Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Pistoulet.......sharing secrets


Remember, it's all about fantasy....................
.......................................and perhaps being a child at heart helps.

In The Secrets of Pistoulet you will share not only the sweet story of Mademoiselle J. but special soups (potages) printed on cards one pulls from their envelopes, along with other recipes woven into the story.



I can't resist sharing a few excerpts from the recipes................................

Potage of Strength - Strong is the hand that lifts the soul.
Go to the nearest fishing port and acquire moules (mussels) from the fisherman with the largest pecs and most tattoos...........................


Potage of the Heart - Compassion nourishes the wilted heart.
Go to the farmers' market and find the most robust farmer with the rosiest complexion. With tender loving care pick out the deepest purple, firmest beets........................


Potage of Passion - Passionate choices have potent consequences.
Go to the market and find a farmer with a twinkle in his eye. Buy a large quantity of big ripe tomatoes...................



I think you're beginning to understand how charming this book is, aren't you?



The colorful book slides into a sleeve, so pretty I'm delaying hiding it in between all these other recipe books - perhaps it will stay on the coffee table for a while................then I'll be more likely to take out my large pot and start cooking a special soup.

................the introduction to the Heart-Awakening Potion - For those whose hearts have shrunk and shriveled......................

On the twilight of a blue moon go to a fruit-bearing pear tree where witches once danced. You will see a faint circle in the grass surrounding it.............................
Caution: One taste of this potion and the heart of the afflicted will swell with compassion and generosity. There is no return. Happy feelings are often a side effect.

Perhaps Pistoulet can work its wonders on you.

24 comments:

  1. What an unusual, lovely, cute, and interesting book. Thanks for sharing about it. Looks fascinating.

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  2. What and interesting book! I love to read and have always enjoyed going to bookstores and fiding odd books to page through....somehow I always end up in the childrens section! :o) I hope all is well for you! Stay cool and take care Mary!

    Love and Hugs,
    Mandie

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  3. I would never have thought to even pick the book up but you have changed that. Thanks!

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  4. I do believe it would work its wonders on everyone. And, soup made with ingredients from charming purveyors must be delicious.

    Have you purchased any of the new pattern of Pistoulet?

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  5. You have sparked my curiosity to no end! I must have this darling book - I'll tell Mr. B it's all your fault...hehehehe..
    Colleen

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  6. I bought this enchanting book many years ago and have always loved it. You are right about the book cover being to sweet to place on a bookshelf and not see. I place it on a wooden plate holder sometimes for decoration. Don't you wish you could crawl into the pages of the book? But, of course, you will be when you go to France in October.

    Hugs ~
    Heidi

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  7. Mary,
    I am always being inspired by your blog and this is another wonderful example!

    I will gift myself & my best girl friend with a copy!

    Thank you so much, Chris

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  8. Mary, I need to ask you.....is this a book that a man would enjoy? I'm thinking of getting it for my husband?

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  9. Hi Grandma. I was just looking over your post and was most intrigued by it. I've taken a peek at "The Secrets of Pistoulet" myself and it's very interesting. I love the little drawings and quotes on every page. The Sunflowers reminded me of being in Provence with you. Keep posting. I'll be looking :)

    Love
    _-Jasmin-_

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  10. What an absolutely gorgeous book.

    Thank you for allowing us a chance to see it.

    Melissa

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  11. Hi Mary
    That is a very delightful book. I love the colors and it looks wonderful. I'd like to own a copy.
    Are you surviving this awful heat? I've hardly been outside!
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  12. I love the book. I'd love to add one to my cookbook collection. What a fun book to own. Enjoy it.

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  13. Mary
    I have this plus the Nick Bantock series..just charming books!
    I hope you are staying cool in NC. We are roasting away here in VA..over 90+ for too many weeks.
    How is the water situation there, for you and your plants?
    Mim

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  14. Hi Mary! We just got home. We stopped in Roanoke to play with the grandbabies. We were there 2 1/2 days. Loved it, but I'm glad to be home.

    I have The Secrets of Pistoulet! It's a precious book.

    I have a lot of catching up to do...and laundry!

    Love ya!
    Deborah

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  15. Mary, what a fun and charming book! Seems sort of risque, shopping like that!! :)

    Lynn

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  16. If you love this you will also love "The Legend of the Villa Della Luna" and "Circle of Kindness: An Irish Journey of the Heart" by the same author.

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  17. Wow what a charming book. I have never seen these before, but they are very special.
    Hugs,
    Rose

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  18. I found you on Heidi's blog - was intrigued by a blogger name so close to mine and then caught by two titles in your 'favorite books' section, as they have some personal meaning to me. Now it's a good hour later and I've come up for air after going back through your older posts. Yours is a blog that I had 'found' once before and planned to re-visit, but......
    So here I am again, having had a very pleasant hours, envying you your visits to SuzAnna's (spelling?) and wishing I'd 'known' you when you made a trip to my Island last year.
    I'll be back for more!

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  19. Mary, your book is a real treasure. I haven't been book shopping in a while. No big wonderful book stores in Franklin. I realize what I am missing. sigh. I'll look at my view and count my blessings.

    Did you receive my email? I hope something can be worked out.

    Take care, Jeanne

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  20. How fun!
    I will look for this. It looks like a treat!
    Becky

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  21. This looks like a wonderfully enchanting little book. I've read most of Nick Bantock's; they always make you wonder about the characters a long time after you finish the book...but they don't include recipes!! I shall be on the lookout for The Secrets of Pistoulet!

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  22. I will take some potages of each kind! Lovely cover, too...

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  23. My goodness....this certainly IS a different kind of book. I will definitely check it out and thanks for telling us about it.
    Terri
    http://www.islandwriter.net

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