Favorites List (1.31.13) Recipe

A favorites list for January 2013 - lots of stories, and saag paneer, and soda bread, and shibori.

Favorites List (1.31.13)

Let's switch things up a bit with the favorites this time around. I'm going to put a few things out there, and I'd be incredibly thrilled if you leave a suggestion or two for me. Don't feel pressured, just throw it out there if you've come across something you were particularly excited about, Something you think I might like. Sound o.k? I'm turning the final pages of the book I'm reading, so any new book suggestions would be great. Podcasts? Yes please, I go through so many when I'm doing dishes or pre-packing for QK. What else? I'm always on the lookout for good documentaries and also cookbooks published outside the U.S. (I see most of the U.S. books), or music playlists. One last thing before we get to the list - for those of you who like to get the heads up - we're aiming to open the shop with new items(!), and a restock of a number of the items that sold through quickly last time...Monday morning, Feb 4. at 8:30 a.m. PST. I posted little glimpse here. xo for now -h

- Shibori DIY

- To visit.

- Watching this | Reading this

- Todd Selby | Michael Harlan Turkell (scroll to bottom to listen) &(!) another Selby link with Nancy Singleton.

- Have to try this version: Chard Saag Paneer

- Cardoons.

- To visit!

- Flickr is still great.

- Ethereally Smooth Hummus & Tassajara's Cardamom Lemon Soda Bread

- A Day in India

- APM : Discovering Leonardo ("listen now" link, bottom left column)

- Pages and pages of What I Read.

- Continuing the ongoing discussion about marble...(more here)

- Vintage Magazine Covers from Japan

- Veg. bentos from Peko-Peko

Lead photo: This time last year, through the window of Du Pain et Des Idées in Paris - it was closed, and it was very cold, so I walked down the street and sat in the sun next to the frozen river to try to warm up a bit.

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Comments

Hi Heidi, this list is AMAZING! I'm an Australian living in Helsinki and recommend 'the nordic diet' by Trina Hahnemann (her spelt shower buns are awesome) and 'eating for the seasons' by Janella Purcell. Also love 'mynewroots.org' as a great wholefoods blog.

Meredith

3 excellent documentaries: The Sound of Noise (absolutely incredible), Kick it! and Superheroes (2011) are also quite inspiring and entertaining flicks!

jaime

I was really moved by two documentaries lately, both streaming Netflix right now..."They call it Myanmar" and "PINA". Beautiful stuff!

Kiersten

I, too, read The Atlantic's Media Diet "What I Read" series. I'd love to see you do one and post it here on your blog!

Jess

Looks like you may already be saturated with suggestions but...."180 degrees South" is the most beautiful and compelling environmental documentary I've seen and I have a hunch you'd love it. Mostly filmed in Patagonia. Hope you get a chance to watch it one day!

carol Bean

Documentary: Africa - British-made nature one. Goes into beauty and life and death. Book: The Fault in our Stars by John Green - this has become one of my top books. Witty, challenging, going down to your core.

Hannah Miller

Cocina Criolla, by Carmen Valldejuli is the cookbook i recommend. The one catch is that it's written in Spanish. So, I guess if you wanted to brush up on your spanish AND cook this might pretty awesome! It's a cookbook that is a staple in almost every Puerto Rican kitchen. Very near and dear to my heart!

Maite

Hi Heidi - If you get a chance please check out the A YEAR IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN, the beautiful cookbook from Bondi Public School in Sydney, Australia. See attached photos from the launch.

Grace Heifetz

One book recommendation- non cooking related- It's called the Book Thief and it is by Markus Zusak.... an incredible story told through the eyes of the most unusual "protagonist" and very creatively written. Enjoy- Sarah

Sarah

that is really cool

katarina caudel

H- I wanted to recommend a website that generates really great playlists. They are very eclectic. They also are hit and miss. pinchyandfriends.com Enjoy! p.s. we love you here in idaho!

Patricia

Oh my, reading the comments was like opening the best treasure chest ever. It will keep me busy for a long time, I'm not even half way through the list and I've added 8 items to my wish list. Thank you for the great idea Heidi. Yesterday I listened to Pat Morrison interview Justice Sonya Sotomayor. It is delightful in its inspiration and personal history. http://www.scpr.org/blogs/patt-morrison/2013/01/29/12269/patt-morrison-conversation-justice-sonia-sotomayor I also fell for the story of Les Miserable after seeing the movie, however, I have decided to listen to it and I'm enjoying it thoroughly. Victor Hugos insights into humanity and compassion are equal to Dickens. High praise from me. My current favorite cookbook is your "Super Natural Every Day" and I'm having great fun with it in the kitchen.

