The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

Warning:  Do not read this book if you are on a diet.  It almost made me want to cook - almost.  On Monday, Lillian's restaurant is closed.  It is the night for her cooking class.  As we learn chapter by chapter about the lives of the people in the class, we discover that the perfect touch Lillian has with food is matched by the care she takes with her students.  Bauermeister has created characters you would like to share a meal with - the kind of slow, fragrant meal that leads to an appreciation of both a well made dish and the time spent with a good friend.  Lillian urges each student to take a look at food - and life - differently.  She demonstrates the importance of love and caring to the success of either.  I may never look at a tomato or a melon the same way again.