Su-mei Yu

It has been seven years since I started researching and writing The Elements of Life. It came about because of my curiosity about why even the simplest of Thai dishes is layered with bold, vibrant and complex tastes, flavors and aromas. I was to discover that the innumerable seasonal and natural ingredients used by Thai cooks are chosen not only for the end result of splendid fare, but also reflect a deliberate intent to create healthful and irresistible medicine. Food, as traditional Thai cooks would say, is medicine.

The book, The Elements of Life mirrored my latest quest as a Thai cook, author and amateur food historian. My first book, Cracking the Coconut, Classic Thai Home Cooking was written to record traditional Thai home recipes and techniques. It was followed by Asian Grilling, a book of fun and easy recipes with Asian flavors. The Elements of Life explains the concepts and natural philosophy that underlie Thai cooking and the Thai way of life. It is a culmination of my personal journey to study this ancient teaching. Knowing my home element is like having a personal compass. It has guided me to live in full partnership with nature as I cook and care for myself, my family and friends, and the customers of my restaurant. It is also the foundation on which a cooking academy, Prem Center Organic Cooking Academy was founded by myself and my dear friend, M.L.Tri Devakul. The school is located in Mae Rim, northern Thailand where guests and students can learn firsthand how to apply this philosophy by harvesting, cooking and eating seasonal produce from our organic farm.

I hope you will join hands with me in preserving nature's ways, and in turn cooking and eating nature's gifts and being rewarded with good health and contented life.

Please visit my blog: http://www.sumeiyu-thailiving.blogspot.com/ and my restaurant's web site: http://www.saffronsandiego.com