5 comments about Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in America.

1. "Cooking With Grease" will be interesting for any political junkie though obviously liberals will enjoy it far more than conservatives. Brazile gives a highly detailed inside look at how Democrats approach elections but a problem is her writing style, which sometimes obscures critical points. As she discusses Eleanor Norton's campaign, she says a tax problem was resolved thusly: "We decided to just write a check, no matter what the amount was..." Now doesn't that sound like the campaign paid the candidate's back taxes? In another case, she is describing the fact that the campaign staff is tense and needs some time for relaxation. She explains that campaigns are "notorious for sexual escapades and relationships." Then they (Brazile and Tony Coelho) plan a party for the campaign workers and "[t]he kids got down all night and so did Tony and I." Doesn't that seem to imply that she and Tony had an affair. Yet another passage left me scratching my head: "I decided to help Craig, the former campaign manager, line up clients to continue helping me out with my new duties." Does this mean she sent business Craig's way in order to increase his revenues so he would be available to help her in her campaign duties? I am sure she would be appalled to have given these impressions but couldn't she write more clearly?
   Also, can someone get this woman a dictionary and explain to her that the word "literally" is not a contraction of "like, totally" as in a situation that was "literally down to the wire."
   Conservatives will have a hard time getting through this book; I know I did. Brazile has a vision of America where people are perpetual victims in need of protection from the evil rich. She believes poverty and homelessness are uniquely Black issues (God help the White politician who says that.) She adores the electoral process until anyone other than Democrats want to play. For example, she boasts of her ability to assemble large crowds on short notice but derides Republicans for "bringing in people to create a mob-like atmosphere."
   Brazile, or someone much like her, will be running Democratic campaigns in the near future. It will pay to understand how they think and what their tactics are like.
   P.S. In true liberal fashion, my library copy has been annotated in pen.



2. I had the chance to meet Ms. Brazile at a college graduation. She was the commencement speaker and I found her surprisingly down to earth and a good natured. The book adds to my opinion of her. As a woman in a man's world, she handled herself in good fashion.
   Pick it up and enjoy!



3. One word, awful. I am both a political junky and an avid cable news watcher. I've enjoyed Ms. Brazile's political savvy and her insight on politics. However, this book was not that. The story was flat most of the book with Ms. Brazile playing "Monday morning quarter back" about what the Dems (Al Gore) should have done with the Florida recount. Half the book she named dropped and made a poor attempts at trying to connect the dots.
   
   Donna is not an exciting story teller and failed (just like her many campaigns) at providing context to the most controversial election of our times. Overall the book was bland as though she has never cooked with grease. I've tasted more flavor and style in other political books then in this dull recount of an unsuspecting campaign strategist. It was not worth my money or time.



4. Excellent book, it kept my interest. Awesome stories of her life as a kid in New Orleans. Now when I see Donna on CNN I can understand a little better where she's coming from.



5. I have not completed the book, but my bookclub rates the book 4 (with 5 being the highest). They considered it funny and informative.

2 comments about The New Soul Food Cookbook: Healthier Recipes for Traditional Favorites.

1. I am enjoying the recipes in this cookbook for healthier eating even though I'm not a diabetic. They are still flavorful and tasty. I think anyone could benefit from these recipes to have better eating habits.



2. This cookbook has quite a few execellent recipes. The recipes are tweeked just enough to make them healthy alternatives without loosing flavor.

5 comments about Sylvia's Family Soul Food Cookbook: From Hemingway, South Carolina, To Harlem.

1. This book has the best cornbread recipe I've ever used. It's fantastic, and makes a large batch.
   
   I freely recognize that I'm no expert on soul food (California girl, born and raised) but tasty food is tasty food, I don't care where you come from.



2. This cookbook is for those who love to eat and spend time in the kitchen. The dishes are simple to prepare and most ingredients you will have in your pantry. Soul food is not always the healthiest but there are some healthier options tucked in. These are the make you want to slap yo mama because they are so good recipes: Mary's Red Velvet Cake, Seriously Spicy Shrimp Stew, Herbal Chicken, Sylvia's Steamin' Cornbread and Tuna Croquettes. I could go on but this is a great start for you.
   
