Kay Goldstein

A Book of Feasts, Recipes and Stories from American Celebrations

"There is a communion of more than our bodies when bread is broken and wine drunk"- M. F. K Fisher

"Live simply, but celebrate special occasions. -Horace

"Mention childhood celebrations to almost anyone and the memories spill forth. The first bite of that special chocolate birthday cake Mother spent two days preparing. The well worn family stories that aunts and uncles told around the table... The scent of cinnamon and almond filling the kitchen..the flowers, the candlelight, noodle pudding, hoppin'John, homemade pickles. The sounds, the smells and especially the tastes return as vividly as ever.

Why are we filled with longing when we recall these special memories? What is the magic of communal feasting that we find so nurturing?

These are the questions that inspired nearly three years of research and travel as we interviewed, photographed and feasted our way across the US. It was a journey of discovery..." -Introduction, A Book of Feastse describes your work in more detail.

SELECTED WORKS

Cookbook, American culture
1994 JAMES BEARD COOKBOOK AWARD NOMINEE “The quintessential American book” - Cook’s Illustrated “Kitchen table poetry.. a celebration of the human spirit.” - The Orlando Sentinel “ A beautiful celebration of life... as much for reading as for recipes” - The Houston Post “ Have a feast , both for your eyes and your palate” - Bookpage
Poetry
“Kay Goldstein's six poems explore, in a gentle way, the layers of complex emotions that hover like so many ghosts beneath the surfaces of common human experiences such as preparing food, observing a sleeping child.- Martha’s Vineyard Times “Visible Poets, Vibrant Poetry”"Kay Goldstein brings tenderness to the ordinary experiences of everyday life... focusing on and freeze-framing single moments."- The Vineyard Gazette
Three of Kay Goldstein's poems were selected for this anthology of Martha's Vineyard poets from all ages and walks of life.
First Person Culinary Essay
A family visit to the Carnegie Deli uncovers the roots of "epicurean co-dependancy". -"Back Page" Atlanta Style Magazine