Gastronome

Cooking for Mr. Latte; A Foodlover’s Courtship, With Recipes is probably the closest thing to a ’summer Foodie beach book’ that I can think of. Written by Amanda Hesser, a food writer for the New York Times, the book follows the courtship of the author and her beau (writer Tad Friend - the titular Mr. Latte) with relevant recipes included. The author is a fine writer, and although I found her somewhat saccharine spin on things to be a little too sweet at times (how could someone who worked the line in so many kitchens still be so… prissy?), I really enjoyed the book overall. My favorite parts of the book were the ecclectic assortment of recipes at the end of every chapter, all respectfully presented with notes from the author (or the friend or family member who was the source of the recipe).
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I have been on a kick of reading cookbooks. Eventhough I am unemployed I have purchased at least 5 new cookbooks this summer alone. My housemate looks at me like I am a real freak, and for what, reading a cookbook from cover to cover.

So far I have two favorites, the first one made me want to be Italian, to travel to Italy and speak the language. I wished to trade in my little jewish grandma for a little Italian grandma. The book is called, In Nonna’s Kitchen: Recipes and Traditions from Italy’s Grandmothers, by Carol Field. This cookbook has Biographical information about the various grandmothers whose recipes have gone into the book. Lots of fun.

The second one I just picked up and started reading, is, How to Be a Domestic Goddess, Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking, by Nigella Lawson. There are so many things in there to try.
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