The School of Essential Ingredients

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When I first read the beginning of the synopsis The School of Essential Ingredients on Amazon:

Lillian’s father deserts his wife and young daughter literally, and then her mother deserts her figuratively — disappearing deeply into the solace of books as a coping mechanism

I read it as “Lillian’s father desserts his wife…and then her mother desserts her figuratively,” I guess because the context of cooking set up the wrong frame for me. It sounded like such a cheerful book, my way, this family making pies and sundaes for each other.

I’m not sure if it’s cheeful, but it is apparently sensual and lush, as well as tender and hopeful. Author Erica Baumeister will be at Wide World Books and Maps tonight (Tuesday, Feb 3rd) at 7 pm perhaps reading from her book, perhaps talking about her book, perhaps signing her book, but definitely “celebrating the pleasurable places food can take us.”


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Jordan

I started Wallyhood back in 2008, right when my son was born, because I realized I had lived in the neighborhood since 1993 and didn't really know my neighbors. I figured writing a blog about what was going on around me would be a good way to meet people and help other people do the same. As the years progressed, those neighbors have picked up the torch and it is now a group effort, which I adore. I moved out of Wallingford for a few years (2020 - 2025), but I'm back, now living with my wife, son and dog (Dillinger) up in Tangletown.