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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Our December/January Cook the Books Pick: Sustenance and Desire

We've read 36 books so far in the history of Cook the Books. Most have been memoirs or novels, though a few mysteries, essays and children's books have spiced up the mix. I thought it would be fun to try a food-themed anthology for our next book selection, with the twin aims of letting us all stop and start our reading during the busy holiday season and introducing us to some new authors.

Bascove's compilation "Sustenance and Desire: A Food Lover's Anthology of Sensuality and Humor" is our next Cook the Books selection, and it features poems, excerpts from novels and autobiographies, short stories and essays that are grouped according to the editor's themes of Nourishment, Desire, Hunger and Sustenance.


Perhaps you will be entranced by a poem by Billy Collins, Natasha Saje or Richard Wilbur. Perhaps Colette's lush prose will entice you. Maybe the siren song stylings of Nabokov and memories of mushroom picking with his mother will lead you to the kitchen. (I am a little worried about whether one of our participants will be inspired by Margaret Visser's essay "The Artificial Cannibal")

Whatever selection you choose from this book, I look forward to receiving your posts about the book and what dish(es) you were inspired to make by the deadline of February 2, 2015. As always, anyone is welcome to join our regular participants here at Cook the Books.

Rachel, The Crispy Cook
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19 comments:

  1. ClaudiaDecember 16, 2014 at 12:56 PM

    Thanks Rachel, it looks to be an interesting read. Mine is supposed to be on the way via Amazon.

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  2. Simona CariniDecember 16, 2014 at 1:13 PM

    Thank you, Rachel, for an interesting choice. I have already started reading.

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  3. Deb in HawaiiDecember 16, 2014 at 4:38 PM

    I got mine last week and so far have been just gazing at the gorgeous cover. Can't wait to start delving into it. ;-)

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  4. A Day in the Life on the FarmDecember 16, 2014 at 9:40 PM

    I picked it up from the library yesterday. Haven't had time to crack it open yet but I am looking forward to it.

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  5. Debra EliotseatsJanuary 2, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    I started it this morning and had to forcefully put it down. Love this pick, Rachel. I already have at least two ideas! Happy New Year, all!

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  6. AmyJanuary 2, 2015 at 11:03 PM

    What a neat pick! Here is my recipe inspiration: http://www.amyscookingadventures.com/2015/01/crunchy-onion-chicken-fingers-cook.html

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  7. ClaudiaJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:34 PM

    Enjoying going through this lovely anthology. Especially like her paintings.

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  8. A Day in the Life on the FarmJanuary 14, 2015 at 8:51 PM

    Thanks for hosting this month. I created a meal inspired by the book and posted it tonight. You can find it at http://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/2015/01/cook-books.html

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  9. RachelJanuary 15, 2015 at 7:38 AM

    Great posts for Cook the Books, Amy and Wendy! Love how we are all picking different literary selections to inspire us.

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  10. Camilla M. MannJanuary 23, 2015 at 12:38 AM

    This was the perfect selection for December-January. Thanks, Rachel. I just emailed you my submission.

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  11. Debra EliotseatsJanuary 24, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    Loved, loved, loved it, Rachel. Mine will post on the 27th: http://eliotseats.com/?p=20701

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  12. ClaudiaJanuary 24, 2015 at 6:18 PM

    I have just posted my piece on our latest selection: http://honeyfromrock.blogspot.com/2015/01/pigeon-peas.html

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  13. RachelJanuary 25, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    Claudia's post is great. An original literary work for CTB!

    Keep those awesome posts coming...

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  14. Simona CariniJanuary 25, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    I had many ideas but in the end my passion for pasta won http://www.pulcetta.com/2015/01/panda-handmade-pasta.html

    Thank you Rachel!

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  15. Alicia FoodycatJanuary 29, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    I love the paintings, but I'm finding this one a really hard read!

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  16. RachelJanuary 29, 2015 at 10:50 AM

    Simona:Thanks for the post!

    Alicia: Perhaps a post based on a painting rather than a literary work?

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  17. Delaware Girl EatsJanuary 30, 2015 at 2:46 PM

    I honestly couldn't decide which piece was more inspiring. But finally chose and posted about cookies. Hope you guys like it -- cathy

    http://delawaregirleats.typepad.com/blog/2015/01/oatmeal-crispies-are-the-most-comforting-winter-treats.html

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  18. AnaFebruary 2, 2015 at 12:04 AM

    I loved this book, and I am so, so happy to be returning to Cook the Books Club after a too long absence.
    My entry can be found here: http://sweetalmondtree.blogspot.com/2015/02/happy-birthday-langston-hughes.html

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  19. Deb in HawaiiFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:50 PM

    And ducking in right under the wire... ;-)

    http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-simple-breakfast-of-herbed-poached.html

    Thanks for such a great pick Rachel. Perfect for busy times and plenty of great inspiration!

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