when I travel, it's usually for two months. not cooking, but soaking up as many recipes and tips from the local food where I am. loved visiting the spice markets in Istanbul and in Asia.

Was on crutches for 12 weeks last year, non-weightbearing. My apartment kitchen is so tiny it was almost impossilbe to cook much real food. Broiled an occassional piece of fish, made salads, and ate a lot of Lean Cuisines. Actually worked out fine since I had to really watch calories not being too active. But I was sure happy to get back to trying new recipes.

Nan

Wow Nan, Istanbul! What treasures and new things (spices) did you discover there? I can only imagine it was interesting, I have to just wonder as I'll probably never go there myself. I love watercolor paintings (do a little myself) and some of my favorite scenes are of open air markets, and vegeatble stands. They are such colorful places! Are there any spices over there that we do not have here?

Cathy

Istanbul is an amazing city. Loved the rest of the country. Will have to look for some photos to show you.
Best buy was saffron from Iran for under $10 an ounce. It is so beautiful and so good. That's what all my foodie friends got for Christmas.
I went in '99, would love to return, but my travel list is long.

How wonderful you paint!!! I too love watercolors, but have zero talent. Have a couple little prints in my kitchen of markets that a guy in Pike Street Market sells. Love them.

Nan

"saffron from Iran for under $10 an ounce"

Nobody likes a braggart in skirts, Nan. Especially since, due to a drought and other causes, saffron prices have soared again.

I just paid almost nine bucks for a 1-gram container. And that's for the Spanish. Persian just isn't available.

For those who can't do the math, there are roughly 28 grams in an ounce. So Nan's ten dollar purchase would now be $292.

Wow, wonderful bargain!!! LOVE Saffron, what an exqusite spice!!!