Tasting Grace: Discovering the Power of Food to Connect Us to God, One Another, and Ourselves

by Melissa d'Arabian

The winner of The Next Food Network Star season five and New York Times best-selling author of Ten Dollar Dinners shares how God used food to invite her into His love.

It wasn't until Melissa d'Arabian evaluated her relationship with food in light of her relationship with God that she began to appreciate food as not only a gift from him but also as a deeper invitation into his love. As she prayed, studied Scripture, and reflected on the stories from her own life, Melissa saw how God had used food to draw her into community, to redeem her moments of greatest tragedy, and ultimately to connect her more to him.

In Tasting Grace , Melissa shares sixteen invitations that will transform your perception of food and the role it plays in your own life, from equality to connection to hospitality to stewardship and more. She explains how through her experiences, she learned to trust the ingredients--in recipes and in life--and join God in the act of creation.

Whether you are a mom struggling to throw together a healthy meal for your family each night or a single woman longing for fellowship around your table, you will draw encouragement and inspiration from Melissa's reminder that all food, first and foremost, is a gift from God. When you return to him as the source, you will find the freedom to enjoy his beautiful and delicious creation.

Advance praise for Tasting Grace

“What a beautiful book. Using stories of her own triumphs and pain, Melissa digs past the surface layers of food as we see it on television, in cookbooks, and on social media. Rather, she helps us think about it in a whole new way—as nothing short of a spiritual force, a vessel through which we can experience (and extend) compassion, comfort, fellowship, love, enjoyment, and grace. It has given me a brand-new lens with which to examine the deeper significance of the food I cook, eat, and share.” —Ree Drummond, author of  The Pioneer Woman Cooks

“The intersection between faith and food is endlessly interesting to me, and Melissa articulates the significance and beauty of that intersection so well.  Melissa is a great storyteller, and she invites us into her story and gives us a seat at her table with graciousness and wisdom. This is a lovely, meaningful book.” —Shauna Niequist,  New York Times  best-selling author of  Present Over Perfect  and  Bread and Wine

“This is a beautifully written book. These aren’t just words on pages; they are an invitation to a feast, to hospitality, and to finding lasting purpose in your life. Melissa has set a table fit for a King, pulled our chairs, and reminded us there’s a place for us here. This is a book that will not only feed your imagination but also your soul.”  —Bob Goff, author of New York Times bestsellers Love Does and Everybody Always

Genres: Christian, Food, Faith, Nonfiction, Memoir, Cooking, Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2019

Reviews

[Ginger Hudock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book because, as a nutritionist and blogger, I think about food a lot. And as a Christian, I was interested to read what d'Arabian's take would be on food and scripture. In this memoir d'Arabian takes us from her childhood where she grew up poor and hungry to her current life as a cookbook author and food blogger.
I enjoyed both learning about d'Arabian's life and faith story and her writing style. I recommend this book to any Christian who wants to go deeper in understanding about God and one of His creations: food. As a wholistic nutritionist I agree with this quote from the book " God has a lot to say through food, and it's not all in line with what society is saying about food."
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy for me to review.

[Chelsia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've long been a fan of Melissa d'Arabian - been following her since she first appeared on The Next Food Network Star. (BTW - she was always my favorite contestant.) I've watched her cooking shows, $10 Dinners, I own (and cook from) both of her cookbooks, and I watched her FB Lives "It's Tuesday Night Somewhere" for quite a bit of time. Did I mention, I also follow her and her beautiful family on social?
She's just always impressed me as not one of those women who's got her life together and makes it look effortless, but as a woman who is living real life and looks it. I mean that as a compliment because when I watch the older women around me, I find myself wanting to emulate the ones who lead honest lives. Not photo brushed, ad driven, nanny lives.
Getting to read her "memoir" was such a gift. Melissa is a gifted writer. She tells her story honestly and her heart of each chapter points back to her relationship with the Lord and how hospitality played a vital role in who she is today.
I was greatly encouraged by her stories, her motherhood, her history, and how food is vital to the relationships in our lives.
One of my major takeaways - and while this may seem silly, I want you to think about it. Our lives are so busy. We never take breaks. She shares one story from when she was working in Paris and how there was a major deadline due that day. And yet, everyone stepped away from work, the office to enjoy a meal and linger over conversation before rejoining the work force again. I often work while I'm having lunch, my husband definitely does, and my kids will often do school while eating too. I've been trying really hard to create that pause in our afternoon where phones, computers, books, and pencils are put away and we enjoy conversation with each other. It has actually made a big difference I our day when we do that. But it is an intentional action that we all have to work on and I think that is one of the key themes of the book. Intention around food.

