We need to remember the contribution of Sheila Lukins who died on Sunday.

The Silver Palate Cookbook was in its own way as revolutionary as Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  When it was first published in 1982 it was totally unlike anything else that had come before.  From the quirky line drawings,  the what was then innovative and original flavor combinations (Chicken Marbella, anyone?), and  the food centric quotes and lore in the margins this was a whole new way to cook and entertain.  And she and her partner Julee Rosso looked at the whole picture.  Advice ran through the book on how to set the perfect buffet to menu suggestions for the perfect country weekend lunch.

After I read the obituary this morning I pulled down my very own copy of The Silver Palate and marveled at what a mess it was.  Food splattered and dog eared it had all the markings of a much loved book which is as it should be.  And yes, it opened right to Chicken Marbella.