In looking back at the bright side of my past while embracing my current daily joys, all I see is good food and vigorous cooking. Next to every platter, I hear an anecdote and behind each story, I recall a taste. Having three meals each day is customary for Iranians, especially those living in Iran. We eat all three meals like royalty even when we are closer to paupers.
I could not fathom entertaining an invited visitor without preparing and serving at least one full, colorful meal. A popular Persian expression goes “There is warmth at our house, if not wealth; there is God’s light at a house which has warmth.” I cannot promise any such light, but I most certainly hope that all who sit at my sofreh find warmth, if not wealth.