The Secret Lives of Church Ladies

Synopsis: A short story collection by Deesha Philyaw, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies was critically well received and ultimately quite successful. Nine stories in the collection feature four generations of characters who are Ladies of the Church, but also figuring out where they really stand in the world. Themes of religion, sexuality, infidelity, racism, sexism, feminism, lots of -isms, family strife and more are contained in these stories.

Review: Disclosure: I love short stories. The ability to craft a short, compelling story, with characters that resonate and leave you wanting more, that’s an amazing skill. This collection of stories was perfect. Each story delivered something just a little different, and many times unexpected. The stories are sometimes funny, sometimes frank, and sometimes touching. Philyaw’s characters are certainly trying to live their true lives, but in the shadow of an institution that might not be compatible with their desires. I would have a hard time picking a favorite, but “Peach Cobbler” was outstanding.

Rating: 5/5

Recipe: Uh, Peach cobbler, of course

Filling:

5 small peaches, cut into slices (about 5 cups)

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Batter:

1/2 stick unsalted butter

3/4 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup milk, at room temperature

1) Put peaches, sugar, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. cook until sugar is dissolved and the peach juices begin to boil. Lower to a simmer and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

2) For the batter: put the butter in a 2 quart baking dish and place in the oven while it preheats to 350 degrees.

3) Whick together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the vanilla and milk into the dry ingredients while whisking until well combined.

4) Remove the pan from the oven. Pour the batter over the melted butter. spoon the peaches along with the juices over the top of the batter. Bake until the cobbler is golden brown and the juices are bubbling, 35-45 minutes.