FOOD FOR THOUGHT

There is always food in my novels. So, of course, Georgia likes to cook. As do I.

Neither of us are big on following recipes, and much of what I cook is often from
memory or by calling up a family member or friend and asking, What kind of
spices did you put in those salmon croquettes I had at your house last summer?
Or, How many eggs was it again?
They say presentation is everything, but as long as it tastes good who really
cares if it looks like a picture in a magazine? However, to solve this problem I
usually try to choreograph each dish and place it next to a contrasting color on
the plate.
In real life, those fancy measuring cups and spoons rarely get used, which is
why they hang from the hood of my stove gathering dust. A coffee cup works,
as does a regular teaspoon, but I am not suggesting this for those who wish to
try any of the recipes below, because I dont want you to be mad at me if yours
doesnt turn out as scrumptious as mine does. So here are a few suggestions:
1) Trust your taste buds. If it tastes like something is missing, add it to the mix.
2) Servings: I have no way of knowing how much one person eats.
3) A pinch: Means just that. Be stingy.
4) A dash: Almost synonymous with a pinch, but more generous.
5) About means guesstimate.
6) All ovens are not created equal. If it looks like its done, take it out.

MENU & RECIPES

STEAMED CHILEAN SEA BASS
TERRYS STIR-FRIED BRAZILIAN COLLARD GREENS
ROASTED FINGERLING RED, PURPLE, AND YUKON GOLD POTATOES
HONEY CORNBREAD REAL SOUTHERN CORNBREAD BUTTERMILK CHESS PIE

STEAMED CHILEAN SEA BASS

lb. of sea bass (or any white fish: cod,
bass, halibut, catfish, etc.)
salt and pepper
1 whole scallion (save a few green slices)
11-inch piece of fresh ginger
1 tsp. minced garlic

12 tbs. Korean soy sauce

1 tsp. sesame oil
dash of sugar

Dry off the fish with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Put everything except the fish into a medium-sized pan over high heat.
Place the seasoned pieces of fish in the pan and cover it for about 5-6 minutes (depending on how thick the pieces are),
or until the fish is flaky.
Set it aside in a warm dish. Serve with fingerling potatoes or whatever kind of rice you prefer, but I suggest sprinkling it
with the cooking sauce so you dont choke. If you want this dish to look pretty, consider garnishing the fish with a few
slices of scallions.

TERRYS STIR-FRIED BRAZILIAN COLLARD GREENS

23 large bunches of collard greens
extra-virgin olive oil
salt or galic salt
black pepper
natural chicken broth

12 tsps. minced garlic

natural chicken broth
dash of sugar
(Using a wok works best)

Wash and dry the collard greens. Remove and discard the stems, then roll them up and thinly slice the leaves.
This sequence should go very fastlike 68 minutes in total. Heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the wok, then
turn the flame to medium-high and begin adding enough greens to fill up the wok. Season the first batch with garlic salt
and pepper until they begin to wilt, then continue adding more batches. Before adding the last leaves, slide them over and
add the minced garlic into the oil (if its drying up, add a little more) but continue tossing. After about 34 minutes
of this, start dousing the greens with a few tablespoons of chicken broth and sprinkle the dash of sugar over all of it and
toss until theyre glistening and a beautiful dark green. Warning: Be careful not to let the garlic burn, which is why you
dont put it in the hot oil first! Its okay if the leaves are still a little crunchy.

ROASTED FINGERLING RED, PURPLE, AND YUKON GOLD POTATOES

bag of the above
extra-virgin olive oil
rosemary (in the jar is easier)

garlic salt and/or Spike

(no black pepper!)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry the potatoes. On a cookie sheet, rub the little suckers with oil so theyre
all shiny. Then roll them in the rosemary and season them generously with garlic salt and/or Spike. Black pepper ruins
the flavor.
Roast about 20 minutes, or until the skins are crispy but the insides are tender!

