We are fans of the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Marjorie Kinnen Rawlings, author of The Yearling. However, many are not aware that she wrote a classic Southern cookbook in l942. Thanks to a friend who knows of my love for vintage, I have a copy. Called Cross Creek Cookery, MK Rawlings recreated the luscious meals described in her famous memoir, Cross Creek.
Cross Creek is a small Florida hamlet, only a few hours from my island. Her description encourages me to visit this rural area. “In cold weather, we eat in the old fashioned farmhouse dining room with its open fireplace. We look through the French windows out across the veranda to the fresh leafy world beyond.”
This is a simple hot cucumber soup MK Rawlings enjoyed by the fire.
Cream of Cucumber soup (Potage Cumberland)
Ingredients
2 medium cucumbers (or 1 very large)
4 Tbs butter
2 Tbs flour
1 quart whole milk, hot
pinch of salt to taste
Optional
1 tbs whipped cream, sour cream or cream fresh as a topping, if desired.
Method
Wash and grate, without peeling cucumbers on coarse side of grate.
Saute in butter until golden brown, add flour, salt, and whole hot milk, blending until smooth. Strain if you prefer. I like mine rustic.
Tip
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, “$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book”
Author: Brenda Hill
As a longtime food writer for Where Magazine New York City, Brenda Hill, along with her writing partner, Maralyn Hill (no relation), writes and publishes books about chefs, food and international travel. They co-authored "Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel" and joined French Master Chef Herve Laurent in writing "Cooking Secrets: The Why and How" Brenda has been active in the California Writer's Club, IFWTWA, and the Santa Barbara's Writers Conference. Brenda Hill and her partner Maralyn Hill conduct marketing and writing seminars. Maralyn and I will be heading back to Rancho La Puerta in July to give our presentation on writing and marketing your book, as well as bringing back some freshly picked off the farm nutritious and tasty recipes.
