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Mrs. Isabelle Mercuri:
Born and educated in France, I grew up learning the art of French cuisine. But, in adulthood things changed. I became a traveller, following my loved ones to the corners of civilisation. I spent decades between the bushes of Congo and poor villages in India and experienced the revolutionary period in Algeria, all the time learning from local resourcefulness how to prepare a nourishing meal from next to nothing. This often in dire circumstances, without running water, electricity or a refrigerator in the kitchen, I was crippled at first. My life was very different from the one I had enjoyed in France. Yet, I discovered hidden advantages. Without a fridge, there was no way to keep leftovers for the next day. So, food was always fresh and made using local, seasonal, raw ingredients. There was no canned food, nor ready-meals or frozen section. In accordance with the seasons, food was sometimes scarce and at other times plentiful. We learned to take nothing for granted. The lessons I learned during those years are now part of my wealth and I’m eager to share them in this book.

I came to understand that counting calories is useless, as the body decides what will be used and what will be discarded during digestion. How few calories natural food contains compared to refined sugars and highly processes food. How important meals are for feeding the soul with happiness and reviving the senses with colourful, natural tastes. That food cooked with love leaves no room for guilty feelings. That each of us eat according to our individual constitution at that particular moment. I learnt from experience that the effects of healthy food take three months to manifest in the body. So, I also learnt patience. On the emotional level food provides peace and comfort. Excesses should be avoided, but we can indulge some wine or chocolate regularly without ill effect. Finally, there are benefits to sharing food; the feeling of love is the hidden bonus of a shared table.