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Honey From a Weed
375 pages, 2001
This book was deemed a modern classic by the media within a few years of its first appearance in 1986. Fiona MacCarthy wrote in The Times that the book is a ‘large and grandiose life history’, while Jeremy Round described Patience Gray as ‘the high priestess of cooking’ and said that her work pushed the form of the cookery book as far as it could go.
Angela Carter remarked that this work was less a cookery book than a summing up of the genre of late-modern British cookery books. The work has attracted a cult following in the United States, where passages have been read out at great length on the radio; and it has been anthologized by Paul Levy in The Penguin Book of Food and Drinks. It was given a special award by the André Simon Book Prize committee in 1987.
In Honey From a Weed, Patience Gray encourages us to explore the simplicity of life. She lived in remote areas of the Mediterranean, embracing a minimalist lifestyle. This book is a testament to her belief that happiness can be found in simple, self-sufficient living.
Gray takes us on a journey of foraging, showing us the beauty of sourcing food directly from nature. She shares her knowledge about identifying edible plants and herbs, and how to prepare them. It's a great read if you're interested in sustainable living and want to dig into the art of foraging.
The book is not just about food, but also about the cultures and traditions of the Mediterranean. Gray beautifully intertwines her recipes with stories of the people and places she encountered. It's a great way to see the world through her eyes and experience different cultures.
Patience Gray was not just a food writer, but also an artist. In Honey From a Weed, she draws a connection between food and art, showing how the act of preparing and enjoying food can be a form of artistic expression. It's a unique perspective that encourages us to look at food in a new light.
One of the key messages in the book is the importance of eating seasonally. Gray emphasizes the benefits of consuming food that is in season, both for our health and for the environment. It's a valuable lesson for those looking to make more sustainable choices in their diet.
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Patience Gray's 'Honey from a Weed' is a profound, inspiring and deeply moving book that has influenced my life and work more than any other.
Alice Waters - Chef, Restaurateur, ActivistPatience Gray's 'Honey from a Weed' is a book that has had a profound impact on the way I think about food and cooking.
Nigel Slater - Food Writer, Broadcaster'Honey from a Weed' is a book that has deeply influenced my approach to cooking and eating. It's a must-read for anyone interested in food.
Fergus Henderson - Chef, Cookbook AuthorPatience Gray's 'Honey from a Weed' is a book that has had a profound influence on my life and work. It's a must-read for anyone interested in food and cooking.
Ruth Reichl - Food Writer, Editor'Honey from a Weed' is a book that has deeply influenced my approach to cooking and eating. It's a must-read for anyone interested in food.
Yotam Ottolenghi - Chef, Cookbook Author