Molly Wizenberg's Homemade Life

(A disclaimer: My camera is in rehab. I am without it for at least 2 weeks while the kind folks at Nikon repair the damage I inflicted on it when it fell out of my lap in Berlin onto the sidewalk, landing squarely on the lens and damaging the camera body, too. Sob. I was going to use my trusty old point-and-shoot in the interim, but I can't find the cable that connects it to the computer anymore. Double sob. So I'm using my iPhone camera. Yes. And it stinks. I know. Patience.)

My dearest readers, thank you all so much for your comments, your emails, your love sent from across the borough, the city, the country, the world. I know we don't know each other, traditionally, let's say, but all the love and comfort I felt and still feel reading through what you wrote to me sustains me as much as any hug from a good friend. Really truly.

I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again. After all, it bears repeating. This decision to start a blog four years ago? One of the best of my life. This internet thing? Such a lovely place. I love the little spot I've carved out for myself here. Sometimes I imagine it as a cozy little den where I've got a nice fire roaring, a few warm lights flickering, a pot of something or other bubbling quietly on the stove and all of you gathered around with a cup of tea or a glass of wine to sit and chat with me for hours.

Back in the summer of 2005, when I started the blog, I didn't expect this to happen, to have an audience of more than a few. I was a little wary of the internet, of social networking sites and group blogging events, to say nothing of internet dating. I liked my real-world, flesh-and-blood community and I liked to write. I figured all that would come of the site would be a writing practice and the chance to work through all those damn recipes clogging my desk drawers.

And then. The first comment came in. And then the next. And the third. There were emails and more comments and before I knew it, I was totally charmed. There was a whole other community, a virtual one, to fall into, to be a part of. And it wasn't nearly as scary as I thought. In fact, it was rather warm. After all, we sit around writing about recipes, swapping notes, cooking for each other, right? It's like one big Kaffeeklatsch. I love it.

My first and most loyal pen pal was sweet Molly at Orangette. We wrote each other great big emails about life and love and food and then we met and talked for hours and then we wrote some more. You know the term kindred spirit? I think that's a pretty good term for what she is to me. I know I'm not alone when I say that I always knew she'd write a book. Right? She's just got it. And what a book she finally did write, A Homemade Life, filled to bursting with stories of her father, her love affairs, meeting her husband, and more. It's juicy and beautifully written, it brought me to tears more than once, and even made me laugh out loud. It's just like Molly herself.

Best of all, I suppose, is that once you've devoured the book and have gone and told your dad how much you love him, and planned a trip to Paris, and daydreamed about finding your own true love, you can cook from the book. And cook from it I have. From a bitter-creamy salad of endive, avocado, radicchio and feta, to tender little tuna bouchons flavored with Gruyère and parsley, to slow-roasted tomatoes sprinkled with ground coriander (you, quite literally, cannot just eat one), the book is crammed with good food. I've kept it by my bedside and I've had it splayed open in the kitchen and sometimes I think I should just have two copies, one for each place.

This weekend I finally tried her banana bread (you know about Molly and the special place in her heart for banana bread) with crystallized ginger and chocolate. The recipe first appeared on her site years ago, but she tweaked and perfected it over the years and now it's something else entirely. A delicious, elegant loaf that is not too sweet, spicy in places, and oozing with melty little pockets of chocolate. It's quite a triumph. Much like her book. Much like herself.

So proud of you, girl.

Banana Bread with Chocolate and Crystallized Ginger
Makes 1 loaf or 1 8-inch round cake

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 large eggs
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup well-stirred whole-milk plain yogurt (not low or nonfat)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Set a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 350F. Grease a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter.

2. Melt the butter on the stove or in a microwave and set aside to cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add the chocolate chips and crystallized ginger and whisk well to combine. Set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork. Add the mashed banana, yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla and stir to mix well. Pour the banana mixture into the dry ingredients, and stir gently with a rubber spatula, scraping down the sides as needed, until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter with be thick and somewhat lumpy, just make sure all the flour has been incorporated. Scrape the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.

