Wednesday, February 01, 2006

The Village of Cream Puffs

Not all of our books are cookbooks. Occasionally we find digesting something other than a recipe entertains our world of culinary interests. At a local yard sale, we came upon a set of children's books published in 1956, called "My Book House: Story Time". It just so happened I opened the book to an illustration depicting "The Village of Liver and Onions" from a story written by Carl Sandburg in 1922. Being quite fond of this dish (Dieter speaking) I was compelled to read on. Needless to say I was charmed and quickly acquired the "Rootabaga Stories", a complete collection of children's stories created by Carl Sandburg for his daughters. The illustration above depicts the "Village of Liver and Onions", the girl is on a visit from "The Village of Cream Puffs". Now, am I correct in believing that most children love cream puffs and
hate liver?

With this literary connection to food I hope you don't think we've stretched the parameters of what a food blog is about; in this case, culinary anthropology if you will. In the "Rootabaga Stories" you will find wonderful tales about popcorn, and a potato faced blind man who has seen a lot in his day. Obviously these Midwestern foods were familiar to Carl Sandburg and his daughters.

The illustrations in Rootabaga Stories are different than those in the "My Book House: Story Time."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

As someone whose blog is called "Cream Puffs in Venice", well, I simply must have this book!

Thank you so much for visiting Cream Puffs in Venice!

As I mentioned in my comment to you about your babka recipe, I was so excited when I saw it. I love babka and will be trying your recipe for certain!