There was this book that kept coming up on my friend Brenda's lists. I've been hanging out at Brenda's for years now and, finally, this book began to register. Months ago, I added it to my wishlist and just this past week, I hit purchase. It arrived in three days so I began reading it yesterday morning. You may not believe this, but it has already changed my life. The book? An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler.
Chapter one is How to Boil Water. Golly. Who knew that I had arrived at old age and did not yet know how to properly boil water?! I popped right up from my easy chair tossing the book aside and headed for the kitchen and my pasta pot.
I visited Betsy to find that pasta salad recipe that John and I very much enjoyed. Found it and proceeded to put it together with the ingredients I had on hand.
Eating that salad made me feel as if summer had indeed arrived...
One thing led to another and I decided that I must get my outside room together. I don't believe that I even bothered last year. There is still work to be done, but I have begun.
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1. I read and loved An Everlasting Meal a few years ago. It was one of the most influential books about food and cooking I have ever read. I can't tell you how many times since first reading it, I looked at veggies I almost put in the compost bowl and realized they could be used in soup instead. I gave my paperback copy to my daughter a couple years ago but when a used hardback copy became available very cheap... it was purchased immediately.
Thanks for heads up on Everlasting Meal. I think I knew of Tamar Adler because of her association with Alice Waters. Many Many Many years ago (Dick was still alive and we hadn't been married long) we were in California and a young man, near and dear to our hearts took us to Alice Waters restaurant. Sweet memories! Thank you, Vee. The macaroni salad is one my Southern Granny used to make -- my favorite too except we added dill pickles ... guess we all thought we were sweet enough! Ha!
ReplyDeleteThat book always has that affect on me. I have to cook something.
ReplyDeleteI was planning to go out for a burger. Didn’t have to. My pasta salad was perfectly satisfying and delicious. It is embarrassing how wrong I was doing such a simple thing.
DeleteI hope I remember this when I move so I can order it. I'll check the library and see if they have it. Can't add one more book to my packing. That pasta salad looks very satisfying. Your outdoor space is looking nice. Happy weekend to you!
ReplyDeleteOn hold at my local library...I'm #3 in line. :)
ReplyDelete👍🏼
DeleteBoiling water, huh? Sounds like a good hook to order this one. Nice seeing your blooms. ♥
ReplyDeleteGoing to order right now - thanks Vee - through Brenda - we Americans waste sooooo much. I compost, and we have a huge compost area way out back that we and all our neighbors use. It makes me feel less guilty - but I know how much I waste. And it is a sin. Looking forward to reading that book, too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're out fixing your outdoor room. That's good for you in so many ways.
Hugs and prayers. ♥
Hi Vee, Thanks so much for sharing about the book and also the recipe. These hot summer evenings, the pasta salad would be just perfect. Your outdoor room is looking pretty with summer blooms. I hope you have a very pleasant evening. xo
ReplyDeleteYour outdoor space is looking good Vee. I read that book a few years ago. Your pasta salad looks really good! I might make that to go with our BBQ ribs tonight!
ReplyDeleteA perfect combination it would be!
DeleteWell, I ended up making coleslaw instead and it was good too lol.
DeleteHi Vee~
ReplyDeleteYou know, the older I get the less I remember about cooking! I'm going to buy that book and learn how again, it looks wonderful! Cooking for one or two people can be a challenge, but I know it's doable...I just need to relearn... ;0)
Your outdoor space looks beautiful! I love the raised beds, they really do make weeding a snap. It looks like a lovely place to just hang out and read your new book.
Hugs and Love,
Barb
Now I need to get my copy out and look at it again! I finally got it back from Lindsay!
ReplyDeleteI have had that book since it came out and I like it very much. I think she is quite original and when I was getting food from a CSA her ideas about cooking greens helped me not waste so much food. Enjoy your cooking, Vee, and your outside decorating. You just reminded me that it looks as though we are not going to get the promised rain, and I'd better go water the flowers on my deck. And the vegetables - one pepper and what looks like about 22,000 radishes!
ReplyDeleteWell, you have certainly piqued my interest! Now I am doubting my own ability to boil water! 😮 (Truly, I did not know how to boil water when I got married.) Just put that book in my Amazon cart.
ReplyDeleteWait, there's a way to boil water? (giggling)---enjoyed this post, Vee. Hope you have a beautiful Sunday.
ReplyDeleteThat macaroni salad looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteHi Vee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this book with us! I think I'm going to download it to my Kindle and see how I like it -- then I'll see if I want to buy a printed copy. :) I'm anxious to start reading it!
Your back yard is looking real pretty, Vee. Our whole yard is a mess right now. So much work to be done and not enough time and energy here. I know you'll enjoy your pretty outdoor area this summer.
