1A Presents: Milk Street's Holiday Lollapalooza: The Best of 2024

In 'The Light Eaters,' Zoë Schlanger delves into the world of plant intelligence, challenging our understanding of agency, consciousness, and intelligence. The book takes readers on a global journey, highlighting the remarkable abilities of plants, such as their adaptive techniques, communicative abilities, and social behaviors. Schlanger works closely with scientists to uncover the latest epiphanies in botanical research, revealing how plants have formed a parallel system of intelligence that is distinct from human and animal intelligence. The book is a blend of science journalism, travelogue, and introspective journey, offering a fresh and transformative understanding of plants and their essential role in the ecosystem.

This book is a labor of love, filled with recipes that reflect the rich tradition of Southern baking. It includes a wide range of categories such as Southern slow breads, coffee cakes, loaf cakes, layer cakes, cookies, and pies. The book also serves as an oral history, incorporating personal insights, historical context, and tips for mastering various baking techniques, including piecrust variations and cake decorating. Cheryl Day’s expertise and passion for Southern baking make this a definitive guide for both novice and experienced bakers.

Published in 1969, 'The Supper of the Lamb' is more than a cookbook; it is a blend of cooking philosophy, theological meditations, and reflections on hospitality. The book centers around a recipe for 'Lamb for Eight Persons Four Times,' which serves as a framework for discussions on various theological topics and the joy of cooking. Capon's writing style is conversational, making the reader feel like they are engaging in a personal conversation with the author. The book also includes passages on everyday objects like onions, pocket knives, and corkscrews, highlighting Capon's unique worldview and appreciation for the mundane.