This book is set up with a short piece of writing and then a recipe that generally goes along with the story, but there is not as direct a connection as you would think. I read about a dozen or two of them but got tired of the writing and didn't find the recipes that inspired. There is absolutely no rhyme or reason to the organization of the recipes (or the stories) - almond cake might be preceded by blueberry muffins and followed by pot a feu.

The only recipes I grabbed were ones for oatmeal bars and one for a complicated tiramisu that requires FOUR different kinds of cream to be mixed together (mascapone, whipped cream, zabaglione and pastry cream) although in fairness, only two of them require any real work. I really do want to try that one soon, but I think I'll start with the oatmeal bar cookies this weekend. I'm always looking for something for the kids' lunches.

I love the short stories accompanying each recipe. They're funny, true and sometimes, emotional. It's a new take on the typical cookbook. The recipes are diverse, from appetizers to main courses and then desserts, as well as snacks and drinks/refreshments. It features dishes from different parts of the world. I like how the author inserts comedy into the cooking process and somehow relates it with the story that came with the recipe. I also love her own take on the different classic dishes making it her own.