Martha-I love ya but you're not based in reality..

I had to rummage through the basement in the land of orphaned books if that gives you a hint...

Martha Stewart. I idolized this woman before I had children. I used to have a reminder set on my watch so I wouldn't miss an episode of her show, Martha Stewart Living. She is the epitome of class and style. The consummate Queen of Domesticity. I had this woman on a pedestal.

Then, I woke up and had kids...

I'm digressing here, so I'll reposition the sails and get back on course.
The Martha Stewart Cookbook Collected Recipes for Every Day, by Martha Stewart. Copyright 1995. This particular book is a compilation of all her recipe books that have come before. It's organized into 21 chapters, each grouping a specific subject such as The Basics, Hors D'oeuvres, Meat, Salads, Pies and Tarts, Dips, sauces & Butters,etc., and even How to Entertain a Crowd.

It's a big book and chalked full of information. 620 pages in all. Martha will tell you how she organizes her pantry, and what she considers to be staples. She'll teach you how to make the perfect pie crust, how to properly bone and stuff a salmon, and even how to form the perfect french baguette. This is every day? Not in my house. Don't get me wrong, you will find easy recipes for french toast, and creme fraiche (that's highfalutin Cool Whip), and bean burritos. It's just that this book isn't for commoners. The average cook will be overwhelmed. You better know your scones from your tartlets or you'll be confused. You like pictures accompanied with your recipe? Aside from the occasional sketch, no glossy shots here. Martha assumes that you know what spider web apple pie should look like.

Does your family love Crab Bisque? How 'bout Baby Peas and Escarole? You see where I'm going? This is NOT Every day fare for the common folk. And the folks that I know that do enjoy a good Gravlax with Fennel have servants. The one exception to my rule is a childless couple we get together with. The husband wasted his culinary talents and opted for a career in dentistry. He has the time to prepare such veritable feasts. He also has the time to frequent specialty markets for some of the obscure ingredients that Martha will call for.

The Martha Stewart Cookbook is a compilation of recipes for those with a discerning palette or those that want to dabble in culinary art. Amaze your friends and serve up some vichyssoise (potato soup served cold)at your next gathering. You like good ol'bean casseroles you say? This isn't the recipe book for you.

I do enjoy a good Nicoise Salad, but I'd prefer to eat it at The Four Seasons if you catch my drift. Martha- you are the Queen, but get real.