   Woods shares her family, heritage and love for delicious food with cooks everywhere. The recipes offer something for everyone that loves down home southern cooking. This book is a must have for every kitchen. I will definitely give this cookbook to my friends that need a little assistance at the stove. Get ready to prepare some simply delicious southern recipes.
   
   Deltareviewer
   Reviewing for Real Page Turners



3. I purchased the cookbook as a gift for someone who absolutely loves to cook and also loves to try new recipes.
   
   I met Ms. Sylvia during my very first visit to Harlem, New York at her restaurant. She is a very warm, loving and down to earth person. We talked for quite a while and she made my visit a very special one. The food at Ms. Sylvia's restaurant is absolutely devine. It IS everything that you've heard about it.
   
   The birthday boy LOVES the cookbook! He said it's not only filled with great recipes old and new but, it also comes with a bit of history within the pages.
   
   I highly recommend it.
   
   JMajors
   Houston, TX



4. This should be the one Cookbook that every kitchen should have in it. I have used it at least once a week since I purchased it about three weeks ago. My goal is to try, I won't say every recipe, but most every recipe in the book. Thanks to my friend who recommended it.



5. I enjoy getting recipes from this cookbook. The recipes are so easy to follow! The stories are fun to read too!

5 comments about Soul Food: Classic Cuisine from the Deep South.

1. One of the best and most enjoyable cookbooks I have ever purchased.
   The recipes are varied and the ones I have tried were delicious. The family stories woven throughout the book were very heartwarming. I found it very touching that the author wanted to keep her children in touch with her African American heritage, she lives or lived in England. One of the ways she choose to do this was through the bountiful tables of her family. I will enjoy making recipes from this books for years to come.



2. Am I the only one that's noticed that this book is either poorly edited or incomplete? It refers to photos on pages that don't exist (p. 170 when the book ends at p. 160-one of many), references to recipes elswhere in the book that you can't find and some downright errors in the recipes. I thought perhaps it was just my book but I checked the library copy, too. I usually check out a book from the library before I buy; I guess I should this time, too. If someone has seen a more complete copy I would love to know.



3. I was completely put off by the racist remarks at the beginning of the book. Being married to a British citizen and living in England doesn't give her carte blanche to make gross generalizations, especially when she's a guest in their country.
   
   This, coupled with the generic, haphazard feeling of the recipes makes me suspect she's just cashing in on her minor fame in England as a singer.
   
   I'll stick with the great Edna Lewis, a true culinary genious who recognized that food should used to bring people together, and who didn't indulge in making fun of other cultures.



4. I've brought many cookbooks but this is by far the best yet and my family raved about some of the dishes prepared. The book was well presevered and shipped in a timely fashion. I will pass the book thru our family because we love to cook.



5. Along with Joy of Cooking, this is only cookbook I ever use. The recipes for baked macaroni, collard greens, hoppin' john and brownies are just the best. It's written with soul and a deep love of cooking and eating. Preparing food in the tradition of those we love and remember is one of the most profound ways to keep their memory alive. Miss Ferguson knows this, and brings us right up close with her Aunt Peacie and other wonderful characters who taught her to love this food and to make it. And it's chock full of interesting information and anecdotes. How else would I have known that the term "hoppin' john" is possibly a corruption of the French "pois pigeons?"

5 comments about Mama Dip's Kitchen.

1. What a wonderful cookbook. Lots of good country cooking, easy to follow. I go to this cookbook often. Definitely more than worth the money if you are looking to add to your southern cooking skills. This and the two "Sylvia's Soul Food" cookbooks are a must for your cookbook collection.



