Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings

Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings
by Edward Espe Brown

Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings
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Book Summary Information

Author: Edward Espe Brown
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1997-04-14
ISBN: 1573220388
Number of pages: 293
Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover

Book Reviews of Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings

Book Review: Excellent autobiography of a chef
Summary: 5 Stars

As someone who a) loves autobiographies and b) reads everything I can about chefs, food and cooking, I loved this book through and through. It is a surprisingly humble story about how Edward Espe Brown became the great chef and teacher that he is. He writes in the same simple style that won me over years ago in the Tassajara Bread Book. I don't believe he intended this book of "Recipes and Reflections" to be considered a cookbook (since he's already done so many of those by himself and with others), but to inspire cooks and would-be cooks to explore the wonders of the Universe, via food or any other avenue they might choose. For me it was very inspiring, both personally and professionally, and for some reason I often think of this book and the things he's said, though I read it over a year ago. Since I didn't try any of the recipes scattered throughout (although I found some good ideas in them) I cannot comment on that. Just, I've found this to be one of the most enjoyable and encouraging reads on cooking, teaching and life in general.

Summary of Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings

A Zen priest and author of The Tassajara Bread Book interweaves recipes and meditations, presenting a range of delicious treats, including Irish oat cakes and ginger muffins, while reflecting on the spiritual aspects of food and life.
It is no surprise that Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings offers a transcendental experience; the author is a Zen monk. He also ranks just behind culinary luminaries Alice Waters of Chez Panisse restaurant in California, and Deborah Madison, an expert on natural ingredients. Brown's 125 vegetarian recipes range from an elementally simple sauté of apple slices plumped in butter, cinnamon and sugar, to the exciting combination of Chili Crepes with Goat Cheese Filling Served over Garlicky Black Beans. Garbanzo Bean Stew with Spinach and Saffron, and a lasagne made with cabbage leaves and potatoes simmered gently with lots of garlic, red wine, and a dash of cream are other ways Brown shares his refreshing creativity, which is always tempered by his innate sense of what works.

Direct but playful, Brown devotes half of Tomato Blessing and Radish Teachings to stories about his spiritual path, which led him through the kitchens of the Tassajara and San Francisco Zen Centers. Most of his learning centered around working with food. So do these stories, intended to help the reader move towards inner peace and contentment. "Playing with Fire," for instance, is a fable about starting a fire with wet wood. It is a comment on how life proceeds at the pace it requires, which then ties into thoughts about grilling! Recipes for Grilled Eggplant Salad and the exquisite revelation of Grilled Figs accompany this wisdom. As Brown says, you can read this book for its stories, just for its recipes, or for both. You will be amply rewarded whichever path you take. --Dana Jacobi

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