Synopsis: Elena is a chef that is given her dream of running her own kitchen in a world-class restaurant. She constantly deals with pain in her body and soul from a tragic accident in which she was the only survivor. Running her own kitchen brings on many challenges with a unique set of characters and soon leads to a romance with the owner of the restaurant. Elena cooks with passion through her pain while she learns to deal with the ghosts of her past.
Recipes Embedded Throughout the Story:
Abuela Maria Elena’s Posole (p.54)
Mayan Hot Chocolate (p.70)
Juan’s Carne en Su Jugo (p.107)
Pomegranate Baklava (p. 197)
Banana and Chocolate Chip Pancakes (p. 221)
Pan De Muerto (Bread of the Dead) p. 266
Tansy’s Churros (p. 281)
Traditional Pork & Red Chile Tamales (p. 316 – Winter Section)
The Ultimate Restorative Chicken Soup (p. 374)
Polvorones (Mexican Christmas Cookies) p. 390
Ivan’s French Toast (p. 408) Carnitas (p. 432)
Mexican Wedding Cookies (Epilogue)
Personal Notes: I have made my own version of Carnitas with a few different spices but they are never as soft and/or tasty. I believes it is because I do not cook with lard; the recipe in this book uses lard and the spices are different but common. The chicken soup recipe my mother has made many times but she insists you must have a stewing chicken and add cumin. This is a wonderful story with Hispanic cultural elements that made me smile and remember my past. Barbara O’Neal is my new favorite author!
My favorite Foodie experiences including books, movies, recipes, cookbooks, moments, and anything else related to food.
Showing posts with label Novels With Recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Novels With Recipes. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Francesca's Kitchen by Peter Pezzelli ISBN: 0758213271
Synopsis: Francesca an older Italian Lady, whom is widowed with grown children, finds herself feeling useless after a long life of relishing in the busyness of the everyday family life. She soon finds a single-mom family that needs her as much as she needs them. With her wisdom and cooking abilities, this needy family and her begin to heal the wounds of lonliness.
Recipes in Back of Book:
Billy’s Funghi Ripieni (Stuffed Mushrooms)
Alice’s Arance e Pepe (Oranges and Pepper)
Corianne’s Spaghetti Agliio e Olio (Garlic & Oil Sauce)
Norma’s Lasagna
Sue’s Zcchini Frittata
Camella’s Anisette Biscotti
Other Recipes: What I love about this book is that the author embeds recipes in the descriptive actions of his main character. You can follow Francesca’s recipes throughout the story. I have listed the page numbers below with the dish she made. I have made her “Tomato Sauce” which is actually a wonderful Spaghetti sauce (with a few of my own modifications of course). It is wonderful and has now become one of my staple meals. You won’t ever eat plan Spaghetti sauce again! In the book, she serves this sauce with soft bread and it makes a meal.
Francesca’s Tomato Salad (p.16)
Francesca’s Simple Beef Dinner (p. 32)
Francesca’s Chocolate Cake (p. 157)
Francesca’s Soup (p. 188)
Francesca’s Tomato Sauce (p. 190)
Francesca’s Chicken Topping (p. 232)
– She also makes Sausage & Peppers and Baked Ziti for her son along with this chicken but these two dishes are not described on how they are made.
Personal Notes: It was this book that sparked my ”foodie” book passion to read stories that have recipes in them and/or food themes. This book is absolutely wonderful!
Recipes in Back of Book:
Billy’s Funghi Ripieni (Stuffed Mushrooms)
Alice’s Arance e Pepe (Oranges and Pepper)
Corianne’s Spaghetti Agliio e Olio (Garlic & Oil Sauce)
Norma’s Lasagna
Sue’s Zcchini Frittata
Camella’s Anisette Biscotti
Other Recipes: What I love about this book is that the author embeds recipes in the descriptive actions of his main character. You can follow Francesca’s recipes throughout the story. I have listed the page numbers below with the dish she made. I have made her “Tomato Sauce” which is actually a wonderful Spaghetti sauce (with a few of my own modifications of course). It is wonderful and has now become one of my staple meals. You won’t ever eat plan Spaghetti sauce again! In the book, she serves this sauce with soft bread and it makes a meal.
Francesca’s Tomato Salad (p.16)
Francesca’s Simple Beef Dinner (p. 32)
Francesca’s Chocolate Cake (p. 157)
Francesca’s Soup (p. 188)
Francesca’s Tomato Sauce (p. 190)
Francesca’s Chicken Topping (p. 232)
– She also makes Sausage & Peppers and Baked Ziti for her son along with this chicken but these two dishes are not described on how they are made.
Personal Notes: It was this book that sparked my ”foodie” book passion to read stories that have recipes in them and/or food themes. This book is absolutely wonderful!
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