5 comments about Down-Home Wholesome: 300 Low-Fat Recipes from a New Soul Kitchen.

1. This is an excellent culinary memoir; the recipes are updated, defatted, and most importantly, delicious! 300 recipes in all--regional, family favorites--a new twist on early American soul.



2. I cook often, for big dinners and small ones, and I'm always on the lookout for new tastes and flavors. That's exactly why I loved this book so much! I mean, Soul Food that was light, elegant and tasted like fine French cooking--and was easy to prepare besides? I've devoured Down Home Wholesome, cooking at least half of the recipes within it--scrumptious! Plus, I really loved the warm way the author has with talking about her family, her reminiscences of her experiences with these foods, and her filling in the blanks on how the slave diet contributed to the length and breadth of the American palate. TRY THIS BOOK - YOU WON'T REGRET IT



3. I love cookbooks that speak to the reader as this one did. It was a virtual tour of the author's kitchen



4. I borrowed this book from the library and after finding at least 20 recipes I wanted to copy (and I was only through a third of it!) I bought this book. Ms. Carter has developed wonderful, homey recipes. You can practically smell her cooking as you read along! Her stories are delightful as well. I recommend this book as a true tribute to Soul Food at its best! Without losing any of the taste, she has succeeded in creating low fat meals that anyone would love! Bravo!



5. I have this book in my personal cooking library and have given it as a gift multiple times to others who enjoy southern cooking but want to keep the flavors while practicing healthy eating. The herbs and spices are not overwhelming, and the breakdown of nutrients helps to plan a varied and tasty menu for even a covered-dish dinner for our LARGE family of seven children and eighteen grandchildren.

1 comments about Kwanzaa: An African American Celebration Of Culture And Cooking.

1. Kwanzaa is rapidly approaching and as with all holidays requires detailed preparation. Contained in these pages are all the components you need for a meaningful Kwanzaa celebration with ritual and food.

   Eric Copage shares with us the origins of Kwanzaa as well as his own experiences in first celebrating the holiday. We are introduced to the seven princples of Kwanzaa and the relevance that it has for the African-American community.

   You can't have a true celebration unless good tasting food is present. At the very heart of the book are over 120 recipes for you to prepare for the Kwanzaa feast. The recipes are samples from Africans throughout the diaspora. Indulge yourself with pigeon peas and rice from the Caribbean. Avocado mousse with shrimp sauce from Brazil will tantilize your taste buds. A pot of mustard greens from "down home" (the South) in the United States will fill your belly. And let us not forget spicy matoke from Kenya. If you mouth is not watering yet for these delicious treats then something must be wrong with your taste buds.

   The above dishes are easy to make and you are provided with suggested menus for the feast. If by chance some of the unusual ingredients are not available in your local grocery store, never fear. Mail order resources are provided for you in the book. As Kwanzaa approaches enjoy the friendship, food and celebration but must of all stand firm with the principles which bind us together as a people. Enjoy! Happy Celebration.

No comments about Not Just for the Money: An Economic Theory of Personal Motivation.

3 comments about The Historical Cookbook of the American Negro: The Classic Year-Round Celebration of Black Heritage from Emancipation Proclamation Breakfast Cake to Wandering Pilgrim's Stew.

1. The Historical Cookbook Of The American Negro was originally published in 1958 as a community cookbook. A memorable compendium of recipes, facts, bios, documents, illustrations, documents, and anecdotes tracing the lost history of the African-American community and culture, Beacon Press has reissued this American culinary classic with all 132 mouth watering recipes which pay special tribute to African-American pioneers. From Emancipation Proclamation Breakfast Cake, Sliced Potato Pie, and A Nut Cake to Israel, to New England Suet Pudding, Brussel Sprouts with Paprika Sour Cream, and Yam Pork Chop Skillet, The Historical Cookbook Of The American Negro is nostalgic, exotic, and a welcome resource for any contemporary meal planner menu.



2. It's not so much for the recipes that I am buying this cookbook. There are some fabulous recipes in here - the waterwhip pie crust, corn pancakes, glorified shrimp- but many of the preparations are not to modern taste or use ingredients that are dated (suet, lard, palm oil). No, the fascinating part of this little treasure is the history that binds it together. Not only is it snapshot of the 1950's, with its aspics and community suppers, and surprising reliance on convenience products of the time, but the African American history it preserves is precious in its own right. The pages on Robert Smalls alone are worth owning this book. The index needs work and the user guide recipe updates for modern use should have been included at the end of every recipe instead of burying them in a chapter at the back of the book, but after reading thru this once as a novel, I am ready to use it as an actual cookbook. But as a record of Black history thru the year, it is priceless.



