5 comments about The Lost Art of Scratch Cooking.

1. The book is misleading as a lot of the stuff she uses to make her food I don't consider to be scratch. I was disappointed in the book although some of it was good.



2. This is an excellent resource for the novice.
   
   I do not have a lot of time to read a lot of recipes just to get a good soul meal but this book is truly God sent.
   
   If you need a meal without all of the fuss this book is for you.



3. The Title said it right. Scratch cooking is becoming a lost ark. There are so many ways that are quick, easy, or instant, but not alway the best. To me, food taste better when it made from scratch, even if it take more time and effort to prepare the meal. Compare this book from others that are quick and easy and you will see, nothing beat cooking from scratch.



4. THIS BOOK WAS SO DISAPPOINTING. THE REVIEWS INDICATED A CHARMING WAY TO SEE HOW TO COOK IN A WONDERFUL OLD ART OF COOKING. HAD I SAW THIS AT A CHURCH BAZZAR I WOULD HAVE PAID FAR LESS AND GIVEN IT TO A CHILD TO LEARN THE BASIS OF COOKING. IN TODAYS MARKET FOR THE PRICE PAID, IT SHOULD HAVE HAD MORE DETAILS ON THE FAMILY TRADITIONS, PHOTOS AND SOME ZIP THAT MADE YOU EAGER TO COOK SOMETHING INCLUDED IN THE BOOK.
   I AM A COLLECTOR OF COOKBOOKS, PERHAPS NOW IN EXCESS OF 200+ AND WOULD RATE THIS BOOK AS A MINUS 1. I DID APPRECIATE THE BIBLICAL VERUS IN THE BOOK.



5. I love this book! I've tried just about everything in that book. It's a wonderful book!

5 comments about Sylvia's Soul Food.

1. I have had Sylvia's book for several years and just happened to think of writing a review after I wrote a couple for some sewing books that I own. I read through the reviews of others and was surprised to read some of the negative ones. I have used quite a few of the recipes in this book. In fact, I am preparing the meatloaf recipe tonight. However, of all the recipes in the book, my absolute, hands-down favorite is the Smothered Pork Chops. I have served it several times to friends and they rave about it every time. With regard to the negative reviews, one has to understand that this is "down home" type cooking. That is what "soul food" is all about and every ethnic group has some kind of "soul food". Furthermore, everyone's mother or grandmother is going to cook the family's dishes a little bit differently from everybody else's mother or grandmother. Can you imagine how many different recipes there are for meatloaf? While I do not put yellow food coloring in my macaroni and cheese, I do prefer to use yellow cheese over white, and I do know that there are people who serve mac and cheese that is quite yellow throughout. I suspect that they are using the food coloring. After you have come to understand how a dish is supposed to taste, you are going to adjust it further for your taste and that of your family members. Sylvia's mac and cheese is wonderful, but so is Patti LaBelle's, and her dish is made differently. Sylvia's Chicken and Dumplings are also delicious, but some times, I use Paul Prudhomme's version. Readers, the bottom line is to use what suits you regardless of who wrote the book or the review, and enjoy. I am quite pleased with the book and enjoyed reading Mrs. Woods' introduction.



2. I checked out her cookbook from the library four years ago, I love the recipes so much, especially the peach cobbler, I wanted to purchased the book but my funds are limited. So I checked it out again and tried some more of her recipes, they are so great! My family loves it! I do have one of her books that I got through a book club which wasn't bad (meaning the price only 2 bucks, but worth a lot more!) But Sylvia's Soul food book they did not have. I would really like a chance to purchase all her books. Sylvia, you have simply stolen my heart as well as well as my appetite. I look forward to trying more of your recipes! One of your number one fans!



3. I bought this for the ribs recipes and I was not at all disappointed. It's a very new approach for me, but one that turned out beautifully. I've used other recipes in this book, and all have come out as promised (especially the fried chicken recipe), but the ribs are the ones I come back to again and again. I'm very glad I got this book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anybody interested in Southern comfort cooking.



4. I thought the book was really bad. Most of the food they had recipes for were not in my kitchen. Guess I'm not meant to be a "soul food" cook.



5. When I first got this book I thought it can't be as good as SYLVIA'S FAMILY SOUL FOOD COOKBOOK (same author). However, after trying a recipe or two I realized that it had that same old South Carolina graciousness. You see, in South Carolina when it snows, the grocery stores are like amusement parks -- packed with contented people hoping to stay home from work and cook. South Carolinians love meals like pinto beans and ham hocks, chitlins and other things that busy people otherwise will not cook for lack of time.
   
   This is a good cookbook for those interested in Southern soul food. You might have to revise a little to accommodate the healthy-conscious family members. And by all means, don't stop with just this cookbook. Buy SYLVIA'S FAMILY SOUL FOOD COOKBOOK, too.

5 comments about A Little Bit of Soul Food (World Snacks).

1. I purchased this book for my nephew's first New Year's Day gift last year. The subject matter was perfect. In our family (ex-southerners) we always serve up a BIG, traditional Southern meal on New Year's Day. All of the foods depicted in this book are familiar to us. From okra and hush puppies to cornbread and 'nana pudding. What a great idea for a toddler book, and the paper collage/fiber art is pretty good too. A great way to introduce your little one to Southern cuisine and culture.



2. This is a fun book to read and the pictures are interesting as well! It has become a family favorite. The back cover describes the dishes in detail so if you don't know what a chitlin is, don't worry!



3. My one year old son loves this board book! We actually have the entire series. It's fun and creative, and I don't have to worry about him ripping the pages. We are hooked!