Debbie

I love Doris Choi's Fresh Energy Cookbook. who knew that baking korean yams, brushing with agave and topping with grated coconut would make such yummy tasting "cookies." they get a little bit crunchy/dry on the outside like a cookie and are soft and chewy in the middle. so good ! :)

vicky

Heidi, I went to Modern Pantry on my last trip to London a couple months ago, and loved it - thanks for the tip. And for a good read, two little-known but much-loved (by me, at least) books are "The Chess Garden" by Brooks Hansen and "The Solace of Leaving Early" by Haven Kimmel.

April

Stuff You Missed In History Class podcasts from howstuffworks.com are amazing! They do each episode on some little known (or well known but mysterious) history tidbit. They get me through long car rides!

Meghan

That chard saag paneer sounds amazing. Totally going to work on a vegan version this week. Yum.

Ashley Neese (@ashleyneese)

Hi Heidi, Thank you, as always, for the wonderful list. I highly recommend Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd. Amazing memoir and topical.

Lindsay Hegg

love the linky love~~~

Rocky Mountain Woman

Okay, so it's not a book, documentary, or podcast, but it's something I think you'd like (and I've been meaning to send you a message about it anyway)... it's tableware by artist Andy Shaw. We received a few pieces as a wedding gift and LOVE it. Here's a link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/shawandy

darla

I second the suggestion for Denis Cotter's cookbooks, they're fabulous. http://www.cafeparadiso.ie/about/denis-cotter Also, My Berlin Kitchen by Luissa Weiss (http://www.thewednesdaychef.com/), which I'm sure you've seen.

Sadhbh

For reading I'd recommend The Book of Salt by Monique Truong, In the Garden of the Beasts by Erik Larson, The Hare with the Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal, Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear and Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. On the cooking side I love Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi.

Karen in Concord, MA

Hi Heidi, Do you have a higher res photo of the beautiful marble inlay from India on your Nov. 2012 Favorites list? I have it as my background, and would someday like to use it as a kitchen backsplash! Thanks! HS: Leave a note when you're ready, and I'll see if I can dig one up! xo

Brittany

Hi Heidi! If you haven't read it yet then I suggest you try: Shantaram, the author is David Roberts. A masterpiece, it's placed in India and it's a true story. I read the 900 pages just about 3 times :-)

Elvira

Your "Favorites" entries are my favorite. Thanks for letting me give some back. I'll only give two music entries to check. The first is anything by Dayna Kurtz, who has a voice. Her last release was "Secret Canon Vol. 1." She currently finishing up Volume 2. (Link - http://daynakurtz.com/wp/) I have the album for that first one. I want the album of "Mr. M" by Lambchop. I won't put their description here, as it's not pg, but it's not your usual country. It may be a bit Sinatra, even. (http://www.mergerecords.com/store/store_detail.php?catalog_id=834) I think I'm enjoying crooning lately. Thanks, again, Heidi.

naomi

Love your favourites list! I live in Nova Scotia and had no idea those beautiful cottages were so close to me! I will definitely check them out. Also, being Canadian, I love listening to Jian Gomeshi's The Q, on CBC radio. You can listen to podcasts here http://www.cbc.ca/q/podcasts/ Also, one of my favourite cookbooks is World Food Cafe by Chris and Carolyn Caldicott- their recipe for Saag Paneer is amazing!

Jules

Have you heard of Red Baraat? It's a drum and brass band out of New York that has crazy good music and is phenomenal live. Not sure if it's your thing, but thought I'd send their music your way: http://redbaraat.bandcamp.com/album/shruggy-ji

Beth

The Edible Balcony How to grow fresh food in a small space plus 60 inspiring recipes by Indira Naidoo penguin.com.au/lantern ISBN 9 781921 382538

jan

Podcast: Daniel Coffeen's Rhetoric 10--it's a Berkeley undergraduate philosophy class that is available for free on iTunes. This podcast changed the way that I view the world. He is a great lecturer and very funny.

Tara

Adding my vote to Jiro Dreams of Sushi! The writings of Isak Dinesen are always wonderful. There's a (older) film based on one of her short stories - Babette's Feast. I recommend it to all my food loving artist friends.

sarah

I recommend giving Michel Cusson a listen... and Sauces by James Peterson a read, if you haven't already.

TLP

Hi Heidi. I am a Kiwi food blogger and I owe almost everything to Annabel Langbein, who in my mind is one of the best at this moment in the world of cookbook authors. In particular I'm sure you would love one of her latest books: The Free Range Cook (available on Amazon.com). Monique xx

Monique Prins

Have you seen Irish Folk Furniture? Won best animated film at Sundance. Joyous!!

Susan Holland

Hi Heidi, I recommend Wild: From lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, and Day of Honey by Annia Ciezadlo. I loved Behind the Beautiful Forevers, by the way.

Erica

A great book that also had a smattering of food descriptions is PLEASE LOOK AFTER MOM. It's simply written, but a beautiful and deep story. Heidi, I would love to see your recipes versions of the food she describes (Korean). xx S

stacey

Julie Klausner's podcast "How Was Your Week" is funny and wonderful. Also, Kiana Davenport's novel Shark Dialogues is absolutely fantastic.

Amie Gramo

Sound City! Dave Grohl's new documentary. Amazing.

Leslie Osburn

Hi Heidi, Not sure you'll get around to reading this after the number of comments above mine... But my book recommendation is 'Unbroken' by Laura Hillenbrand - my family and I all went through it one after the other and couldn't put it down, its excellent. For cookbooks, I love Skye Gyngell 'How I Cook', very lovely and homely. As for podcasts, I always listen to BBC Desert Island Discs - a winner! I'd love to hear if you ever get around to any of my suggestions! Enjoy the research! Best wishes...

Rosie

Thanks for the fab suggestions, here are mine...to read (if you haven't already), to watch, to eat.- zx

zuza zak

Hi Heidi - I always love your favorites lists. I wonder - how do you keep your faves organized once you find them?

HS: Hi Jennifer, I keep them in a text document on my desktop until I'm ready to post them - there's really no organizing beyond that ;)...

Jennifer

Lisa Genova has written three books. Start with her first - "Still Alice." This book is haunting and has stayed with me long past the last page read. "Left Neglect" and "Love Anthony" are equally good.

Linda

Thoroughly enjoying reading "Shark's Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-Sour Memoir of Eating in China" by Fuchsia Dunlop. ~Brenda

Sense of Home Kitchen

Podcasts - best ones I know, I don't know if you will like them, but the writing is tops, they are lots of fun. Go to Decoder Ring Theatre. Two story lines, Black Jack Justice (and his partner, Trixie Dixon) and The Red Panda (which is a kind of superhero story). Gregg Taylor's been producing these for six years now - and they get along on donations. Let me know if you try them and like them. :-)

LucyR

Thank you again for another inspiring list. This is a little off topic, but may I ask what color your kitchen is painted? I am searching for a beautiful warm white and yours is very special. Thank you for any help!

HS: Hi Walter, I believe it is Benjamin Moore "Feather Down"...It was chosen by the previous owners and we like it a lot too.

Walter

How awesome of you to post about the Shobac cottages in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia! I grew up around this area and although I live in Montreal now, I go home every summer and hike at Hirtle's Beach. This place is so small, it warmed my heart to see you mention it. I think you would love to visit this destination, another in the Canadian Atlantic region, the beautiful and inspirational Fogo Island Inn, http://www.fogoislandinn.ca/ Thanks!

Tessa Jones

Tips from a homesick Chicagoan in SF: If you're going to visit Farnsworth House--and you should--you'll be driving out from Chicago (it's a nice summer day trip), and while you're there, you can visit Wright's iconic Robie House, which is not on the usual FLR Oak Park circuit. And since you'll then be in Hyde Park, head north 1 mile and go on a walk through Kenwood, Obama's nabe., and pick out your dream house.

Catherine

Music: both of Lisa Hannigan's albums. Stand out tracks are: teeth, pistachio, a sail, little bird. There are also some lovely films to go along with her songs and adventures made by Arbutus Yarns. We'd love to get some some musical suggestions from you.

LindaNYC

Far from the Tree - Andrew Solomon. My favorite book from 2012! Love your favorites Heidi :-)

terrabites

Heidi, If you haven't seen Visual Accoustics, about the work of and the homes behind Julius Shulman's photography , please do. Also, the Up! series is fascinating. Both are available on Netflix streaming. Regards, Linda

LindaNYC

LOVING all of these! Keep them coming! xo -h

Heidi

Well it seems that with the 90 something comments before me , you will be very , very busy.... anyway: 1. This weeks podcast of The food seen - the last half has a long discussion about juices and differant culinary uses. 2. other recommended podcasts: 99% invisible by Roman Mars. On Being with Krista Tiffet. Heres the thing with Alec Baldwin. Bill Moyers - Moyers and Co.. An Organic Conversation. Radiolab (absolute must!). Third Coast International. The Leonard loppate show -WNYC. This American Life. Forum on KqED. All of these can be found by entering a search in the podcast section of iTunes.... and they are all free. 3. Almost forgot - This American Life with Ira Glass.... too good.

adrienne

I read two really good books at the end of 2012: Jennifer Egan's Visit From the Goon Squad-- brilliant, so smart-- and Jeffrey Eugenides The Marriage Plot. The podcasts I've added lately are: Spilled Milk (food) Risk! (stories, often very explicit) Mental Illness Happy Hour (a combo of self-help and entertainment) and The Truth (radio plays).

whitney

Book recommendations: Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon,and Gone Girl by GIllian Flynn.

Lindsay

Hi Heidi, this is the first time I've posted, but I love your blog. I just finished reading The Epigenitics Revolution by Nessa Carey and loved it! If you've ever given any thought to the nature vs nurture debate, this is a great place to start.

mariya

I am currently reading Atlas: The Archaeology of An Imaginary City by Qizhang Dong. Set in the long-lost City of Victoria (a fictional world similar to Hong Kong), Atlas is written from the unified perspective of future archaeologists struggling to rebuild a thrilling metropolis.

Sara Graham

Your timing could not be better for this reader in need of new recommendations. I will share just a couple of recent favorites of my own: Games Without Rules, the Often Interrupted History of Afghanistan by Tamim Ansary; Mama Makes a Decision by Blaine White.

Laura

The link on shibori reminded me of something I discovered recently called batik from Indonesia. Same principle of dyeing fabric. Love it.

Florence

I second the rec for Tamar Adler's Everlasting Meal. Inspirational food writing with a viewpoint I've never seen in print. In the novel category, I have to recommend Arcadia by Lauren Groff as well. She writes beautifully. I've read everything she's published, but Arcadia is exceptionally lovely. Molly & Matthew's Spilled Milk podcast, which has been on a bit of a hiatus, is my absolute favorite. I haven't found anything else quite like it.

Christine

I saw one mention of Behind the Beautiful Forevers already - but this is to second that. Especially because you went to India last year. Well deserved National Book Award winner - and with a last name like BOO - got to love her! (check out her interview with Stephen Colbert - it's what made me pick it up! - and you can never get too much Colbert!)

Tricia

I discovered fresh turmeric root at the market this week; like ginger, only smaller and with a distinctive turmeric smell. Used alongside ginger in a vegetable soup. It is lovely mild tasting and imparting a warmth and depth not found elsewhere and a lovely yellow hue particularly noticeable in the gray winter of Quebec.

Claire

Hello Heidi, I am a serial Lurker, and a great fan of your whole thing. This is my first comment. I reckon you should check out 'fictional objects' bed linen from Australia. Gorgeous stuff.

Meggle

New booktitle: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It's amazing!

Sifra

I agree with Heather's comment about the Ted talks, Brene Brown's book Daring Greatly, and On Being podcasts! Also, This American Life and Radio Lab are podcasts worth a listen--look for the story of the talking bird. Thank you Heidi and all commenters for making suggestions. Lots of great ideas here!

Erin

Dan Barber's iconic talk from TASTE? Or one of his new ones from TED? : -- ) xoxo

HS: Miss you K! Please please come visit SF soon. We are so overdue.

Katherine McCartney

Hi Heidi. Two of my favorite TED talks, both by Brene Brown. Watch this one first then this one. Thanks for sharing your recipes and producing SNED. Keep it coming.

Catie

Place to go: Fogo Island, Newfoundland. Beautiful architecture and an inspiring story of hope for a dying outport culture. There's also a lovely program on CBC's Ideas about this project.

Kevin

Hi Heidi. I love and agree with many comments here already, I would add a few more Australian ideas! Book: A Fraction Of The Whole, Steve Toltz Music: (Always) Pink Martini, soon to release a new album, yay! Cookbook: Maggie Beer's "Harvest"

Kodi

Really enjoy your favourites lists. Here are some book recommendations. Fiction: The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Wood. Non-Fiction: An Imperfect Offering by James Orbinski.

Kathryn

I (fifth?) Jiro dreams of sushi and also good reads - I've come across dozens on new books I'm excited about on there. Canada may not be sufficiently exotic to be off your radar, but just in case, my absolute favourite cookbooks (apart from yours of course) are by Jeffery Alford and Naomi Duguid, especially the first two, on flatbread- and rice- centered cuisines around the world. The recipes are authentic yet doable and the photography and stories are gorgeous. These are books to ignite both a travel and a food bug! I haven't made it to Georgia and the -Stans on Central Asia yet, but since I first came across these in my early teens I've spent time living in Japan and travelling across Asia, and done a lot of cooking. they absolutely capture some of my favourite flavours from those places. Love! And for podcasts - I'm sure you know it but how can no one have mentioned This American Life yet?? I also enjoy Q (arts show, from CBC), and I would second a history of the world in 100 objects. And for reading, yes to Wodehouse! Also (if you like fantasy) Robin McKinley's Sunshine is truly excellent fiction that includes both baking and vampires :) how can twilight be so popular and this not be? Ditto Harry potter vs everything by Diana Wynne Jones. Speaking of which, all the movies by Studio Ghibli, especially Totoro, spirited away and Howl's Moving Castle (based on the book written by the incomparable Ms Jones). Thank you for all the favourites here! I can't wait to track some of them down.

Robin

A great idea. Sometimes I get the feeling that bloggers give more than they get from their readers. Here's to balancing out the relationship! This website is a good one for your RSS feed: http://freecabinporn.com/ (Not to fear. It's totally safe for work. Unless your cabin daydreaming makes you miss a deadline...)

Emily

First of all, thank you again for putting my show (HeritageRadioNetwork.org's THE FOOD SEEN) on your favorites list, you don't know how much that means to me/the station. Also, you should check out my friends amazing food products from Quebec, www.societe-orignal.com.

Michael Harlan Turkell

Your favorites list is a favorite of mine and inspired my first favorites lists. So I have a new novel coming out in two weeks. I think you might like it.

Indira Ganesan

One of my favorite food reads in recent memory has been Tamar Adler's "Everlasting Meal". It's incredibly inspiring and I think right up your alley!

Joy

The best meal I've ever had in a restaurant was at Cafe Paradiso in Cork. I'd recommend Denis Cotter's book, For the Love of Food, and also dinner at this lovely vegetarian cafe if you find yourself in Ireland.

Heather

My dil gave me Food Safari cookbook (Maeve O'Meara, Hardie Grant books), culled from an Australian TV series. It explores cuisines from around the world. Amazing recipes, beautiful photography. It's old, but have you read Let's Take the Long Way Home? It's a bittersweet memoir about two women friends. I could not put it down. Also liked Wally Lamb's The Hour I first Believed. Devoured it on an overseas plane flight last Christmas. But then, I've loved all of Lamb's books. Wish he wouldn't take ten years to put out his next one. Amy Tan's memoir is good too. Explains her Lyme's disease.

Cyndy

The Edible Balcony by Indira Naidoo (How to grow fresh food in a small space plus 60 inspiring recipes) Penguin.com.au/lantern ISBN 9 781921 382536

jan

Great thread, Heidi. I've added several suggestions from the comments section to my Goodreads account (thanks, Daisy!). Might I suggest: Alif the Unseen by Willow Wilson So Big by Edna Ferber Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Also, there's an Australian series of documentaries similar to the British 7UP that follow three working class women from their teens to their mid-50s, The first is called "Smokes and Lollies." Compelling stuff.

Babs

Oh and one more "favorite" - if you EVER wear nailpolish, you must check out this website: www.llarowe.com that features mostly hand-mixed polisjh colors (favorite artists = CrowsToes - Peiades Collection, Enchanted Polish, NailNation 3000, Ozotic, Glitter Gal)

Jennifer Z

Books: The Untethered Soul and The Bone People Movies: Silver Linings Playbook and if you have not yet seen Jiro Dreams of Sushi, you must (though I suspect you may have already seen this) Restaurants: Pagan (Outer Richmond) and Source and Craftsmen and Wolves and Trouble Coffee (for their cinnamon bread) and the new NoPa in the Inner Sunset. Also, Koo has great veggies.

Jennifer

Spensermag.com. An online magazine on food and drink with beautiful photos and interesting articles. A must read for food bloggers!

Jenna

I gobble up every episode of Gourmet magazine's Diary of a Foodie: http://www.gourmet.com/diaryofafoodie. TED talks (especially "5 dangerous things you should let your kids do" and any by Sir Ken Robinson) and it's new brain child, TED ed: lessons worth sharing: http://ed.ted.com/.

Molly

I can't wait to make the Ethereally Smooth Hummus! I had some of the best hummus I've ever eaten in Fresno, CA, in November at a small cafe with my sister. Sadly, the cafe has since closed, and I never got a chance to beg their recipe! This recipe gives me new hope that I've found the smoothness I'm looking for.

Barbara

Hugely honored to be included in this beautiful collection - thank you for the Saag Paneer inspiration. :) The funniest book I've ever read is Sara Barron's People Are Unappealing. Like David Sedaris meets Sara Silverman - so funny. Currently enjoying listening to the soulful harmonies of Mamuse on Pandora. Love everyone's suggestions.

Alanna

The lovely Leon cookbook series from the UK. Nathanael Johnson's new book, All Natural The Art of Mindful Gardening, published in a series by Ivy Publishers in Lewes, in the UK Smithsonian Folkways release of the Folk Songs of Vietnam, previously banned during the Vietnamese War. Here is Hat Hoi, performed by Pham Duy. https://soundcloud.com/smithsonian-folkways/hat-hoi-performed-by-pham-duy John Francis, the Planet Walker, on TED: http://www.ted.com/talks/john_francis_walks_the_earth.html "Tell all your friends I'm kind:" The Catherine Violet Hubbard Memorial Animal Sanctuary in Newtown CT http://articles.courant.com/2013-01-25/news/hc-newtown-victim-hubbard-animal-20130125_1_animal-center-business-cards-samantha Stephen Antonson By Hand: http://www.stephenantonson.com/

Elissa | PoorMansFeast

Hello Heidi, Love this idea of suggestions from your readers. Congratulations on all your success! Documentary- Soulfood Junkies from Independent Lens. I saw it on PBS. You can try their website they may have it up for viewing. Book-If you're into history I'm loving Team of Rivals: The political genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. App-For organization and everything else I love Springpad Cookbook- Cooking In the Moment by Andrea Reusing

Kathy

Musically, a new singer/guiarist from the UK, Lianne La Havas is phenominal. She's touring the US soon. Beautiful voice. http://www.liannelahavas.com/

Michelle

-DNTO (definitely not the opera) is a great CBC (Canadian) radio show podcast filled with wonderful stories about people. There are a ton of episodes, every show tackles a different topic, episodes are free on iTunes, they are over an hour long and you just get to listen to people tell their amazing stories - funny, happy, sad, depressing and inspiring. -Also, I am sure everyone has heard of Radiolab (NYPR) but if you have not this is my favorite all time podcast. -Favorite latest documentaries: Beauty is Embarrassing, The Island President, Samsara, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Marley, Life in a Day, Touching the Void, and anything by Werner Herzog

andrea

Here is a site I love: Slowcoast. Nick Hand travels on bicycle through England, Scotland, Wales, & Ireland, and does soundslide portraits of artisans of all kinds. http://www.slowcoast.co.uk/

Andrea

I loved Ann Patchett's State of Wonder; I also recently saw the documentary, The Edible City was great and local to the Bay Area.

Alice Dishes

On the book front, I recommend Language of Flowers by Vanessa DIffenbaugh. It is wonderful. http://www.amazon.com/Language-Flowers-Novel-Vanessa-Diffenbaugh/dp/0345525558/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359743046&sr=1-1&keywords=language+of+flowers And I second the suggestion of the documentary Searching for Sugar Man. My favorite documentary and a must-see for any music lover. If you find yourself enamored by Rodriguez, check out his tour schedule. http://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sugar-Man-Rodriguez/dp/B008JFUTT0/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1359743146&sr=1-2&keywords=searching+for+sugar+man

Marina Martinez

Ah, thank you for the reminder--I've been meaning to read the Katherine Boo book. I finally just read What is the What, which I imagine you've read but highly recommend it if you haven't. This Smithsonian article about uncovering the secrets to the best soup broth was great, http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/2013/01/stocking-up-uncovering-the-secrets-to-the-best-broth/ as was this absolutely fascinating article about a Russian family cut off from all human contact in the taiga for decades: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/For-40-Years-This-Russian-Family-Was-Cut-Off-From-Human-Contact-Unaware-of-World-War-II-188843001.html

Brooke

Jiro Dreams of Sushi, beautiful documentary. Ottolenghi new book, Jerusalem - EXCELLENT! and one more thing a lovely inspiring blog http://bissim.com/

shelly

Good morning, Heidi I just love your list (again!) :) There is a really lovely "video" of SF you might enjoy. It's actually a complilation of 30,000 photographs edited together to make a short video! Have a wonderful weekend! Video: http://youtu.be/StvOqEBnR80

Rebecca

As a huge reader, I could bombard you with book suggestions, but I will limit my offerings to three recent very good reads: Child Wonder by Roy Jacobsen The Breaking of Eggs by Jim Powell The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches by Gaétan Soucy

Daisy

The documentary 'For the Love the Mambo' captures the sounds and images of a vibrant expression of our American musical landscape and its passage to young performers in the 21st century. Here's link to the trailer: http://fortheloveofthemambo.com/trailer.html I'm a fan and avid follower of your writing and cooking!

Marsha Baxter

What a great list! I wonder if you know the British Museum series of podcasts titled "A History of the World in 100 Objects." Each is about 15 minutes or string several together - perfect for accomplishing hand work. Thank you for this list opportunity and your wonderful recipes!

Katy Gilmore

I'm in the middle of the first published biography of Harper Lee, author of the beloved To Kill a Mockingbird. The biography's title is Mockingbird and I love it so far! Did you know she was best friends with Truman Capote?

Laura

Music: Mumford & Sons

suz

I second both The Snow Child in books, and The UP Series in documentaries (all on Netflix streaming except 56 UP, which is in theaters now - opens 2/15 in SF!).

(Another) Heidi

Novel: Guernica (about Spanish basque up to ~1940, which led to Picasso's famous mural - historical novel. Donna Hay cookbooks, magazines King of Masks - movie, a slice of Chinese culture of old Ken Burns' Frank L. Wright documentry

suz

Just saw "Symphony of The Soil" at the Eco Farm Conference, a beautiful documentary about our soil and what is happening to farmers around the world. And can't recommend highly enough Erin Morgenstern's magical novel "The Night Circus" which makes you wish there truly was such a place. Thanks for another wonderful favorites piece!

Tori Williams

Since you like to read you may like this website: http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/ Tell it a book you like and it will suggest 20 more you may enjoy. You may have already seen this floating around Pinterest...

Monica

Check out divvyupdining.blogspot.com and search for Mt Everest or The Wildest Dream. There is a short summary of this documentary that will have you at the edge of your seat, if you like true adventure.

Jude

For a really riveting read, try Gone Girl.

Mayo

Hi, Heidi! Great idea. Two quick reads: Why We Should Memorize (http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2013/01/why-we-should-memorize.html) Joy by Zadie Smith (http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2013/jan/10/joy/?pagination=false) Also, Sam's reading the Katherine Book book, too, and loving it. Do you ever listen to The Design Matters podcasts? Sam introduced me to them but they're not solely for graphic design folks -- I find a lot of the interviews apply to any creative field. Happy weekend to you (enjoy that sun!)

Megan Gordon

Jiro Dreams of Sushi, beautiful documentary. Ottolenghi new book, Jerusalem - EXCELLENT! and one more thing a lovely inspiring blog http://bissim.com/

shelly

Dan Barber's iconic talk from TASTE? Or one of his new ones from TED? : -- ) xoxo

Katherine McCartney

Anything and everything by PG Wodehouse. I'm with Tony Blair who envies anyone who hasn't started in on Wodehouse and has all that joyful chuckling to unleash.

Cristina

I am trying my hand at cheesemaking lately, and paneer is next on my list. I just bought a boatload of spinach, kale and rainbow chard to use in your saag paneer recipe. I'm so glad I read this first because I probably would have thrown the stems away! Also - I love the shibori DIY. I'm not sure I have much to add to your favorites list, but if you have not checked out the blog at rootsimple.com (particularly the domesticus section), you might really like it. Root Simple and 101cookbooks are hands down my top two favorite blogs.

Anne Marie

Thanks for your tips, tidbits, and suggestions! There's a great little cookbook based on a Pasadena bakery: Little Flower, Recipes from the Cafe. Reading it will make you feel like having an Americano, crusty bread, and a bowl of curried lentil soup. Also, I'm reading the book, Wonder, by R.J. Palacio with my 6th graders - amazing story, great book. Enjoy!

Jill @ 42potatoes

good morning, beauty, have you seen these yet? http://vimeo.com/53600194 they're wonderful "The Perennial Plate is an online weekly documentary series dedicated to socially responsible and adventurous eating."

jane

I LOVE the Marriage Bureau for Rich People series by Farahad Zama. They're set in Vizag, on the southeast coast of India, and are a little like the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency only with wedding plans, not mysteries.

Emily

I have been cooking my way through Ottolenghi's, "Jerusalem", which I know you already love. Bill Granger's cookbook, "Easy" has been wonderful too. We recently watched "Sleepwalk with Me." Really funny. Also read the essay, "Joy" by Zadie Smith. Love her. And totally unrelated to food, J Crew's Vintage Pajamas and Sabon's Patchouli Lavender Vanilla body scrub have made me look forward to a bath and bed every night.

Myndi

Two book recommendations: Non-fiction - I'm currently enthralled by The Spirit Catches You and Then You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. It's an older book, but worthwhile if you haven't read it yet. There's a fair chunk of history of the Hmong people and the focus is on clashes between culture and the healthcare system. Fiction - Mr Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore. Highly recommend.

kimu

Heidi, have you read Jonathan Franzen's Freedom? It's on the longish side, but it's a totally compelling, character-driven portrait of middle-class life in America.

Katie

I'm happy to share one of my favourite cookbooks of last year - Market Chronicles: Stories & Recipes from Montreal's Marché Jean-Talon by Susan Semenak. I love it!

Laura

Hi Heidi - on the book front, I'm a big fan of Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake (and lots of food in that novel too); on podcasts, I can't beat In Our Time, a BBC Radio 4 programme which makes me feel more intelligent; current favourite comfort food is Mujaddara (http://food52.com/recipes/8565-mujaddara-with-spiced-yogurt); and a favourite blog is cookbookamonth.wordpress.com. I'm heading to New York in March, where my favourite places are the high line walk, union square and chelsea markets. I'd love to know your favourite! Also, currently loving a few easy recipes from Rachel Allen 'Easy', an Irish recipe book.

Era3

'Risotto with nettles' by the Italian queen Anna del Conte... ...or non-food related, 'Natasha's Dance,' a cultural history of Russia by Orlando Figes. But my pile of un-read to-read must-read books is literally hip height, so I can't be tempted by any more! Happy weekend xx

Frances

Ru by Kim Thuy is a beautiful book. Also Hannah Georgas is a great Canadian Indie artist.

melanie

Just watched "The World Before Her" - Canadian doc. set in India. Recommended by a Canadian married to an Indian living in Brunei

Nadine Isaiah

Hi, Listen to 'Bobby Long'. His first album 'A winter tale' is great! If you like folk music, you will love it.

Alicia

After seeing Les Miserables the movie, I FELL IN LOVE with the story and decided to read the book. I was quite surprised to find that the book is fantastic and delves even deeper into the very human issues that the movie deals with. I was especially impressed by the quality of the writing (it is superb) as often things get lost in translation and over time. Its kind of a large undertaking (this book is so big that I use it as a yoga block) but I would recommend it!

Gabby

"Sailing Alone Around the Room" by Billy Collins is a wonderful book of poetry. It's contemporary, but not super modern, which can be a nice change. this had a big impact on me as a dancer.

C

What a lovely list. Really excited to start Behind the Beautiful Forevers! When you're finished with that...I just recently read Black Dogs, by Ian McEwan, and it is fantastic. A truly riveting read.

Rivka

I think you would really like the pottery from Cley in Norfolk - we were given a teapot as a wedding present and it is beautiful - and Stella's work is a new favourite.

Gemma

Heidi - I know how much you love to travel, so I think you'll like Sandy Leonard's travel blog. I'm addicted to his daily posts.

Cenk

I have been to Paris two weeks ago for the Edward Hopper exhibit. The city was covered in snow and extremely cold. we were staying very close to République, and exactly in front of Du Pain et Des Idées. A life-changing experience: their pain des amis is the best bread I think I have ever had, ditto for the brioche. I curiously didn't know about Edible Selby and I noticed that he mentions this bakery as well! Anyway, I have been liking everything Seth Godin has been writing and saying as of late, especially this TedTalk and an article on the Harvard Business Review. On the side of cookbooks published outside of the US, I have been liking this one a lot both for the recipe and for the photography (I am originally from Veneto and Asolo is a little hidden gem, where homes like this truly still exist). And Polpo, the cookbook of the (sort of modern reinvented) Venetian osteria in Soho, London.

Valeria

I fall in love with the Chard Saag Paneer version you suggest.

Rossella

Home made is a beautiful cookbook from the netherlands, made by yvette van Boven. Ther's also home made winter and home made summer

Esther

I have recently discovered the website goodreads.com and it's been wonderful. I've discovered books I would otherwise probably not have read and they have been wonderful reads. The two I'll recommend are "The History of Love by Nicole Krauss" and "Eventide" by Kent Haruf. I'd love to hear if you read and like them.

victoria

A little bit of music instrument in Parisian flare? I highly recommend 'The piano shop on the left bank' a book that is actually written by American in Paris. An eye opening book, not only on the piano, but the life in Paris.

MaySze

Well, it's a bit unrelated to things you requested, but I've spent a good chunk of my evening drooling over the vintage (from the 20's to the 60's) fully restored waffle irons at Toaster Central. There are great write-ups on each one, discussing the time period, manufacturing, developments in engineering, etc. I'm not much of a kitchen appliance person, but I love waffles and would dig owning one of these restored irons someday.

Sarah

I highly recommend the podcast from On Being (public radio show) from late November 2102, when the guest was Brene Brown. It is a life-changing interview. I wish everyone would listen to it (and watch her TED talks and read her books, etc).

Heather

I love the 'Kicking and Screaming' podcast that Jenna Elfman and her husband Bodhi Elfman do, it's light and very funny!

Kira

Try the 7 Up documentary series. It follows fourteen British people from different walks of life and has had a "sequel" every seven years. They're on 56 Up now, meaning it has spanned 56 years! I know that they're all on Netflix for your viewing pleasure. :)

Diane @ Vintage Zest

I've just recently acquired a juicer as well and have been really enjoying the vegetable fruit combinations in the Big Book of Juices:)

Beth

I'm not sure if a Canadian publication is as exotic as you were perhaps thinking of, but my go-to Indian cookbooks are written by the owners of the best Indian restaurant here in Vancouver - Vij's. Vikram Vij and Meeru Dhalwala have some truly inventive and delicious recipes, both vegetarian and with meat. Here are the Amazon links: here & here.

Ada

If you're after a music documentary, I saw Sound City last night and it was amazing! I highly recommend it if you like good old rock and roll... and who doesn't!

natashia@foodonpaper

Heidi, Since you asked, the absolute loveliest book I have read in some time is The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. I think you would like it very much. And because I think you're never actually too old for this story, E.B. White reading Charlotte's Web is a treasure. Liam loves it, as do we. I think it would be something fun to listen to when Jack came to visit you :) xo lynn

Lynn

I recommend the documentary "Searching for Sugar Man".

Louise

Hi there Heidi, I've got two Australian suggestions for you. A cookbook I've just bought, Feasting by Karen Martini and a novel called Carpentaria by Alexis Wright. I love your favourites list and stoked to be returning the favor, I hope you enjoy!

Louisa

I really want that Paneer! It's been on my bucket list of recipes to make and no time like the present to start I suppose!

Averie @ Averie Cooks

Arcadia. Best book I've read in five years.

Morgan

On the documentary front..."Genetic Roulette" may be one of the most compelling health-related documentaries that I have ever seen. Definitely worth watching!

Brice

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