3. I love this book for the history and recipe authenticity. To capture the true flavor, sometimes you need to start with an original recipe and modernize to one's tastes rather than work with some of the neo-soulfood recipes.
   
   Some of these recipes are from the 1800s. What a treasure!

3 comments about The World in Your Kitchen: Vegetarian Recipes from Africa, Asia and Latin America for Western Kitchens With Country Information and Food Facts (Vegetarian Cooking).

1. The World in Your Kitchen is a window on basic recipes and foodways usually not included in higher brow cookbooks. Filled with vibrant photography including pictures of people growing harvesting, selling and preparing food, this cookbook presents a generous array of recipes, introduced by a brief history of the ingredients involved. Both metric and non metric measures are used in this combination geographic tour and culinary exploration.



2. There are a number of things that I like about this cookbook, in addition to the tasty recipes themselves. First, it really does cover most of the world (the only countries left out are Europe and the US/Canada but I guess the author figured we already get a lot of those cookbooks). There are recipes from Bangladesh, Bahamas, Cambodia, Ghana, Syria, Kenya, Thailand, Guatemala, Brazil, Jamaica, Indonesia, Malaysia, Afganistan, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Haiti, Algeria, Peru, and I could go on.

   There is a nice intro section (35pgs) that talks about nutrition, where to get certain vitamins/minerals and some history of eating habits/the force of marketing/big money - how we got so hooked on eating animals.

   Then the recipes are broken out into the following sections:Starters & Snacks, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Deserts & Drinks. Within each of these sections the recipes are broken out by continent (Africa, Asia, Middle East, Caribbean & Latin America) and the recipes themselves have a little intro that's stpecific to the food as well as the country its from and the native name for it.

   Color pictures and artwork is on every page and there's lots of interesting information - more than just a cookbook but short stories about world eating which is neat.

   The recipes are good from what I've tried so far. They're pretty straightforward and rely more on the flavors of the vegetables than on putting lots of different spices in there. The spices that it does call for are easily found (e.g. cumin, chili peppers, paprika, cilantro etc)

   Thumbs up on this gem - lots of fun to read as well as cook from.




3. "The World in Your Kitchen" is an excellent cookbook for the vegan, vegetarian, or person on a budget. Troth Wells has easy recipes, and introduces readers to unfamiliar cuisines such as those of El Salvador, Tanzania, and Ecuador. It's not the usual vegetarian recipes from China, Mexico, and India. It's exotic without being intimidating. The recipes are delicious. There's a forward from Glenda Jackson,and two recipes from cinematic star Julie Christie.
   
   Recommended recipes- Ecuadorian potato pancakes with peanut sauce, Chilean bean&pumpkin stew (served atop spaghetti with fresh basil),Malaysian coconut curry with peanut sauce (from Julie Christie),Cambodian carrot stir fry (again,from Julie Christie),Tanzanian beans with coconut&cilantro,South African bean&tomato brede (stew),and beans with cocoa from Sierra Leone (think of an African mole)
   
   There are some minor drawbacks to the cookbook-
   1)No pictures of recipes.
   2)Use of British terms like courgette,aubergine,haricot beans,cowpeas,and "pancakes" for enchiladas. And British measurements can be confusing.
   3)Some dubious politics blaming the World Bank for Zimbabwe's dire situation,and dubious philosophy from Peter Singer,who considers animals human,but is okay with euthanasia and infanticide.
   Again,these drawbacks are so minor they don't affect the rating. It's still a great cookbook.
   
   "The World in Your Kitchen" benefits fair trade. It's got excellent,delicious,easy recipes. It brings the world into the kitchen!

No comments about The Historical Cookbook of the American Negro (Cookery).

5 comments about In My Momma's Kitchen.

1. Momma's kitchen isn't just to cook in -- it's also a place to sing, to play, to reminisce, to get together, to share, to live and to love! Colin Bootman's oil paintings are perfect complements to these short, short stories. The story about Great Aunt Caroline is the cream in this kitchenful of stories!



2. Momma's kitchen isn't just to cook in -- it's also a place to sing, to play, to reminisce, to get together, to share, to live and to love! Colin Bootman's oil paintings are perfect complements to these short, short stories. The story about Great Aunt Caroline is the cream in this kitchenful of stories!



3. In My Momma's Kitchen tells a story of a year's events in everybody's favorite room. A daughter's stories of all the good family things, that always seem to happen in her Momma's kitchen as she reminiscence. This story may spark a thought with children, that the most special and memorable times aren't necessarily outside the home and expensive, but can be found and made simply within the home and with family and friends (free of charge). Illustrations warm and friendly.



