I'm now a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, IOBA. Helping to ensure the preservation of traditional bookselling values and high standards for you, the customer!
If you love books, you can imagine how fun it would be to have a bookshop all to yourself. Liz Pollock, owner of the Cook’s Bookcase, let me live that dream by inviting me into her cozy home store that specializes in food literature of all kinds. Having grown up with food (“Julia Child was my babysitter,” she joked), Pollock has brought her love for food, print, and community together to create her store.
A culinary enthusiast and book lovers dream…
The books span topics from seaweed (a whole BOOK about seaweed!), to French cooking, to local cooks like Gayle and Joe Ortiz of Gayle’s Bakery. Pollock stressed that she wants people to USE her books, even if they are classics or collectables. Her dream is that the books she sells will help people learn to cook. After getting a little help finding the right book, I decided to do just that.
My book of inspiration…
I grabbed some beets from Live Oak Farmers Market, and set out to make oregano biscuits and beets with tahini.
How beautiful is this leafy dough?
Being my first time cooking with beets, it didn’t take long for me to really get the whole “turning beet red” phrase. I just kept thinking, “Wow, my hands really are BEET RED!” It was reminiscent of the first time I got the whole, “it’s like learning how to ride a bike,” thing.
Delicious, fresh and inspired!
There were a couple mistakes along the way (like realizing that I had used the wrong measuring cup, only after blaming the recipe for not using enough flour. Everyone does that, right?), but in the end I had a delicious meal. If Liz Pollock’s hope is for people to learn to make great food from her books, then I like to think that in a small way I helped to realize that dream.
The Cook’s Bookcase is a fantastic place to find unique and inspiring recipes that can make any seasoned or aspiring chef shine. Explore books full of recipes, techniques & information on gastronomy & wine that will bring your kitchen to life and introduce new flavors into your home. Let new recipes impress your holiday guests or find a one-of-a-kind gift for any book lover or aspiring chef on your list. Shop online here and begin browsing the aisles!
So happy to meet everyone at the recent "Gastronomy & Fine Print Symposium"!
The Book Club of California in SF really put on a wonderful show last weekend; I enjoyed hearing all the presentations and panel discussions! If there is a book you saw and would like to order from the event, please call me (831) 251-9218.
Done in a similar style to oil painting, illustrator Jason Seiler depicts James Beard, Joyce Chen, Julia Child, Edna Lewis, and Felipe Rojas-Lombardi on the newest sheet of "Forever" 1st class postage.
the Cook's Bookcase continues to offer books by these wonderful chefs...call for more info (831) 251-9218
I do Not discriminate against customers based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, or religion.
I also strongly believe in the Freedom to Read, but want to make clear that as a bookseller operating in the public sphere that it is my policy to Not actively buy, sell or trade any material which promotes Racism or Hate towards any group.
As a bookseller I love what I do - I love the conversations I have with customers about preparing food, collecting recipes, family traditions, reaching out to people world wide! I sell books, manuscripts and ephemeral material to patrons through the store’s website, at various book fairs, and when people visit the store by appointment.
We have lots of books about making your own preserves and jams; with suggestions for equipment needed, precautions ensuring safety, and at the same time having fun in the kitchen with your family.
Featured here is one in the series of Mrs. Beeton's in Uniform Volumes. Mrs. Beeton's Jam-Making. Including Preserves, Marmalades & Pickles and Home-made Wines. The 1925 London edition with 400 recipes. More info, (831) 251-9218
Looking forward to the 36th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, July 25-27th, 2014!
The Cook’s Bookcase has lots of books featuring the winning recipes from this fantastic food festival; flaming entrees, side dishes, salads, and yes, desserts!