[Sophia B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was let down by this book. I thought it would be interesting to delve into the emotional side of cooking and eating, like the book described itself "how food invites us into deeper connection with god, one another, and ourselves." Unfortunately it was none of those things. It was mostly anecdotal, almost a memoir, with mention of her stint as winner of 'The Next Food Network Star' at every and any possible opportunity. Slapping a box of bulleted directional "exercises" after lengthy stories of your life seems a bit misleading for a book that blends itself into the self-help category. Not only that, it was a stretch to connect the "exercises" with the stories told. I also thought/was hoping "god" would be more of an all inclusive term, whoever god is to you/ undefined spiritual entity but I was disappointed to find it very specific to Jesus. Not that I can't apply it to my discretion, it just would've been nice if the author was conscious of a wider audience.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. I found her writing to be lovely and relatable. There was a lot of... food for thought and I found it very inspiring as well!

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book touched my heart and is changing the way I think about food, especially serving food to others. Melissa d'Arabian, Food Network star, mom, and deep-thinking Christian, shares stories from her life and how God used food to invite her into deeper relationships with Himself, those around her, and herself as well. I listened to the book, which was read aloud by d'Arabian, and I'm glad I did, because it felt like sitting down for tea with a girlfriend who's asked the same questions I have and has something to say. Her story is interesting in itself, and she has also clearly put in her time with the Bible to connect what it says with our lives. Here are some truths that stood out to me and inspired me to think or act differently.

"Guilt around food makes no sense." God created food for us to enjoy and he wants us to enjoy it! Please stop the merry-go-round of eating, then exercising as penance for eating. Instead, enjoy both food and exercise as God's gifts.

"Don't eat processed food standing up." She has a section on the value of cooking from scratch, and the value of sitting down with your family to eat, and this is one practical tip to make you think more about both. I've incorporated it at work, taking treats from the sharing counter to be enjoyed sitting down with my meal, instead of gobbling them at the counter. Mindfulness really does matter.

"Hospitality gives people space to be themselves and make connections." Profound! Followed up by--your house does not have to perfect like a magazine feature--some imperfections help people feel at home.

"If you're too busy cooking to greet your guests at the door, you need to simplify your menu." I'd been wondering about this for years and am glad she just gave me a direct answer. In the two weeks I've been implementing this (which have been extra busy, including about half a dozen dinner guests), I've found it to be a rewarding practice of truly focusing on the people, not the food. Sure, Alex can greet people just fine, but that moment of truly welcoming people when they are on your doorstep matters to all of us and sets a tone.

"Trust the ingredients." She credits this mindset of simplicity/seasonality for helping her win The Next Food Network Star, and it undergirds her Ten Dollar Dinners show/book as well. Again, food is a gift. This section prompted me to sign up for a CSA this summer, which will really encourage me to start with ingredients rather than a recipe! I'm looking forward to enjoying a closer connection to our local farmers and directly interacting with the bounty they provide.

Overall, I appreciated how deeply honest she was about the trials in her life, and how clearly she shared that God has been with her along the way and has met her in small and big ways. I'm grateful for this chance to sit down and learn from and be encouraged by this woman of faith who loves food at least as much as I do!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit that the first reason I selected this title was the cover. The colours stood out and it piqued my interest. Reading more about the content intrigued me even more.

Wow. That’s all I can say (which is obviously untrue as I’m going to say a lot more below.) I read this in one sitting and will be buying a copy to read again, to highlight, to make notes in. I’ll be recommending it to a ton of friends and family members who are about food or passionate about people.

There were a few statements that made me pause – not in a bad way, but more of a I need to think about this a bit longer. Each chapter includes an invitation at the end, drawing the reader into a real-life application of this refreshed viewpoint on food. I thought of them as little morsels of food for thought.

Part autobiographical, part motivational inspiration, D’Arabian tackles subjects of acceptance, grief, success, value, identity, connection, and so much more.
For such an easy-to-read book, it’s chock full of anecdotes and reflection on a variety of topics relevant to our relationship with food, society, and more. It’s not a follow this diet tome at all, but a gentle encouragement to reshape your connection with food and others.

While reading, I felt as if I was having a kitchen conversation with a good natured, down to earth friend.

Overall, Tasting Grace provided a unique perspective into food and spirituality. It’s a gentle call to authenticity and connection, written in a captivating tone as it invites conversation, introspection, and most importantly a call to accepting grace. I’ll be contemplating this further while I attempt the author’s Potato Bacon Torte.

