The Sounds of Island Spices
The Islas Audio Companion continued, and my Milk Street Curry Cooking Class
Islas Audio Companion | No. 3
In this latest installment of the Islas Audio Companion, I’ll introduce you to what I call the Resilient Pantry. That's my recommended collection of spices and pantry staples that will set you up to cook the recipes in my book, but, more importantly, to add flavor to any food you like. And instead of reading this one in honor of my mom, I actually read it to her.
For folks who are new to La Piña, I’m reading excerpts from my new book Islas: A Celebration of Tropical Cooking. Here’s part 1 and part 2. For the first few weeks, I’ll be sharing the audio companion for all La Piña subscribers. Starting in April, it will be exclusive for paid subscribers. Please consider signing up for a paid subscription, which will enable me to continue to compensate the brilliant, creative people who lend me their talents.
Join my VIRTUAL Milk Street Cooking Class, TODAY Thursday, March 28
Get your tickets here, and read more about the event and sponsor below:
There are over 45,000 officially recognized tropical islands in the world. Guest teacher and “Islas: A Celebration of Tropical Cooking” author Von Diaz may not have been to all 45,000... but she’s working on it. In this livestream class, Von will use spices as a vehicle to explore patterns of cultivation, exchange and great eating in the wide world of island cooking.
This class is generously sponsored by Diaspora Co—a queer, woman of color-owned business dedicated to putting money, equity and power into the hands of small, organic spice farmers across South Asia who are leading the way in sustainable, regenerative agriculture and truly delicious spices. Our mission is to get freshly harvested heirloom spices that were grown for their flavor and aroma into your hands as quickly and ethically as possible. As of 2024, we work with roughly 200 farm partners and over 1500 farm workers across 10 states in India and Sri Lanka.
Where I’ll be
Add these events to your calendar!
Wednesday, April 10 · 6 - 8 PM EST - Flyleaf Books at Lantern Restaurant
A book signing and tasting at Lantern Restaurant (423 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516). Tasting tickets are $10, and each person must have a ticket to attend.
Saturday, May 25 · 11 AM EST Fearrington Village, NC
A book signing and conversation featuring Von Diaz with Lauren Vied Allen and Brigid Washington.
Thursday, June 13 · 7 PM EST Archestratus Books in Brooklyn, NY
Book signing and conversation.
Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 23 · Cookbook Fest in Napa Valley
Book-signing, talks, and cooking over open fire.
Saturday, June 29 · 3 PM EST A Capella in Atlanta, GA
Book signing and conversation.
Un Poquito Mas …
ICYMI - listen to my interview with the wonderful Kerry Diamond on the Cherry Bombe Podcast, along with amazing chef Kristen Kish.
And be sure to check out my friend and Islas contributor Brigid Washington’s latest recipe for Easter Jamaican Spice Bun in the New York Times.
Writer: Von Diaz | Editor: KC Hysmith | Photo Curator: Cybelle Codish
Islas Audio Companion: Sound Design, Jud Esty Kendall | Music, "April" by Kai Engel from the album Chapter 2 / Mild (Free Music Archive - attribution license)
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