24 Comments

Thanks Ruth- I needed a diversion from the utter chaos of this country!

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Food is my happy place. When life gets stressful and it seems the world is at its end

I find myself in the kitchen often, and my counter scattered with cookbooks. I spent all yesterday making cinnamon rolls for my husband’s office staff to take home for the weekend, because after a week of news like we’ve had a cinnamon roll might just raise someone’s spirits! Thank you for continuing to do what you do. I look forward to each of your letters.

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I love your column. I don’t understand the woe is me attitude that people have. Not everyone feels that way. I guess it’s your column so you can say what you want but it’s also one reason I won’t become a paid subscriber. I want to read about food which is a happy thing. I don’t like the veiled political stuff. Again, I love to read what you have to say about food and have purchased and read everyone of your books.

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Joy is what makes us go on! Haiti! What about the rest of the world?

I keep my silver polished and use one full setting each day ! Joy!

Good food. Joy! Meals with friends. Joy!

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Capons were very popular when I was young, but I seldom see them anymore--I'm not quite sure why that is. That pot pie sounds delicious and a welcome slice of comfort right now. I also appreciate the reminder that while we have an obligation to do what we can to help those in trouble, the sorrows of the world shouldn't stop us from celebrating life. Feeding ourselves and others can be both a joy and a mitzvah. Thanks for sharing your stories and recipes with us, Ruth.

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Thank you for the much-needed joy!

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Your dad's cover for Ulysses is a masterpiece.

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A sensational entry!!

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Ruth, Your telling of story of your Father’s career and how he brought his favorite writers home to you is wonderful.

Michael and I will be thinking of you and your Michael when we head again to the Rancho Mirage Writers’ Festival next week.

I love LeBriffe.

All the best, Susan Weaver

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Absolutely keep writing about food! At certain moments, it’s the comfort that keeps us going. I discovered you when I read your first memoir—brilliant writing! Did not know your father had designed/edited so many wonderful books. I read I Never Promised You a Rose Garden as a teen and will never forget it.

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Ruth, the link to your father's work isn't working for me. I see that it does work for others. Any suggestions? Thank you.

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All I can say is try again. The link seems to be a bit glitchy, but I just tried it again and had no problem.

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Finding joy in the world for one's self doesn't take anything away from anyone else. And learning about the joys of food at any age, but especially as a child is a gift that will last a lifetime and be shared with others. "That Flanagan woman" is so wrong (about a great many other things, too.) So fascinating about your father's book designs. I just watched a documentary about Kurt Vonnegut a couple of nights ago. Such an interesting life filled with hardships, but he still found joy, too!

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Thank you for introducing me to Calamityware! If I didn't have so many dishes already, I would get a set. I might have to gift some to my kids :)

A little joy is just the thing to counter a tough week.

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It’s amazing that your father designed that Ulysses cover. What a talent. And, completely unrelated, I’m curious whether you have any feelings about the news that Stephen Starr has bought Babbo. (I worked there 20 years ago as a pastry cook under Gina.)

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I'm very excited about Stephen Starr buying Babbo; I have enormous respect for the way he runs his restaurants. And bringing Mark Ladner back is a stroke of genius; he's a huge talent who makes stunningly good food. (I was so sad his Pasta Flyer wasn't the success it deserved to be; it was a brilliant take on affordable food.)

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PS, I think it was capons my mother must have used for chicken fricassee...God, I loved that dish!

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Thank you for your thoughts. During this tumultuous time we are experiencing, the thoughts and sites of good food give my spirit something to hang on to, in the hopes that as with all bad times, this too, shall pass. Keep up the spirit lifting columns, Ruth. They are greatly enjoyed!!

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