I've been engrossed in Dan Lepard's baking book -- a present from Father Christmas -- which is the perfect late January comfort read. Not that I've just been reading about cooking; there has been much activity in the kitchen in the last few days (possibly because my younger son has his arm in a sling, suffering the after-effects of a dislocated shoulder -- my cooking can't mend his rugby injuries, but as is generally the case in this household, baking seems the best thing to do, under trying circumstances). So, chicken soup on Saturday, after the hospital, lemon cake for tea on Sunday, followed by fish pie for dinner; a plentiful stir fry last night, and salmon trout this evening; the convalescence has also been punctuated by Maltesers (for both of us). Very annoying: I can't link to any of DL's recipes on the Guardian website without my computer crashing -- have tried eight times in the 45 minutes, and am now giving up and going to bed. But I very much want to try making one of his pear cakes before too long, and the caramelized banana cake looks incredibly tempting...
9 comments:
I loved your book "Chanel" and was amazed by your research, and incredible way of weaving together her story from so many different sources. My mother lent me her copy of the book which was signed by you in London at one of your lectures. She loved hearing you speak! I was wondering if you would be willing to sign three copies of your book for me. I would love one for myself and I have two friends who are ardent Coco fans! At your convenience we could work out the details via e-mail. I live in Washington D.C and am hoping there is some way to pay for the books and postage to the US via paypal or some other electronic payment. Thank you in advance and I completely understand if you are too busy to accommodate this request.
My email address is: ruthostler@gmail.com
Many thanks!
Ruth Ostler
Ah chicken soup-the Jewish penicillin and combined with Maltesers. What a great combination. Your son should be on the mend. I too love reading recipe books but am not as adventurous as you. It is interesting how all recipes are on the net but I do enjoy the beautiful lay out of the books. Have you ever seen Apples for jam and the other recipes by Tessa Kiros a lovely blend of memories and recipes.
You gave your recipe for lemon cake (involving weighing eggs?) in this blog once. I copied it out and tucked it inside the front cover of the nearest recipe book. But which one …? One day it will drop out when I pull a tome from the shelf and I can finally make it.
And yes Enid, Tessa Kiros's books are wonderful. I have 'Falling Cloudberries' and 'Piri piri Starfish' and as you say, they do seem to occupy some notional space between memoir and recipe book. In fact I tend to read them rather than cook from them and, with their beautiful covers and ribbon bookmarks, I like how they look like fat novels sitting on my kitchen shelves.
Kate
Ruthie -- also my sister's nickname -- nice to hear from you, and yes, I can sign some books for you. I'll email you later.
Enid and Scrivener: Thanks for the recommendations -- I haven't heard of Tessa Kiros, but intend to read her soon -- sounds lovely.
And I'll post the lemon cake recipe again today. Will just have to gather my scattered thoughts first.
Nice little YouTube clip here about Tessa Kiros and her family.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fetowGknZXM
It suddenly made me a bit envious of those who have such families. My parents brought me (an only child) to Australia at 8 and I never saw any of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins again until I was in my 40s and by then only an aunt and a cousin were left. I've certainly never had the family experience shown here. I'm not unhappy but I do occasionally think there are things I would like to have had in my life that I didn't get a choice about. I guess we all sometimes wonder about the things we've never had.
I loved 'Falling Cloudberries.' We cooked from it for one of our early cookbook club gatherings (two years now and still going strong) and everything was delicious. It's a beautiful book, too.
Have been struggling with a bad cold and finally made myself some Chinese beef noodle soup today, something I turn to when I need comfort. I have Maltesers, too, proper British ones from the Hong Kong airport, purchased on my way back from Shanghai along with a now long-gone Picnic Bar. Ah, British candy bars. A friend is moving to England this coming summer, and already I'm plotting a visit, next spring, perhaps...
Sons! My son had an operation yesterday, nothing serious, but I still spent the day on tenterhooks. His recovery is all about the food he will love eating, I will love preparing for him, and to make him feel better after a day of no food, pain, discomfort and a general anaesthetic. Chicken soup will be a good start.
Wishing your son better Justine, and you too Lilacs in May...
I have just ordered the Dan Lepard book on your recommendation Justine.
And belated congratulations on your engagement, such joy to behold. I can think of no-one more deserving of such happiness..
Lilac -- I'm in exactly the same situation as you -- and yes, chicken soup did the trick on Saturday, after general anaesthetic et al. Lemon cake seemed to help the following day; and I always think anything homemade and lemony is vaguely nutritious, as well as comforting.
Wilson -- thank you so much, and hope you enjoy the Dan Lepard as much as I am... it's such a pleasurable book.
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