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Well played, Jolene. I’ve read both books, yet never realized how nicely they dovetail one another.

PS: My tomato sandwich obsession began at the tender age of 8, because my kid-lit hero, Harriet the Spy, ate them. Yours is a masterpiece!

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Thank you, Amie! That’s so sweet about the reason for your tomato sandwich love! It’s such a simple, delicious sandwich 😋

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Harriet the Spy was also my introduction to the tomato sandwich. My Italian mother could not fathom why I would want to eat such a thing 😂

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Ha! My French mom gladly made them (and actually used the Nunn-recommended Pepperidge Farm bread) because it was a way to get more veggies in my life...

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Pepperidge Farm was the only processed bread my dad allowed in the house LOL. That's what I used for my tomato sandwiches as well. Now, when I have the time, I bake King Arthur Flour's sourdough sandwich bread, which is fantastic. It's not true sourdough--just a couple of tablespoons of starter plus commercial yeast. The texture of the crumb and flavor are perfect for tomato sandwiches. In case you ever feel like trying it out (it's really easy): https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/sourdough-sandwich-bread-recipe

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On it!!

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Sep 12, 2023Liked by Jolene Handy

Oops! I need to clarify. The eggplant book is a collection of essays by food writers. Laurie’s daughter is featured. I thought she had edited the book, but I’m

not sure! I’m always interested in how people eat when they eat alone!

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Sounds great, Pam! Do you know Judith Jones Book, “The Pleasures of Cooking For One” ? Really good!

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Sep 12, 2023Liked by Jolene Handy

Yes! I have it, and it's so good. I can't picture Judith eating Top Ramen as I sometimes do!

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😂

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Sep 12, 2023Liked by Jolene Handy

Laurie Colwin has always been a favorite of mine. Several years ago I read a book written by her daughter, ALONE IN THE KITCHEN WITH AN EGGPLANT. It was about "eating alone." Well written...she inherited her mother's flair for writing. I ordered Emily's book today, sounds like a keeper! I'm looking forward to making the pound cake! Thank you, Jolene.❤️

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Oh, Pam, thank you for letting me know about Laurie’s daughter’s book! The pound cake is a keeper and I know you’ll love Emily’s book! ❤️

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I couldn't agree more with everything you wrote-from Emily Nunn to Laurie Colwin to Tomato Sandwiches.

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Thank you so much, Laura!

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Such a nice reading! Would like to read Emily Nunn’s memoirs, your appetizer was so delicious, thanks🙌

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Thank you, Gabriele!

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Oh, so much wonderfulness here, Jolene! Who doesn't love tomato sandwiches slathered with Hellman's (well, maybe one reader), or aptly named pound cake, or....

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Thank you so much, Joan! I find myself gravitating more and more to unfussy, delicious food! ❤️

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Sep 12, 2023Liked by Jolene Handy

Lovely to learn more about Emily Nunn! And now I’m craving a baked potato!

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I swear, Jillian, Laurie was so right about baked potatoes! And Emily’s book is terrific!

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Laurie will always be my #1....her essays from Home Cooking were and still are legendary🥹

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I agree, it’s truly amazing, Christene, just how fresh her writing and voice still are. ❤️

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Always so great Jolene! And wow, Emily Nunn’s memoir seems fascinating. So curious to read it!

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Thank you, Sabrina, I know you’ll love Emily’s book!

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What an enjoyable read. A very nice tribute to the inspiration of Laurie and Emily. What emerges consistently in your writing Jolene is your authenticity. That is what keeps me coming back. The umami kick of a tomato is one of the pleasures of life. The pound cake reminded me of youth as pound cakes, coffee cakes (and placek) were part of growing up. What's the "secret"? Butter and eggs...

While it is limiting in some ways, I do not eat mayonnaise hardly ever. The lesser version of emulsification (aioli) is my solution. I suppose this makes me high maintenance. Invariably it means when I order food I NEVER get something that was prepped earlier. I lose the mayonnaise but gain made-to-order. I am sure I am missing out on the taste explosion Emily has in mind with her tomato sandwich.

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As so often happens, I’m inspired to read, think, cook and laugh after one of your delightful posts, Jolene! Now I want to revisit that great opening episode of MTM, order three books and make a pound cake! Just brilliant!

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Aww, Ruth, Thank you so much! I feel like doing a MTM marathon! 😂 (the pound cake is fantastic!)

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Another wonderful culinary adventure with Jolene! So yummy and simple delights. Savor it all, friend. I am.

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Thank you, Amy! Now I can get back on the grid! 🤣

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I haven't had a tomato sandwich since living in the Midwest where my summer diet always included Beefsteaks. Thanks for the reminder. I may just have to settle for a campari tomato sandwich.

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Sounds delicious to me, Heather! 🍅

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Sep 12, 2023Liked by Jolene Handy

Jolene, you pack so much good stuff into every single newsletter. Every. Single. One.

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Aww, Deborah, thank you so much! ❤️

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Loved this, Jolene!

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Thank you so much, Colu! ❤️

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That quote really had me thinking, and it's true on so many levels. Your post made me feel cosy and homey and desireth of that smell of home-cooking, but a bit early in the morning yet for me.

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Thank you so much, Safar!

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