2. Not really what I thought it would be. The recipes are basic and can be located in less expensive
   cook books



3. A co-worker showed Mama Dip's recipe book to me and I ordered 3:
   one for my daughter, one for a daughter-in-law and one for me.
   For someone learning to cook, it is so easy to follow the directions and
   for me, it helps to break my usual routine with something different.
   The ingrediants are already in my kitchen making preparation easy.
   Thanks, Mama Dip



4. I really like this book. I am originally from the South, but don't always remember how to cook everything I ate growing up. If I can't get my mom or grandmom on the phone, I consult Mama Dip's book for guidance. I often tweak or change a little something (for ex, I don't eat much pork and will do smoked turkey to season greens) but I always find quality, solid advice in her book. I'm buying one for my sister this Christmas!



5. I purchased several of these to send family. (They are not in the south). I made some great "Sunday Corn Bread", "greens", and "black-eyed peas" for new years day, (from this book), and wanted to share,

5 comments about Finding Martha's Place: My Journey Through Sin, Salvation, and Lots of Soul Food.

1. If you are a foodie like I am, you'll love Martha Hawkins' story. If you are interested in history, especially in the Civil Rights' Movement, you'll enjoy the personal perspective that Miss Hawkins bring in the pages of this book. If you need inspiration and determination for whatever reason, you'll like this story of a single mother determined to raise her children right and to make her own dream of owning a small restaurant come true.
   
   Martha Hawkins is one of 12 children and a single mother of 4 sons. This is her story. This is the story of how depression took hold of her soul and laid her low but not beaten. This is the story of how she fought back and reclaimed her life, her children and her dreams. A strong woman of Christian faith, Martha endured years of tribulations before opening the doors to her first restaurant.
   
   While the stories in this book are personal, one can sense the Civil Rights Movement has a strong influence on Martha's life as her parents were proud supporters of Martin Luther King, Jr., and they did participate in different Civil Rights Movement. Martha's story is more personal as it shows that even though segration was outlawed, the reality showed that African-Americans still had to fight the battle to get ahead in life. Martha's story may be just one of many successful stories coming from the South, but it is a sweetly told story of faith and redemption.
   
   I have never heard of Martha Hawkins before I picked up this book, but after reading this book, I am definitely interested in hearing more about this strong-willed woman who loved to cook and bake comfort foods. She claimed in this book that she was an ugly woman but after reading her story, I have to wonder how she ever thought so because the goodness shines so brightly in every word and I am sure it shows in every single recipe she serves to her family, friends and customers.
   
   In short, this is a must-read.
   
   3/3/10



2. I found Martha's story interesting, and at times very sad. Thank goodness we know right at the start that the story has a happy ending, because it starts out grimly, as Martha is receiving electroshock therapy in a psychiatric hospital, then skips back to her desperately poor childhood as one of (I lost count) a very, very large family, and her own pregnancy at age 15.
   
   She has a great heart! The prose is almost poetic at times, paragraphs of nearly a page in places, and she and her co-writer wrote in a very conversational tone, much like I'm writing here, with natural speaking pauses in sentences, but not necessarily a lot of punctuation. Natural, not forced.
   
   The recipes at the end are nice but almost an afterthought. This is not a cookbook, but an intensely personal life story of a lovely woman.



3. I know the saying goes, "Do judge a book by it's cover" but that's exactly what I did when I saw Martha's book. There was something so cheerful about the cover of this book it made me just want to pick this book up and read it. What a pleasant surprise when I discovered the book was really good! I felt like I was really hearing Martha's voice as I read and her genuineness just shines through the pages. Her life and her experiences are such a testimony to the human spirit. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Martha!



4. 'Finding Martha's Place' isn't your average autobiographical book by a restaurant owner, regional or national celebrity cook, and it's unlike anything you might expect. I just finished reading this twice in one weekend. Yes, I did say twice. Do you know how Thanksgiving dinner is so completely, absurdly delicious, and you linger at the table savoring every bite until you think you might burst, but then a handful of hours later you just have to make yourself a turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce? That's what Martha Hawkin's book is like. Written in a conversational style, by the end of the first chapter or two you'll almost feel she's sitting with a glass of sweet tea on your front porch telling you the tale of her life, taking her time and holding nothing back.
   
