Better Know a Cookbook Author: Erin Byers Murray

Not every talented cook in this city is at the helm of a restaurant's kitchen, so this time around, I caught up with Erin Byers Murray, cookbook author and editor of Nashville Lifestyles magazine. Her 2014 book, The New England Kitchen, co-written with Jeremy Sewall, was nominated for a James Beard award. In her latest book, A Colander, Cake Stand and My Grandfather's Iron Skillet, Murray shares tales of many notable chefs' favorite kitchen items as well as the recipes that go with them. Meta, no? Let's better know Erin:

Vital tool: My 10-year-old Le Creuset dutch oven, which I received as a wedding gift; it's good for everything from soups and stews to baking bread

Favorite gadget: My blue-handled Deglon oyster knife. I once worked on an oyster farm and was immediately taught how to properly shuck an oyster. This knife, with its super-sharp tip and compact, industrial handle, isn't the prettiest tool, but it helps me get the job done quickly — essential when there's a group of hungry oyster fanatics, lemons at the ready!Pantry essential: Kosher salt Necessary extravagance: Good wine. As a mom of two toddlers, I believe I deserve a glass of something delicious and drinkable on a regular basis. Favorite beverage: A well-chilled glass of Txakolina [a refreshing white wine from Basque country]Favorite smell: Rosemary Comfort food: A hearty, tomato-laced, meaty bolognese over fresh pappardelleInspiration: Anyone who cooks professionally, since I know I could never hack it full time. To see them constantly pushing, creating new menus and dishes, and sweating on the line every night helps me remember that my dinnertime routine is a cinch. Last meal: Oysters, a luscious duck liver mousse on toast points, and a perfectly medium-rare steak, followed by real butterscotch pudding. There's bourbon and good wine to go with it. If I'm going down, I'm taking all the calories with me. 

Catch Erin Byers Murray signing copies of her book from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Nashville Farmers' Market. She's taking part in the Holiday Marketplace in the market house, in which vendors such as Batch Nashville and a number of other local businesses will feature great gift ideas from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Murray will be joined by several other local cookbook authors who will also have their latest books for sale.