4. In My Momma's Kitchen is a collection of short stories that all relate to family unity and togetherness with the setting of each story involving the family kitchen. Each story contains different emotions or sentiments that children of all ages can relate to. The true to life oil painting illustrations enhances the message of each story while helping bring the stories to life. Jerdine Nolen has done an excellent job in producing a children's book that promotes family solidarity, as well allows older children and adults to reminisce and give tribute to the traditions that African Americans have within our "momma's kitchens." I would wholly recommend this book to add to the African American family library. My children and I look forward to exploring more works from this author.

   Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers




5. In My Momma's Kitchen is a collection of short stories that all relate to family unity and togetherness with the setting of each story involving the family kitchen. Each story contains different emotions or sentiments that children of all ages can relate to. The true to life oil painting illustrations enhances the message of each story while helping bring the stories to life. Jerdine Nolen has done an excellent job in producing a children's book that promotes family solidarity, as well allows older children and adults to reminisce and give tribute to the traditions that African Americans have within our "momma's kitchens." I would wholly recommend this book to add to the African American family library. My children and I look forward to exploring more works from this author.

   Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy of
   The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

5 comments about The Gospel at Colonus.

1. Yes, this video performance must be re-released! How important is this production to me: 1987 -saw this live seven times! 1997- took 15 people to see the 10th Anniversary show! Have the soundtrack on vinyl, cassette and DVD. A good friend GAVE me a copy of the PBS performance (still in excellent condition).
   
   Here's a production that is more than just creative staging. It's a life lesson about forgiveness and redemption.



2. This play has been one that will not be easily forgotten. A really good play for all to see. I am searching really hard to find the video/disc. The soundtrack to it is great but seeing would put me there with the orginial cast especially the narrator and performers. Please email me and tell me how to acquire one. Great and wonderful play.



3. I want the tape as well! Saw it on PBS and like the rest of the reviewers can't find it any where. HELP!



4. I saw the play on PBS and was amazed at the production. It was one of the best plays that I have ever seen. I have been in search of the video version of the play for years and have yet to find it. I have the cd version of the Philadelphia cast of The Gospel at Colonus, but I would be ecstatic if I can own the video/dvd version of the play. If anyone knows where I can get a video version of the play, please share the information with the rest of us.



5. This is an outstanding DVD/CD/Book. Anyone who loves traditional Gospel should have this in their collection. I looked for this for over 10 years! Thanks Amazon.com!!!!!

5 comments about Essence Brings You Great Cooking.

1. This cook book is a must have in every African American kitchen. Every recipe I used got rave reviews



2. Jonell Nash is simply wonderful. This book is creative, attractive, practical and health-smart. Never before have I seen a cookbook offer so many different ways that soul food lovers can enjoy their favorites and cut the fat at the same time. Every southern and soul food cooking kitchen should have this book close by.



3. This is the book that made my reputation as a good cook. I had recently moved and was looking for some fun stuff to make for an impromptu summer housewarming party, so I turned to Essence. I have always loved carribbean food, so I opted for the jerk chicken, rice and peas and ratatouille. Boy were my guests impressed! Okay, so the chicken was a bit hot and a few folks were gulping down water between bites, but that jerk chicken was pretty authentic for a yankee gal. lol. Even folks who do not like okra were loving that ratatouille. That is a great vegetable dish and it went beautifully with the chicken.

   This is a good all around cookbook because the author presents recipes from different segments of the diaspora. There is of course plenty of soul food represented here, but there are also caribbean dishes and maybe even an African inspired dish or two.

   Nash, long-time food editor for Essence Magazine, does a good job in presenting straightforward recipes and techniques. There is even a section on how to set up a kitchen for all those who may be just setting up house. I especially like the fact that she has revised many classic recipes using less fat and salt. I don't eat pork, so I have no problem doing with out the salt pork, hamhocks and the like.

   Use this book and you too will be known as a good cook.




4. Most of the cookbooks I've bought just sit on my kitchen shelf. The pictures are pretty, but the recipes are too intricate and time-consuming. The Essence cookbook, in contrast, contains recipes for delicious *and* easy to prepare food. And the pictures are beautiful too! I actually use this cookbook almost every week.

   Jonell Nash also includes tips for cooking with less fat, but the food still comes out tasting wonderful. This is soul food that's good for both body and soul.

   While emphasizing African-American recipes, people of *all* races would enjoy this cookbook.




5. I bought this book when it was first published. It's so well used and bookmarked, too many of the pages have separated from the binding, so I'm looking to buy a new replacement copy. I've also bought this book as a gift to others over the years. The recipes I've used have all produced very tasy dishes.

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