My Kitchen Year 136 Recipes That Saved My Life
Introduction
“My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life” is a book written by Ruth Reichl. It is a memoir and a cookbook that tells the story of how she coped with the sudden closure of Gourmet magazine, where she served as editor-in-chief for ten years. The book is a collection of recipes that Reichl cooked during the year that followed the magazine’s closure, which she describes as a “year of darkness”. The book is not only about food but also about the power of cooking and how it helped her heal.
The Closure of Gourmet Magazine
Gourmet magazine was a food and wine magazine that was published from 1941 to 2009. It was known for its high-quality writing, beautiful photography, and exquisite recipes. However, in 2009, the magazine suddenly ceased publication due to financial difficulties. This came as a shock to Reichl and the rest of the staff, who had dedicated their lives to the magazine.
The Year of Darkness
After the closure of Gourmet magazine, Reichl found herself lost and depressed. She had lost her job and her sense of purpose. She didn’t know what to do with herself. However, she soon turned to cooking as a way to cope with her grief. She started cooking for herself and for her friends, using the recipes that she had collected over the years. She found that cooking was therapeutic and that it helped her heal.
The Recipes
The book contains 136 recipes that Reichl cooked during the year that followed the closure of Gourmet magazine. The recipes are not only delicious but also reflect Reichl’s state of mind during that time. Some of the recipes are simple and comforting, while others are more complex and challenging. However, all of them are a reflection of Reichl’s love of food and her passion for cooking.
The Power of Cooking
The book is not only about food but also about the power of cooking. Reichl found that cooking helped her cope with her grief and heal. She also found that cooking brought her closer to her friends and family. She describes cooking as a “life-saving force” that helped her through the year of darkness. The book is a testament to the power of cooking and how it can help us heal.
Conclusion
“My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life” is a powerful book that tells the story of how cooking helped Ruth Reichl cope with the closure of Gourmet magazine. The book is not only about food but also about the power of cooking and how it can help us heal. The recipes in the book are a reflection of Reichl’s love of food and her passion for cooking. If you are looking for a cookbook that is more than just a collection of recipes, then this book is for you.