Author:  Edie Clark

ISBN:  0-9719934 - 5 - 9

 

 

Most readers are familiar with Edie Clark's writings from her column in Yankee Magazine. The column was originally called The Garden at Chesham Depot and later when Edie moved it was renamed Mary's Farm.

 

Edie Clark has written three books.  The Place He Made, her first book, was an unforgettably searing memoir of love and bittersweet tragedy.  Edie's second book, The View From Mary's Farm, is a collection of very special essays from past issues of Yankee Magazine. Her devoted readers are thrilled to have many of these timeless treasures all in one volume.

 

The writings of Edie Clark transport me to another time and place......a place where time spent with friends and family ...and the small events of everyday life ....glow with special meaning.  Edie's newest book, "Saturday Beans and Sunday Suppers", is certainly no exception.  It is a winning combination of delicious recipes, collected throughout the author's life, and the memories associated with them.

 

Edie has a very endearing way of engaging her readers and drawing them into her magical world.  She has an extraordinary gift in the ability to make the ordinary seem special and beautiful.  Edie often reveals her innermost thoughts, in such an honest fashion, that this creates a unique bond with the reader.  You will feel as if you have reconnected with an old friend.

 

Edie's mother did not enjoy cooking.  When Edie would visit her Aunt Peg in Massachusetts, it was there that she experienced the comfort and joy associated with food preparation and sharing her creations with those she loved.  To this day Edie expresses her love of friends through cooking and entertaining.

 

Fast food, hurry here, scurry there, is the trend in modern society.  Reading Saturday Beans and Sunday Suppers just makes you want to slow down and savor life.  Many of the recipes in the book originate from the tried and true traditions of New England.  However, Edie's journey even carries us to far away places, such as Iceland, where she worked for a summer herding and shearing sheep.  Roast lamb had always been one of her favorite culinary delights.  However, despite the fact that sheep were obviously very prevalent in Iceland, this delicacy was reserved for special occasions.  In her book Edie includes a most unusually delicious recipe for Roast Lamb, which includes coffee, sour cream, garlic .... and more.

 

The author brings us along with her to a New England church supper where Mary Upton's beans are always the anticipated focus of the event.  We are even invited into Edie's kitchen while she makes German Apple Pancakes on her treasured wood cook-stove.  Another day, it's pizza on the porch.

 

Other recipes include Indian Pudding, Cheese Strata, Chicken and Dumplings, a savory Beef Stew....and more. Basically , Edie has written a chapter for each recipe. I found this very unique and appealing.

 

During the hot sultry days of summer, when as a youngster Edie would visit her Aunt Peg, they would often make iced tea together. The tea making process took a good part of the day so it was always a smart idea to begin early enough in the day before the heat set in.  This was no ordinary run of the mill iced tea, but in fact was so delicious and invigorating, the family has affectionately called it the Magic Brew. Edie ponders the recipe's origins....

 

"In fact, this concoction was not of my aunt's devising.  I don't suppose any recipe really comes from any one person and I have no way of knowing what, if anything, she contributed to the method.  It came to her from my uncle's side of the family, a recipe that came with the marriage, if you will, like a mother- in- law or a set of silver.  So it had further lineage.  But for me the recipe belonged to Aunt Peg and was a part of her legend, which seemed to grow the longer I stood at her side, my young mind forming it's opinions, likes and dislikes.  More than just a drink, it was an elixir, a potion, a magic brew."

 

Legend even has it that this tea once saved a young boy's life.

 

Many people enjoy just "reading" cookbooks and perhaps never actually prepare many of the recipes.  I can tell you how I am going to put this book to very good use.  I have already thoroughly enjoyed dreamily lingering over Edie's memories.  It's a book one can read over and over again.  Now, as I try the new recipes, and serve them to friends and family, they will receive another special treat, the reading of the story which reveals each recipe's history.

 

Edie is a masterful storyteller and knows how to win her reader's hearts.  Recently someone likened her to a painter of words.  In my opinion, Edie Clark is the Norman Rockwell of essay writers.  If you read her book, you will not be disappointed.

 

Click Here To Purchase From Amazon Saturday Beans and Sunday Suppers

The above review was contributed by:  Marjorie Tietjen: Marjorie is a freelance investigative journalist with a B.S. in nutrition. She writes on various topics but has a special interest in public health, education and awareness. Her writings can be found online and in several print publications. To read more of Marjorie's articles and reviews CLICK HERE