16 Comments

Ruth Reichl is my all-time favourite food writer. She cannot be rivaled. Xox Sandy Naiman

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I am careful about where I buy pine nuts from after experiencing pine nut mouth - yes, it is real! - about ten years ago. Thank you for the source and I love receiving your newsletter!

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My husband has twice experienced pine mouth. The second time it occurred it was a day that we had VIP tickets for a major wine tasting in Philadelphia. Pine mouth ruined the evening for him and he has sworn off all pine nuts.

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founding

Pine nut mouth sounds wonderful!

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It’s not! It’s very uncomfortable sensation.

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I googled it! OMG. Had no idea. Used to hike in the hills of Idaho and snack on piñon pine nuts raw. Luckily I have never experienced this malady. Can last for two weeks!! 😳

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How I love this piece which explains everything that grates me about making food and wine into a lifestyle.

As for pine nuts, Italian ones have always been it for me.

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She is a great inspiration indeed! I am hosting my sons and some of their friends this weekend at the beach in New Jersey (USA) and after reading your newsletter yesterday I ran to the grocery to get all the ingredients for the ricotta crumb cake. I plan on making it with strawberries. I think it will be a big hit!

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Even here in Italy sometimes it’s hard to find Italian pine nuts and they are so expensive! But that si always my first choice, they have the most intense, nutty flavour with a hint of pine tree resin.

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So fun to find one of my new favorite food writers commenting on one of my longtime favorites!

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ohhh thank you!! Ruth Reichl is also one of my longtime favourites! I read all her books, she is the greatest inspiration. SO you can't even begin to imagine how moving your words are!

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as a photographer, who did a number of food shoots over my career, I can say that I totally relate to what the editor did. Yes, she was catering to her readership, regardless of what reality dictated. It's something that most people who read magazines like that never understand. the shots are carefully designed specifically for the client. In this case the editor was the client.

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Hilarious but also sad that there was only one definition of what would be served at a Napa cocktail party. It does look beautiful in the photos though.

There's another problem with small pine nuts, called "Pine Nut Syndrome." After I wrote this humorous post https://diannej.com/2011/watch-out-for-ongoing-bitter-taste-from-pine-nuts/,

a lawyer contacted me and wanted to know if I would be the lead plaintiff in suing Trader Joe's, which is where I bought the small ones. I said no.

Now I buy the big, organic expensive ones. I get them at the Berkeley Bowl.

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Luv the tips on pinoli!

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The Oakville Market was such a basic rural store in the mid 70’s. We would get sandwiches made at the meat counter to take with us. We bought the wine we were tasting at the wineries. Found some outside tables and benches at a couple of wineries.

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Here in Baltimore there is a lively bakery that makes bread & sandwiches. Your sandwich reminds me of my favorite with ham, Brie & fig jam. The stuff dreams are made of!

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