My college acting professor and mentor taught me the value of creating rules for myself when it comes to creative practice. A few basic rules can help set the framework for a project by focusing an artist’s intention, mindset, and attitude toward the work. Rules aren’t meant to stifle creative exploration, but rather give it purpose. They encourage consistency and commitment.
As such, I think it’s important to share my rules for the “Annie & Alison” project. They are very few, but very important to me as I begin this journey:
Trust Alison. She’s the expert, and you have no reason not to trust her.
Don’t cut corners. Do everything you can to maintain the integrity of the recipe. Even if it means going outside your comfort zone with methodology or ingredients. Only swap something if you really can’t eat it (i.e. gluten, hazelnuts, cheddar cheese, etc.).
Be honest about your experience with the recipe and how it made you feel. There’s no use in exaggeration, unless the thing you’re saying is totally true.
Savor the process.
Cook 225 recipes in 365 days.
If I’m being honest, committing to such a project both terrifies and thrills me. But I’ve learned that that’s how good work is made, on the precipice of passion and risk. So, let’s get cooking.
