For someone who doesn't cook much I have certainly aquired my share of cook books. But my favorite is Clara's Kitchen: Wisdom Memories And Recipes From The Great Depression (2009) by Clara Cannucciari.
Clara is best known for her YouTube show: Great Depression Cooking With Cllara. She was a 92 year old chef cooking the meals her famiy ate during the 1930's: Dandelion Salad, Eggplant Burgers, The Lonely Meatball, Pasta With Peas, Pasta With Brocoli, Pasta With Meat (when they could afford it) etc.
Clara's cooking show began in 2007 and ran for a few years. It was an internet sensation partly because in 2008, 2009, 2010 the country was in a deep recession. Clara was a comforting presence as she cooked her meals and shared stories about how her family made it through hard times.
Clara Cannucciari passed away in 2013 at the age of 98. But her cooking show is still on the internet in reruns and we have her book as well. Both are worth checking out.
Very interesting, I had not heard of this. I will look for a copy.
ReplyDeleteI found it to be a comforting read and the videos are a must to check out. Clara was a sweet woman who had alot of wisdom.
DeleteI hadn't heard of this either, Kathy! Only goes to show, you're never too old!
ReplyDeleteA star of her own cooking show at 93. And these days times are still tough financially so her recipes are worth a try.
DeleteI must check her out on YouTube. I'm a cooking show junkie, Jamie Oliver, Mary Berry, The Hairy Bikers, Pioneer Woman, the list is endless!
DeleteI have not heard of Clara or her show, but this reminds me of my mom's cooking. Always nourishing, usually inexpensive, often creative.
ReplyDeleteI think you will like the book and our mothers and grandmother's really knew how to cook and how to make delicious meals and affordable too!
DeleteI'm glad you told us about her. I missed knowing about Clara but now she seems quite soothing and inspiring. We need a Clara for nowadays right? Dandelion salad eh? I have enough of those awful weeds to feed the world, lol.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised when I heard there was such a thing as Dandelion salad. But the way Clara describes it you can get the same effect by any leafy green with a little olive oil dressing. Agree we do need Clara for today because hard times are always with us or if they are not it's always good to prepare for rainy days and Clara gives us many tips on how to do so..
DeleteI'm intrigued by her Dandelion Salad. ;D
ReplyDeleteHi Lark, as Clara describes it you clean the Dandelion leaves put them in a bowl add 2 teaspoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, salt and pepper and its done!
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