Deliciously Written: Celebrating the Joy of Food in Literature – Grainews

As I prepare for a provincewide book celebration in Saskatchewan, I’m excited about the role food plays in connecting us. My essay collection, Bread & Water: Essays, has been chosen by the Saskatchewan Library Association as the 2025 One Book One Province selection. It’s an incredible honor. I’ll be traveling to libraries across the province, sharing stories, signing books, and, of course, bringing along some homemade cookies to enjoy with readers. You can check out the full schedule here.

The One Book One Province initiative started in 2017. Its goal is to spark conversations around a single book while promoting literacy and building community connections. Food has been a centerpiece of this initiative. Previous selections like Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens and Arab Cooking on a Prairie Homestead highlight its importance. My book tells the story of my return to Saskatchewan, blending themes of cooking, loss, aging, and the challenges of local and sustainable food practices.

April signals renewal in Saskatchewan. It’s an exciting month for food lovers. We’re diving into seed catalogs and planning our gardens, dreaming of fresh salads. The winter staples of cabbage and carrots will soon give way to the vibrant colors of rhubarb and asparagus. Food remains a popular topic as Canada navigates trade tariffs affecting agricultural products.

On my tour, I’m packing tins of my favorite homemade cookies. Baking cookies might seem simple, but it’s an art. With just a few ingredients, the focus is on quality and technique. They’re often the first baked good that children attempt. Cookies tell a story; they bring us together. Sharing them creates bonds within our communities.

Recipe: Apricot and Almond Stars

These cookies are delicate and delicious—a perfect treat for an afternoon chat with friends. They’re a reminder that homemade goodies trump store-bought options every time.

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 egg white or whole egg
• 1 Tbsp milk or cream
• ⅓ cup apricot jam
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the almond extract and egg yolk. Blend in the dry ingredients.

Whisk the egg white and cream together. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut squares, slice corners diagonally, and spoon some jam in the center. Fold the points to form stars. Brush with the egg mixture and sprinkle with almonds if you like. Bake until golden brown, about 7 to 10 minutes. Let cool before moving them.

Cookies are more than just treats; they’re symbols of care and connection. Each bite holds the warmth we share with each other. Let’s celebrate the joy of food together, one cookie at a time.

Check out this related article: Chinese Food Near Me With Delivery: 8 Amazing Deals You Need to See Today

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