Nigella's Artistry at Work

Nigella Lawson was on NPR's Morning Edition this past Monday, bringing a goofy smile to my face in spite of a treacherous commute and flat tire warning light in my car. She has that lovely, distinctively British way of making all her words seem magical and delicious. I'm not the only one under her spell; it's clear that Steve Inskeep has a crush, too. He giggles. It's cute.

What does this have to do with art + design, you ask? Well, since the holidays are rapidly approaching, guests are being confirmed, and menus are being crafted in many homes, a well-planned party is an art in itself. Nigella is the only chef who has a recipe (Guinness chocolate cake) that I made and actually tasted good, and dare I say was easy. She peppers her menus with head-slappingly simple concoctions that anyone can make like gingerbread sauce-spiked prosecco and sauteed chorizo coins. Seriously, doesn't that sound like art? And the real artistry of her cooking skill is that she remains laser-focused on the primary reason for the meal: her guests and their enjoyment of shared company. Nothing outshines the conversation, not even the delicious, colorful and beautiful food. - l.o.d.