This fall, I’ve been diving into fall recipes, pouring over ideas for roasted squash, pumpkin bread, carrot soup, and almond-crusted chicken. I am here for it all. (Of course, the Corgis are more than happy to help.) So today, we’re looking at two of my favorite cookbooks, especially for fall seasonal cooking.
But first, I have two more university press titles you should check out and another reminder to check out our personalized TBR service, where you can get book recommendations tailored to you.
Bookish Goods
Book Lover Librarian Mug by Sandalwood Design Shop
I love this quote, and it’s delightful to see all of the creativity used to turn the words into creative designs. This one’s for the tarot card lovers. $15
New Releases
Trauma Sponges: Dispatches from the Scarred Heart of Emergency Response by Jeremy Norton (University Of Minnesota Press)
Jeremy Norton writes about his experience as a firefighter and emergency responder based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Norton describes his experience through the pandemic and being one of the first responders on the scene of George Floyd’s murder.
Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better by Myisha Cherry (Princeton University Press)
Myisha Cherry examines the ways that society views forgiveness and how those ideas function in society. Cherry argues that our current understanding of forgiveness fails to support lasting change.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes by Ronni Lundy
Ronni Lundy won a James Beard Award for this incredible Appalachian cookbook. It examines the ways the recipes have been handed down, from family member to family member, turning into the recipes we love and know today. Some people outside the region might be surprised to learn that South Appalachia’s cuisine is made up of a diverse range of food traditions that often overlap in unique ways. Using some of the world’s simplest ingredients — like beans, corn, and greens —Lundy gives readers a walkthrough on how to create incredibly delicious and complex dishes. Johnny Autry’s photos are an incredible companion.
In Pursuit of Flavor: The Beloved Classic Cookbook from the Acclaimed Author of The Taste of Country Cooking by Edna Lewis
Edna Lewis is an Appalachian treasure. Every time I begin looking for new recipes from this book to try, I find myself immersed in detailed discussions about why Lewis has crafted a recipe in a certain way. Sometimes she describes why she doesn’t want to use baking powder for a biscuit recipe because of its aftertaste. Or maybe she’s describing why a certain ingredient must be in season for the recipe to work. These seemingly small details (to the modern home cook, anyway) are vitally important to Lewis’ approach to food. These recipes represent a master at work.
That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.
Happy Reading, Friends!
~ Kendra