by Jennifer A. Wickes
copyright 2005
Sometimes, one must journey outside the typical cookbook to receive inspiration for the next meal, or possibly a recipe.
One day, having been smitten with Provence, France for a long time, I discovered the Travel Literature section of my local bookstore. I found a book entitled "A Year in Provence" by Peter Mayle. This book chronicles the author and his wife's move from their home in England to Provence, France. The book, broken down by the months of the year, tells us what the Mayles encountered whether it be people, customs, food or weather. The book is quite amusing as Mayle describes the French as well as he and his wife's innocent, naive approach to the Provencial way of life. Throughout the book, Mayle describes delicious foods that only the French could have developed. The description of the food and Provence made me want to travel there! Oh! How I would LOVE to go to France! If you are interested in French food, check out this book! It is a quick read, and very entertaining.
"A Year in Provence"
Peter Mayle
Publisher: Vintage; Reprint edition (June 4, 1991)
ISBN: 0679731148
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
Another lovely book is "Under The Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes. The author, a professor at San Francisco State University, loves Tuscany, Italy. She often spent summers there. One summer, at the spur of the moment, she decides to buy a second home there. She describes the Tuscan people, land, culture and food like only one would who has an extreme love of the area. Her book was so popular, that Hollywood could not resist in turning it into a major motion picture starring Diane Lane. Frances Mayle's recipes in the book are easy to follow and delicious! Some of the recipes included in this novel are Hazelnut Gelato, Folded Peach Tart with Marscapone, Cherries Steeped in Red Wine and Basil & Lemon Chicken!
"Under The Tuscan Sun"
Frances Mayes
Publisher: Broadway; Reprint edition (September 1, 1997)
ISBN: 0767900383
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
Having seen the movie first, I decided to read the book: "Like Water For Chocolate" by Laura Esquivel. This fictional story based in Mexico tells of a young woman whom is destined by tradition to care for her mother in old age and be refused marriage. As luck would have it, she is in love with a man, who loves her as well. To be close to her, he agrees to marry her sister. The main character of the story puts her passion and sorrow into her cooking. Whenever she created a meal, the consumers of her dishes would display the emotions she had during the cooking process, whether it be sexual desire or extreme sorrow. This book is also broken up into months, offering a recipe each month, such as Quail in Rose Petal Sauce, Ox-Tail Soup, Wedding Cake and even how to make your own matches! If you enjoy love stories and Mexican food, this book may be an interesting read for you!
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