5. Bake into the loaf is a deep shade of golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 50 mins to an hour. If the loaf seems to be browning too quickly, tent with foil.

6. Cool the loaf in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then tip out onto the rack, and let it cool completely before slicing. The loaf freezes well wrapped in plastic wrap and again in foil to protect from freezer burn.

Comments

[leo]

Nice to see your post again. But what is 'crystallized ginger' anyway?

[The Leftoverist]

I am finally reading this book (the last food blogger in the world, I think, to do so) because my dear friend gave it to me for my bday. I can't put it down.

I relate SO MUCH to what you say about your blog being a cozy little den where people can pull up chairs. That has been my experience as well, and I've been so surprised by it. I used to eschew virtual communities and go on and on about the value of real ones. I'm eating my words now.

[Natalie Sztern]

I have wanted to start a blog but then I decided I would be just a 'reader and fan' unfortunately I have realized that bloggers are a clique and I am not included even those that I read and comment on religiously dont want to befriend me...but that's ok cause I still read and comment and this blog is always great.

[Erin]

I am dying to buy this book, but my poor student budget is forcing me to wait for the paperback versioin! I do enjoy Molly's writing, and I know the book will be a fun read. Thanks for posting this preview!

[Amanda Nicole]

I've been waiting for this book to be available in my book store! I've made Molly's banana bread with the crusty cinnamon topping before, and it's ooohhh so good. I can't wait to give this one a try once I finally get the book!

[Zoomie]

I should have known you and Molly were friends - you were just made to be such to each other. Lovely post about her book - it's extraordinary, but then, so is your blog.

[Alejandra]

Oh that recipe is so delicious! I just made it not too long ago and really loved it. The book is also sweet and lovely. And you deserve the audience; you're writing is just fantastic!

[isabel]

Oooh how I envy anybody who hasn't read this book. I've already re-read it and am forcing myself to wait at least a few months before I revisit the prose. The recipes, however, are a different story. Love the "Every Day Cake." On another note, brava to your choices in life, thank you for sharing... keep the updates coming!

[The Purple Foodie]

I love her book. I began reading it and put it down soon because it was too much of a good thing all at one. Started from where I left off again and am totally engrossed! I have got to try this recipe. The crystallised ginger in the banana bread is intriguing.

[Chiot's Run]

MMM, I'm a huge fan of crystalized ginger in everything. This sounds delicious.

I haven't read the book yet, I'll have to see if the library has it, it sound very intersting.

Bloggin is addictive isn't it.

[Janet]

Molly's the next book on the summertime reading list for me. Currently reading Julia Child's book, "My Life in France". I'm a fan of Molly's blog site and of yours. Thank you for the stories and pictures. Keep them coming. ;-)

[Victoria]

Luisa,

Yes, I can see that you and Molly are indeed kindred spirits.

Find a reason to smile every day and take care of yourself.

We are all thinking of you.

[maryn]

Since that recipe appeared on her site, I have made it for my husband at least once a month (he takes a slice of bread to the office for elevenses and banana bread is his favorite). I didn't know she had tweaked it! Thank you for alerting me and for shaming me into getting the book at last...

[maija]

Molly's book is lovely, isn't it? I've already made quite a mess of my copy as it's taken up permanent residence on my kitchen counter.

Made the scones this a.m, with the addition of nutmeg & frozen strawberries. Tuna bouchons may be on the menu this week (made the channa masala last week). The "winning hearts & mind" cake made a truly lovely 30th b-day cake for my boy. And the pickled carrots are on my to-do list.

[Ariana from Chicago]

I agree, fantastic book! I do miss her right now, as she is taking a break from her blog. Good thing, though, she still has lots of recipes I want to try.

[Isabelle]

That's so great that you and Molly are such good friends - you write two of my favourite blogs!

My favourite part about having a blog so far is the way it forces me to flex different writing muscles than in my job as a journalist. It's such fun to only write about what I want!