   The author is a devout Christian woman, her faith a huge part of who she is and of her story, yet she's careful not to sound preachy. In fact, throughout the book she writes very simply and plainly that this is her faith, her beliefs, and it may not be the reader's, but it's her story so she's telling it honestly and openly. It took many years and a lot of struggles (even a few tragedies) before the doors opened at Martha's Place; a lifelong dream that took decades to reach. Martha Hawkins is brutally honest about her mistakes, her emotions, her breakdown, and difficult decisions she made which probably raised many eyebrows at the time. It's a beautifully written book which feels as though she's taking the reader into great confidence in the retelling of her experiences. It's as though she connects with her unknown readers. In fact, on the last page, she asks the reader to pray with her, and my guess is whatever faith you might be, or even if you've never set foot in a church, you'll find yourself praying right along with her as you read those words on the page. It's follwed by a solid "Amen!" and an invitation to stop by and have a hearty, soulful meal at Martha's Place.
   
   I'd give it six stars if I could, and must add this is very giftable book.



5. You may not always agree with Ms. Hawkins' take on life, but it is one filled with hope and her story is one that is worth reading. When I began reading this book, I was taken by surprise to hear her tell the story of how it felt to be in the psych ward of a hospital. She describes it with such vivid details that you can understand how she felt and what it was like to be so depressed and beside herself. Then, she backed up and began to tell the story of her life. She has gone through so much in her life. But, even from the beginning there was a sense of hope in her story. She tells the reader early on that there were hard things in her life yet to come and I didn't want to read about them. But, I'm glad I did. We read autobiographies and nonfiction books to understand the lives of others, to have compassion for others, and to be motivated to affect the world we live in--whether simply by voting, or by loving our families and friends, or by ministering to the needs of our communities. Ms. Hawkins' book will put a smile on your face and fill you with hope that indeed this world can be a better place!

5 comments about Sweets: Soul Food Desserts and Memories.

1. Thanks to Patty Pinner everyone can now enjoy authentic and delicious family favorites! I have tried several of the recipes, from cakes to cookies, and my family has enjoyed them thoroughly. The strawberry cake, coconut cake, brown sugar pound cake, 7up cake, dr pepper cake and oatmeal cookies have delighted everyone at our family gatherings. I will definitely keep these recipes in our family and have enjoyed reading tales of Pinner's family. This cookbook is a feast for the eyes, the palate and the soul! Thank you Patty Pinner!!



2. I originally ordered this cookbook myself, then after seeing it, ordered nearly 10 copies as gifts for friends and colleagues here in Munich - several of them homesick Southerners. This cookbook is really a delight to read and the recipes bring back alot of memories.



3. Brought this book for a gift based on reviews and I am very happy that I did. My sister loves it.



4. I'd been making the peach cobbler recipe from this book for years without paying attention to where it came from. The recipe appeared in a magazine a few years ago and I've been making it every since. For some reason I decided to see where the original recipe came from and that brought me here to buy the book. I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised. This isn't just a cook book, but almost like part family history as well. I'm very eager to try the recipe's in the book...especially the Dr. Pepper cake (I've never heard of) and of course the sweet potato pie (I've always bought frozen and passed it off as my own). There's other recipes that I've heard of, but never knew what they were (egg pie). This book is a good addition to your library. While I haven't made all of the recipes in the book, I can attest that the peach cobbler recipe is perfect. Some recipes require you to add a little extra sugar, butter, etc. This recipe is perfect as it is. The only thing I did differently was buy refrigerated pie crust instead of making it from scratch...delicious!



5. This book is great. It reminds me of so many of the things I ate as a child in my grandmother's kitchen

5 comments about The New Soul Food Cookbook for People With Diabetes.

1. This book is very helpful, because it teaches a person to cook with flavor. Most times the foods that we (diabetics) eat are so bland. This is a well written book. The exchanges are a plus.



