Dinner with Edward: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship: The Roundup

 It's that time -  the Roundup for our Selection of Dinner with Edward.  All in all, everyone seems to have loved the book, though a few were not really enthused about Isabel's own part in the story.  I'll share a short clip from the entries and the dishes we were inspired to create, along with links so that you can visit for the full story.

First up was Amy of Amy's Cooking Adventures, who said: "It was so easy to love Edward.  Through the book, I felt like I was really able to get to know Edward.  Edward was worldly, yet old fashioned, and utterly charming...  There was plenty of food inspiration throughout the novel" 

Amy prepared a scrumptious sounding  Creamy Basil Chicken with Pasta. 

Next in was Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla, who loved Edward, but not the author so much, she commented:, "Despite the fabulous food in Vincent's book, I had a difficult time liking her or even relating to her.  It was, however, easy to adore Edward. His devotion to his wife, his old-fashioned views, and his culinary acumen made him absolutely charming."  

Inspired by Edward's love affair with his wife, Camilla came up with her own cocktail creation, which she calls Manhattan Honeymoon with Candied Bacon. 

Then, Terri of Our Good Life who said: "Even though the book was a memoir of the author and the strife she was going through when she met Edward, it was truly about the remarkable Edward, with whom I fell in love.  He's a gentleman, a foodie, a purveyor of all that is lovely and wonderful in life, including a good bourbon and roast chicken."

Terri prepared a dish from the book, Chicken Roasted in a Paper Bag, which sounds like a fun idea, as well as being delicious.

Next up Debra of Eliot's Eats commented:  "Since Edward is the host-with-the-most and never lets his guests linger long without a cocktail, I had to make this guest-pleasing, well-chilled drink." 

A Special Cocktail created by Edward, which incorporates an anise-flavored liquor.  She also compiled a list of tips for entertaining, courtesy of Edward, of course.

Simona of Briciole, thought the book was a "delightful memoir" and says: "I immediately took to the story, in part because Edward reminded me of my beloved Uncle Domenico. Though he was not a cook in Edward's way, our friendship developed over shared food and meals."

She was also inspired by Edward's herb-roasted chicken in a paper bag to make Chicken Meatballs. 

Tina of Novel Meals, really enjoyed the book.  She comments:  "It’s about love, friendship, understanding with a bonus of fantastic menus.    I’m sorry I didn’t read it sooner when bookish friends were writing about it."

As a great addition to our feast, Tina made us some yummy Crab Cakes with a side of grits!

Ali of Fix Me a Little Lunch, thought the book was: "...a charmer.  It’s a quick read, filled to the brim with amazing food stories, menus, and inspiration...  It’s a book about friendship and food, both of which cut across generations. 

Inspired by Edward's Apple Galette, Ali brought -  Mini Strawberry-Chocolate Galettes to our Round-up feast.

Cathy of Delaware Girl Eats says: "Unexpected and often good things happen when you do something for someone else. Often true in life, this axiom is also the premise of Isabel Vincent’s book “Dinner with Edward”. 

She posted a tasty looking Cream of Roasted Carrot Soup.   

And my fellow Hawaiian, Deb of Kahakai Kitchen said: " I enjoyed spending time with Edward as much as Isabel did and was sorry to have the book end so quickly (it's only 224 pages). Of course any book that describes food so well and so lovingly gets extra points in my book--I wanted to eat and make so many of the dishes mentioned..."

Deb also bought a soup to our feast, one I was hoping someone would make - Edward's  Shrimp and Corn Chowder.   

Finally, my post - Claudia at Honey from Rock, I totally enjoyed this memoir about the friendship of two disparate individuals, who both bring something to their relationship which helps the other at a time of need, and encourages growth in the process. 

I posted a Meal in Memory of Edward - the dinner he prepared for Isabel on his wedding anniversary, which included Cod alla Franchese, on steamed spinach, and grilled sweet potatoes. 

 

Finally, a last, last addition, that had slipped through the cracks, from Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm, who said, "Isabel does not come across as a very likeable character however Edward makes up for it in spades. Edward is a loveable, caring, concerned father figure for Isabel.  He comforts her with food, drink, hugs and fatherly advice. 
...  I think Isabel wrote this story solely as an homage to Edward and she portrayed him perfectly."
Wendy posted Cocquilles St. Jacques.  A very elegant, Edwardish sort of dish, despite it not being mentioned in the book.

If you missed out on this round, and like books, especially Foodie books and food, do consider participating in the next one, which is our April/May selection, Life from Scratch by Sasha Martin, in which we read another memoir about the healing power of food, this round hosted by Debra at Eliot's Eats.  Submissions are due by end-of-the day on May 31, 2017. Anyone can join by reading the current selection, preparing a dish inspired by its contents and writing about it. 
 

Our February/March Cook the Books Pick - Dinner with Edward - a memoir by Isabel Vincent

Vincent, a reporter, author, and journalist for the New York Post has written in this memoir of her encounter, and developing friendship with Edward, the father of a good friend, who was at that time out of the country.  Though struggling with her own crumbling marriage, a recent move and demanding new job, Vincent agrees, at her friend's request, to check in on him once in a while. The 93-year-old widower is depressed and ready to give up on life after the death of his much loved wife.

In Dinner with Edward: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship, what began as an occasional dinner meant to keep an old man company soon develops into a rich friendship, giving both Edward and Isabel reasons to reconsider why they’re alive, while encouraging her to appreciate the fine art of living as she begins, with his encouragement, to create a life that's more rewarding and full for herself.  

 And from the Publisher's summary:  "Isabel has no idea that the man in the kitchen baking the sublime roast chicken and light-as-air apricot soufflé will end up changing her life. As Edward and Isabel meet weekly for the glorious dinners that Edward prepares, he shares so much more than his recipes for apple galette or the perfect martini, or even his tips for deboning poultry. Edward is teaching Isabel the luxury of slowing down and taking the time to think through everything she does, to deconstruct her own life, cutting it back to the bone and examining the guts, no matter how messy that proves to be."

As our last CTBC pick was a memoir about physical healing and the food that helped it to progress, this book is more about the emotional wounded and how cooking can sustain and comfort, as well as how casual acts of kindness can morph into not only friendship but life changes.  Each chapter revolves around a meal, with both menu and delectable recipes.

Submissions for this round of Cook The Books Club, hosted by Claudia at Honey from Rock, are due by end-of-the day Friday, March 31st  2017. Anyone can join by reading the current selection, preparing a dish inspired by its contents and writing about it. Let me know when your entry post is up by commenting on this post and/or sending me an email at: claudiariley@yahoo.com.   If you are new to Cook the Books Club, you can find out more at our link or the Guidelines page.