Hope you have a good day, my friend.
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
The books sounds quite interesting...I may have to check it out! And your macaroni salad looks delicious...a sure sign of summer! Your outdoor room/yard is looking very nice with those lovely pops of color....enjoy it and thanks for the tip on the book!
ReplyDeleteI'm checking Everlasting Meal out of my local library tomorrow! Macaroni salad is one of my favorites--thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteI have been craving macaroni salad and just bought a package of pasta last week - now I must make it today! The books sounds so interesting and timely. It makes me happy to hear that you are anxious to get your outside room going again. It just takes getting started and so satisfying when accomplished. Hugs to you and happy reading today on this cool and cloudy day.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom used to make what she called macaroni salad,Vee, and now you have me wanting to make it. I'm sure you'll be enjoying many wonderful moments in your outdoor room. I'll need to look for that book...sounds like something that I'd love.
ReplyDeleteWell I admit I am intrigued, there are rules to boiling water? Another book goes on my list of must reads! I love your outdoor room, it seems a shame not to make the most of it. I can just see it all filled with flowers and maybe a hummingbird feeder :) Looking forward to seeing it made into your happy place!
ReplyDeleteHello Vee,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post and scrolling through some of the comments, I clicked over to our library and put the book on hold. There's no one ahead of me, so I should get it this week. I've been reading and hearing more and more about all the food that goes to waste in the developed world. Perhaps this will inspire me to do more with what I have. Like radish tops. I know they are edible, but I tend to chuck them into the compost.
Your outdoor room is coming together nicely. Isn't it wonderful to be able to be outdoors, and comfortable? Our warmth has cooled off, but the sun's heat will return soon. We never get as hot as you do, and there's no humidity in the air, so I almost always wear a sweater in the evenings.
Well, I succumbed to the lure of the cookbook ... Thriftbooks has a 20% off sale that ends tonight so I was able to get a used copy for $4. I had told myself No More Cookbooks, but will donate a few to salve my conscience.
ReplyDeleteHave you a copy of the More-With-Less Cookbook? It sounds as if it may be along the same lines. Mine is falling apart, I have used it so much.
I looked up the macaroni salad ... sounds scrumptious!
And your outdoor room is wonderful!
You will be happy to know that it is not a cookbook per se. It is a discussion of cooking with wonderful tips and suggestions. I just tried another today and it was marvelous! Who knew that one could “doctor” store-bought mayo for a more homemade taste? It sure was good with my poached egg. Four dollars is a deal! Score!
DeleteOh, that is good to know! As for mayo, one great tip I learned through the Cook & Tell newsletter of old is to add a bit of lime juice and curry powder for curry mayonnaise to keep on hand and use in various applications. I have done that a couple of times and enjoyed the flavor.
DeleteGlad to know $4 is a deal for the book!
There's is always something new to be learned! That sounds like a good read; I will have to check it out. I was given a copy of the More-with-Less cookbook as well...and need to be reminded that how we cook can make a difference in the world. Enjoy your outdoor room! It's looking good.
ReplyDeleteOOH, Pasta salad sounds so good. Well, I guess I need to check this book out now! Hugs and blessings dear Vee.
ReplyDeleteCindy
I thank you Vee for the mention and so happy you made the salad. It does speak of summer doesn't it? I am beyond thrilled you are back to blogging!!! Right where you belong!!!
ReplyDeleteOOOOO gotta love the summer pasta!!!! book sounds interesting..
ReplyDeleteHi Vee! This is Stickhorse V- So glad to have found you again! Last time I checked your blog was private--so glad you are back in the neighborhood! "C" and I have been talking about blogging again- she is doing the most amazing, clever poetry with illustrations. I have really missed the blogging community. Perhaps it's time!
ReplyDeleteHi Stickhorse V~
DeleteThank you for your comment...
It has been a long time and it is always exciting when bloggers return. (So many are leaving now with all the blogging woes going on.) Give C my best and tell her that I vote "yes."
I just took out 'Something Old, Something New by Tamar Adler from the library recently! I'll have to look into Everlasting Meal also. The macaroni salad sounds perfect for a hot day!
ReplyDeleteI love pasta salads but don't like mayo. I've experimented with pesto instead and it is very good. Summer rules!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I'm adding this book to my library list! I like food/cooking stories and reminiscences. Your macaroni salad looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteI am always glad to hear you mention John, one of the great cloud of witnesses. God bless him. Goo bless you, Vee. So glad you finally learned to boil water.
ReplyDeleteThat Macaroni salad sounded like me - easy Peary!
ReplyDeleteSo I called into Estelle’s and got the recipe!
Your outside room is looking lovely Vee. xx