Warning: This is a long post. But it’s worth every word. Especially the part where you get to laugh at, I mean with, me. Also, the giveaway is now closed.
A year or two ago, I was aware that our modernized food system was posing problems both to our health and to the environment, but mostly in a philosophical, oh-that’s-very-interesting sort of way. Then my dear friend Emily W (who I credit the existence of this blog with!) told me about the book Food Matters by Mark Bittman (a food hero of mine). If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know once I finally sat down and read that book, a fire was lit. And, for the first time, I made real changes in the way our family eats. Nothing drastic, but most certainly substantial. Hense the Eat Less Meat Challenge I’ve been talking about since January. I know some of you have joined me on the challenge to eat less meat and processed foods, and I think we’ve all discovered what a satisfying change it has been, for so many reasons.
I wrote about the book, gave away a few copies, and have been exploring the world of lessmeatarianism every since. I received an email a few weeks ago from Emer at Simon & Schuster about Food Matters. I wrote back and said, “Oh! Thank you, but we already gave it away on my blog!” and then Emer wrote back, “Silly Jane, there’s a cookbook now!” to which I replied, “YIPPEEEE! Please send me a copy and let’s give some away!” to which he replied “Anything for you, Jane!” (Okay, he never called me “Silly Jane,” but he did say “Anything for you!” True story.)
The Food Matters Cookbook arrived soon after and it’s wonderful. No pictures, but in Mark’s case, it doesn’t matter. He writes wonderful reference cookbooks with about a billion recipes. Good ones, at that. How to Cook Everything is my go-to whenever I want to know a basic technique or recipe. ANYWAY…I love The Food Matters Cookbook. Like Food Matters, it’s very common sense and approachable for the everyday cook and eater (which is almost all of us).
Emer also scored me a ticket to Mark Bittman’s recent appearance in San Francisco with the unbelievably lovely Ruth Reichl. As I sat down in my seat (one of the best in the house), I was counting my lucky stars I started this blog nearly 4 years ago (and dying I couldn’t use my camera in the theater!!). Mark and Ruth’s discussion was inspiring, frustrating (it is downright scary where industrialized food has taken us), funny, endearing, and personal. I took pages and pages of notes with the idea I would share them all with you. But then I would need to write a book, not a blog post. And Mark already did that. So here was the gist – eat more plants, cook more food. They both felt strongly that people need to cook more and not be afraid of cooking. Ruth said the first real disconnect between our society and food is that people think home cooks have to be chefs. We don’t! Dive in! Enjoy cooking, no matter how simple it may be!
Which brings us to the moment in my story where I turn into a blubbering, incoherent, stalker-type book signee. Emer said there wasn’t time for me to interview Mark afterward because of the book signing, but that he would be expecting me and that I could get a picture with him, etc, etc. Well, as I’m waiting in line, I realized I would feel like a big schmuck if I pulled the “I get to take a picture with Mark, even though no one else does” move. So, I just decided to say a quick and, of course, eloquent word to him when he signed me book.
I had visions of telling Mark how inspiring his book was. How it truly changed my outlook on food, how I shop, how I eat. And that it inspired me to spread the word to my readers, in turn impacting their lives (and Mother Earth) in a positive way. I was going to tell him that I had decided to have him sign Food Matters, rather than my old, well-loved copy of How to Cook Everything, because Food Matters had such an impact on my life. (P.S. I would have looked cooler in line with How to Cook Everything since, while standing in line, I discovered mine is a different color than the new edition, which proves what a fan I am, right?)
Okay, so that was the vision. Instead it went something more like this.
Person in charge of writing our names on a post-it for the signing: “Ma’am, it’s your turn.”
Me, stepping up, handing Mark my book: “Uh, hi, I’m Jane Maynard. It’s so great meeting you.” {Uh-oh, nerves setting decidedly in} “Um, I have a food blog and I wrote about you.” {Very eloquent, no?}
Mark nodding, being polite, saying a few nice words here and there.
