I’m putting my favorite cookbooks out on the kitchen counter and flipping through the pages, marking which recipes I want to try over the summer. Now, one thing you have to understand about my romance with cookbooks is this….I love to look at them for ideas, but I always find myself changing a bit of this and a little of that before I’m happy with the outcome. Cooking is a very personal art form when one takes on the title of “Foodie”, which I’ve been accused of being on more than one occasion! If the title fits, wear it…so I proudly do! I’m always on the lookout for light meals to create on hot summer days. So, I’m sharing the cookbooks that are on my counter with you today and one that is on its way via UPS as we speak that I cannot wait to get in my hot little hands!
I’ve had Maya Angelou’s cookbook on my shelf for well over a year now and did not take it down to flip throught until news of her passing. This great lady loved fine Southern cooking and this book is filled with her stories and recipes. It is a true treasure! I’m going to try several of the recipes in this yummy little book this summer. On the dedication page Ms. Angelou wrote, “I dedicate this book to every wannabe cook who will dare criticism by getting into the kitchen and stirring up some groceries.” Well, I’ve traveled beyond being a wannabe cook, but I still love to get new inspiration and this book delivers that for me. I’ll be making “Oprah’s Suffocated Chicken”, yes, you’re reading that correctly, as well as a delicious recipe for a Moroccan stew and an interesting twist on Southwestern cuisine, “Tamales de Maiz con Pollo”. That’s Spanish for Green Cornhusk Tamales with Chicken Filling.
Next on my list is John Besh’s wonderful cookbook that I discovered while watching his cooking show on PBS one rainy Saturday afternoon. “My Family Table” is a wonderfully creative book filled with outstanding recipes that are easy to follow, producing delicious results. The subtitle on the cover reads, “A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking”. Since I truly embrace the fact that preparing a meal with love and having family and friends gather around the table to enjoy it is a healing experience for all, well, this book speaks to me. I’ll be preparing pan roasted grouper with a fresh tomato sauce, Classic Margherita Grilled Pizza and a myriad of grilling recipes that sound wonderful. I’m completely into keeping the kitchen cool and cooking out on our grill as much as possible.
I can’t leave out Holly Herrick’s “Southern Farmers Market Cookbook! As most of you know, Holly is the talented chef who has just launched her The Permanent Tourist site from Charleston, SC. This book is a treasure. I’ve tried several of the recipes and followed them word for word…yes, I actually did…for once. The Wine Poached Salmon with Cucumber Crudite Sauce is calling my name as is a delicious fresh Tomato and Arugula Tart. Holly’s recipe for WBAM, translates as watermelon, bacon, avocado and goat cheese sandwich bites sounds like something I have to try. This book is packed with excellent recipes that cry for a trip to the farmer’s market….or Uncle Don’s. Holly uses produce that is easily found in our area during the summer growing season. I’m going to work my way through each page as I prepare the recipes and I’ll share results as I go along.
Next on my list is the book I am waiting for! Libbie Summers new “Sweet and Vicious: Baking with Attitude” is this talented food stylist/cook’s homage to all things sweet. Libbie always has a wicked twist that is humorous and welcoming. I cannot wait to get my shipment and devour each page as I look through the recipes and photographs. Libbie’s innovative way of exploring new and different ways to make just about anything intrigues me! When it comes to baking I have to follow the rules a bit more since it is a more precise form of cooking. But, like Libbie, I think I’ll be coloring outside the lines a bit.
Chef Dave Snyder’s Summer Produce
There you have it! My list, well the beginning of it, of cookbooks I’ll be flipping through and experimenting with. Of course, I’ll be making my own recipes in the kitchen as well. Each Friday will bring a new treat! Embrace the season….buy fresh, locally grown, organic produce and get cooking! I’d love to hear about your culinary creations!
3 Responses
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Says:
I am anxious to hear about your culinary adventures. I love trying new things and cookbooks? Well they’re like treasured friends and I have quite a collection. I just received 50 ramp plants that I have to stick in the ground today. Until a few months ago I didn’t even know what a ramp is. I can’t wait until next spring to try them out:-)
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Melissa Says:
Ramp plants? Yum! Lucky you, Marisa!
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Harold Michael Harvey Says:
Thanks so much for this cook book list. I love to explore in the kitchen as well and you have given me some ideas this morning.
