I've been away from this blog for way too long now. It seems life has gotten in the way of the important ritual of sitting down to share a thought or a recipe, and isn't that just the way it often goes for a writer? And yet, one must make time to sit, to write, and to give our words away.
Since the book launch in March, I've had the chance to read from my cookbook several times, including at an intimate dinner party in London, and a crowded rooftop brunch in Berlin. A few of these readings were quite emotional for me. I had two surprise appearances at Reader's Books in Oakland: a friend from high school I hadn't seen in 25 years, and a college pal who I lost touch with two decades ago. What a wonderful feeling it is to be found again.
I'm planning more readings for this fall and winter too (see this info for the reprise reading at Expressions Gallery in Berkeley on 11/16). But this blog post is about taking this very moment to be grateful, to acknowledge the love, support, and enthusiasm I've received from all my readers, and and to give back with a few photos, and of course, a recipe.
Check out this Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe from my blog The Catalyst. It's the same one from the cookbook, chapter titled, "Kitchen Sister," and it comes with a few writing prompts, as all of the posts do on that blog. You can find other recipes there as well, and there are more recipes coming. I'm already working on a second book (Kitchen Inheritance Two: More Memories and Recipes from my Family of Cooks).
In the meantime, keep trying out my recipes from the first book, and keep sending me photos and messages. You inspire me.
In Berlin, with the beautiful Oberbaumbrucke behind me, circa 1895. (July 2018)
In Mill Valley, with flowers from a friend's garden (May 2018)
Looking very serious while signing books at Reader's Books in Oakland. (June 2018)