Me, again: “I’ve actually been in touch with Simon & Schuster…” {uh-oh, starting to feel a bit like a schmuck} “…and we’re giving away a couple copies your book on my blog next week, when I write about tonight.” {And I’m pretty sure that my sentence was a little longer and more confusing even than that}
Mark: “Oh, wonderful! What’s the name of your blog?”
Me: “This Week for Dinner”
Mark: “Well, be sure to tweet me and I’ll share the link!” {Do you remember that, Mark? I’m holding you to it!}
Me: “That would be awesome! Thank you!” {Yup, I think I said awesome. Which is, uh, awesome.}
Then we said goodbye, thank you, nice to meet you, whatever. I don’t remember. I was shaking too much.
Then, since I had ZIPPO pictures from the entire night, I stood to the side and started photographing Ruth and Mark signing books. At first he didn’t know I was there. Then he noticed. And then I felt a little like a stalker. But it was all in the name of the blog!
And I actually love this photo. It was worth making both Mark and myself feel uncomfortable. I think it captures Mark and Ruth’s personalities beautifully.
So, there you have it. I met Mark Bittman! And it didn’t go at all the way I imagined in my head. But that’s okay. That’s not what matters. It was a wonderful night with amazing insights from two great minds. Who can complain, even if I sounded a bit like a clueless teeny bopper.
And, yes, we ARE giving away two copies of The Food Matters Cookbook! Simply leave a comment on this post before Midnight PT on Sunday, November 7. If you do feel like sharing a bit about your own foray into the world of more sustainable and conscientious eating, we’d love to hear about it! But you don’t have to. Any comment will do! Two winners will be randomly-selected and announced on Monday, 11/8.
Hello! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and then count on you to share your own! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
Fantastic! I started thinking harder about this about four years ago when I read Michael Pollan’s Omnivore’s Dilemma. The only thing that book is missing is recipes. So I would love a chance to use Bittman’s!
Nice to see so many people interested in cookbooks. That alone is a start in this premade world.
I love my little backyard garden– each year it grows and each year I learn a little more about preserving and trying to make the produce last through the winter..
I have loved Ruth Reichl’s books and would love to check out the Bittman cookbook!
Simply put…I need this!
I would love that cookbook! It sounds awesome!
I am so happy to have found your blog a few weeks ago and am especially glad I read this post. I have recently begun cooking nearly every meal at home and many of our everyday items from scratch. At first it was because of money constraints, but it has evolved into more than that, it has become much more of some strong desire for me to supply nutritious, fresh, handmade and homemade food. The books you mention sound incredible. I am definitely adding How to Cook Everything to my Christmas list, and possibly Food Matters, unless I were to win it that is. =)
Great story – thanks for sharing and the giveaway!!
I would love to have this book.
I’ve never read any of Mark’s stuff but I’ve been dying to ever since I read The Omnivore’s Dilemma. I haven’t been able to make huge changes in our eating (my husband is a full-time student and I’m a SAHM), but I try to buy local whenever possible. Someday, I intend to buy entirely organic and local fruits/veggies, and humanely raised eggs/milk/meat. Right now, it’s just too expensive, but I do it whenever I can. And I’ve been tearing out all the veggie side dish recipes from my food network magazine so that I can incorporate more veggies into our diet. I don’t just want my kids to grow up loving veggies, I want to learn to like them too! This would be a great book to add to my growing library!
that’s what it’s all about! one step at a time…every little bit helps!
you’re doing great
so jealous of you getting to meet mark bittman! i love reading his posts in the NY times and have had “food matters” on my “to read” list for too long!
our family would love this cook book,we are trying hard to eat well but it is so easy to fall into the “traps” having recipes would be an awesome go to help.
I am a fan of Mark Bittman too! I completely agree that something needs to change with the way we eat. Food as close to it’s natural state as possible is the best thing for your body & the crap that is packaged & over processed should never be called food. Anyway, that’s my 2 cents on food…I haven’t read his book yet & I would love it if I won it!
that cook book looks fantastic
I love my copy of How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman. I’m sure I’d love this book, too.
The book sounds exciting and well worth having.
