Elizabeth David Hiding behind the Bookshelf
Some years ago I purchased a pocket sized book written by Elizabeth David called “I’ll be with you in the Squeezing of a Lemon“. I didn’t know very much about Ms David when I bought the book. I just wanted something that I could use to ease the incredible boredom of back and forth travel across continents. Those of you who have had the “pleasure” of having to board a packed bus directly after disembarking from a 10 hour flight will know what I mean. Just for fun, here is an image of Ms David in her kitchen in London taken back in the 1950’s (Image from Mae’s Food Blog)
Here is a second and somewhat earlier image of Ms David
I loved the tiny book. It had a whimsical quality that pulled me out of the bus and back into the kitchen even while we were still on the road. I couldn’t actually taste the food that Elizabeth David talked about, but then again, in a way I could. Back in Tartu I tried one of her recipes — for lemon souffle. I had never tired a souffle before, and I was a bit nervous. But it came out perfectly, and then again, and again.
Then sadly I lost the book for many years. Today I found it again hiding behind a large bookcase. It was like finding an old friend. Guess what’s on the menu tomorrow?