Beth Fish Reads: Weekend Cooking: The Artists' and Writers' Cookbook by Natalie Eve Garrett

15 October 2016

Weekend Cooking: The Artists' and Writers' Cookbook by Natalie Eve Garrett

Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

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The Artists' and Writers' Cookbook by Natalie Eve Garrett

Art + favorite authors + food? Yes, please, count me in. Natalie Eve Garrett's The Artists' and Writers' Cookbook has my name written all over it.

This book is a feast for everyone, and I hardly know where to start describing it. It's a collection of personal stories and favorite recipes contributed by all sorts of authors and artists. The amazing line up of people, stories, and illustrations is a feast for your brain, eyes, and stomach.

First, you'll want to know who you'll find within the pages of The Artists' and Writers' Cookbook. Here are just some that you're sure to recognize: Joyce Carol Oats, Neil Gaiman, Alice Hoffman, Jane Smiley, Nelson DeMille, Ruth Reichl, Ruth Ozeki, T. C. Boyle, Lev Grosman, Aimee Bender, and April Gornik. I didn't count, but I'd guess there are close to 50 authors and artists represented in this book!

The Artists' and Writers' Cookbook is one to browse. Read a story here, try a recipe there. Keep it on the table next to your bed or favorite reading spot (like I did) and dip in when the mood strikes. The stories and recipes cover a wide range, from Daniel Wallace's "Love and Eggplant" to Christine Schutt's "Fancy Cake," Ruth Ozeki's "Meat," and Liza Lou's "Feminist Popcorn."

One essay that really caught my eye was Curtis Sittenfeld's "How to Master Food Allergies," which is about her experiences raising a daughter with serious life-threatening allergies. Love pretty much conquers all, and Sunbutter cookies help too.

Besides the recipes for the exotic (goat) and comforting (huckleberry muffins), The Artists' and Writers' Cookbook is also beautiful to look at. Each contribution is accompanied by a colorful illustration by Amy Jean Porter (see the examples in the scans). So, truly, Garrett has put together a book that is easy to connect to on a number of levels.

Recommendation: Natalie Garrett's The Artists' and Writers' Cookbook is for readers, art lovers, foodies, cooks, and -- well -- all of us! Buy, borrow, or otherwise get a copy of this book. Perfect for holiday gift-giving and a lovely addition to your own bookshelves and kitchen.

Image credits: The Artists’ and Writers’ Cookbook: A Collection of Stories with Recipes © 2016, edited by Natalie Eve Garrett, illustrated by Amy Jean Porter, published by powerHouse Books.

Published by powerHouse Books, 2016
ISBN-13: 9781576877883
Source: review (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

15 comments:

Tina, 10/15/16, 7:07 AM: That does indeed sound like a good book to give for the holidays. Can't wait to get a copy. That's the sort of book I'd probably leave in the living room just to pick up now and then.
rhapsodyinbooks, 10/15/16, 7:28 AM: Definitely sounds like a great gift!
Melynda@Scratch Made Food!, 10/15/16, 8:38 AM: I need to find the Artists and Writer's Cookbook, that is my kind of book. Thanks for hosting. Just finished Ruth Reichl's My kitchen year, need another book to start.
(Diane) bookchickdi, 10/15/16, 8:47 AM: I love books that combine food and authors. I picked up a book like that at the Library of Congress bookstore a few years ago, about authors and their favorite recipes.
Jackie McGuinness, 10/15/16, 9:07 AM: Oh I would like this!! I can also think of someone that it would be a perfect gift!
bermudaonion, 10/15/16, 9:10 AM: That sounds wonderful. I can think of a few people who would love this for a gift!
Claudia, 10/15/16, 12:08 PM: Well, I'm sold. Definitely want one and if the library doesn't have it, there's Amazon Prime! Thanks for the great review Beth.
Stacie, 10/15/16, 12:33 PM: Wow! This sounds like an awesome read! Just learning personal tidbits and trying favorite recipes of some well-loved authors would be fun. Thanks for sharing and for the link up.
Deb in Hawaii, 10/15/16, 2:10 PM: I have coveted this book since you showed a glimpse on Litsy and reading your review makes me want it more! I may have to use the next Barnes & Noble coupon I get for this one! ;-)
Sheila (Bookjourney), 10/15/16, 3:10 PM: I love cook books.... this one looks and sounds unique.
Carole, 10/15/16, 5:40 PM: I would love this book, sadly my library doesn't have it at this point. Wishing you a great week and thanks, as always, for hosting. Cheers
rhonda, 10/15/16, 11:29 PM: I'm so excited you like it I'm getting it this week Artists writers a cookbook with essays perfect for me.
Esme, 10/16/16, 1:17 AM: This sounds like a lovely book-It is going on my list of presents I hope to receive.
Molly, 10/16/16, 6:28 PM: This is MY kind of book! I may have to give myself a Christmas gift this year :)
Sue Jackson, 10/17/16, 4:36 PM: Oh, wow, this book sounds so unique and fascinating! I would love to hear stories related to food & see recipes from my favorite authors!

Sounds like it would make a nice gift, too - thanks for sharing!

Sue

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