Isn’t it weird that we have all the time and money to spend on everything else but our bodies? It isn’t a cliche when someone says “Health is Wealth”…only when we lose our health, do we look back and think about all the bad choices we possibly made.
I think that going back to basics is what our world needs right now. Pottering about in the kitchen is the most satisfying feeling because you know that you’re putting something healthy out there for you and your family to eat. And the true flavors of the earth are something that you just wouldn’t find in processed food.
Good on you Jane, for promoting a healthier option!
I am always needing some new ideas for good eats. Thanks!
I’d love a copy. Thanks!
Hi Jane, I love your story about meeting Mark Bittman (and your added commentary). I would love this cookbook, too!!
Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Cindy
I have been a vegetarian for about 12 years and am always looking for new recipes to inspire me. My husband and kids love to hunt and we grow a large garden and put away as much as we can. It always tastes better than store bought and gives such a good feeling of knowing that we did it our selves.
I love cookbooks! And planting a garden. We seem to add more every year.
Love new cookbooks!
I just got married and I love getting new cookbooks! I had become vegetarian a few years ago in part because of sustainability and health reasons. This would be such a great addition.
Thanks so much!
its my birthday…
I so want this cookbook!!!
it’s almost my birthday as well and this would make a great gift!!!
So excited about the cookbook!! I would have been the babbling, blundering nerd too!
Thanks for the giveaway. This book sounds really great!
I am a huge Bittman fan. The freezing article is a favorite:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/dining/06mini.html?pagewanted=all
I’ve tried to work quinoa in with my ground beef to decrease the amount of meat I use. I also try to have meat free nights, usually using beans or tofu, when it’s on sale (it’s expensive in my remote little town). We had a successful garden this year and worked on canning and freezing as much as we could. I feel like I need a lot more education on these matters.
I love reading his column and would have been flustered meeting him, too…though I’m sure he found you charming!
I love coming to your site to see what is next. I would adore having this cook book. I would rather cook at home than eat out because I know what I am feeding my family is fresh and not from a can or frozen full of salt.
Thanks,
I love Mark Bittman, and when I heard about the new cookbook I immediately wanted it…just haven’t had the chance yet.
In recent years, I have taken great care to feed my family healthy, unprocessed food. Your “eat less meat” post earlier this year got us on the bandwagon. Though I spend a good part of my day preparing well rounded, healthy, meals from scratch, there are no convenience foods in our house. However, we are far from where I want us to be. I wish I had this book in my hands right now so I can continute to improve on the healthy meals that I try to provide to our growing boys everyday.
I read cookbooks instead of novels and I kind of collect them too (just ask my husband)! Thanks for a great giveaway!
I have been wanting to eat less meat, but struggling to come up with ideas. This cookbook would be great!
Your celebrity interchange reminds me of Julie Van Rosendaal’s experience with Anthony Bourdain. Her blog is worth checking out “Dinner with Julie” even though she a) lives in Calgary and b) sometimes cooks with meat (hey, we all do it sometimes)
Would love a copy of the book. Great stuff! found the blog via foodpress revisited when someone tweeted about posterous… amazing.
I love Mark Bittman. Very cool that you met him.
Yay! I love Mark Bittman and would love this cookbook. His How To Cook Everything Vegetarian cookbook is one of my favorites.
Love it all. Trying so hard to eat cleaner, with lots more plants and outright food…. not processed stuff.
One of the funniest pieces of comedy I’ve heard recently was Paula Poundstone trying to convince Michael Pollan that Ding Dongs counted as “food”. Cracked me up!
I love Mark Bittman ever since I watched him on some PBS cooking show about traveling through Spain with Gwyneth Paltrow and two other people (who I didn’t know). He was clever and seemed to know a lot about food! (That was before I knew who he was!!) Yeah, this cookbook would totally rock my kitchen – but my college daughter who is a vegetarian and a huge organic fan would really like it also.
I don’t know if this counts as being better stewards of the earth, but we got 5 chickens last spring and now they are laying 5 beautiful eggs each day for us. They have a great place to live and aren’t falling/tripping over each other. Makes us feel good about recycling our food scraps (for them) and eating eggs that are soooo fresh!
