Cook Books

What is it about us and cook books?  We love them.  I have friends who've given up cooking and have given up books - but still keep their cook books.

A few days ago my niece sent me this book, written by her friend from high school.  I have read every word and drooled over every photograph.  Will I make the recipes?  Probably not.  I don't make fancy things anymore.  But reading the book is pure pleasure.

The writer's name is Kristen Frederickson.  The photographer is her daughter, Avery Curran.  They are a dream team.

Pork Chops Steeped in Mango,
Papaya and Pineapple with
Barbecue Sauce

Here are a few things I especially like about the book:

The sheer number of beautiful photos, not only of the food, although every recipe is presented as a work of art, but pictures of family and of their homes in London and Connecticut.

The writing:   When Kristen describes "Sauteed Parcels of Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Spinach and Bacon" she says, This dish is an excuse to gather together some of our family's favorite ingredients and marry them off.

Farfalle with Broccoli

She titled a poultry dish "Lillian Hellman Chicken"  because it's made with mayonnaise. Her family always eats it with a cheesy spinach casserole she's titled, "Dashiell Hammett Spinach."  (FYI, Hammett and Hellman were quite a literary pair.)

In describing an extremely complicated "Classic Cassoulet," Kristen begins by saying, This recipe is for when you want to make a bit of a fuss.

When Kristen describes "Grandpa Jack's Grilled Potatoes with Vidalia Onions" she takes us to her father-in-laws' back yard in Iowa where she's standing on a "hot, golden evening" with an icy glass of Scotch.

This is the kind of book you enjoy receiving from somebody you love.  Because that's what it's about:  Love.

But if you haven't yet received it, you can find it on Amazon.  Give it to yourself.


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