Getting to be “in conversation” with Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen at Powell’s Books last week was a dream come true. I've been a fan of Deb's since waaaay back when. I was even lucky enough to get to interview her about her blog and food writing in 2007, just a year after she started Smitten Kitchen. At the Powell’s event I asked her about that interview from way back when, and she actually remembered it, which made me so happy. I also got to read one of her answers from that interview (so sweet and thoughtful) to everyone and then ask her the very same question now 15 years later. Her new book, Smitten Kitchen Keepers, is a KEEPER! I love it so much. You’ll see just how much below.
Over the years, I’ve moderated a lot of these sort of one-on-one book events at Powell’s, for Portland Book Festival, for the Portland Fermentation Festival, for the Tokyo Fermentation Future Forum. And I genuinely love doing it. Yes, it always makes me a bit nervous, it’s public speaking after all, but getting to be in conversation with my food heroes, and to help get the word out about their latest and greatest books and projects, is a huge honor and my great pleasure. For Powell’s, I’ve been lucky enough “in conversation” with Mark Bittman, Dana Cowin, Sandor Ellix Katz many times in-person and virtual, Marisa McClellan, Cecily Wong, Steven Raichlen and others. And now Deb Perelman!
This event is one of my very favorites and they’ve all been excellent. Oh my goodness, the DEBHEADS came out in masses! 30 minutes before the event Powell’s was at capacity. Hundreds were turned away, and many of those who were went downstairs to the red room where they broadcasted the event. I’ve never attended a more packed Powell’s book event. Never ever. A lot of folks who wanted to be in the room, or be at the event at all, asked me with their fingers crossed if the event was recorded. Well, yes, it was! I always audio record the Powell’s events and then I usually post them here after if the author wants me to. Thankfully they’ve always wanted me to. It’s nice for me to have keepsakes of these super special events on the blog here. I used to post here about all sorts of food and drink culture things regularly. Now I only do so for special events like this.
So, here you go. For your listening pleasure…
I’ve cooked so many delicious things from Smitten Kitchen Keepers already. If you want to see some of the yummiest things, they’re all on my Instagram as well below in this post when you scroll down. Oh and I also got to do this fun AM Northwest segment a couple weeks ago to help promote the Smitten Powell’s event. Not that it needed ANY promoting.
I love that the morning after the Powell’s event I got to give Deb various breakfast recommendations at her request. I recommended several really yummy and fun spots and she ended up at Broder Nord, which I love. She really dug it too. Ok, onto the photos…
So many DEBHEADS at Deb’s Smitten Kitchen Keepers + Powell’s event! *Photo courtesy of Katie Mehan — thank you Katie!
Deb made us all laugh a lot throughout the night with her candor and stories. So funny and so generous. It was a really intimate event and I’m certain that everyone who attended left feeling energized by it. I really loved Deb’s last meal answer at the end of the event during audience Q&A by the way. I want that meal! *Photo courtesy of Katie Mehan — thank you Katie!
Deb signed hundreds of her books before I arrived and she personalized them after the event as people lined up in groups, as if boarding a plane. *Photo courtesy of Katie Mehan — thank you Katie!
I arrived about 20 minutes before the event and this is where I found Deb — upstairs in the stockroom smiling and signing books with the Powell’s lovelies including Kevin Sampsell to Deb’s left.
I made this Smitten Kitchen Keepers Farro Salad with Roasted Tomatoes with my slow-roasted olive oily summer garden tomatoes (from the freezer) and it was delicious. I love it on its own or with salad or frittata or something else that’s yummy for a meal.
These Thick Molasses Spice Cookies in the book are also incredible! You might think you’ve under baked them but trust Deb’s steps 100 percent. She is always looking out for her readers.
Oh my goodness this Clam Chowder with Bacon Croutons from the book is sooooo good. I ate it over the course of a few days when I was out at the coast recently. I love that you add the bacon when serving it so that it doesn’t get overcooked and flabby. YUM!
My boyfriend Jimbo and I both love the book’s Creamy Tomato Chickpea Masala. Don’t skimp on the heavy cream! You’re worth it.
It was such a lovely day when this book arrived on my doorstep mid-December. Lucky me! Smitten Kitchen Keepers is a KEEPER!
Thank you so very much Deb & Powell’s for this super special event! And thanks to everyone who came out for it.
Purchase Deb’s Smitten Kitchen Keepers XOXO