I am doing this for the "Book with Food in it" Category in Extreme Book Nerd.

I would also give this 3.5 stars.

This book immediately intrigued me when I saw it at Barnes and Noble. It's a universally known fact that I am a foodie. So to find a Spiritual text with the byline of "Discovering God Among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers," I was hooked. There are so many instances in the Bible where food is the center. Indeed, Christ is the "Bread of Life," "Fount of Living Water" "the Lamb of God"...I could keep going.

"Taste and See" is Margaret's dive into discovery. Where can we find God in the process of refining olive oil? What can be learned in a salt mine? What life lessons can we learn during the process of making matzo (which has to be done in 18 minutes or less) I found myself wanting to go to the Holy Land and to the Mediterranean.. There is something to be said about the food and the culture there.

Why did I not review the book higher you might ask? Well.....I wanted more direct Scripture references. I wanted to be looking up Scriptures. I understood everything that was being discussed and put forth and shared. Perhaps I would enjoy this more as a devotional. Or a book study.

Still, I am very happy that I read it! I got some good quotes from it. Also, to be reading Christian nonfiction again felt good. It had been a while ( )

I’m giving this book 5 stars because it combines my favorite things in soulful prose: food, fellowship, and faith. In this book, Margaret Feinberg goes on a journey that spans the globe to find ways in which food ties us to God. Halfway through the mouth-watering first chapter I found myself asking:

[i] Why didn’t I think of this before?![/i]

It’s a brilliant premise and a lovely exploration into yet another way that God uses the beautiful world He created to draw us to Him. I love food, and I love eating. Most of all, I love God. So why wouldn’t those things be connected? Perhaps the joy we receive from the sweet explosive taste of a grape or the surprisingly yummy acidity of olives or the aromatic flavors of herbs all point to extraordinary blessings from God. The fact that we can share these experiences around tables crowded with beloved family, friends, and neighbors makes the experience transcendental - almost holy. In fact, that is exactly Mrs. Feinberg’s premise. And I love it. I’m sold. Sign me up for all the feasts and charcuterie boards and grill-outs that create opportunities for laughter, conversation, and community.

I haven’t read any of Mrs. Feinberg’s other books, but I just might have to read the next one. Especially if it comes with bonus recipes again... ( )

The author explores different aspects of the Bible through the lens of food. Since I love food, I was instantly drawn in by the chapters centered on bread, fish, olives, figs, etc. that included recipes. I found that Feinberg's deep dive into the history, cultural associations, and metaphors associated with each food group also helped me see certain Bible passages in a whole new way. Food and faith building - for me reading this book was a definite win win. ( )