There is a reason that Whoops! Banana Bread, Almost Beef with Broccoli and Apple Cutout Sugar Cookies are compiled in this one book. They, along with twenty-seven others, are the recipes that make up the story of the author’s life. Personal, yes, but the stories behind the recipes will evoke a feeling of ‘me too’ in some readers, a chuckle or a tear in others.
The creator of the popular website
DearReader.com (which debuted in 1999), Suzanne Beecher is candid when she writes about her divorce, job loss and drug addiction. Her childhood wasn’t anywhere near perfect, nor was her health. Today, she is happy though, and the lessons she learned over the years reflect her strength and self-acceptance.
A few stories may have read better if they were a little shorter, and a recipe index isn’t included. On the other hand, black-and-white photographs of the author at various ages begin each chapter, and a twelve-question reading guide does appear in the book. Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life is sure to garner excellent discussion if used in a book club setting. Women of all ages can relate to many of the feeling this book will stir up.
Suzanne Beecher lives in Florida with her family.