I still haven't read Molly's book either ... I'm beginning to think I was the only one left. I'm pretty cheap, so I'm waiting for it to come into the library. We'll see how long I can hold out!

[carli]

Ah ha! I had just recently discovered Molly's blog (love it) and am so happy that she linked me to yours. This is great. Thanks for your posts. I'd love for you to check out my blog if you'd like to...just don't judge me for the photography!! It's pretty sad, but a little point and shoot is all I've got right now. Thanks!
Oh- the blog name is "Velveeta Ain't Food". It's at www.velveetaaintfood.blogspot.com

[Eralda]

Great review of the book. I really enjoy reading your posts and I am glad you are writing again.

[jacqueline]

i like the iphone photos - they look a bit holga-esque. or polaroids. softened around the edges. they're nice.

[Cate]

This post makes me want to read Molly's book more than ever! I'm going to need to figure out how to get my hands on a copy all the way over here in Korea.

[la ninja]

Just ordered Molly's book last week!

Of all the food blogs out there, the only two I religiously read every week are Molly's and yours (missing hers at the mo). And it's not necessarily about the food, to be honest; I just find you both the most wonderful story-tellers.

I'm sure one day soon I shall be able to order one of yours! :)

[samwyse]

I gotta say that I agree with jacqueline (http://www.thewednesdaychef.com/the_wednesday_chef/2009/06/molly-wizenbergs-homemade-life.html?cid=6a00d8341c660253ef0115708d93e2970c#comment-6a00d8341c660253ef0115708d93e2970c). If anything, your iPhone photos fit perfectly with your Polaroid borders. Polaroids were always point-and-shoot, without any pretense, posing, or arranging. Cell-phone cameras are the same way. Heck, even the blurriness tells you that no one's photoshopped what you're looking at. I know you miss your Nikon, but you should look at this as an opportunity, as when you discover you're missing an ingredient and have to improvise.

[Sara]

I enjoyed reading a Homemade Life and loved making a cake out of it. I haven't tried the banana bread yet but it looks great!

[Almost Slowfood]

I loved this book and I to share Molly's love of banana bread. I usually stick to my grandmother's recipe, but I think it's time to branch out and spice things up!

[Kaitlyn]

I have enjoyed reading both Molly and your blogs. They are two of the first blogs I started reading a year ago and have inspired me to blog today.

[evy]

I also read Orangette. I found Orangette and David Lebovitz through your blog. I found your blog through Homesick Texan.
You four are my fav food/life bloggers. Always a delight to read.

[Shauna]

Her whole book is so inspiring on so many levels, I managed to devour it in something like two days, despite having a then-7-month-old. That level of greatness. And the bouchons au thon are fabulous.

[Lisa]

I found your blog through Orangette, and I think the two blogs actually complement each other quite well. "A Homemade Life" made me cry and then want to cook...everything in it.

So when are you writing your book? :)

[Anna]

This is *exactly* the kind of book I'm always keeping an eye out for, thank you for recommending and including the amazon.com link! :) Just placed my order....

[Trish la Dish]

Sorry to hear about your Nikon! Ouch! But you don't need your point and shoot's camera cable to upload your pics. Just use a memory card reader or stick your memory card directly into your computer! Sorry if that sounds obvious - - but sometimes we forget about such things :)

[Treehouse Chef]

I have this book on my list of items to purchase. I love reading cookbooks and sometimes more for the writing than the actual recipes. I enjoy knowing about a person and their life, and how food is a part of all that matters. I sometimes go to bed reading cook books. Nigella said that when her fist husband had cancer that she would go to bed reading cook books and found such comfort there --It took her mind off of things. Books/reading are my first passion and cooking my second. I am no where in a league with most bloggers when it comes to food but I do enjoy feeding my family and friends. I find that most people remember how we serve not what we serve.

[evy]

Agree with Lisa above--hope you write a book soon too!

