With its crisp Autumn chill and a great fire, November makes me warm up with a good book and hot cocoa. The weather changes from Summer to Autumn can make a comfy throw blanket feel like a loved one's arms around you. Snuggle up. I'd love to introduce some of my heroes and the books that made me a true chef.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, this classic tells you the dirty truth of how one chef rose from a humble dishwasher to a worldwide culinary explorer and documentarian. Fainthearted readers, beware! This tell-all describes how chefs work in the kitchen, what we have witnessed in terms of human behavior, and how something so beautiful requires hard work, including blood, sweat, and tears. Chef Anthony tells things bluntly and frankly with little to no room for emotions, but his passion is on fire. My sister gave me this gift and has been with me ever since.
Heat by Bill Buford is a compilation of stories from other chefs who worked with highly egotistical chefs and the many failures that followed. I love this book, especially the section on Mario Batali how he started out. No matter what you start with, there will be mistakes. Chefs learned to put arrogance aside and be serious about their dishes. Life and kitchen lessons: own up to it, learn from it, and never do it again!
I read the book My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud'homme in hours. I couldn't put it down! Julia's love, excitement, and passion for food. Oh my gosh! I get it. Like when you've tasted something that was okay, then try the next thing, and it's divine. It's pure decadence. You almost want to cry. Her husband Paul loved her with all his heart. He wanted to see his wife happy doing something she loved and wanted to share with others. Since we all work hard and deserve good food, it shouldn't be just one memorable occasion. We deserve it as often as possible! Anyone willing to learn can do anything, so keep the passion alive in your heart.
Check these books out. They're great any time of year.