Recipes from the American South by Michael W. Twitty (and fried apples)

I reviewed another Twitty book many years ago for Cook the Books. As Recipes from The American South was on many “best of 2025” lists, I added it to my long library wait list. It finally arrived.

About the book:

A home cook’s guide to one of America’s most diverse – and delicious . . . → Read More: Recipes from the American South by Michael W. Twitty (and fried apples)

The Coffee Purist: A Book Review

Humor me. There’s a couple of PSAs in this post. It’s long. But, if you’re a coffee drinker, please seek out this book (from your independent bookstore) . . . → Read More: The Coffee Purist: A Book Review

Six Seasons of Pasta by Joshua McFadden and Sausage and Tomatoes

Lots of ragus, pasta dishes and pasta salads to choose from. I mad his Sausage & Tomatoes with orecchiette. I also whipped up one of the salad dressings in the book. . . . → Read More: Six Seasons of Pasta by Joshua McFadden and Sausage and Tomatoes

Third Culture Cooking: Classic Recipes for a New Generation by Zaynab Issa

In my last cookbook review of Boustany by Sami Tamimi, I wrote that the work just did not speak to me. Today’s review of Third Culture Cooking by Zaynab Issa definitely does.

About the book:

Third Culture Cooking is American Cooking: Delicious everyday multicultural recipes, borrowing from our parents and their parents’ homes, melding . . . → Read More: Third Culture Cooking: Classic Recipes for a New Generation by Zaynab Issa

Gatsby’s Speakeasy: a little adult board book

I’m taking a break today from the  “best of“ lists to highlight a cute little book.

I got Gatsby’s Speakeasy for a gift at Christmas and I laughed out loud because it reminded me of a children’s board book. It’s been on display on my kitchen shelf since then. It’s a cute little book . . . → Read More: Gatsby’s Speakeasy: a little adult board book

A Spinach Dip to celebrate Boustany by Sami Tamimi

I’m still reviewing books that made “best of“ cookbook lists in 2025. Today I’m reviewing Boustany: A celebration of vegetables from my Palestine by Sami Tamimi.

About the book:

A homage to Palestinian food and culture, Boustany, is the first solo cookbook from Sami, a champion of Palestinian food and culture.

Boustany translates . . . → Read More: A Spinach Dip to celebrate Boustany by Sami Tamimi

Tempted by Love: Movies & Munchies February Film

Wendy from A Day in the Life on a Farm is hosting this month’s Movies & Munchies feature.

It’s February. The love month. Tempted by Love was the perfect movie for that. It’s a Terry McMillian “presents” movie so I had high hopes because I have enjoyed her books and adapted-from films like How . . . → Read More: Tempted by Love: Movies & Munchies February Film

Prompt 3

 Here is my third foray with the writing exercise prompts from Bite by Bite and Aimee Nezhukumatathil.

Spice is nice: What is your favorite spice? Coriander? Cardamom? Cumin? Look up the healing properties and/or folklore of that spice and create a scene where a character uses that spice to heal someone.

Well, this is . . . → Read More: Prompt 3

What I’ve been reading…

I started this monthly post in January, basically because I was doing a lot more reading than posting. I decided to keep it up.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

I’m not a big thriller reader but I did enjoy this audio book. I thought the different POVs really helped the plot along. . . . → Read More: What I’ve been reading…

Prompt 2

I’m continuing with a writing exercise prompted by Bite by Bite and Aimee Nezhukumatathil.

Prompt 2:

Taste the rainbow: write a poem or lyric essay in seven segments, with each segment of the piece representing a food color of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

What is the food rainbow . . . → Read More: Prompt 2