2007-12-29 A BEAUTY OF A BOOK

And, yes, a beauty of a book is exactly what one expects from Ricky Lauren, wife of a preeminent arbiter of taste, Ralph Lauren. However, this satisfying volume is far from a glossy paged fashion journal, it's the narrative of a life well lived remembered through seasons of the year and meals shared.

The Laurens bought their Colorado ranch in early 1982. For Ricky, she says it was a dream come true because as a child she had watched Western movies and longed to be a cowgirl. Little did she know then that her childhood imagining would actually come true. In this richly illustrated coffee table book filled with thoughts and recipes she shares the fruition of her early dream.

Beginning with summer she describes the meadows that have come alive with flowers and the startling blue of the vast Colorado sky. She loves the natural beauty that surrounds them as is evident by her description of an early morning hike: "Here we are, the mesa, the meadows, the pines, the mountains, the flowers, and me, all bathed in the same glorious sunlight under the deep, rich Colorado blue sky." Glorious double page photos are testament to her words.

Fall at the ranch is another palette of colors and there is frost in the air. Meals are hearty with full breakfasts to start the day. A typical morning menu consists of Challah French Toast, Buckwheat Fruit Crepes, Lox, Eggs & Onions with Assorted Bagels, and Corn Muffins with Strawberry Preserves. (Recipes for all of the menu items are included.)

Winter brings snow and after a two-day snowfall the accumulation was two feet high in some places with drifts reaching to five feet. It's warm inside but the Lauren family can't resist saddling up to explore the white vastness or ride their snowmobiles. A lunch of Elk Draw Chicken Potpie or Deep Dish Pizza is welcome and warming.

Spring unfolds with a world of promise and as Ricky puts it " a life affirming energy."

Gorgeous photographs, bits of history, tempting recipes, and personal musings all in one lovely volume - enjoy!

Highly recommended.

- Gail Cooke