This book was read by Courtney Bippley, a Reference Librarian at the Main Campus Library.

Why did you choose to read this book?

The cover was really pretty. Seriously. I was putting up the ‘Written in their Own Words’ display and found this book. It was pretty enough, and looked interesting enough, that I decided to read it.

What did you like about it?

I liked the descriptions of food in the book. The author is a chef and her love of food and passion for cooking is obvious. She describes learning to cook in three different countries and the similarities and differences of each which is always fascinating to me.

Was there anything noteworthy about the book?

Each chapter ends with recipes. They all sound delicious, though most are outside my comfort zone in the kitchen. I did make the recipe for Orange Cardamom Cookies. I followed the recipe exactly.* The cookies were delicately flavored shortbread cookies that had a nice taste or orange and poppy seed while making sure the cardamom wasn’t too strong. They go well with hot tea.

Who would you recommend the book to?

Anyone who likes a chef memoir and new recipes to try.

What would you pair this book with?

One of the cookies I made. But, I ate them all so you’re out of luck.

*Actually, I added an extra egg yolk so the dough would stick together easier. I also did not get the predicted three dozen cookies. One batch was really more like 18 cookies. I guess I accidentally made them larger than intended since I had to almost double the baking time. But, other than that, I followed the recipe exactly.