Miss Dahl

I've recently discovered her. I know that makes it sound like she owes me some kind of debt of gratitude for discovering her, but that's certainly not the case. In fact it's the other way around. I'm hugely thankful that I've discovered her, because frankly, I find her delicious. Yes I'm talking about Miss Sophie Dahl. The first plus size model, granddaughter to you-know-who. Now I don't care so much about that part. I care more about the book she wrote (Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights) and her recent BBC series The Delicious Miss Dahl. Now I probably won't be making any of the recipes from her book, they just don't really appeal to me. But I'm having the best time reading it. Miss Dahl knows how to write in a deliciously visceral way, especially about food. And that's exactly why I'm so glad to have discovered her, because I see in her a very kindred spirit. Miss Dahl can cook, certainly, but that's not why I love watching her. It's not the food itself but the way she talks about it, the way she handles it. The way she dresses the room, and herself, to turn food into a meal. The way she finds music and poetry to go alongside the food. To mingle with it, marinate in it, until the whole thing comes together. (The fact that the poetry so often comes from Mrs Parker certainly doesn't hurt either)
Even more than knowing her food, Miss Dahl clearly knows all about Hygge. She understand the importance of mood. The comfort you can achieve by making a certain dish at a certain time, with a certain song playing in the background.

To conclude: one of Miss Dahl's favorite Dorothy Parker quotes, which happens to also be a favorite of mine. (Miss Dahl recited it, very appropriately, while making Martini's)

"I wish I could drink like a lady.
I can take one or two at the most.
Three and I'm under the table.
Four and I'm under the host."