Big Heart Little Stove

By Erin French

Review and Summary: Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French

Overview

Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French is more than just a cookbook; it's a deeply personal memoir interwoven with the recipes that have shaped her life and her renowned restaurant, The Lost Kitchen. This book isn't about elaborate techniques or fussy plating, but rather about honest, seasonal cooking rooted in the simplicity and beauty of Maine. It's a testament to resilience, the healing power of food, and the importance of community.

Detailed Review

Writing Style and Tone

• Intimate and Vulnerable: French's writing is incredibly personal, sharing her struggles with addiction, relationships, and the challenges of building her business. This honesty creates a profound connection with the reader.
• Descriptive and Evocative: She paints vivid pictures of the Maine landscape, the changing seasons, and the intimate gatherings around her table. Her descriptions make you feel like you're right there with her.
• Authentic and Down-to-Earth: The book avoids pretense and instead embraces a straightforward and approachable style. It's like having a conversation with a close friend.

Recipe Selection

• Seasonal Focus: The recipes are deeply rooted in the seasons of Maine, showcasing ingredients at their peak freshness. There's a strong emphasis on using what's available locally.
• Accessible Techniques: While some recipes require some skill, most are fairly straightforward and achievable for home cooks. The book prioritizes simple methods and high-quality ingredients.
• Comfort and Nostalgia: The recipes evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia, often featuring dishes from French's childhood or her restaurant's menu. These are foods meant to be shared and savored.
• Variety of Dishes: The collection includes everything from simple appetizers and salads to hearty main courses and desserts, offering a wide range of options for different occasions.

Impact and Themes

• Resilience and Redemption: French's story of overcoming adversity and finding her purpose through food is deeply inspiring.
• The Power of Food: The book emphasizes the ability of food to heal, connect, and create memories.
• Community and Connection: It highlights the importance of gathering with loved ones around a shared meal and building a sense of community.
• Appreciation for the Simple Life: French's emphasis on simple, seasonal ingredients and down-to-earth cooking celebrates the beauty of a slower pace of life.

Summary

Big Heart Little Stove is both a cookbook and a memoir chronicling Erin French's journey from personal struggles to building a successful restaurant in rural Maine. The book is structured around her life and the recipes that have marked each significant phase.

Key Elements:

• Early Life and Influences: The book delves into French's upbringing in Maine, her early exposure to food through her family’s diner, and the challenges she faced as a young adult.
• Building The Lost Kitchen: It details her struggles in establishing and growing her restaurant, highlighting the hard work, dedication, and community support that contributed to its success.
• Seasonal Recipes: The book includes a collection of recipes, organized seasonally, that showcase the ingredients and flavors of Maine, from summer produce to hearty winter fare.
• Personal Reflections: Throughout the book, French shares her thoughts on life, food, and the importance of connections, weaving personal anecdotes with each recipe.
• A Story of Hope: Ultimately, Big Heart Little Stove is a hopeful and inspiring story about overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and the transformative power of food and community.

Conclusion

Big Heart Little Stove is a compelling read that will appeal to food enthusiasts, memoir lovers, and anyone who appreciates a story of resilience. More than just a cookbook, it's a heartfelt and beautifully written testament to the power of food, community, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. It’s a book you’ll want to savor and return to again and again.

Buy the book here.