Cooking and audio books do mix!

Welcome to November....can you believe it! The leaves are still fairly green around here!
So what do you like to do in the fall? I LOVE to bake apple pies! I didn't always. Actually I dreaded it! But a few years ago as part of our annual Over the Mountain Literary Series (in partnership with the Wilbraham Public Library) an author and baker named Ken Haedrich took part in our program. He brought his own kitchen set-up, complete with a mirror for the audience, an proceeded to show a packed house how to create the ultimate apple pie. I took notes! I bought his book! And I have never looked back. Check out Mr. Haedrich's masterpiece (and my pie bible) "Apple Pie Perfect: 100 Delicious and Decidedly Different Recipes for America's Favorite Pie". (available at your local library). I ALWAYS use the All-American Double Crust recipe and the Traditional Lattice Top Pie recipe. I'm telling you....these recipes have never disappointed! I even have friends asking me to bake them a pie...like that has ever happened before! Seriously, follow the instructions and you will be a believer!

And a quick note to make your baking experience more enjoyable...pop in an audio book! In my cooking craze, I have just finished two great listens... "On Chesil Beach" by Ian McEwan and "Cooked" a memoir by Jeff Henderson. Two totally different books and both worth a listen. I enjoy anything Ian McEwan writes and this was no exception. The regret of doing nothing, taking no action. Love, embarrassment, rigidity. A small but powerful novel with a wonderful interview with the author at the end.

"Cooked" is the story of how a drug dealer discovers his passion for cooking while in prison. When he is released he works his way into the most famed kitchens in California and Las Vegas.

I hope you find these suggestions inspiring! Happy baking...and listening!