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If
I had a nickel for every time I heard, “You should go to_________,” I’d
have enough money to upgrade on all those flights that I’d be
taking, which would make that prolific quantity of air travel a little
more tolerable. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate suggestions and people
looking out for me, so I don’t miss anything great.
 But
for anyone who has ever spent an afternoon (or morning, or
evening) in an airport, waiting on the tarmac, or in the airport
for a delayed flight watching the overworked staff calm everyone’s
frayed nerves, or being crammed into one of those
remarkably uncomfortable economy airplane seats for 12 hours,
perhaps you’ll understand why I’m not all that anxious to get on a
plane, in spite of all the great places that I am missing out on
visiting.
 At
this rate, I don’t think India is going to happen for me unless I
find myself with a month of free time, because it seems like going over
there and not spending that much time would be criminal, and they
let me sleep in the area where the flight attendants sleep on the
plane. (If any are reading, I promise to bring you cookies and treats
for our little slumber party.) But for now, it looks like I will only
have to imagine the swirl of colors, naans, dust, spices, curries, mukhwas (seed
mixtures), animals, chutneys, music, and fiery chiles that all come
together in that fascinating country.
So
I was stoked when my copy of Near &
Far: Recipes Inspired by Home and Travel by Heidi
Swanson landed in my mailbox. (See? I’m so lazy, I don’t even
like to travel to the store…) Heidi writes the blog
that most inspires me to quit blogging since I don’t think mine could
ever be as beautiful as hers. Every photo on her site looks like
something I need to eat right now, even if it has an unusual name
or features an ingredient that I am unfamiliar with.
 Fortunately
I’m not the jealous type so you’ll still have me to kick around a
little longer. And to be honest, Heidi’s also a lovely person – and a
coffee (and Kouign Aman) pal when I’m in San Francisco – and has shared
a glass or two of rosé with me in Paris, too.
In
addition to liking the same foods and wines, she also seems to
like all the same countries and cuisines that I like, which she
features in this gorgeous cookbook, which isn’t just a book of recipes
but also a travelogue inspired by her travels to distant lands, as well
as her home in San Francisco.
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