Friday, January 29, 2010

Food for Thought

Consuming Passions - A Food Obsessed Life *****














Do you read cook books like they're novels? Do you enjoy a good memoir? Do you like to laugh? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Consuming Passions by Michael Lee West should fly to the top of your 'must read' list.
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Author West takes us on a guided tour of the southern kitchens that she knew as a child, but she doesn't stop there. With a witty and breezy writing style, she also candidly chronicles her adventures and mishaps in her own kitchen, while sharing treasured family recipes. Stories about making breakfast for her new husband, mastering the art of making her grandmothers buttermilk biscuits, her husband's foray into bee keeping, and the quest for the best egg salad recipe are wonderful telltale vignettes of a true foodie's life.
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There are also helpful hints scattered through out the book. We learn how to season cast iron cookware, what type of food to bring to a funeral, how to handle kitchen fires and what to do when you're burned while cooking. The aunts and Mama also liberally dispense advice on men folk, and some of their hysterical observations certainly ring true!
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Along the way we're introduced to a wonderful cast of family characters. Aunt Dell, the family 'artiste', Aunt Tempe, renown for her coconut cake, and Ary Jean, West's mama are just a few of the colorful southern women who bring spice and life to this memoir. They're so skillfully drawn, that you feel you know them by the end of the book.
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So pour yourself a tall glass of sweet tea, (if you don't have a recipe there's one in the book), and settle down for a most enjoyable read. Of course you won't be seated for long, because when you read some of these recipes you'll be on your feet, in the kitchen, and up to your elbows in flour!
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This post is being linked to Food For Thought. If you'd like to read more book reviews please just click the icon at the top of this page. You won't be disappointed.

18 comments:

  1. I read cookbooks like novels. I love them to have big pictures and lots of them. I like to know something about the author and for their personality to shine through. This one looks like a winner for sure!

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  2. I've just ordered several of Michael's books. This is one of them. Thanks for this delightful review. I can't wait to read this. Oh, and coconut cake is a favorite here!!!

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  3. omg i have the HUGEST SMILE! you sure did her proud, i am over the moon with your selection and pics! FUN FUN FUN!!! i am so excited to see the pages dance onto our screens, BRAVO and hand me slab of that cake please!

    thank you sooooooooo much for playing!

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  4. Oh, be still my fat little heart! I am so honored and ticked to pieces. I am loving these lighter than air biscuits and the Blue Ribbon coconut cake--the honey and hearts.I wish I could frame this and carry it in my pocketbook!
    XX00

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  5. Being from the South, I can definitely relate to this book. I will definitely read it! I loved "Crazy Ladies" and in fact, knew quite a few. Great post and lovely food.

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  6. Deliciously Delightful in both prose & photos, Nancy! I was aware of Michael's book but had not yet read it. Now I will, with great anticipation.

    Your food shots are wonderful & make me want to taste each one....NOW! :D

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  7. That cake was closeup ready... lovely photo and great review!

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  8. I read this book too and loved it..I like her style so much..you did her proud!

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  9. I have this book in my TBR pile...it's definitely moving to the top now. The cake looks sooooo tempting!

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  10. That was fabulous!! Look at all those goodies. Wish I was at your house when you made all that!
    COLD???

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  11. This sounds like a wonderful book! oh that coconut cake looks divine! n ur fotos so lovely. tq for sharing!:))

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  12. I have that book, too, and loved it. I like reading books that have stories and recipes in them. It makes the food come alive.

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  13. Sounds like a good book. I'll be adding it to my list!

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  14. I love Michael Lee! Right now I'm reading "She Flew The Coop" -- but this one is in my pile of "next reads"

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  15. Nancy Jane_ I loved this book. She writes about southern food with passion! Yes, I can curl up in bed with a good cookbook, especially one with beautiful pictures and sidenotes. You did a great job with your review and pictures!

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  16. LOVED the bird post :) Definitely an Alfred Hithcock moment...and he always scares me. Thanks for the smiles!

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  17. I need that book because food is my Passion and my Life. Your pictures are beautiful! Really enjoy your Blog; feels like coming home.
    Rita

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  18. Okay, I am from the south and I have got to read this book. All my memories revolve around food. This sounds wonderful!
    Sherry

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