HONEY CORNBREAD
1 box of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix*

Instead of milk, use buttermilk. I add 2 eggs instead of one. Yum. Follow the baking directions on the back of the box.
(No one will know the difference but for all of you who insist on taking the long route, see below.)
*For those who cant be bothered making homemade cornbread.

REAL SOUTHERN CORNBREAD

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbs. + a pinch more of baking powder
pinch of salt

cup honey
1 cup buttermilk or regular
cup vegetable oil
1 egg

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Coat a 9-inch square pan (glass is preferable) with a little cooking spray. In a medium-sized
bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine everything thats left until smooth, then add it to the dry mixture. Pour the batter into the pan and
bake about 20 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick in it and it comes out clean. Cut it anyway you choose to!

BUTTERMILK CHESS PIE

2 cup white sugar
2 tbs. all-purpose flour
5 eggs
cup buttermilk

cup melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract
19-inch unbaked piecrust

This pie is so easy a seven-year-old could make it. It originated in the South and is also known as Po Folks Pie because back
in the day most of the ingredients were on hand. I have no idea why its called chess pie, but there are also many variations,
which I will tell you about in a minute.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and flour. Beat in the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. Stir in the melted butter and
vanilla. Pour it into the 9-inch piecrust. Duh.
Some folks, like myself, just have to experiment and add lemon zest and unsweetened coconut, and Ive also heard some
think its too sweet and that the mixture is too much for the 9-inch piecrust. If you cant find a larger piecrust, combine
two and put it in a bigger pie pan. After your meal has settled, take a brisk walk before you fall asleep!

READING GROUP GUIDE

1) I Almost Forgot About You opens with Dr. Georgia Young sitting at home on a Friday evening, somewhat content with
her routine. Yet deep down, she feels a strong sense of loneliness. How do you think routine can get in the way of
happiness? Are there things you enjoy on a regular basis that might be holding you back from your dreams?
2) On page 3, a young pizza delivery man asks Georgia who is it that helps her see clearlya moment which puts in
motion the changes she wants to make in her life. Do you have someone in your life that helps you see clearly or is this
something you are able to do on your own?
3) Aside from her career, Georgias greatest achievements include her daughters Estelle and Frankie. Discuss her
relationship with each of them. How would you react to some of the challenges her daughters face?
4) What do you think of Georgias decision to pay homage to her previous relationships? Have you considered doing the
same? If you have done this, what was the effect?
5) The advent of social media plays a large role in the book. Georgia uses it to find her exes. How do you think social
media affects our relationships with loved ones (especially those with whom weve lost touch)? What are some of the
benefits and drawbacks of finding people so easily?
6) It is clear that Abraham and Georgia have a strong passion for each other. When the opportunity to be with him
presents itself, though, she decides to refrain. Do you think she makes the right decision? Why or why not?
7) While Georgia is revisiting her past, her mother gets engaged to a man named Grover. When discussing the relationship, her mother says, He makes me tingle. In factand please dont laughhe makes me feel seventy! And later,
Grovers not moving in here, and Im certainly not going to be living in his unit. We like visiting each other (page 146).
Compare how Georgia and her mother approach romantic relationships. How are they similar? How do they differ?
Do you think the differences can be attributed to age, or are there other factors at play?
8) Georgia has two ex-husbands, Niles and Michael, with whom she has strained relationships. Discuss the qualities that
might have made them a good match for Georgia at one time. What did you think of her conversations with them? Do
you think it is ultimately healing to revisit painful relationships with enough distance?
9) Throughout Georgias escapades, she has her friends Wanda and Violet by her side: both loving and both challenging
at the same time. However, without them, Georgia may not have had the motivation to pursue her dreams and revisit her
past. Do you think they are good friends to Georgia and vice versa? Do you have friends like this in your life?
10) Describe the symbolism of the train ride Georgia finally takes. What do you think McMillan is trying to say about
expectations through this experience?
11) What do you think of Stanley? Do you think he and Georgia are a good match? What do you think is next for them?
12) Do you believe in second chances? If you could change something in your life, what would it be? Do you feel inspired
to do so?