maggiethecat

Twenty one thousand, two hundred thirty one No, books from the library don't count. Otherwise I could pad my meagre total.

I am using a totally unscientific average for height of book: 12 inches. And I am laying them out end-to-end. But, hmm, if we averaged the thickness, and stacked them....how long to get to the moon?

Xanthippe: (love your alias!) Do not resist! Do it for an eGullet sister! Let me wallow vicariously!

Are you mad? As a hatter, clearly, dear Jinmyo. But I have a wedge of six year old Baldersons that would have to do. In fact, I have never knowingly eaten Velveeta. Hey....could it possibly be good? And come to think of it, I've never had canned chili either. The gastronomic visions that beckon.......

That, Jude is an understatement. And I admire your steps to make sure your collection stays in good shape. But, a good point. Collectors collect, whether it be bottlecaps, art or, as Sir Peter Wimsey used to say: incunabula. (Sp.? Always loved that word) Thanks to your motherlode, we are at 20,585. 3.89 miles. Thanks, Indiagirl!

Hmmm. The thin edge of the wedge. But ok. Hard bound. (Not that softbound cookbooks don't count.)

15, 275 And Suzanne, you're right. We'd all just be looking at each others' notes, crumbs and smears.

John Schwartz has a piece in today's NY Times About Frito Pie. (Glad I checked the search engine.) The description gave me a frisson that was almost erotic. I wish I had never heard of this dish. I want it sooooo bad! His recipe: "1) Take bag of Fritos. Slice lengthwise. 2)Pour in a cup of hot chili---he says Wolf Brand canned chili is esssential 3)Add cheese. Velveeta is fine. Add onions and jalapenos if you like 4)Eat it before it congeals" I cannot, in good conscience, ever prepare this. Not from the obvious health concerns. From the "maintain girlish figure" concerns. Maybe the amuse at my deathbed meal.

15, 103.

I think you've touched on a universal book storage technique. I only have about 40 cookery books. I never, ever thought I'd feel embarrassed about this. Until now.

Thanks for the math, Archie dear. OK, 14955 . And counting. So assuming that cookbook height averages 12", we have 2.83 miles of cookbooks end-to-end.

Thanks Helena. 4,325. (BTW, I love your sig line. If only!)

Seriously??? I'll google for fares! I've got the time. Lock up your sons! (PM you later)

Sure, JAZ, they count. 4,075

Skybue: I need a job too. I feel your pain. And, as I said before, this is not a contest. 2,479

That is two thousand four hundred and sixty four cookbooks. Seven owners! If even twenty more of you 'fess up, we're halfway to the moon. Jaymes: I'll be in Austin for a week to drink margaritas and try to make a dent in your collection.

I've had all three of these. My mother always put up huge amounts of plum jam. That was the fallback jam in our house, and I can taste right now that tart/sweet summery plum flavor. And , as far as I can see, it is impossible to buy. Note: Don't use those tiny "preserve plums" that are sold everywhere in August. They must be big ripe eating plums, or you sacrifice that sensational taste. As I am from Brit background, we used jam for almost everything. Toast, spread on grilled cheese (try it!) in tarts, trifle. Or the classic plain"Jam Sponge." An easy, one layer cake, split, spread with jam and dusted with powdered sugar. Serve with tea. Real, hot tea froma teapot into a thin teacup and saucer. Never put the milk in first!

Let's say 500. 1870.

357 here. 1370 with three players. Gad.

Jaymes, not acceptable! Start counting, Girlfriend. You've got an hour to spare.

1013

O.K., 150 and counting. I remember "Easy Elegance", and will make a point of finding it. I'll count ours after dinner.

Thanks, Steve. That is exactly it. I trust (other) Steve in his perceptions and point of view. But the tone? Nah, you have to be Bourdain to pull that off. Not Steve Klc's fault, necessarily. There must have been some editorial review. The mean-spirited tone detracted from the substance.

And within reason, food-related, non-cookbooks count too. Like Trillin, Kuh, or Ruhlman, par example.

There have been a few cookbook/recipe threads happening recently. I simply want to know, as a strictly academic exercise, how many cookbooks the greater eGullet commumity owns. End to end, would they circle the world? C'mon, take a few minutes or half an hour. Post the totals here. And it ain't some friggin' contest! Many great cooks have few books, and many non-cooks own lots. Food magazines don't count. I'll keep a running total. Awbrig, don't forget to count the Nancy Silverton book we borrowed. It's relaxing. Glass of wine in hand, go out there and count.