Mixing another castagnaccio today. . It astounds me that such simple food (it’s chestnuts, water and oil) can be so attractive. And that a food that literally saved people from dying of starvation here in Italy can be so incredibly tasty. . That’s joy of cucina povera – the recipe lexicon that was born of necessity – it’s the collective ingenuity of thousands. Sustenance and deliciousness from what was around them, because they needed to. . I am blessed to be able to access food easily. And yet, every time I bake castagnaccio, I think back to those before me who took painful restrictions and with creativity, created beauty. . Amidst all the ridiculous food systems and marketing we swim in these days, this is the food and these are the people who need honouring. . It’ll soon be ready. I wish I could cut you a slice.