One day recently I was browsing about online—I do that a lot—and I ran across a link to a blog, clicked through and, y’all, I didn’t leave that blog for days!

The posts are essentially about food, but were such a compelling day-in-the-life read, that I really did read back posts for days. Somewhere along the way I realized the writer, Kate Christensen, had recently written a non-fiction book about her eating life, Blue Plate Special: An Autobiography Of My Appetites. I made tracks for the library (after checking online to see if they had it) and checked out that book, which turned out to be as much of a page turner as the blog.

“Often whenever I come up against anything painful or difficult, my mind escapes to food…even if I am too upset to eat, just the thought of a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup is warm and cozy and savory and comforting.”

Just like Kate’s blog posts, this book is a reflection of a life that–having been sometimes tempestuous in times past–is now a peaceful, satisfying one.  For me, Blue Plate Special was a thoroughly enjoyable read, one I’d like to add to my own shelves.

Speaking of food—and we were, weren’t we—this time of year brings about a certain kind of cooking to my kitchen.  Meals naturally become heartier and comforting as the temperature outside cools then freezes. (Y’all know how I feel about w-i-n-t-e-r ) From hearty chili to cheesy tater soup to a family tradition of beans n cornbread,  delicious smells fill my home and warm us inside and out–despite the impending fickleness of Mother Nature outside the door.

Happy Fall, my friends–I’d love to hear what’s cooking in your kitchen this season…

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