Once upon a time, I curled into a corner of Daddy’s couch and read Archie comic books. Next came Nancy Drew. Then, I graduated to Mary Higgins Clark. “Like Water For Chocolate” was college. My first New York days were seeeerrrrrious–John Updike, Joan Didion, John Cheever or bust.

Perhaps I’ve regressed. Or maybe I just know what makes me happy. But now when I settle in at night, I love my adult picture books.

Cookbooks.

Real gems, like Screen Doors and Sweet Tea by Martha Foose, transport me to the swing by our lake under the shade of an oak. Finally, a moment of peace.

I see long tables set with mismatched china, cassserole dishes and pitchers filled with that amber-colored elixir, sweet tea. Martha’s Mississippi is my Mississippi. I see it. I taste it.

I fall asleep a little hungrier, a lot happier.