The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship
March 9, 2010 by Debra
Filed under books, product reviews
Food and Friendship. Two of my favorite things. When authors Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel combine these two topics in an original novel, it is fiction at it’s most enjoyable. I “devoured” this book in just a few hours. There are even a gazillion recipes in this book………how does “Wash Away The Blues Berry Cobbler” sound? Â What book am I talking about? The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship.
Friendship is at the very heart of this story that spans several decades. Two young girls, Val and Lilly, are as different as night and day. They each have dysfunctional families with their own peculiarities (don’t we all?). They each have dreams and ideas of what life will be like in the coming years. But above all, they have each other……and The Recipe Club.
At an early age, the girls are pen pals……in the 1960′s. We are talking “snail mail”, which I actually love. I still have old letters family and friends have written. Seems much more personal than a quick email or text. Not only are the girl pen pals, but they begin sending each other recipes with each letter (most of the time). The recipes always seem to relate to something going on in their life…..”Home of my own Hamburgers” and “Forgiveness Tapenade with Toast Points”.
But as with most relationships, things change. Children grow up. Dreams change. Reality hits. Issues like jealousy, loyalty, and morality enter the picture. This book takes us on a journey as these girls grow up, spanning many decades (and issues). I won’t spoil it for you…..
When I first heard of the storyline, I knew immediately I would fall in love with it. What I didn’t expect was to get an amazing cookbook out of it too. Really. There are over 80 recipes throughout the book….all weaved into the storyline so well it seems natural. The authors worked with the talented Melissa Clark and her sous-chef, Sarah Huck to create recipes specifically for this book (along with a few from childhood). The creativity is amazing…….”The Nutty Professor Cookies” recipe is sent by the character Val as she’s dealing with a major problem regarding a brilliant scientist. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what’s behind the “First Kiss Caramel Almond Kisses” recipe.
Personal Favorite: Mighty Math Muffins
(the ingredient amounts are math problems) LOVE IT!
The official Recipe Club website has so much to offer:
Food & Friendship Blog
Join their Recipe Club or Start your Own – sounds fun!
Ask Lilly and Val – send in your toughest friendship questions for the “characters” to answer
FIND IT: Amazon.com: The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship
This is one book you’ll keep, and in the kitchen!
This post was written as part of a promotion for HarperCollins and their new edition of The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship. They provided a copy of the book for review in exchange for my personal and honest opinions. No other form of compensation was received.
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Debra traded in high-powered suits and high-heeled shoes for a new role as mommy–crayon enthusiast, storyteller, and kisser of boo-boo’s. You’ll find her helping families at A Frugal Friend, where she teaches others how to reduce their expenses through coupons, rebates, freebies and deals. |
I thought this was a good book. There are several recipes that I want to try out.
Your own weblog is so informative … keep up great perform!!!!
I really enjoyed reading through this book, I’m glad you included it in your great blog. Thanks!