I have a lovely stack of cookbook types on my kitchen counter - the kind of cookbooks that go beyond recipes, and are too beautiful to stay hidden in the pantry. I started the stack with the arrival of Bread & Wine in mind, knowing it would find its place right on top. More than a collection of recipes, this book is collection of stories.
It's a memoir; an ode to life around the table. Recipes are sprinkled in among stories of Shauna's life and what she's learned from coming to the table with people she loves. It's about inviting others into our messy lives, opening up, and slowing down. It's about memories, community, and how we feed ourselves physically, spiritually and emotionally.
I have been waiting impatiently for this book, following Shauna's blog and tweets about her writing process, and it has not disappointed. I wrote here about the honor of being involved in her project. I got to test Annette's Enchiladas and give feedback, and might have squealed a bit when I saw my name in the acknowledgements as a recipe tester! Shauna's words have resonated so deeply with me since her first book, and I have gobbled up every one of them in her third. The pages of my copy of Bread & Wine are already dog-earred and smudged with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
I can't stop making Robin's Lentil Soup, and I wasn't even positive what a lentil was or that I'd enjoy one previously. Mr. Ladd and I have fallen in love with the Blueberry Crisp, and I am now the kind of girl who makes her own Balsamic Vinaigrette just to have on hand.
It's a memoir; an ode to life around the table. Recipes are sprinkled in among stories of Shauna's life and what she's learned from coming to the table with people she loves. It's about inviting others into our messy lives, opening up, and slowing down. It's about memories, community, and how we feed ourselves physically, spiritually and emotionally.
I have been waiting impatiently for this book, following Shauna's blog and tweets about her writing process, and it has not disappointed. I wrote here about the honor of being involved in her project. I got to test Annette's Enchiladas and give feedback, and might have squealed a bit when I saw my name in the acknowledgements as a recipe tester! Shauna's words have resonated so deeply with me since her first book, and I have gobbled up every one of them in her third. The pages of my copy of Bread & Wine are already dog-earred and smudged with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
I can't stop making Robin's Lentil Soup, and I wasn't even positive what a lentil was or that I'd enjoy one previously. Mr. Ladd and I have fallen in love with the Blueberry Crisp, and I am now the kind of girl who makes her own Balsamic Vinaigrette just to have on hand.
The recipes are short with simple, wholesome ingredients in easy measurements. She starts out each one with her personal notes and tips - the kind of advice your mom gives you over the phone when giving you a recipe, adding her opinions about where you should stick to it strictly and where you can deviate. In my opinion this book is the perfect place to start if you are thinking about cooking or entertaining more often. It is not about showing off or being fancy. It is about simple, lovely ways to feed yourself and the people around you, and what happens when you do.
I think what's so special about this book is that it satisfies a craving for authenticity. We rush through our days not even bothering to feed ourselves with intention, let alone the people we love. This is a call to stop and be brave enough to connect in real ways around real food.
I'll leave you with Shauna herself inviting you to enjoy her latest creation...
http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/-d_0-2_SkSs&source=uds
