Synopses & Reviews
A Spoonful of Promises: Stories & Recipes from a Well-Tempered Table is a collection of mouthwatering stories whose common thread is intimacy—between family and friends, parents and children. Here, food is a metaphor, a sixth sense that binds to the drama of our lives and to moments that might otherwise be forgotten. Each of author T. Susan Changs food stories explores facets of the human condition, whether nostalgia, romance, loyalty, love, guilt, envy, or hope, each in its most delicious form.
The book—comprising thirty-three essays with recipes—begins with food scenes from Changs childhood, memories that forever tie her to the mother she lost to cancer early in her life, and to the family that helped shape who she is today. This is followed by practical recipes for the weeknight parent and lessons Chang learned along her own parenting journey. Finally, Chang dips into more adventurous cooking for special occasions: once-in-a-lifetime recipes and experiences meant to be shared with family, friends, or even strangers—who, as the saying goes, are only friends we havent met before.
Review
“With charm, style, wit, and really great writing, Chang takes us into her world, sharing stories of the foods she loves (some totally and happily beyond reason) and the recipes she treasures, and with each story we think a little more about ourselves, our families, and the food that nourishes us in every way. If you havent read Chang before, youll be captivated; if you have, youll be delighted to have so many of her stories in one place—next to your most comfortable armchair.” ~Dorie Greenspan, author of Around My French Table
“Be prepared to lose yourself in A Spoonful of Promises. Poetic, poignant, and addictive, Chang's essays are a delicious reminder of how cooking comforts and connects us, and ultimately provides some of our most treasured memories. This is a classic destined to be an essential book for every food lover.” ~Grace Young, author of Stir-Frying to the Sky's Edge and The Wisdom of the Chinese Kitchen
“Susan Chang takes readers on an eclectic voyage through her culinary memory, from childhood recollections (and recipes) of wonton soup to savory chard tart. And a story about Ring Dings eaten with popcorn? I'm there! It's a beautifully told, evocative book to savor.” ~Melissa Clark, author of Cook This Now
Synopsis
A mouthwatering collection of intimate stories connecting food, family, and friends.
About the Author
T. Susan Chang is a freelance food writer who regularly reviews cookbooks for the Boston Globe and NPR. She is a regular contributor to NPRs Kitchen Window column, and the cookbook reviewer for Eat Your Books, the cookbook-indexing website, where she also has a weekly blog. Visit her at tsusanchang.com.