One book, two book, three book, four!

What books are on your nightstand?

Without fail, I usually have a stack 6-books high on mine and they all relate to cooking or food. Currently, I am in packing mode due to my move at the end of the month (Boooooooo!). However, my books will go unpacked and travel with me reverently from one bedroom to the next. My books are like Linus' security blanket. Just looking over at them sends tingles of elation and soothing solace. I know I can delve into their pages for instant decompression after a hard day. They pacify me with their pictures, stories, boundless knowledge and inspiration.  I can forget the burdens of the day, even if for just a few treasured moments.

I keep two journals and a pencil on top of the collection so that I can jot down any revelations that come to me. The pink one is for recipes. I write down ones I want to try or ideas of my own that I feel are particularly genius or a new topic  I want to investigate. I recently became obsessed with making cheese and as you may know...olive oil (see previous post). The lavender one is reserved for my musings and plans for cookbooks, TV shows, business plans and dreams! It's filled with sketches and brain storms.

I have an assortment of culinary books. I usually have a literary piece, several recipe collections and often times a textbook or reference book. Right now for instance, I am reading "My life in France" by the famed Julia Child. I just finished reading "Julie & Julia", which, by the way, was far and away superior to the film. Julie Powell turned out to be much more raw and raunchy in her writing than the PG rated version on the silver screen. I also just received a desk copy of "On Food and Cooking" and "Garde Manger: The Art and Craft of the Cold Kitchen" from the CIA (Culinary Institute of America). In addition, I have just procured a copy of "Things Cooks Love: Implements, Ingredients, Recipes" from Sur la Table. Lastly, for some pretty pictures and inspirations, I have "Desserts: Best of Martha Stewart".

I will be honest with you. I am cheap! I don't like to pay full price for books. It really has to be something special for me to pay list price or I just deposited my tax return. I am regular at "Half Price Books". If a new book comes out that I must, must, must have....I know that soon enough the remainders will show up on the shelf at HPB. I have even scored PBS books that have been sold for pennies on the dollar. I must say, it's an excellent way to build a library. One must simply employ some patience and a sense of determination. With a little luck and some sweet talking, you can even add your name to a wish list at the store, if a specific title is desired.

So there you have it, dear reader. That's what is on my nightstand at the moment. Sure I might be a tad bit possessed with the science of cooking, the art of cooking and the literary expression of cooking but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy reading and eating!!!!!!

P.S. Just because this is MY blog and I can write anything I want. Happy Birthday to my sweet Aiden-Baby.  It's not everyday that a young man turns 6! Mimi loves you, Darling.