Engin Akin is considered the foremost Turkish food maven. She's written three native cookbooks and is frequently sought after to represent authentic Turkish cooking.

Cooking with Engin is always engaging. She doesn't simply give instructions like you might hear from Food Network chefs. Rather, she talks about what she learned from her mother, refers to foods in connection with long-held cultural tradition and how Turks take indigenous pride in their heritage more than egotistical Greeks, for instance.

She also conveyed countless techniques and philosophies: don't stir unless it's necessary (more often than not it's unnecessary), you just add a bit of water (as a solution to practically everthing), solids are frequently topped-off by a knuckles-worth of water before covered, flames are seemingly always on "high", olive oil is usually combined with butter, except some served-warm dishes (lesser amounts than Ina Garten but more than Ellie Krieger), and mezze is never referred to as salads -- even if it is a salad).

Cooking was NEVER terribly intense or serious. It was, however, quite intentional. Having said that, ingredients were sometimes spontaneous ("let's add some nuts"); their portions were virtually always by instinct; and the response to "is that enough?" was usually followed by "just a little more ... why not?!"

It never felt like we cooked exhaustively despite having learned about 20 dishes. It was fun-filled, spirited and pleasant. It wasn't a marathon.

Certain conventions, however, were intriguingly iconoclastic: small dull knives, pots withouts handles, and at least three different dishes constantly prepared simultaneously -- each at a different stage ("are the tomatoes for ... this, or that, or that?!)

Despite a burgeoning reputation for being the dependable garlic preparer (LOTS of garlic!), I did participate in other preparation too!

We were a great group! Engin, Robynne and Shirley were lovable and fun. And Cybil was a hoot too, when she wasn't on her mobile (she was rarely photographed; that's why she's not pictured)!

BTW, beware of Turks playing Scrabble!! Words you've never heard of are nonchalantly accepted as a national rite! And who ever heard of international Scrabble -- where every euphemism
from every language was accepted?!

Engin exuding charisma and living life! And, her favorite expression, sey (pronounced "shay") -- meaning "you know"/"whatyamacallit."

The small village of Ula ... about 2,000 people and sadly shrinking. Old men on old bicycles. Dilapidated abandoned houses. 10kph speed limits. Yet its people and the surroundings are as charming as it gets!

The dogs!!! Mother and son. "Should I immerse myself in cooking some more or play with the dogs?"

The choice was often obvious. Tina was manic (except when sleeping) but three month old Duffy was irresistable!

Told ya!