December 6, 2021
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I hope you are HUNGRY. I have two brand new cookbooks to share with you today that will have you drooling for something delicious to eat. The first one is all about cheese. Anything and everything about this creamy delight is yours for the taking between the covers of Erika Kubick’s new book. The second book takes a deep dive into the Alsace region of France and all of the mouth watering recipes that come from this unique area. Gabriel Kreuther will make your stomach growl with hunger. I promise. Let’s take a look at these two yummy reads.
Cheese Sex Death: A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed by Erika Kubick covers cheese from head to toe. Kubick guides you on everything from selecting cheese, to pairing wine with cheese, to plating cheese and then some. She offers tips on how to talk to your local cheese monger, what knives to use and of course, decadent recipes to show off your newfound skills. Kubick sets her book up like the Bible. The first section is The Old Testament followed by The New Testament. She offers readers the 10 Commandments of cheese and talks of rituals, rights, and holy sacraments in reference to “Cheesus”. Her book is clever, entertaining and extremely informative. There is fabulous art work and appealing photographs that will have you beyond engrossed. I am working on my cheese board game these days and this book is guiding me every step of the way. Know your audience before gifting this book for its religious satire may not be for everyone.
I was so excited to receive a copy of The Spirit of Alsace: A Cookbook by Gabriel Kreuther. Alsace is a historical region in Northern France that borders Germany and Switzerland. My mom’s side of the family (Etzkorn) was from Alsace back when it was part of Germany. Through the centuries it has been controlled by France and Germany and the recipes reflect both countries in many different ways. Since its Christmas time, I of course jumped straight to the My Mother’s Holiday Cookies section. I made the Nusli cookie which is a buttery treat dipped into melted chocolate. Talk about simple yet ridiculously fabulous!!!!! These cookies were not too sweet and were perfect with a piping hot mug of coffee. I even had a few for breakfast the other day. In addition to gorgeous cookies and desserts, Kreuther includes recipes inspired by his childhood living on a farm in rural Alsace and recipes from his career as an award-winning chef here in the states. His stories are heartwarming, the photographs are incredible and his book is an absolute staple in my kitchen. Cooking through this beauty has been such a joy knowing that I have roots in this special region.
You are officially all set if you are in the market for solid cookbooks for the foodie in your life. I highly recommend one or both of these books this holiday season.
Cheers to having a blast in the kitchen!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S If you are looking for some foodie memoirs to read or gift this holiday season, be sure to check out my Festive Foodies in the Wild Books & Pairings RIGHT HERE!
***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY.
