Spring can’t be too far away, I notice the forsythia coming out. I spent the afternoon in my yard appreciating the trees and all the little creatures who inhabit them – it was 67 degrees today! In the spring and summer I really miss the charm that used to surround “Cody Court”. It had such a quaint European feel. I had a friend who lived there and I always felt as if I were in France when I walked down to visit.
In honor and memory of those days I have found great books.
First let me suggest The Little Paris Kitchen by Rachel Khoo – what a fabulous, fun cookbook! This cookbook has glorious photos not only of food, but of markets, parties; Rachel has even included a photo of her neighborhood butcher… The recipes are a modernization of the Cordonbleu.
Using “fresh ingredients and simple techniques” to celebrate France’s rich culinary culture the author shows us that with only “two gas rings and a mini oven” one can experience la joie of French cuisine in a “Little Paris Kitchen”.
Published by Chronicle Books LLC, 2012, hardcover, the book sells for $35.00.
A similar cookbook (but different enough to own both) is A Kitchen in France, A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse written by Mimi Thorisson. This book, too, is full of truly wonderful photos and delicious recipes using fresh ingredients – admittedly more complicated than the recipes in Rachel Khoo’s book- I am not a cook, but these two cookbooks make me want to change my ways!
One needs to look at these cookbooks to fully appreciate them – Great gifts.
Published by Clarkson Potter, hardcover, 2014, Thorisson’s book sells for $40.00.
Now, Pippa Middleton has a book out called Celebrate: A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends. I love this sort of book – Martha Stewart did Entertaining, a similar book, a few years ago.
All the family celebrations with crowds of people, photos of great table settings – Pippa includes crafts I would do and I don’t do crafts – she has a 26-page section for Easter with crafts like watercress egg men… along with yummy recipes for stuffed roast lamb and asparagus with spring greens, followed by how to have the best egg hunt!
It is a fun book! Found in the Bargain Section, hardcover, it sells for $6.98! You need this book.
Last, and one of my favorite books this month, is How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are (Love, Style, and Bad Habits) written by four friends who just had obviously the best time ever writing it.
They have written “their very original views on style, culture, atitude and men” – these women embody the term free spirit – they have been friends for years. This is the sort of book one can just pick up to read a thought or two, a welcome break in the day.
Published by Doubleday, 2014, hardcover, it sells for $25.00.
I am getting a jump on my front yard this year and it feels so good! I love how the yard looks when freshly raked. The best day is the one in June when I come home from work to find that Darcy has edged the walk and driveway!
I can’t wait to uncover the porch furniture and settle in for the season, flag waving, and a good book…
What a delightful neighborhood. Remember that life is short, be very kind to each other, and to yourself – Happy, happy spring….