I had the opportunity to be an early reader for Shauna Niequist's new book, Bread and Wine. If you've read anything by Shauna, you know that she is incredibly honest and authentic in her writing. I've always appreciated her ability to connect deeply with the human soul. Bread and Wine did not disappoint.
Shauna's a foodie and I can relate- no problem! Like the author, I remember important events by food. For a long time I thought this was superficial, and on some level it may be, but I'm ready to embrace my love of food. From the flavors of a good dessert to being deeply with God through the simple task of picking fruit-I'm all in.
Bread and Wine calls readers to think critically about our relationship with food. To be honest, as a mom, I've been a little overwhelmed by the whole food discussion. There is much to consider. All worthy of my attention but not worthy of my anxiety. I try to create menus but I end up with little energy and settle for the nearest local restaurant. Shauna takes away the pressure to be the perfect cook and emphasizes the relationships around the table. Focusing heavily on the meaning that can come from providing nourishment to family and friends.
Over the course of reading this book, I found myself relaxing when I was in the kitchen. Even though I love to eat, preparing the food has never my favorite. I gave Shauna a chance and was pleasantly surprised. Bread and Wine is not a gourmet cookbook but she treats the reader to great recipes that I could conquer. Thus far, my favorite was the Chicken Enchiladas. With each experiment, I am became more confident. Venturing out and even trying Goat Cheese Biscuits. (Never in my life did I think I would actually use Goat Cheese.) And tonight we're going to try Shauna's Mango Chicken Curry. I have fresh Ginger in my house...that has to say something about the courage Shauna has given me!
But recipes aside, Bread and Wine really focuses on the heart of the matter. Food can provide nourishment to our food, souls, and communities. Jason and I love to have people around our table. One of my favorite memories is the meal we shared when we told our close friends that we were going to be starting the adoption process to bring home a baby boy. We sat around the table sharing our hopes and fears and asking for friend to join us in the journey. That evening of food and relationship still holds such significance in our road to Matty.
I have to say, I've really enjoyed the past few weeks of reacquainting myself with the kitchen. I look forward to upcoming meals and relationships that are spurred on from this endeavor. Thanks to Shauna for being a mentor and coach on this part of my journey!
Bread and Wine will be out sometime later this month-I encourage you to check it out. Enjoy the Chicken Enchiladas!
Michelle
Shauna's a foodie and I can relate- no problem! Like the author, I remember important events by food. For a long time I thought this was superficial, and on some level it may be, but I'm ready to embrace my love of food. From the flavors of a good dessert to being deeply with God through the simple task of picking fruit-I'm all in.
Bread and Wine calls readers to think critically about our relationship with food. To be honest, as a mom, I've been a little overwhelmed by the whole food discussion. There is much to consider. All worthy of my attention but not worthy of my anxiety. I try to create menus but I end up with little energy and settle for the nearest local restaurant. Shauna takes away the pressure to be the perfect cook and emphasizes the relationships around the table. Focusing heavily on the meaning that can come from providing nourishment to family and friends.
Over the course of reading this book, I found myself relaxing when I was in the kitchen. Even though I love to eat, preparing the food has never my favorite. I gave Shauna a chance and was pleasantly surprised. Bread and Wine is not a gourmet cookbook but she treats the reader to great recipes that I could conquer. Thus far, my favorite was the Chicken Enchiladas. With each experiment, I am became more confident. Venturing out and even trying Goat Cheese Biscuits. (Never in my life did I think I would actually use Goat Cheese.) And tonight we're going to try Shauna's Mango Chicken Curry. I have fresh Ginger in my house...that has to say something about the courage Shauna has given me!
But recipes aside, Bread and Wine really focuses on the heart of the matter. Food can provide nourishment to our food, souls, and communities. Jason and I love to have people around our table. One of my favorite memories is the meal we shared when we told our close friends that we were going to be starting the adoption process to bring home a baby boy. We sat around the table sharing our hopes and fears and asking for friend to join us in the journey. That evening of food and relationship still holds such significance in our road to Matty.
I have to say, I've really enjoyed the past few weeks of reacquainting myself with the kitchen. I look forward to upcoming meals and relationships that are spurred on from this endeavor. Thanks to Shauna for being a mentor and coach on this part of my journey!
Bread and Wine will be out sometime later this month-I encourage you to check it out. Enjoy the Chicken Enchiladas!
Michelle
Funny thing about that chicken curry. As a war-torn wife of a husband who travels internationally for centuries at a time and leaves 3 fast paced little people in my sole care, that meal was the perfect pause button. I think sitting at your table I called it "comfort" food. It was indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Steffy's.