Whatever There Is, You'll Eat First edition

Whatever There Is, You'll Eat!is a memoir of Celia and Harry Shapiro. Originally intended as a collection of recipes, this volume grew to be about certain lives in a certain time. The story spans a century of lives which began in small villages in Eastern Europe. The Shapiros each came to New York City as children in the early 1900s and grew to love the wonders of the big city. Their lives were infused with music, art and baseball, among other passions. Many stories here involve the standard fare at this family's table. The recipes are both delicious home cooking and special holiday treats. Several are of historical value, such as Imberlach and Eingemachts- ethnic treats recreated from childhood Russia. This is a tale about hardworking people who delighted in simple pleasures. Cooking, shopping, even cleaning up was no problem. Celia would burst in the door, arms laden with groceries and wax poetic about a beautiful melon. Harry was the appreciative audience who clipped recipes from the newspaper and enjoyed reading aloud to Celia while she performed culinary magic. The author invites you to sit down at the table with her family. You will enjoy the antics, the friends, the humor, the warmth so richly portrayed in this fascinating book.