2. I love to cook and eat. It's wonderful that I can now prepare healthy and traditional fare for my family without worry over fat and salt. Thanks ladies!



3. "Authors Gaines and Weaver show the reader how much of the hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes plaguing the African-American population can be avoided by making easy changes to traditional soul food recipes without losing too much of the flavor. The basics of healthy food preparation and menu planning are incorporated with suggestions for cooking with traditional herbs and spices, along with advice for reducing fat, calories and sodium. Portion sizes are given to aid in blood sugar control and weight loss, as well as complete nutritional information and official ADA exchanges.
   Now you can experience palate-pleasing soul food recipes such as Barbecue Pulled Pork, Hoppin' John, Hoe Cake, Soul Slaw, Collards with Smoked Turkey, Chicken and Dumplings, Key Lime Pie, Rice Pudding, Sweet Potato Pound Cake and more in The New Soul Food Cookbook." (review from the National Federation of the Blind website, Marilyn Helton reviewer)



4. I have tried several recipes from this book and was pleasantly surprised that the dishes were delicious.



5. The recipes in this book are a help to me in trying to maintain a healthier eating lifestyle even though I am not a diabetic. The tips and stories were interesting and very informative.

5 comments about Cookin' with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price.

1. This book caught my eye as I passed by the table of various cookbooks at the local bookstore. My first thought was `cooking with Coolio' - WTH? Coolio was a lackluster rapper back in the day, what could he teach me about cooking. As I thumbed through the book, the spices used along with food combinations really captured my attention. I read the book on the drive home from out of town and my husband had a stop twice as I was laughing so hard I almost wet my pants. The terms he uses and references are over the top but funny as he!!. Actually the thought of Coolio cooking is hilarious but what I didn't know was that he has a highly rated internet cooking show...who knew?
   
   Many may find the some of the examples and wording offensive while several of the recipes wouldn't go over well for my family - crybaby chicken (too many hot peppers);drunk-ass chicken (way too much liquor) and hot fruit sandwich (fruit stacked on bread - no way)...but if you get over that the laughs alone will keep you entertained. Discover the Ghetto Gourmet, how to become a kitchen pimp, and how to make sinful steaks. You will learn how to make "pasta like a rasta", "sweet treats for that sweet a$$" and seafood in the chapter titled "it's hard out here for a shrimp". Change your measurements from - pinch to a peench; tablespoon to a dime bag; and combine to coagulate. Reading through the "ten cool-mandments" and the quotes from Jarez Sez will surely make you change the way you look at the kitchen. After trying a few recipes, the combinations were brilliant (chili mac pimpi; popcorn steak; high-flyin', stir-fryin' vegan vegetables; and Jarez make-it-rain peanut butter cookies. Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart and Bobby Flay should watch their backs cause the Ghetto Gourmet is on the attack...
   
   DELTAREVIEWER
   REVIEWING FOR REAL PAGE TURNERS



2. Well I have to say this cookbook took me a little by surprise. I received it through the Amazon Vine program and I can't say I had any real expectations. When I began to flip through it I was a little startled though amused at the some of the language and euphamisims but simultanesouly impressed by the recipes themselves.
   Mostly comfort food recipes with some more gourmet fare sprinkled throughout. The instructions are clear and concise, and the descriptions are funny and colorful. I wouldn't give this to my mother but my sister would definetly enjoy it!



3. Oh, Coolio, you took us on a Fantastic Voyage to the Gangsta's Paradise. And know you have Sumpin' New, a cook book. Yes, as the back cover says, "There's only one thing that Coolio's been doing longer than rapping: cooking." Cookin' with Coolio promises "5 star meals at a 1 star price." The cook book is really for novices that have never bought one before but what something easy that is you can get a chuckle while cooking (Coolio instruct you to do such things like "2 eggs, beaten like a red-headed stepchild" for his Kompton Fried Chicken). All you cooking needs are here including appetizers, salads, poultry, streak, (It's Hard Out Here for a) shrimp, pasta, dessert, and even meals for Vegetarians. A perfect gift for any bachelor in his twenties or thirties who thinks cooking is opening up a can of SpaghettiO's to get them to learn how to cook real meals from a blast from the past.



