Today’s podcast episode is an incredibly special one for me. I speak with Edward Espe Brown, a Zen priest, chef, acclaimed cookbook author and teacher. He’s the author of the best-selling Tassajara Bread Book which was published in 1970, and The Complete Tassajara Cookbook, among others. He helped found Greens restaurant in San Francisco with Deborah Madison, and more recently in 2018, he published No Recipe, Cooking as a Spiritual Practice, which is one of my favorite books about cooking and eating (and which I’ve often quoted here in the newsletter!).
I’m so honored to have Edward on the show. He shares his background and how he became interested in cooking and in exploring flavor. He talks about the importance of finding your own way in the kitchen as a cook and as an eater—and how you can develop trust in yourself (spoiler alert, this often means doing things “awkwardly” as Edward says).
Edward teaches us what it means to taste food—to really experience it. We talk about the importance of connection—not just with the foods we eat, but also with our bodies, our senses and the people around us—and how connection requires vulnerability. Edward also discusses the importance of enjoying our food, and how enjoyment differs from excitement or greed.
There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this episode, as well as plenty of stories and laughter. I hope you’ll give your attention to it, as Edward says, taking the time to absorb his teachings. And I hope that you’ll leave empowered to find your own way, accepting what shows up for you.
You can listen to the podcast right here, or, better yet, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. If you feel inspired, share it with your people or rate it in your podcast app—it goes a long way in supporting this work.
As always, remember to nourish yourself with intention and love.
xo, Nicki
@nickisizemore | more recipes | cookbooks | classes
Cooking as a Spiritual Practice with Edward Espe Brown