Recipes From My Life

Unabridged Selections from the Pat Conroy Cookbook

By: Pat Conroy, Suzanne Williamson Pollak

Narrated by: Pat Conroy

It all started 30 years ago with a chance purchase of The Escoffier Cookbook, an unlikely and daunting introduction for the beginner. But Conroy was more than up to the task. He set out with unwavering determination to learn the basics of French cooking, stocks and dough, and moved swiftly on to veal demi-glace and pâte brisée. With the help of his culinary accomplice, Suzanne Williamson Pollak, Conroy mastered the dishes of his beloved South as well as the cuisine he has savored in places as far away from home as Paris, Rome, and San Francisco.

Each chapter opens with a story told with the inimitable brio of the author. We see Conroy in New Orleans celebrating his triumphant novel The Prince of Tides at a new restaurant where there is a contretemps with its hardworking young owner/chef, years later he discovered the earnest young chef was none other than Emeril Lagasse; we accompany Pat and his wife on their honeymoon in Italy and wander with him, wonderstruck, through the markets of Umbria and Rome; we learn how a dinner with his fighter-pilot father was preceded by the Great Santini himself acting out a perilous night flight that would become the last chapters of one of his son's most beloved novels. These tales and more are followed by corresponding recipes, from Breakfast Shrimp and Grits and Sweet Potato Rolls to Pappardelle with Prosciutto and Chestnuts and Beefsteak Florentine to Peppered Peaches and Creme Brulee. A master storyteller and passionate cook, Conroy believes that "A recipe is a story that ends with a good meal".

©2004 Pat Conroy and Suzanne Williamson Pollak (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Author Pat Conroy's] recollections range from hilarious to poignant. But throughout, he easily convinces listeners to share his opinion that 'cooking and story-telling make the most delightful co-conspirators.'" (Publishers Weekly)

Interesting but wanted more

Picked up some good hints to use, but thought it was more like a long short story

Wonderful!!

Loved it, loved it, loved it. Just too short, I wanted more. Would definitely recommend, it was funny and insightful.

I SAVOR each chaptor...

What made the experience of listening to Recipes From My Life the most enjoyable?

Conroy's descriptions of past eating and cooking memories are tasty treats that I am "rationing" to myself. No binge watching allowed! LOL

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

You find yourself smiling and saying Yummmmm while listening to this book :D

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this audible book to those that seriously and fondly remember their own pest repasts. Those that love MFK Fisher and Ruth Reichl will surely enjoy Conroy.

wonderful

I loved this book. Pat Conroy's story is both moving and inspiring. I would revommend this book. Listening to it has been an intense pleasure.

Hearing my favorite author read his own book!

What did you love best about Recipes From My Life?

This book is a wonderful continuation of Pat Conroy sharing wonderful life stories of life in the low country. It is so great to hear the word from Pat himself!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Recipes From My Life?

The sunset ending.

Which scene was your favorite?

Description of grilling a steak.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

Please ask Pat to record more of his books.

Wordsmithing

I have zero interest in food, but I'm interested in anything Conroy wrote. His wordsmithing is all there.