My thanks to WaterBrook & Multnomah for the complimentary copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Go pick up a copy for yourself and let’s compare notes. Full review on my blog:
http://lifelovelaughterlinds.ca/2020/...

[Geozla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tasting grace (Saboreando Gracia!) It's a good book. It is about Melissa D’Arabia's journey and how she has grown in her culinary phase and how she has experienced God in her life. I wanted to read the book because I saw her devotional on the Bible App and I really liked it. I was hoping the book will explain more about the relationship between the world of food and God.
The narrative is very eloquent and does not bore you. At the end of each chapter there are some points to ponder.
I am an international reader and some of the chapters are focused for American audience.
If I wanted to translate this book into Spanish, some topics would not be as relevant. However, her testimony is very encouraging and makes you reflect.
All opinions expressed on this review are mine alone.

Tasting grace {Saboreando Gracia!) Es un buen libro. Trata del viaje de Melissa D’Arabia y como ha crecido en su fase culinaria. Al igual de cómo ha experimentado a Dios en su vida. Quería leer el libro porque vi su devocional en la App de la biblia y me gusto mucho.Esperaba que el libro explicará más acerca de la relación entre el mundo culinario y Dios.
Su base narrativa es muy elocuente y al final de cada capítulo hay algunos puntos para reflexionar.
Soy una lectora internacional y algunos de sus capítulos están enfocados a una audiencia americana. Entonces si quisiera traducir este libro al español, algunos temas no tendrían tanta relevancia. Mas sin embargo su testimonio es muy alentador y te hace reflexionar.
Todas las opiniones expresadas en este comentario son completamente mías.

I just reviewed Tasting Grace by Melissa d'Arabian. #TastingGrace #NetGalley

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

almost did not take the opportunity to do an early review of this book. I knew about the author from her Food Network shows, but I just wasn’t sure that I’d connect with this book at all. I’m so glad that I read this one. I found Melissa d’Arabian to be an author that truly does know how to connect to her readers and she drew me into this book from the very first chapter.

The account of her growing-up years was surprising to me. Realizing that she did not have enough food in her home to have a lunch to take to school or being able to buy lunch at the school cafeteria was truly heart-touching. I appreciated her openness in sharing about those years with us. Her gratitude to those who helped her along the way was obvious, and I loved that she honored them in her book. The section about her mother’s suicide was heartbreaking. She was also very open about how this affected her in a negative way for many years. Her road to recovery was a journey of faith and forms much of the basis of this book.

Her devotional thoughts are good. I might not identify with the faith/food connections as much as some other readers, but she did encourage me all through the different sections in this book. I ended up truly enjoying this one.
“Tasting Grace” is a great title for her story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasting Grace
Discovering the Power of Food to Connect Us to God, One Another, and Ourselves

by Melissa d'Arabian


WaterBrook & Multnomah

WaterBrook

Biographies & Memoirs , Christian

Pub Date 10 Sep 2019


I am reviewing a copy of Tasting Grace through WaterBrook & Multonomah and Netgalley:


In this book we are reminded that food and our relationship too food is central to modern day life but food is not only central to modern day life, it has been central to life through history.



We are reminded too that Jesus used food to bring people together not only to feed bodies but to feed souls as well. We are encouraged too to feed not only the stomach but to feed hearts as well.



This book points out that God used food to redeem loss.



In this book we are encouraged too to let go, and leave the results to God. It is pointed out too that we need to trust our identity to God.



The author in this book points out too that food is a gift from God. We are reminded too that food can draw us closer to one another and to God.



