by MFK Fisher.
One of the 20th Century's greatest food writers, MFK Fisher wrote this book to inspire those who were daunted by the wartime shortages of the 1940's. Beautifully written prose and frugal recipes still speak to any cook who values recipes that are simple, sustaining and affordable as well as delicious. Her perspectives on both WWII and post-WWII life in the United States is also wonderful for the food historian interested in how foodways are affected by worldwide events.
"How to be a sage without hemlock" discusses eating with a sense of balance and challenges the idea large multi-course dinners as well as the idea that each meal be balanced.
"Next, and most important perhaps, "balance" is something that depends entirely upon the individual. One man, because of his chemical setup, may need many proteins. Another, more nervous perhaps [or even more phlegmatic], may find meats and eggs and cheese an active poison, and have to live with what grace he can on salads and cooked squash."
And - what made me love this book even more is her no-nonsense way of writing - “One of the saving graces of the less-monied people of the world has always been, theoretically, that they were forced to eat more unadulterated, less dishonest food than the rich-bitches,”
Catchy and Snarky - here are some of the chapters you'll find in this book!
How to Catch a Wolf
How to Distribute Your Virtue
How Not to Boil an Egg
How to Rise Up Like New Bread
How to Be Cheerful Through Starving
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