Provence, 1970

For September we read Provence, 1970 : M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste by Luke Barr.

We had mixed feelings about the book. About half the group finished reading it. People who liked it liked that it gave them further glimpses into the lives of foodies we have read about before (especially Julia and her adoring husband). Others felt the translation of the story from journals and letters felt a bit stilted. It was hard not to mirror some of MFK's frustrations, as she (and the book) did not bask in the sensual pleasures of French food as much as other times/books of this type. Overall, we felt this book was interesting enough, but really only hard core foodies could truly enjoy it, and it might have been better if we had read more of MFK's writing before reading this one.

Berets loaned by HMcN

While the responses to the book were less than enthusiastic overall, our feast was above average. 

Fresh from Katie's garden!

Wonderful cheese and pickles by KW

Charcuterie supreme by KW

A last taste of summer, from HMcN

DMR's Costco chicken, carved by KS

Impossibly Easy French apple pie - KS

Zucchini gratin by KS

Darn good French macrons a'la Costco - DMR

Croque Monsieur - Casserole Style - by Bobbi

Madelines - provided by Bobbi?

For October, we are discussing The Bees by Laline Paull. This is a bit of a change of pace from our usual books...a dystopian story that takes place in a hive, from the point of view of a bee!

I expect to see lots of dishes made with honey, and maybe some edible flowers?

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!