title: At Grandmother's Table
author/editor: Ellen Perry Berkeley
reviewed by: Alexandra
AT GRANDMOTHER'S TABLE
Edited by Ellen Perry Berkeley, At Grandmother's Table is a lovely gift book that would appeal to grandmothers and granddaughters and, even for those who are just grandmothers-to-be someday. The subtitle of the book says it all: Women Write about Food, Life, and the Enduring Bond between Grandmothers and Granddaughters.
In this collection, each of sixty-eight contributors shares a story about her grandmother and a treasured family recipe. With ethnic diversity and savory ingredients, the recipes are absolutely wonderful and include Borscht, Fried Tomatoes with Gravy, Babka, Leprechaun Salad, Biscotti, Thousand Island Pickles, Pussy Feet Cookies, Indian Chicken Curry, Pork and Knadels, Frijoles, Violet Jam and Chicken Soup.
Many of the stories involve the hours spent together in the kitchen. One author admits that she, "had been Grandma's eager pupil in all the homemaking arts disdained by my modern mother." This book really is a tribute to the time spent creating a home, an art too easily set aside today. While cooking with Grandma, you could almost certainly count on learning about life.
Another contributor recalls that her grandmother "dished up butter beans and talk on summer Sundays." With the courage to survive wars, to immigrate to America and to raise families through severe hardships, these women touched young lives with their strength.
A granddaughter speaks with admiration about her "sightless Nana--looking over my shoulder and pointing out the best things in life." Another essayist with a warm appreciation for the lost art of letter- writing, remembers her grand-mother, at the kitchen table, with pen in hand, truly creating "sacred space in an ordinary place."
With warmth, humor and sensitivity, this book reflects upon the sacred space of home and family.
Alexandra adds, "Cooking was never my forte but creating a centered home is what it has always been about for me. Even as my one son and four daughters grow and head off on their own, home is still here when they need a respite or a recharge."