The gift of time
The shop is piled high with delectable products; the counter is bulging with delicious cheeses, salads and cured meats. On top of its culinary prowess, Valvona & Crolla has won the IWC (International Wine Challenge) Scottish Wine Merchant of the Year Award, five times.
As you make your way through, you pass their bread shelves unbearably tempting, crammed with crusty loaves, panini, croissants, rolls, focaccia, ciabatta. The fruit and vegetable section is stacked with really ripe flavourful produce wow, how can they get sweet and juicy tomatoes in March? The owner and foodwriter Mary Contini explained that in Sardinia they have developed a variety of tomato for Winter called Camone, an almost green tomato with a red blush which has a sweet taste and delicious almost crunchy texture. Pachino, from Sicily, is another variety to ask for. These are cherry tomatoes on the vine, and the ones I tasted were ripe, sweet and gorgeous.
Apart from all these temptations for a wandering cook, there were lots of enticing presents for Mothers' Day choccies, mugs, bowls, egg cups and foodie presents, to show our appreciation to our long-suffering Mums on their special day. Last year I wrote a piece aimed at younger readers, to encourage them to lay a pretty tray and bring breakfast in bed to Mum on Mothers' Day. Presents are all very fine, a bunch of flowers and some yummy choccies are always welcome, but what really says 'I love you' is putting in some real time and effort.
So lets make this a very special Mothers' Day and, even if cooking a special meal is not your scene, we can give the gift of time.
