The Supper of the Lamb (Modern Library)

From a passionate and talented chef who also happens to be an Episcopalian priest comes this surprising and thought-provoking treatise on everything from prayer to poetry to puff pastry. In The Supper Of The Lamb, Capon talks about festial and ferial cooking -- the first geared toward the uninhibited gorging a la gourmand for those rare and special occasions, the second toward the more subdued talent of making prime ingredients work a little harder and stretch a little longer without scrimping on taste or pleasure. Using these different methods as his guide, along with dozens of recipes, Capon offers an intellectual and philosophical exposition on food and faith.