and I had to say yes!
It turned out to be an absolute labor of love. I planned a rare outing to our local celebrated Chino Farm to add interest, knowing that a life which exists mostly within four walls would be more challenging to make interesting to readers, and I got to work detailing every dish I made that week, and how I procured the ingredients to do so. I also include little glimpses of my cookbook-writing process.
Nearly a decade ago, I was a specialty food shop owner when my life was upended by illness, and I’ve had to pivot in ways I never thought imaginable. I’m no longer able to enjoy any of the 500+ cheeses that once filled my shop’s deli cases. But with each squeeze of citrus and splash of coconut milk, I came closer to embracing my new reality, and I eventually came out the other side with an even greater passion for food than before.
I hope that comes through in this piece. And I hope it illustrates to others who need to institute drastic changes to their own diets -- for whatever reason -- that a paradigm shift is possible.
You can find the essay HERE
I hope you’re enjoying the season! x
—Rachel