Eat This Poem: A Literary Feast of Recipes Inspired by Poetry

Literary cookbook Eat This Poem celebrates food and poetry, two of life's essential ingredients.


I want to remember us this way--
late September sun streaming through
the window, bread loaves and golden
bunches of grapes on the table,
spoonfuls of hot soup rising
to our lips, filling us
with what endures.

--Peter Pereira, from "A Pot of Red Lentils"

Food and poetry are two of life's essential ingredients. In the same way that salt seasons ingredients to bring out their flavors, poetry seasons our lives; when celebrated together, our everyday moments and meals are richer and more meaningful. 

The twenty-five inspiring poems in this book--from such poets as Marge Piercy, Louise Glück, Mark Strand, Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, Jane Hirshfield--are accompanied by seventy-five recipes that bring the richness of words to life in our kitchen, on our plate, and through our palate. Eat This Poem opens us up to fresh ways of accessing poetry and lends new meaning to the foods we cook.

Sample pairings:

• "How to Eat Alone" by Daniel Halpern | Moroccan Roasted Lamb with Herb Yogurt and Couscous with Kale and Dill

• "First Thanksgiving" by Sharon Olds | Brussels Sprout and Avocado Salad, Wild Rice with Chestnuts and Leeks, and Sage and Mushroom Gravy

• "Potato" by Jane Kenyon | Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potatoes, Mustardy Potato Salad, and Crispy Oven Potatoes

• "While Eating a Pear" by Billy Collins | Pear and Manchego Grilled Cheese, Warm Vanilla-Pear Crumble, and Triple Ginger Coffee Cake