Review of “A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory” by Sara Midda

This is a beautiful paean to food made up of pastel watercolors, photographs, recipes, memories, food trivia, and quotations.

As an example, there is a section on Eggs, which begins with a quotation from Samuel Butler: “A hen is only an egg’s way of making another egg.” The author then tells you about the symbolism of eggs and associated superstitions; a lovely picture showing you eggs in many of its variations (hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, etc.); and an explanation of The Egg Dance, a traditional Easter dance in olden times.

There is information on herbs and greens, fruits, vegetables, spices, jams, guides to setting the table, and having a picnic, inter alia.

This would make a gorgeous gift book, or addition to your kitchen or coffee table to savor when you’re looking for just a soupçon of savory inspiration.

Evaluation: This is another high quality gem from Workman Publishing, which regularly creates the kind of books you want to give or receive as gifts.

Published by Workman Publishing, 2014