Books & Bakes: 2017

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Americanah

Nigerian Fanta Chapman

Classic Akkara Balls

Ewedu Soup

Amala (pounded yams)

Jollof Rice and Tomato Stew

Nigerian Meat Pie

Iceberg Lettuce Salad

Dodo (Fried Plantains)

Mango Banana Ice-Cream Sundaes

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WHAT IS THIS?

Books & Bakes is a dream come true. Each month I hold one or two at-home literary and food salons where people come to discuss a book that I've chosen.

I cook food -- food that hopefully relates to the book we've read. We drink -- or not -- and talk for hours. We talk about the writer. We talk about the time period in which the book was written. We talk about the cultural context. We talk about the characters and the plot and whether we loved the book, hated the book or fell somewhere in-between.

We never talk about our children, our love lives or politics unless they have something to do with the book.

We don't gossip.

We all love books and food. Some of us like to drink and others don't.

Think Gertrude Stein and 27 Rue de Fleurus: Alice B. Toklas, Picasso, Hemingway, Matisse, Fernande Olivier, Marie Laurencin and Apollinaire, Sitwell and Fitzgerald. All gathered at one point or another to laugh and enjoy one another's art and company.

Think Provencal Fish Stew, a French Vacherin with Macerated Raspberries, Toasted Baguette with Aioli, Columbian Arepas, Vietnamese Noodle Salad, a Red Wine Dark Chocolate Cake.

If you'd rather recreate in your own home, let me know. Pick a book, invite your friends -- I'll take care of the rest.