I would actually use this cookbook!
Would love to own this book! Great give away:)
This book is on my wishlist. I’d love to win it.
What a sweet post! I am just now taking a serious interest in this topic- I have a two year old and I dont want her to grow up eating the same fast food I did. So I am determined to cook her healthy meals- and get my husband and I on board along the way:)
I love Mark Bittman. How to Cook Everything is my most-used cookbook. I’d love to win this book.
Bittman did great on this. We all know of the increasing problems with obesity and health risk from eating poorly. Seems so simple to eat fresh, raw foods and limit meat yet so few do it.
Changed the way our family eats.
it’s amazing how accomplished i feel as a mom when i put a healty meal on the table. also when my kids ask me to “make it from ‘scraps’ (scratch) mom, cuz it always tastes better!”
i would love a new cookbook!!!
Aww, you didn’t do too bad! That is so cool you got to meet him! It’s just funny how nerves kick in… I turned into such a babbling idiot when meeting Martha Stewart at one of her book signings. I hope they take it as a compliment, not stalkery at all!
Count me in for the giveaway, I would love to try his cookbook out!
Oh I would love to win! I love his cookbooks!!
Oh wow! I want this book. I love cooking, and have come to realize that food from a box is horrible for you! I do all that I can to eat from scratch and to have a book help me along the way would be great.
Great story. I’m not familiar with Mark Bittman but I will definitely be checking out his work. In the meantime I will keep my fingers crossed for a great new cookbook.
I really enjoy your blog. I’m working up the courage to post my weekly menus. I am repeatedly inspired by your posts and the comments. Thanks!
Would love to have this cookbook. I need to be a little more inspired to cook and eat healthy. Thanks for your blog Jane. I really enjoy it!
Really enjoy the blog and would love to receive a copy of this cookbook.
Just found your blog, I think I will be frequenting it. I am always attempting more sustainable living and healthier wiser ways. I love keeping it basic and tasty and creative too. In a bit of a slump with it all, I will be checking this book out at the store if I don’t get lucky here. Thanks for paying it forward, I love your passion!
would love to win a copy!
I would love to have this cookbook–we need some help on the less-meat front!
Very cool that you met Mark! This cookbook sounds like just what we need to keep us on the better living/eating path.
I would love this cookbook!
Glad you met Mark! What a great opportunity! Thanks for offering another giveaway! Hope I win!
Looks like a great cookbook! Thanks!
I love mark bittman!!
I am learning a lot through your food blog. I feel silly saying this, but I’ve never heard of Mark or Ruth. I am excited to learn more about this “food lifestyle”. I really need help in changing my family’s food habits. Thank you for the opportunity.
Just found your website and love it!
MB is a true food hero of mine.
I love how his own personal growth with food is shared thru his cookbooks etc
LOVE your blog
just recently found it thru MS
newly back at full time work w/ 2 hungry teenagers and a not so hungry husband I needed the guidance in week night meal planning
thanks
My husband and I quit our jobs to farm, having no farming experience it has been quite a ride. We did this to provide ourselves and our soon to be family with best food we could. We raise our own veggies, meat, eggs and dairy. Can’t get better than that!
http://dusksindfarm@gmail.com
lol… hilarious story! what an exciting and intriguing concept… i would love to check out his cookbook!
I’ve been revising my family’s eating habits over the last few months and was thrilled to discover Food Matters on your blog. I’ve now checked out nearly every Mark Bittman book there is in my local library. I’m just getting ready to add some of his recipes into my weekly plans and would love even more of his stuff to try!
Hey! I covet a copy of this great cookbook…but even more importantly my FAMILY would love for me to have some fresh new recipes!
I love how you said you read his book and “a fire was lit.” That is how changes in our life take place, we become interested, then motivated, and then passionate and we tell others about it. Thanks for sharing and thank you for the giveaway!
How to Cook Everything is one of my favorites! I would love to win this one. Mark Bittman is AWESOME.
I am a all-natural/sustainable cooking newbie, but I am committed to changing the way our family eats for the better. This cookbook could help! Thanks!