Autumn Reading

 

I have a stack of books that I'm keeping by my favorite chair, just to flip through and browse whenever I get the opportunity. 

This book originally belonged to my sister, Tina. Tina was a talented quilter, just like the author of this book. Lynette Jensen sold patterns under the name Thimbleberries. This book is filled with images from her home. So pretty.

I've loved Susan Branch's books and artwork for ages. Such fun.

And then there are the Gooseberry Patch books! I've also loved these for a few decades. This one has great recipes along with pretty photos of the season.

This book will probably be my favorite pick this year. I purchased it on a whim last month at the used book sale for $2. It wasn't until I brought it home and began to read it that I discovered what a treasure it is.

Mrs. Chard's Almanac Cookbook: Hollyhocks and Radishes. It is part cookbook, part epistolary story about life in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Mrs. Chard and her husband grew fruits and vegetables on their farm and sold them at their own farm stand. Her recipes are filled with sweet stories of life in the U.P.

And the illustrations are just delightful. It's like a Susan Branch book, only Midwestern Michigan coastal instead of Martha's Vineyard.

I've already made several soups from this book, like Hamburger and Barley soup and Kauk-Ge-Nah-Gwah Lentil Soup. (Named by the Chippewa for one of Les Cheneuax islands in the U.P.) Next up will be pork chops and apples, and then orange cranberry chicken.

I like to find books that complement the season. These books are helping me pause and enjoy the sights and sounds and tastes of autumn.