I give Tasting Grace five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Sarah K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most food writers' stories are not accessible to the average home cook. They talk about culinary school and fancy ingredients, about five star restaurants and how they "only" eat this or that while traveling because it is superior. I"m not saying all food writers or chefs who also write fall into those categories, but many do. Melissa d'Arabian is not like that. Her writing was real, authentic, vulnerable, and endearing. I love how she blended her childhood of not enough with her adulthood of excess to her mom life of learning to feed her family. I love how her faith has informed her food choices and cooking, and how she calls Christians to consider food in light of what God has done for us. This book was easy to read, but full of insight that I will ponder and apply to my life for many years to come. I loved watching her on the Food Network, and I enjoy her cookbook, but now I adore her as a person too!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary ecopy. All opinions are my own.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a memoir, told through stories related to food and Melissa's experiences with food throughout her life. Each chapter is an "invitation" to a difference characteristic (i.e. compassion, grace, humility) and shares a story along with Bible quotes and Melissa's interpretation of the scripture and how it relates to food/eating/family. The book was interesting, but I think I expected something different. This was just about Melissa's life and how she relates to food. Some of the stories seemed to end a bit abruptly, before a totally clear connection was made. A lot of the chapters focused on how flawed American's relationship with food is, from the differences between us and her husband's country of France, to the abundance of processed foods, to the average American's lack of understanding of farming, and how we eat quickly and strive to be thin.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think some reviewers are disappointed by this book because they were expecting a straightforward memoir. But Melissa D’Arabian mentions in the introduction that she studied at Princeton Theological Seminary to prepare for writing Tasting Grace, so readers are given plenty of warning that the book will focus on spiritual issues. She also makes it clear up front that her own religious views are Christian.

Specifically, Tasting Grace invites her readers to examine their relationship with food through the lens of that Christianity. How much we eat, the sorts of foods we buy, what we share with others, what we throw away - D’Arabian suggests that thinking about the spirituality of food can help us resolve all these issues better than counting calories (or dollars) or jumping on the latest food fad bandwagon. I think she’s right. I found Tasting Grace to be refreshing, inspiring and uplifting.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! In fact, it was one of my favourites I have read in 2019. I never thought a book on the theology of food would appeal to me so much, but Melissa d'Arabian approaches this book with nuance, beautiful writing, and lots of truth! She is practical, theological, personable and all around enjoyable to read. She made me think a lot about issues surrounding food that I haven't thought about before - but through a Gospel-centered lens. I recommend this book to anyone who loves food, cooking or is just interested in it (which is most of us!) - especially to young moms or those in a very busy season who are struggling with preparing meals, getting supper on table or knowing what to eat! While she doesn't offer a lot of "practical" solutions, simply reading this book will change your perspective and encourage you how truly important food can be!

[Emily Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

With surprisingly accurate theology, D’Arabian discusses the intersections between God and food that is much needed in today’s culture. In doing so via a mix of Scripture, anecdotal stories, and practical tips, Melissa invites her readers into compassion, comfort, creation, authenticity, grace, patience, connection, nurturing, stewardship, humility, work, delight, acceptance, dependence, hospitality, and the Sacred, chapter by chapter.

This is a book I plan to keep in my kitchen and revisit as certain lessons need to be relearned. Plus, how easy is it to read a bit at a time while cooking?! Highly recommend ➡️ thank you, @cultivatingthelovelypodcast for the brilliant recommendation! 😇

Note: I believe this wisdom is best consumed as a lengthy devotional rather than a straight read-through.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir was not what I expected. It's a very simple read, all about Melissa d'Arabian's life and specifically her roots with food. She tries to connect it to God but I believe that part falls short. The best quote I found was in chapter 7, referring to her mother... "The answer is, she taught me to love and she showed me that cooking for people was an outward expression of that love. She inspired me to cook for the people, not the plate. My mom taught me to value a big pot of chili shared with loved ones over a five-star meal eaten alone. She embodied the wisdom of Proverbs 15;17, 'A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.' (NLT)" If you follow her show and would find her life interesting, then this might be the book for you.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book....that Melissa d’Arabian can put into words for others how her faith and her love of cooking can coincide into such a great outcome and to share that with others is inspiring. I have always enjoyed watching Melissa on Food Network....when she competed, has her own show, and is guest-judge on Guy’s Grocery Games!! She seems to be such a nice and relatable person. What she puts into this book shows her compassionate, faithful personality, giving insight to others on another way that we can open our hearts to Jesus in our lives. Thanks to NetGalley and Waterbrook Books for the opportunity to read this e-book in return for an honest review, which this has been. #NetGalley #WaterbrookBooks

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard the author on a podcast and was interested so I requested the library buy her book (CC friends, this is available for you now).
She tells her life story and relates it and faith to food.
I've never seen a Food Network show, but she seemed really down to earth and like she truly cares for people and health and the earth and God and food.
A lot of it was preaching to the choir-grow some food, slow down and eat around the table, hospitality is about serving and loving and gathering people (which was sad to be reading during social distancing). Only once did I feel bad-the chapter about convenience food. Most of my home cooking including packets or canned soups and she doesn't like those. Oh well.
A good read if you like memoirs and faith and food.

