John Thorne's classic first collection is filled with straightforward eating, home cooking, vigorous opinions, and the gracefully intelligent writing that makes him a cult favorite of people who like to think about food. "Incisive, hilarious and occasionally nostalgic, this volume will delight many readers, reminding them why they enjoy the pleasures of food and cooking. "--Publishers Weekly
...a bowl of olives, a carafe of green oil, some peasant bread, salt. And, of course, some of the most scandalous conversation in Europe...May we all have the chance to dine so well.
there is hardly a single cookbook in existence in which the author encourages us to share in the muddles and mistakes...that shapes the experience of the real cook
cocoa is a morning drink for children - except on that rare morning when you yourself have time to linger...as you sit, lazy, quilt-wrapped, in the easy chair, sifting through the paper for the crossword, brain purring on idle. This is where it [cocoa] comes into its own.
zucchini...the fecundity of this squash soon enough turns to terror.
...I had spent the evening in the lair of some feral but friendly, culinary inclined beast.
Oh, I loved this book. Before finishing it I made the best oatmeal of my life from the porridge chapter and one large Breton fart, from one of the Kitchen Diaries chapters (winter, I believe). I can't wait to try more.
I especially enjoyed the introduction on recipe comparison, and other chapters on hot chocolate, porridge, corn cakes, tians, picnics, loving to cook, and intimate cuisine.
John's an opinionated guy, but I like a cook who argues with the status quo. I love his curmudgeonly point of view and the fine writing. He also makes a killer mac and cheese
Beautifully written and delicious. I recommend you not read it before bed (I always had to have a snack!) but if you like to read about food this is not to be missed.