She too looked like a regular lady, living in the world- didn't seem particularly with it or excitable or stellar. But that chicken, bathed in thyme and butter- I hadn't ever tasted a chicken that had such a savory warmth to it, a taste I could only suitably identify as the taste of chicken. Somehow, in her hands, food felt recognized. Spinach became spinach- with a good farm's care, salt, the heat and her attention, it seemed to relax into its leafy, broad self. Garlic seized upon its lively nature. Tomatoes tasted as substantive as beef.
The character in Aimee Bender's "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake" seems like an ordinary woman, lacking any remarkable traits. Yet, her cooking reveals another dimension, particularly her chicken, which, infused with thyme and butter, embodies a rich, comforting flavor that is profoundly recognizable as chicken. This suggests a deeper connection to food, where even the simplest ingredients transform under her care.
Her approach to food goes beyond mere preparation; it allows each ingredient to shine in its own right. Spinach, when treated with attention and seasoning, becomes fully itself, while garlic highlights its vibrant qualities. This perspective elevates everyday vegetables and makes tomatoes taste as rich as meat, showcasing a unique understanding of flavors and their potential when crafted with love and skill.