[merideth]

i haven't been reading my "usual" blogs for a few months...i'm sorry to hear about your break-up. but i'm glad to hear you're coming through it ok. (previous post)

i am glad you started this blog, i'm glad you write (so well!) about food and even more glad you write a little about yourself, too.

[Julia]

I love banana bread - usually with chocolate chunks & toasted walnuts, or with Craisins. I have got to try Molly's.
I haven't been blogging a lot either, but I'm about to participate in a blog-off, so that'll be at least once a week for July. Glad to see you back, Luisa.

[Gemma]

I was sorry to read your last post Luisa, hope you're doing ok?

I loved Molly's book and wrote a gushing review of it on my blog. It is beautifully written (unsurprisingly) and made me cry (on the bus to work) three times, or was it four? I'm missing her blog at the moment as well so glad to see you posting a bit more again.

[à la ganache]

Your post about her book brought tears to my eyes! I will definitely add Molly's book to my reading list...

[Melinda]

Luisa, I'm a recent reader and found my way to you via Molly. I've met up with Molly here in Seattle and must say she is just as enjoyable in person as in her writing. Your similar writing styles seem so effortless and natural - thanks for the inspiration!

[Honeybee]

You know, Luisa, yours are the only "long" posts out there I read and enjoy. In most other blogs, I often skip right to the recipe. Thank you for writing!

[Nadia]

I look forward to the day when you publish your own book, Wednesday Chef. I am sure it will be beautifully written and illustrated.

[redmenace]

I read it too and loved it! I'm sorry to hear about your love life. I have been there and know it's tough. Keep cooking.

[Jennifer S]

It's good to see you're getting back into the groove, Luisa.

I've been reading Molly's book, for recipes, insight, and Oklahoma references, due to my family's connections there. Thanks for adding more weight to the wonderfulness of the banana bread. I might get over my dislike of bananas to make this for some friends.

[Elizabeth in Livermore, CA]

Hi Luisa,

I have Molly's book, A Homemade Life, and I'm savoring it slo-o-wly...now I'll have to go get some bananas, wait for them to ripen just so, and then I can make the banana bread!

I'm a regular reader of Orangette! It's so nice to read your blog while Molly's taking a break right now. I have to say that Molly's recommendation (demand?) that her readers prepare your recipe for tomatoes filled with rice was a completely fabulous order! How nice that you send kudos back to Molly!

Cheers,

Elizabeth

[Chilli]

I love Molly's blog. It was her blog that led me to this one and then I couldn't decide which one I loved more. You both write beautifully, engaging your readers so well. I was hooked from the first. Four years is a long time to do anything repeatedly and then to be consistently good at it; that is just amazing. You do all of that with modest grace. I'm glad I discovered this blog. I don't know you but you've helped my cooking and my own blog. Thank you.

[Janice]

I, too, found your blog through Molly's. You are both wonderful writers and often make my day with your words. Glad to know that the love and support readers are sending you helps a bit right now - it inspired me to finally leave a comment. Endings are so painful, but they usually lead us someplace we couldn't even have imagined. I'm reading your words now as you cope, and I'll still be reading when your heart lightens again. Thanks for sharing the way you see the world with us!

[Andrea Scolar]

I've just started to read her book and this Banana Bread recipe just moved to the top of my list of "things to cook SOON". It sounds so delicious!

[nbm]

I made it for a party and it really is delicious. So much so that I'm about to make it again, this time for the office. Let's hope the bananas have defrosted --

[prozac]

It looks delicious. I'll try to make one for my parties in the near future, I'm sure they will like your recipe. Thanks for sharing.

[Mary]

Honestly i have never tried this reipe before. I am really curious to find out how it tastes. I will give it a try and id if it is sucessful i will make it every week.

[Kristen]

I read Molly's book in two sittings. And I don't even like her. So that's saying a lot.

[Kao]

Hi. I was moved by what you wrote and decided to post a comment. Thank you for inviting me to your kaffeeklatsch. I will come back and join it again from here in Japan. I will read the book Homemade Life.