Hello, world.

I am slowly becoming accustomed to the feeling of having defended my dissertation, and reacquainting myself with the idea that it’s okay to take a day off here and there. Earlier this week I prepped and served pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup that takes two days to prepare.

I spent time earlier this month exploring a new cookbook, The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, by Deb Perelman, of Smitten Kitchen blogosphere fame.

I came to the field of food history in part because I love food—cooking it, eating it, and sharing it with others—a love which has, at times, demanded that I stretch my knife skills, my ability to multitask, and my willingness to fail. Continue reading →