I am both finnish (a die hard licorice fan)...and starting the divorce process.
This was the most soothing balm i could have ever hoped to read rn. I feel like I need to make you a big loaf of pulla or some other finnish baked good???? Drop it on your porch like a lil benevolent bread goblin???
I hate licorice in any color but am a huge fan of divorce. I think everyone should have one, and I didn't even instigate mine!
The last 8 years have been filled with new experiences, terrible experiences, euphoria, depression, a lot of dates, a teeny bit of jail time, more booze than any healthy lifetime should contain, and resulted in the happiest, most fulfilling relationship ever put to print and THE most adorable baby boy since Milton Bearle.
I’ve come back to this a few times, and I think it’s the best, most encouraging and honest comment I’ve read about divorce yet. Thanks, Travis. It helped.
Thanks for taking one for the team in the name of science! Do you have a licorice wine/cocktail pairing ?
Also very sorry to hear about the challenges you have faced this year. I think the oddest part of my divorce many years ago was feeling like my life was crashing before my eyes, while all the lawyers and judges were just having another work day. It seemed surreal. Good luck and much kindness going forward.
I’m so sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through this year. If this hellish Scandinavian cat piss licorice is what it took to get you back on track to some sort of normalcy, then it can’t be all that bad of a dessert. It’s good to have you and Haterade back. Be kind to yourself.
I have a Dutch friend here in town who always makes be bring back dubbel zout (double salt) Dutch licorice "candy" any time I'm working up near Orange City, Iowa. I wonder if she knows that there is licorice that is EVEN MORE offputting.
And I'm sorry to hear about the life stuff. I feel like I'm still hearing echoes of my divorce almost 4 years ago, even though it was completely expected and 100% inevitable. Take care of yourself and have fun finding out who you are now as a single person again.
I am emboldened by any defense of licorice. I have always loved the flavor and will find this Finnish brand to see what I've been missing by just eating "store" licorice all these years.
Divorce sucks and lawyers suck even more than divorce. I know the first from experience and the second because I am one.
>“Nothing gets between Liz Cook and having every experience she wants.” It was neither meant nor received kindly at the time, and I’m not sure it’s entirely true. (For example, I have never done cocaine on a jetski.)
Wait, does this imply you'd like to do cocaine off a jetski? Also, this is Missouri, so I'm pretty sure meth at Lake of the Ozarks would be too easy.
Liz, I just found your newsletter, and have been reading some of your food from/in Finland essays — mämmi! and now this one — and loving it. I lived & worked in Helsinki for 4-5 months each year, for nine years (almost always in dark and cold months, but then I lived for the snowy cold) and adored Finnish food stuff. Except salmiakki. And salmiari. Actually, honestly, the salmiari is a lot better - in ways you perfectly describe! Now I have to find some more of these essays.
Funny commentary on Finnish licorice. My wife considers herself a licorice connoisseur and already knew all about it. I was intrigued by your video you pitched on criticism but am unable to watch it ( no longer avail). Please advise if there is any way to view. Thx.
Thanks for sending me the correct link to your Creative Mornings video presentation about writing food criticism.
I found your comments to be cogent and inspiring.
I am an artist and I have recently been reading art criticism to learn more about how criticism operates and what it all means (ha). Though food criticism seems very different, I found myself agreeing with many of your statements, especially how criticism is an important, though often overlooked, service to those who seek it out. I especially appreciate your cautions regarding negative criticism and the potential for unwelcome 'blowback', if that is the right word for hurtful reactions.
I know it isn't much, but thanks for sharing your writing. You are doing admirable work.
I am both finnish (a die hard licorice fan)...and starting the divorce process.
This was the most soothing balm i could have ever hoped to read rn. I feel like I need to make you a big loaf of pulla or some other finnish baked good???? Drop it on your porch like a lil benevolent bread goblin???
Pulla and korvapuusti can fix most things—but I think I should be the one baking them for you! Hugs to you, M.
