I sometimes indulge myself and try to remember the eleven year old version of me. I hated the number eleven as much as ever. I was uncynical, unrealistic and was forever mixing up baking powder and baking soda. Many a cookie attempt was foiled in my eleven year old days.

I remember trying to read under blankets to dim the glow from my rechargeable flashlight. All in an attempt to keep my parents from telling me I had read my last “one more chapter”.

I remember the books I read and how I built genuine friendships with fictional characters that satisfied me so much more than any interactions I made with real people.

Everything about those books is perfect. They are perfect because as they transitioned from Current Reality Stage to Fond Memory Stage, my mind coated them in some nostalgic, glittery potion which makes me love them more than anything.

Lately I have met with some amazing books.

I want to share them with you, maybe you will hide under quilts with rechargeable flashlights and tell yourself "just one more chapter".

Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. I love food history and this book is perhaps one of the most in-depth accounts of the ingredient which is ubiquitous in every food culture.

Encyclopedia Exquisite: Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights Jessica Kerwin Jenkins has my unfailing love for writing this book. Everything that is lovely, from champagne to top hats, has a place in this collection. A captivating history.

The Kinfolk Table: Recipes for Small Gatherings is always in my reading rotation. Beautiful photography and simple recipes - it is perfection.

I would love to hear what’s currently sitting on your night stand and what you just can’t put down. Please feel free to share in the comments!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie