Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table

By: Ruth Reichl

What a treat of a book, it includes many of the recipes author Ruth Reichl grew up with as well as the stories behind the people who created them. An autobiography of perfect portions, just enough humor and wit, seasoned with interesting locations, characters and experiences. There is a small town, feel good sort of a groove reading this book. It’s not only enjoyable but also educational.

As I read it I made many of the recipes I found on the pages, each one was a delight. My favorite was the recipe for fried chicken. I suppose I always assumed fried chicken was just fried chicken, how many ways can there be to make fried chicken? I had no basis for a recipe and have tried many things over the years. My mother never handed me down any recipes, the majority of the meals she made came out of boxes, and sauces were made from envelopes. To her, fried chicken was made by Banquet and vegetables came out of cans.

Recipes from days gone by, from a time when people still cooked and gathered together. There were relationships and interactions of a genuine nature. People aren’t like that anymore. The book is quaint as it quietly and in good taste explores the south, the people, how they all get along and how wherever they happen to be while there getting along, the food is always really, really good.