The Kindness of Strangers

Two years ago when I started this blog, little did I know how I would become friends with so many "strangers," although not really complete strangers, because cookbook collectors all have something in common - the love of cooking and books - and really, anything in the food world.  When I meet these wonderful people in a blog, then we are no longer strangers.  One of my first "strangers" was Madonna from Indiana.  We are now friends and share our recipes, cookbook recommendations, latest gadgets and food products, along with chit-chat about life and family.  Madonna sent me this lovely cookbook for Christmas.  I have always been a huge fan of Tennessee Williams, and Southern cooking, so I was thrilled to see them together in one fascinating book. 

When my daughter Kristina was studying theatre in college, we decided to go see  Tennessee Williams'  "A Streetcar Named Desire" at Chicago's renowned Steppenwolf Theatre.  Gary Sinise, one of the founders of Steppenwolf was cast as Stanley, the role made famous by Marlon Brando in the movie version.  She bought this tee shirt after the play, which you can see has the famous quote on the front, and the cast list on the back.

"Dinner with Tennessee Williams," is a dream of a cookbook that seems suddenly brought to life, especially if you are a fan of his plays along with a love of Southern cooking.  You will find all of your favorite characters and their favorite food.  Try bourbon-glazed pork chops with Big Daddy, or a Southern comfort-infused bread pudding with Blanche DuBois.  The chapters have names like "The Glass Menagerie," "Night of the Iguana," "The Rose Tattoo," and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."  Just by reading the marvelous stories and recipes in this cookbook, you expect Tennessee Williams to walk in the door to see what you are cooking.  Not a bad thought.

And all you strangers reading this blog for the first time, come back again.  I depend on your kindness, you know...