The Seven Spices

Variety is said to be the spice of life, and I am fortunate to have lived a most delectably varied fifty-two years, half spent in Asia and half in North America.

Asia, in particular, is a source of exotic spices. Each day offers up a new combination of rich flavors, both culinary and experiential, making life there quite savory, like good curry. But of all spices, my personal favorite is Shichimi, a Japanese seasoning which combines seven special ingredients, the pre-dominant one being very hot red pepper. Another ingredient is the dried peel of Mandarin oranges, which imparts to Shichimi a slight acridity as counterbalance to the pepper and other five spices.

Richness of taste is not possible without mixtures pleasurable and unpleasurable to the palate. Richness of life, I believe, is the same. It is my hope that in sharing with you some bitter moments along with sweet ones, some spice may be added to your life, too.