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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
This book was so beautifully written I wanted to copy out whole chapters by hand like a medieval monk. Fisher wrote this book during World War II to help people live as comfortably as possible in difficult circumstances, and this edition contains a large number of bracketed insertions that she added during the 1950s. This can occasionally be a little jarring. There are also some ways in which the book is sadly dated, particularly when Fisher talks about people from non-Western cultures and their traditional foods. I haven't yet tried any of the recipes but there are several that intrigued me. This is a book I can foresee going back to many times, both for comfort and support during lean times and to better appreciate my own good fortune during better times.
"I believe that one if the most dignified ways we are capable of, to assert and then reassert our dignity in the face of poverty and war's fears and pains, is to nourish ourselves with all possible skill, delicacy, and ever-increasing enjoyment." Word to live by, I think. I didn't love-love-love this book but it was fascinating as a historical document; the theme holds up even if some of the tips and recipes are old-fashioned; and Fisher's writing is a treat. Better to pop in and read a chapter here or there than sit down and was the entire book at once as I tried to do.
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
M.F.K. Fisher's timeless masterpiece, "How to Cook a Wolf," is a culinary classic that transcends generations, offering readers a delightful journey through the art of cooking and eating during challenging times. Originally published in 1942, this book has stood the test of time and continues to be a source of inspiration for food enthusiasts and home cooks alike.
Fisher's prose is both eloquent and comforting, weaving a tapestry of words that not only teaches you how to prepare delicious meals but also nourishes your soul with her vivid storytelling. The book's title, inspired by a quote from the Roman poet Horace, serves as a metaphor for the resilience and resourcefulness required in times of scarcity. Fisher imparts invaluable lessons on making the most of limited ingredients and creating meals that are not only satisfying but also deeply satisfying.
One of the standout features of "How to Cook a Wolf" is Fisher's ability to embrace frugality without compromising on flavor. Her recipes are practical, budget-friendly, and often surprisingly luxurious given the circumstances. She teaches readers to approach cooking as an art form, where creativity and resourcefulness are key ingredients.
Throughout the book, Fisher's writing is infused with a sense of humor and a dash of whimsy, making it a pleasure to read. Her anecdotes and personal experiences add depth and personality to the recipes, making them more relatable and enticing. She also shares her insights on the role of food in our lives, exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of eating, which elevates this book beyond a mere cookbook.
While "How to Cook a Wolf" is a timeless gem, it's important to note that some of the recipes may feel a bit outdated or impractical for modern cooks accustomed to the convenience of contemporary kitchen appliances and readily available ingredients. However, Fisher's principles and philosophy remain relevant, encouraging readers to adapt and improvise in their own kitchens.
M.F.K. Fisher's "How to Cook a Wolf" is a must-read for anyone with a passion for both food and literature. It is a book that not only teaches you how to cook but also inspires you to approach life's challenges with creativity and resilience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, Fisher's words will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and ignite your culinary imagination. This timeless classic is a treasure trove of wisdom, wit, and gastronomic delights that will continue to enchant and nourish readers for generations to come.
Fisher's prose is both eloquent and comforting, weaving a tapestry of words that not only teaches you how to prepare delicious meals but also nourishes your soul with her vivid storytelling. The book's title, inspired by a quote from the Roman poet Horace, serves as a metaphor for the resilience and resourcefulness required in times of scarcity. Fisher imparts invaluable lessons on making the most of limited ingredients and creating meals that are not only satisfying but also deeply satisfying.
One of the standout features of "How to Cook a Wolf" is Fisher's ability to embrace frugality without compromising on flavor. Her recipes are practical, budget-friendly, and often surprisingly luxurious given the circumstances. She teaches readers to approach cooking as an art form, where creativity and resourcefulness are key ingredients.
Throughout the book, Fisher's writing is infused with a sense of humor and a dash of whimsy, making it a pleasure to read. Her anecdotes and personal experiences add depth and personality to the recipes, making them more relatable and enticing. She also shares her insights on the role of food in our lives, exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of eating, which elevates this book beyond a mere cookbook.
While "How to Cook a Wolf" is a timeless gem, it's important to note that some of the recipes may feel a bit outdated or impractical for modern cooks accustomed to the convenience of contemporary kitchen appliances and readily available ingredients. However, Fisher's principles and philosophy remain relevant, encouraging readers to adapt and improvise in their own kitchens.
M.F.K. Fisher's "How to Cook a Wolf" is a must-read for anyone with a passion for both food and literature. It is a book that not only teaches you how to cook but also inspires you to approach life's challenges with creativity and resilience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, Fisher's words will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and ignite your culinary imagination. This timeless classic is a treasure trove of wisdom, wit, and gastronomic delights that will continue to enchant and nourish readers for generations to come.
Very glad I cracked open this book long ago, put it down, and then read most of it over the last month. This book, with its advice about cooking in a cramped London apartment in a blackout during the Blitz or when the gas is cut off or when there is *truly* no money or no food, is a helpful reframing of the current situation and the choices we make in hard times (if we can call them choices at all). It’s also a timely reminder that food is so much more than just getting enough energy to slog through work every day; food is also culture and love and art and science and community and a way to make a statement about who we are.
More shameful that putting off Pride & Prejudice so long was ignoring MFK Fisher’s work until now. Hands down the best food writing I’ve encountered, this book about eating and living well during wartime was a pleasure start to finish.
The eponymous wolf is the proverbial "wolf at the door" when times are lean. MFKF wrote this book basically about cooking during the rationing and shortages of World War II. It is strange to read this book today and think about the huge impact that War had on Americans' lives in the 1940s, even though almost none of the conflict took place on American soil, and contrast that with the near-zero impact of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars on my own life. Nonetheless, the book is surprisingly accessible and relatable. It is no survivalist fantasia; rather, MFKF seems to use the state of exigency as just an intensifier to bring into relief the values and opinions that she already holds on food and its appropriate role in our lives.
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Loved every minute of this book. Practical, helpful, and extremely funny! She had me laughing out loud a few times with her zingers. This woman was a master. A great read for anyone who cares about food.
What a lovely book to read. Set in 1942 in the middle of WWII, the book ostensibly was for women who were providing food for their families in the middle of rationing and shortages. For me, it is more about the author's love affair with food, MFKF sums it up most aptly with "...since we must eat to live, we might as well do it with both grace and gusto." Some of the language is unsurprisingly antiquated, and she writes with brilliance, humor, and passion. A delightful book.