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Crowned "Titan of the table art," James Beard was America's most celebrated chef for over five decades. This selection of letters and recipes written to his close friend and fellow chef Helen Evans Brown offers a rich, personal and unique food experience.
James Beard, a pioneer of modern American cookery was for over five decades America’s most celebrated cook and food writer. He trained three generations of American cooks, and his many cookbooks are gastronomic classics. Love and Kisses and a Halo of Truffles is a rich selection of more than 300 letters, many containing recipes, written to his close friend and fellow chef Helen Evans Brown over a period of twelve years. Focusing mainly on food but also filled with witty, insightful comments on the state of the world as he saw it, these letters offer an intimate look at American culinary and social history during a very important period of its evolution.
In the 1950s and ‘60s Helen Brown was the culinary authority of the West Coast--Beard revered her, placing her on a par with M. F. K. Fisher. Brown and Beard wrote each other at least twice a week, sharing their gastronomic musings and the results of their daily inspirations--many of which would later appear in their books. Both traveled extensively, and in their warm epistolary dialogues they expounded on their philosophy of eating, the art of cooking, and their often exotic forays into foreign cuisines. Beard loved food--good food--and his exuberance and enthusiasm are both overwhelming and infectious. He was also demanding and exacting, and never minced words when served a meal he considered less than perfect. Thus his correspondence is spiced with his utterly charming yet often caustic views on food, wine, and the art of eating. This lively correspondence between two food giants, thoughtfully culled and put into context by Beard’s close friend and editor John Ferrone, is also a testament to a beautiful and moving friendship.
Price: $13.95
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