She grew up in upstate New York and after a successful career as a non-profit executive, changed course to become a chef -- and changed course again to become an author. The Mighty Mississippi is a long way from her birthplace on the shore of Lake Ontario, but it's become home in every sense of the word. Martha admits that she's never felt like a true Southerner, but is just fine with her "Northern essence" in a southern culture - which is changing all the time.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Martha before she went for a walk with her two dogs, Bart and Lulu (Hank the cat was hiding out when we called)...
What are you up to these days?
These days I get out of bed in the morning to do my real life's work: writing novels. Writing isn't new to me. Written and oral communications was the thread that held my 40-career together. However, writing novels definitely is new. Since I was a small child, I knew I would write books; I just didn't know when. I waited until I was ready, and now I am.
My first novel, Black Chokeberry, was published in April. It's a story of three very different women coming of age after 50 when they are thrown together by life's circumstances and challenges.
All is well. I meditate and study the traditions of mindfulness, particularly the work of Byron Katie. When we are mindful of each moment, accepting it for all that it is and nothing more, we realize that each moment is just as it should be and, as a result, all is well.
Name three things in your fridge.
Butter, great cheeses, German and French grainy mustards. I always have cream and fat-free half 'n' half as well, along with bacon, yogurt, greens, sweet onions, fruit and eggs. My pantry is always full, ready for a "pantry meal," which the fridge complements. I love just cooking with what I have that is fresh, in combination with delicious savory items from the pantry.
The Borgias, Interior Therapy, Sweetie Pie's, Oprah's Life Class, Independent Lens. We love the saga of The Borgias, the food and human drama of Sweetie Pie's, the lessons reiterated and learned in Oprah's world, and the reality and deep stories of Independent Lens.
Tom Waits! Hands down the best writer and gravel-voiced performer on the planet. "Martha" makes me smile and cry at the same time.
Lobster, asparagus al dente, ice cold lemon meringue pie, and a glass or two of good white wine. My husband and I have talked several times about what we'd order for our "last meal." This is mine. In truth, I'd probably start this meal with a good queso and crispy thin chips to go along with a dry martini at cocktail time.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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