I hate licorice in any color but am a huge fan of divorce. I think everyone should have one, and I didn't even instigate mine!
The last 8 years have been filled with new experiences, terrible experiences, euphoria, depression, a lot of dates, a teeny bit of jail time, more booze than any healthy lifetime should contain, and resulted in the happiest, most fulfilling relationship ever put to print and THE most adorable baby boy since Milton Bearle.
I hope your journey spares you none of it.
I’ve come back to this a few times, and I think it’s the best, most encouraging and honest comment I’ve read about divorce yet. Thanks, Travis. It helped.
Thanks for taking one for the team in the name of science! Do you have a licorice wine/cocktail pairing ?
Also very sorry to hear about the challenges you have faced this year. I think the oddest part of my divorce many years ago was feeling like my life was crashing before my eyes, while all the lawyers and judges were just having another work day. It seemed surreal. Good luck and much kindness going forward.
.
I’m so sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through this year. If this hellish Scandinavian cat piss licorice is what it took to get you back on track to some sort of normalcy, then it can’t be all that bad of a dessert. It’s good to have you and Haterade back. Be kind to yourself.
I have a Dutch friend here in town who always makes be bring back dubbel zout (double salt) Dutch licorice "candy" any time I'm working up near Orange City, Iowa. I wonder if she knows that there is licorice that is EVEN MORE offputting.
And I'm sorry to hear about the life stuff. I feel like I'm still hearing echoes of my divorce almost 4 years ago, even though it was completely expected and 100% inevitable. Take care of yourself and have fun finding out who you are now as a single person again.
Longtime reader first time commenter. It’s good to see you back. 💜
Between the licorice and the fermented shark cubes of intestinal destruction, Finland has found edible bedrock.
💛 and 🍻
Thanks for chasing all the experiences life has to offer, Liz Cook
If you like these cat piss candies, you'd probably love the Salmiakki Dala fernet from Bittermen's. The taste of it still haunts me years later.
Very sorry to hear about the divorce. Glad you're back. :(
I am emboldened by any defense of licorice. I have always loved the flavor and will find this Finnish brand to see what I've been missing by just eating "store" licorice all these years.
Divorce sucks and lawyers suck even more than divorce. I know the first from experience and the second because I am one.
>“Nothing gets between Liz Cook and having every experience she wants.” It was neither meant nor received kindly at the time, and I’m not sure it’s entirely true. (For example, I have never done cocaine on a jetski.)
Wait, does this imply you'd like to do cocaine off a jetski? Also, this is Missouri, so I'm pretty sure meth at Lake of the Ozarks would be too easy.
Liz, I just found your newsletter, and have been reading some of your food from/in Finland essays — mämmi! and now this one — and loving it. I lived & worked in Helsinki for 4-5 months each year, for nine years (almost always in dark and cold months, but then I lived for the snowy cold) and adored Finnish food stuff. Except salmiakki. And salmiari. Actually, honestly, the salmiari is a lot better - in ways you perfectly describe! Now I have to find some more of these essays.
Great article and thanks for posting a link to that video. I found it inspiring!
Funny commentary on Finnish licorice. My wife considers herself a licorice connoisseur and already knew all about it. I was intrigued by your video you pitched on criticism but am unable to watch it ( no longer avail). Please advise if there is any way to view. Thx.
Oh no! Does this work? Sorry about that. https://creativemornings.com/talks/liz-cook/1
Dear Liz Cook,
Thanks for sending me the correct link to your Creative Mornings video presentation about writing food criticism.
I found your comments to be cogent and inspiring.
I am an artist and I have recently been reading art criticism to learn more about how criticism operates and what it all means (ha). Though food criticism seems very different, I found myself agreeing with many of your statements, especially how criticism is an important, though often overlooked, service to those who seek it out. I especially appreciate your cautions regarding negative criticism and the potential for unwelcome 'blowback', if that is the right word for hurtful reactions.
I know it isn't much, but thanks for sharing your writing. You are doing admirable work.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Froehlich
Sitka, Alaska