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Maureen Quigley Foster's avatar

I love book recommendations, thank you! I’ve read quite a few on your list already so it seems we have similar taste in literature. I’ve already added a few more to my library hold list. If you don’t mind me suggesting a few, I love Isabel Allende.....Violeta and The Wind Knows my Name are beautiful stories. Such Kindness, Andre Dubus will make you cry but such a beautiful story of the importance of connection and kindness to all. Hope I’m not being too forward adding to your great suggestions! I’d love to meet you in a book store or anywhere and talk books and food! ❤️

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yasmin fahr's avatar

Thank you for sharing these! I am in need of a new book so I will look for one of those this weekend, I really appreciate the recommendations, those both sound lovely. And that would be so fun to meet and chat all things food + books! Hopefully that will happen in the spring when my book comes out! xx

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yasmin fahr's avatar

Maureen, thank you for that beautiful recommendation! I just finished Such Kindness, and it was just as you said. My heart feels warm and full even with the heaviness of it all. Have you read the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry? Those little kindnesses and the connection with strangers reminded me a bit of that book, which was quite good as well, albeit a different story line. Thank you again!!

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Maureen Quigley Foster's avatar

You are just the sweetest to let me know you read Such Kindness. I was thinking about the book just yesterday in light of all the sorrow around the world, just trying to be kind in many ways, starting small and hoping it multiplies around the world. I haven’t read the book you suggested but will definitely look for it! Thank you. Be well…..❤️

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yasmin fahr's avatar

I completely agree and I have been thinking the same. I do believe these small kindnesses can spread and inspire, and it makes me feel hopeful on days when things don't seem to make sense. Thank you again for that lovely recommendation and please send any other favorites my way! Have a wonderful week ahead xx

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Maureen Quigley Foster's avatar

Sorry to keep posting, I just wanted to tell you I got The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (audiobook) and started it yesterday. I love it and didn’t want to stop listening last night! I’m already thinking of others I can recommend it to! Thanks again.

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yasmin fahr's avatar

I'm so happy to hear that! It felt inspiring in a similar way, so I'm glad you're enjoying it. Thank you for letting me know! (and never too much to post!) xx

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Patsi Minnes's avatar

Where do you go with portobello mushrooms? Would love some inspiration, thank you.

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yasmin fahr's avatar

Truthfully, I don't love portobello mushrooms, and I prefer them in their younger form as cremini mushrooms–not sure what it is about them exactly! But, I would think that you could also cook them in a similar way, tearing them or cutting them into smaller pieces. I'm sorry I'm not more helpful!

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Patsi Minnes's avatar

I just found ‘Mushroom Bourguignon’ on American Test Kitchen using portobellos which sounds quite good maybe on polenta with some blue cheese ?

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yasmin fahr's avatar

ooh that does sound good! You're making me think I need to give them another try. I wonder if some kind of baked mushroom pasta could be good. Maybe combining mushrooms, tomato puree, orzo and then a light topping of cheese, covering it to cook in the oven and then bake uncovered for a little to thicken. And even stir in some chopped broccoli or spinach for some green. It could also be making a tomato sauce on the stovetop, adding mushrooms, orzo and cheese (maybe feta + parm?), then transferring to the oven to bake but sometimes that transfer step feels a bit annoying.

I also saw this on NYT Cooking from Hetty, a sheet-pan mushroom parmigiana—I made it a gift link just in case you're not subscribed, it looks good and relatively easy? https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022803-sheet-pan-mushroom-parmigiana?unlocked_article_code=1.7Ew._wK0.VzgaRA1x-tFD&smid=share-url

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Patsi Minnes's avatar

Thanks for that... I’m going to give it a try. I do have the NYT food app.

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