April 2018 Cookbooks

Fannie Flagg's Original Whistle Stop Cafe Cookbook by Fannie Flagg

After the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, based on Fannie Flagg's novel, came out fans wanted to cookbook of all the recipes featured in the movie. While Flagg doesn't consider herself much of a cook, the Whistle Stop Cafe was based on her aunt's cafe from her childhood. So, Flagg got the recipes from the cook at her aunt's cafe and this book was born. While there were some recipes I'd like to try, many of them seemed pretty outdated and there was a LOT of using margarine, which I haven't bought or used in years and would not recommend at all. But, there were a lot of quotes from her books throughout the cookbook and every few pages there was an essay about Southern food written by Flagg so those were great to read. Overall, it was pretty good and there seem to be some solid, Southern recipes, but not anything to get super excited about.

For the Love of the South by Amber Wilson

Amber Wilson grew up in Louisiana, so she knows good Southern food. She originally wanted to be a scientist, but after doing a project about Southern Food her direction changed. She turned down a job offer from NASA and started a food blog that eventually led to this cookbook. While not a trained chef, she was taught by generations of Southern cooks in her family. And with this cover of perfect hush puppies how could you not love this cookbook?! Throughout the recipes there are family stories about food and home and beautiful photographs that are taken at her family's homes. This is a great cookbook that combines traditional recipes with more updated/modern takes on Southern classics. This is one I might buy - not only for the recipes, but also it's just a beautiful book.

Family Table: farm cooking from the Elliott homestead by Shaye Elliott

Shaye Elliott and her family live on 5 acres and grow and produce most of their own food. This cookbook is a collection of recipes using farm fresh ingredients and showing how to best cook the foods that are currently in season. At the beginning of the book she gives a few pages of introduction and how they've grown their farm - both gardening and livestock. But, she's aware that not everyone has the ability or inclination to grow and produce their own food, so she gives tips on how to source the best produce and meat/dairy products - mainly by finding local farmers who are growing and producing food in humane and sustainable ways. Overall, a great cookbook and lots of great information for someone interested in having a closer connection with where their food comes from.

Giada's Italy by Giada De Laurentiis

I've always liked watching Giada's cooking shows on Food Network because she makes everything look so good - even if it's things I don't like to eat, it still looks good! In this cookbook Giada takes us to her native Rome and shares some recipes inspired by that part of Italy. It's designed like a typical cookbook with starters, lunch, snacks, main dishes, dessert, etc. There are definitely a few dishes I'd like to try in this one. Overall, another solid cookbook from Giada De Laurentiis.

Food52 Any Night Grilling by Paula Disbrowe

This is a great grilling cookbook in that it's not all about huge cuts of meat or whole animal cooking. It's more about how to incorporate more grilling into your everyday meals. Of course there are some grilled main dishes, but they cover everything from grilled green salads, grilled components of a dish, and even grilled desserts. There is also a very helpful introduction with tips on charcoal vs. gas grills, cooking methods, troubleshooting, and supplies. There are also lots of beautiful photographs throughout the book. Overall, a unique grilling cookbook. Definitely a few recipes I want to try out too.