joy of the mountains

there are several spices that are in my usual culinary repertoire - basil, thyme, rosemary, cumin and garam masala, but none can surpass the nostalgic pleasure of oregano. perhaps this is because of its intrinsic link to tomato sauce, but more likely it is due to the simple fact that it is grown, cultivated, dried and given to me by my father. his garden is a testament to old world charm; grapes hang on trellises, tomatoes droop heavy on plants and tufts of oregano are strewn about in pots and beds. this is why it is with humble pride every year that i take a container of oregano that my father has painstakingly destalked for his family and adorn fish, roasts, kabobs, tomatoes and soups with what is often a most overlooked herb. this "joy of the mountains" (derived from the greek rigani) is indeed a joy in my home and in my heart.