August 2011 – The Kitchen Illiterate

Desserts from the Loveless Cafe: A Giveaway

A few weeks ago I shared a double coconut cream pie with all y’all, and the recipe was from Alisa Huntsman’s new book, Desserts from the Loveless Cafe. That book has now been published, and as much as I want to buy a copy for myself, I decided I’d much rather give a copy to one of you. This book is an instant classic, full of the kinds of recipes you’ve always dreamed of, if you’re not from the South, and the recipes you grew up on, if you are.

If you’d like to enter the giveaway, just leave a comment here. I’ll choose a winner at random on Monday morning, at 9:00 am. Good luck!

My Seven Links

You thought the sporadic posting was bad before? I’m sorry folks, it’s going to be worse for the next few weeks, because, you see? I broke my finger. It’s just my pinky finger, and thankfully, it’s my left hand. But I can’t really do anything. I can barely type, and I can’t quite cook, either. Sean has been graciously and admirably handling the kitchen situation for us for the last two weeks, and will be for the coming two (unless I get way better at one-handed maneuvering).

I miss cooking, even though I’ve been eating pretty well with Sean in charge. And I was just starting to get really excited and creative again, since we signed up for a new CSA. I just love what a mystery box of produce does to inspire me. I hope that is enough to tempt you to come back in a few, when I’m nicely healed up and handling the pots and pans again.
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Double-Coconut Cream Pie

[Update: Think this pie looks delicious? Enter to win a copy of Desserts from the Famous Loveless Cafe by Monday, September 5, 2011 at 8 am.]

Last June I received a cookbook to review from Library Journal that immediately sparked my urge to get into the kitchen and make something sweet. Desserts from the Famous Loveless Cafe is a tribute to classic Southern treats like Chess Pie and Hummingbird Cake, desserts I’ve heard of but never tried. The book is due out in September, and is a really lovely collection.

One of the first things that caught my eye is this Double-Coconut Cream Pie. I’ve always wanted to make a Coconut Cream Pie. Just the phrase evokes warm summer days and a clean apron tied around the waist and preferably a picnic at which this lovely pie can be presented. Fourth of July weekend provided just such an occasion.
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Spicy Shrimp Causa Bites

I love potlucks. They give me an excuse to experiment with dishes that are time consuming or complicated or involve unusual ingredients, or all of the above. I love to feed people, and even better, I love it when I make something that makes everyone in the room excited. These spicy shrimp causa bites did the trick: I made these for a Fourth of July party (and yes, I’m aware that was over a month ago. I’m a bad blogger). People loved them: They’re unusual and full of flavor and are fun to eat. Sure they’re a little time consuming, but they’re totally worth it.
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