Edible Books Feast

By Pat JaCoby I March 21, 2005

If you'd like to edibly follow that old adage of "having your cake and eating it too," the Seuss Room at Geisel Library is the place to be April 3 at 2 p.m. when members of San Diego Book Arts hold their 2005 Edible Book Tea. The event is free and open to the public.

Attendees at last year's gathering could easily identify the best seller Sea Biscuit when invited to nibble on rich sour cream biscuits cut in the shapes of little horses and decorated with the letter "C." Or there was the novel Make the Most of Toast by Anne Boyer, illustrated with scrambled pieces of lettered French toast topped with chocolate frosting..or The Cat in the Hat, featuring a Seussian hat topped with miniature cookie cats.

The artist-created, book-themed edible works of art — including recipes — are exhibited the first hour of the event, followed at 3 p.m. by tea and serving of the "books." A drawing will be held for several artist-donated books. Additionally, there will be a "make and take" table where guests of all ages can make their own artist's book, with supplies and instruction provided. Suggested book title: "Heads or Tails."

The idea for an edible book exhibition and high/low tea began over a Thanksgiving dinner in 1999 - the brainchild of California-based editor and publisher Judith Hoffberg. It is now an international tradition, occurring annually in cities around the world during the first week of April. The "eat our words" event unites bibliophiles, book artists and food lovers. Gerry McAllister is serving as chair of the event at UCSD.

For reservations call Melanie Treco, Mandeville Special Collections Library, 858 534-2533.