Dinner with Edward for Cook the Books!

Such an enjoyable book by Isabel Vincent –  It’s about love, friendship, understanding with a bonus of fantastic menus.    I’m sorry I didn’t read it sooner when bookish friends were writing about it.

The first chapter is sorrowful as Edward is sitting by his wife’s bedside, listening to her sing and then telling him he may not end his life when she dies,  it would be the end of the family.  How would Edward deal with his grief? What is their backstory, this loving couple who can’t imagine a life without the other in this world?

Edward meets his daughter’s friend, Isabel Vincent, and they forge a great friendship. Both are going through an emotional time in their lives but this friendship is exactly what they both need. It was wonderful to read about their interactions and their special dinners.

Each chapter begins with a menu. It’s the meal Edward would be preparing for Isabel and each meal is exceptional. Chapter one starts us with Grilled Sirloin Steak, Sauce Bourguignonn, New Potatoes, Chocolate Souffle and Malbec.

One day Isabel is walking off the elevator to Edward’s apartment and she “immediately  inhaled cinnamon, sugar and baked apples.” She felt a rush of happiness.  What a lovely aroma to be greeted with and I would also be happy to know I could indulge in an apple galette later in the evening.  So much food and wine and cocktails!  Initially I was going to make the Apple Galette but then the lure of his crab cake dinner roped me in.

My recipe is an adaption of one from the Cheesecake Factory.  A restaurant I have never been in but have heard they serve some good crab cakes. These are loaded with chunks of crab, fresh red bell pepper and green scallions. We also enjoyed cheese grits, steamed broccoli and and a few glasses of Chardonnay.

This book is a lovely tribute, well documented by award winning investigative journalist Isabel Vincent.  Thank you to Claudia who writes at Honey from the Rock for suggesting this book.  Thanks also to Debra at Eliot’s Eats for my book 🙂

Linking up with Cook the Books and Briciole’s Novel Food and Beth Fish Reads for her Weekend Cooking Series.