Devour this book as you would a piece of chocolate cake after a monthlong sugar fast. Start at the farm or work backward from the tables in between. Decorate your table with a mix of familiar dishes and brave first-time recipes. Take time to read the words sandwiched between the recipes as you follow my culinary pilgrimage. I hope my love story with food, friends, and family will help form yours. Make notes in the blank spaces, triple-star "do again" recipes, and add a bold WWST (what was she thinking?) to your least favorite. It's quite possible you may "tweak" that recipe and make it your own, just like my mom. We all have different palates, but they all crave the same thing - flavor.