Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook

Author: Lynne Tolley and Pat Mitchamore

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Nelsonword Publishing Group (October 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595553010

My Review:

The Jack Daniel’s Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook by Lynne Tolley and Pat Mitchamore is not only a cookbook, but a trip down memory lane, as well. As a native Tennessean, I enjoyed reading about the old fashioned ways of my forefathers, much of which I remember as a child. Pastimes like spinning good-natured stories; raising Tennessee Walking Horses; hunting; breeding hound dogs; hog killing time; farmer’s markets; mule trading; mountain music; folk singing; whittling; and boarding house meals are talked about, and were all a part of my youth.

The cookbook also tells about the history of Tennessee and the famous Jack Daniel’s Whiskey brand. It offers many wonderful Southern recipes like: Pecan Pie; Bowl Game Punch; Traditional Southern Fried Chicken; Hushpuppies; Down in the Hollow French Toast; German Apple Pancake; Mr. Jack’s Spoon Bread; Country-Style Steak and Gravy; Tipsy Sweet Potatoes; and Jack Daniel’s Brownies and Glaze. I especially liked the Holidate Bars for Christmas.

Jack Daniel’s Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook is a unique blend of recipes, folksy history, Southern hospitality, and numerous regional photographs. The book is also user-friendly.
I highly recommend it for the home-cook or as a gift for the person who likes a little spirit in their food. I love my copy!

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for my review copy.)

The Blackberry Farm Cookbook

Author: Sam Beall

Hardcover: 300 pages
Publisher: Clarkson Potter (October 20, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307407713

Book Description:

This is a gorgeous cookbook. Chef Beall (son of the founder of the restaurant-chain Ruby Tuesday) takes readers to the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee to his family's Blackberry Inn. Through color photos, stories, and over 100 recipes, the spirit of this special place and the people involved is conveyed through its beautiful pages.

My Review:

What a big, beautiful, magnificent collector's cookbook! I could easily say this is one of the most gorgeous in my large collection. It is filled with full-page color photos of one of my favorite places on earth, East Tennessee. Reading it makes me feel like I've been on a trip back home. The recipes are also indicative of that region of the country. These recipes are included: Blackberry Cobbler; Autumn Lamb Roast; Skillet Apple Crisp; Bourbon Apple Fried Pies; Sweet Potato Pie; Deep Fried Turkey; Cider-Basted Venison; and much more. If you want to give a beautiful gift for the holidays, this is it. I love my copy!









(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)

Chocolate Cookbook Giveaway

Title: Chocolate: A Love Story
Author: Max Brenner
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (November 2, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316056626


Hello friends!

Come on in. The cookbooks are sitting on the sideboard and lined around the walls. Fresh coffee is in the pot, and nice big mugs are on the kitchen table. Let's sit and chat about our favorite subject: food.

Today I'm launching my newest blog, My Favorite Cookbooks. I'm also giving away one brand new copy of "Chocolate: A Love Story, 65 Chocolate Dessert Recipes From Max Brenner's Private Collection." I think the winner will love it.

Here's a description:

With gigantic vats of churning chocolate, desserts like their famous chocolate pizza, and 12 varieties of hot chocolate served in custom mugs, Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man has turned their line of hip, colorful themed restaurants into an international sensation.. Chocolate: A Love Story is a vibrant new cookbook that includes 65 original recipes narrated in the quirky, captivating voice of Max Brenner, the restaurant's visionary founder and "bald man." Bold, original illustrations, inspired by Art Deco poster graphics, full-color photographs, easy-to-follow, delicious recipes, and a serving of Max's unique vision for spreading "chocolate culture" around the world make this book a must for every chocolate lover.

This is how to enter:

***Become a follower, tell us about your favorite chocolate treat, and leave your email address. That's all there is to it! Winner will be announced here on December 1st.



Thanks, friends, for dropping by today! Let's get together often. And oh yes, good luck with the contest!

Blessings, Barbara

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for this copy.)