[Jill M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember watching Melissa win The Next Food Network Star. I rooted for her from the beginning because she was a mom with four little girls and seemed like the underdog. At that time I did not know of her faith in God. I lost track of her after the show and only recently noticed the audio version of this book at the library. After listening to it, I knew I needed my own copy to read more slowly and to be able to reflect and ponder the things she wrote. While food and cooking are at the center of Melissa's life and therefore main themes throughout this book, please do not discount it if you are not a fan of cooking. What she has to say is valuable no matter who you are. She shares so many life lessons that we can all identify with and learn from. I highly recommend this book!

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasting Grace by Melissa d'Arabian is a special book. I started reading an early review copy of this book in early June and immediately knew it was something special. I've been waiting for the chance to share it, since I realized that June was a bit early! This is a book with concepts about food that the world has lost, concepts the world desperately needs. Food is not the enemy. Food is meant to be shared and savored. There is so much here in this book. It is full of pearls of wisdom to ponder again and again. Pick up this book and savor it. You won't be disappointed! I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[MOe Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have raided this book before reading any of the other reviews. after reading other reviews I will keep my star rating but would like to note that this is not a self-help book, which is what it sounds like it is classified as. I went into it believing it was an auto biography or inspirational which is much better at categorizing it .
as a fellow Christian I found it easy to follow along with a book but at the same time I realized that this would be very hard to follow if you did not share a similar faith
as an open-minded person I found this book excellent but if you are not of the open-minded variety this will not be the book for you.

[Nancy Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not heard of this book or author until I read a short review in the Banner (Christian Reformed Church magazine), and thought it would be a good book to give to a friend of mine. It would be easy to judge a book author by her jacket photo, but Melissa d'Arabian's story brings great depth to the book, and I ended up very impressed with her, and her inspirational writing. I'm not a follower of the Food Network, but I do appreciate good food, and well written food memoirs, and this one was outstanding. Also love the Christian message and the idea of grace in all of our lives.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not a cookbook, so please be advised.

It is more of a devotional over many chapters integrating thoughts about food and God's word. It is from a Christian perspective.

As a Christian, I really enjoyed Melissa's meditations. Each chapter should be read and pondered for a day, week or so before moving to the next chapter. She shows how God has shown her Himself expressed as ways she's interacted with food over the years, weaving in stories of her life.

I really enjoyed it and if you are looking for a nightly or weekly devotional, I highly recommend.

[Sharon Naylor Toris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating dive into food and Scripture, as the author steps beyond her Food Network roots and shares her deeply-felt religious beliefs. A food celeb's focus on food in the Bible is an engaging angle, and there is much to like and to absorb from this aspect of the book. It's a unique POV, and d'Arabian adds to this a fine discussion of a sense of fulfillment and nourishment. This is one that can be discussed in a faith-based book club.

[Josie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa d'Arabian contextualizes biblical theology of food for our western culture while sharing the ways God has used food to draw her closer to him throughout her own life. This book is relatable, readable, and inspiring - I cried, laughed, and gained fresh ideas for how to serve others and how to be more aware of God's presence through food and shared meals. The author's voice is authentic and down to earth while offering wisdom and truth. Five stars and highly recommend!

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a marriage between a Food Network star memoir, and a Christian nonfiction book about food.

I don’t love memoir type books that aren’t linear. And so this one did not hit that sweet spot for me. I did enjoy the stories and the viewpoints on connection to God through food however.

It was an interesting read, but not enough to grant more than a just a “like” from me.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty easy read, I enjoyed. I felt that there was a good mix of memoir and patient's thought on food and God. I feel similarly to the author about several points so that made the book probably more enjoyable for me. I would have liked more of a storyline, the chapters seemed a bit choppy, back and forth about the author's life. But overall easy and enjoyable.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some chapters I really liked, but her writing style wasn’t for me. Each chapter felt like I was reading a college paper: obvious thesis statement for the chapter, supporting stories or points, conclusions. Many places also felt repetitive. Glad I finished it, but it took more time for me to get through it than expected.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was great to see how a Food Network celebrity sees food from a Christian perspective without shoving religion down your throat (pun intended!). The combination of autobiography, food porn talk, and Christian values was awesome! I will definitely check out the author's other books!

[MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, in-depth look into our relationship with food and how it can draw us to God and each other. A book that will encourage you to contemplate the role of food in your life in a beautiful way.

[Reading_with_juls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire Melissa for her beliefs and for her focus on family. And at times I found this book compelling. It was occasionally preachy, and occasionally repetitive, but i finished the book and enjoyed it. It did make me think a few times.