4. All the recipes are fairly simple once you understand the lingo i.e. "dime bag, nickle bag", etc... I think these are great for those who don't like a lot of fuss and still have something pretty good to eat. Though "Coolio" said he's only using ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen, and he gave a list of items for your "pimptry" I still had to go and buy a few extra items called for in the recipes but that was no big deal.
   
   Some of his terminology might be a little offensive to women, but he is who he is and says it the way he wants to say it. There's a ton of sexual metaphors but as long as the recipes are good I really couldn't care less and I'm a woman. I showed this book to my redneck friends and they loved it. I was surprised by that because I expected them to reject it instantly but was nicely surprised that one of them (the biggest, reddest of all rednecks) asked it he could have it. I was glad I could use the excuse that since it was a Vine item that I couldn't give it away cause I didn't want too. I like it too much.
   
   The pictures are great, Coolio is especially lovely looking and his recipes, at least the ones I've tried turned out well. Kung Fu Chicken was good, Night-Night Chicken was especially good (both from "Pimpin' the Poultry" chapter) and the fried catfish was good, however I didn't really need a recipe to fry the catfish like he tells you too. It's pretty basic stuff - just right for a guy since it's not overly-involved and he can enjoy the trash talk while he's cooking.
   
   He even has a section for vegetarians (Chapter 10) but I haven't tried any of those recipes yet but they look like they'd be good.



5. I didn't expect to really like this, but I was pleasantly surprised! Yes, the language can be a little coarse, but I expected that. What I didn't expect was to get so many yummy, easy recipes out of this. I enjoyed the informal tone of the book and it made just reading the cookbook a lot of fun. The recipes are made up of commonly found ingredients that work incredibly well together. I definitely recommend this cookbook...especially if you have a teenaged or young adult male who is interested in learning how to cook.

5 comments about Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African-American Cuisine.

1. I purchased this book for my vegetarian daughter wnd she is very pleased with it.



2. I received my products in a timely fashion and in excellent condition...I would certainly recommend this seller to others...Thank you and may God bless and prosper you.



3. The recipes are clear and easy to follow. You can make super vegan food without spending tons of time in the kitchen and the ingredients are easy to find (even if, like me, you don't live in a big city). The writing style is engaging and the sidebar notes add to the fun. I highly recommend this book.



4. I am a Southerner and usually eat vegan at home so this cookbook has turned into one of my favorites. The collard greens are the tastiest I've ever had and can please even a picky eater of greens. The author lists his top ten favorite recipes from the book up front and those are the ones I've started with (grits with tempeh, arugala with roasted beets). They have all been wonderful and not too difficult to prepare.
   
   Another unique aspect of this cookbook is that each recipe comes with a intro, a recommended soundtrack, and sometimes a movie. (How to Eat Watermelon in Front of White People and Enjoy It is on my Netflix queue right now!) What a fun read. I purchased two more of these cookbooks for friends who are trying some vegan out at home but love their Southern favorites.



5. Bryant Terry is a social-justice pioneer who uses food as one of many tools in his activist arsenal. In addition to being a Natural Gourmet grad, he is the acclaimed co-author of Grub (with Anna Lappé), a regular columnist on [...], a community organizer (The Food and Society Policy Fellows Program; b-healthy!), and a much sought-after speaker. With this recipe, success is inevitable. Vegan Soul Food is more manifesto than recipe book. He pairs each recipe with a suggested soundtrack, "to be enjoyed while cooking and eating." Try to resist Cajun-Creole-Spiced Tempeh Pieces with Creamy Grits, matched with John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme." VSF focuses on local, sustainable, organic, real food, and Terry encourages you to be "freestyle and be creative. Explore the food, word, images, and music." With 150 recipes, this can't miss classic will have you kissing your Collard Confetti without missing a beat.