4. All of of these little board books by Amy singer are great. Perfect for the toddler who loves to turn the pages and learn about something a little different than, ball, duck, and dog!



5. Very sweet book. The whole series is a great way to learn about different foods.

5 comments about Delilah's Everyday Soul: Southern Cooking With Style.

1. I have only made one recipe from this book. The mac and cheese recipe is very easy and the end result is to die for. This will be the best mac and cheese you will ever eat in your lifetime. Thanks Delilah



2. This cookbook is everything I could hope for. Chock full of good "down home" recipes with a dash of personality too.



3. A medicre cookbook at best. I bought it because of the hype about her appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show with her macaroni and cheese recipe. The rest of the book was disappointing.



4. Any reviewer rating this cookbook higher than one star is rating how Delilah's personality and the story of her success comes across in the book...it is certainly NOT because of the success of the recipes.
   
   Not enough attention was paid to documenting and testing the book's recipes. I have now tried two recipes (at great additional expense to serve the (gi-normous) macaroni and (multiple exotic) cheese casserole and bake the lemon cake only to discover that both recipes have missing steps and/or ingredients.
   
   I feel the publishers owe those who (like me) purchased this book for full price a place where we can see the corrected recipes. On the publisher's website there is no place where they receive/post the corrections, and to add insult to injury, are still selling the book for full price.
   
   Be forewarned! There is a reason why a new (non remaindered) copy of this cookbook sells for less than $2...spend the money for the back story and pretty pictures. It is not worth the investment if you seek new soulfood recipes.



5. I bought this book, after hearing about how wonderful a cook Delilah is, to add to my library. While looking through the book, I decided to test some of her recipes, well...needless to say just as other "celebrity" chefs, she left off steps to certain recipes. Interestingly enough, just as a previous reviewer found, one was the mac'n'cheese which made her famous. I believe in most cookbooks by well-known chefs, this is done intentionally, it's sort-of like giving away a personal secret.

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

1. I collect historical cookbooks and this one is a must-have because Sylvia is a legend.
   
   The recipes are a good starting point for soul food. I think that we all have to remember that soul food is that it is very much like jazz -- there is a basic formula, but improvisation is key. With that said, I think there are few soul food books that give the definitive recipe for a dish. While good, I think they are meant to be a starting point for our imagination and experimentation. With that said, this book has the only recipe I use for red velvet cake.
   
   Soul food was a cuisine born out of creativity; don't expect one book to capture it all.



2. I purchased this book and used many of the recipes for Thanksgiving dinner. It takes a while for someone like me, who is a beginner cook, to make the recipes, but they always taste great. My family loves the cheese ham and potato casserole the best! It's always the first thing gone. I have another book of hers that has more recipes, they are both assets to my cookbook collection.



3. I've read her cookbook from front to back many, many times. I love the receipes, as well as her family stories that help these receipes come alive and taste great! You can't go wrong with this cookbook. A MUST for your cookbook collection. I loved this cookbook so much, that I'm going to purchase her other cookbook.



4. I have been searching for a tasty Red Velvet Cake recipe for a while now. I got the recipe from the Food Network website, and choose this one because I did not want to replicate Cakeman Raven's cake. I am happy with my choice (i used it to make cupcakes). The cake was soft and moist on the inside with a slighty chewy outside. I followed the advice of one of the other posters and used 2 tablespoons of the cocoa powder. When I tasted the raw batter, it had a pleasant chocolate taste, but when I tasted the final cake, it was a little more subtle. Another adjustment that I made was to increase the amount of sugar in the recipe; I added an additional 1/2 c of sugar which bought out the chocolate flavor. I did not make the frosting because I already had a recipe that my friends and family liked.
   Once I tasted the cake I came on Amazon and purchased the book.



5. This is one of my favorite cookbooks. I probably turn to it more than any others. Having this book is like having one of those family members nearby; you know, and Aunt, or Grandmother, that has been cooking for big families all their lives and really knows how to make some fabulous, old fashioned food. My Mother-in-law is like that - man, that woman can cook and she has a lot of good, simple recipes. This book gives you those types of recipes, and along with them, you get the stories of her family connected with the recipes. Every recipe I have cooked from this book has been good - they are simple recipes and they are some goo-oood eatin! This is true soul food, so it is not low-cal or low-fat, but you can change-up the recipes to make them healthier if need to, or just cook as-is and enjoy.

5 comments about Naomi's Home Companion: A Treasury of Favorite Recipes, Food for Thought and Country Wit and Wisdom.

1. I have made about 1/3 to 1/2 of the recipes with much success. The BBQ chicken is fabulous! A few disappointments (such as Tammy Wynette's Pork Chops) but overall good, simple, country food. The recipes are easy to follow. The many pictures are great---about 2/3's of the recipes have pictures, and, of course, you will see pictures of Naomi and her family in various times of their lives with interesting stories. I highly recommend this if you are a country music fan and a "country" cook---this would not be for you if you are looking for the Julia Child style of cooking.



2. The recipes for fried chicken, coconut cake and macaroni and cheese are really good. Plus, the book is entertaining with anecdotes and stories from Naomi. The book really is a keeper.



3. I really wanted to love this cookbook. It's been on my most wanted listed for years. Finally I caved and bought a used copy.
   
   The text is... contrived. There are small quotes and sayings throughout the book that are not Naomi's own. Which is part of the disappointment. It seems like she is trying to hard to appeal to Ms. Betty Homemaker. "I suggest you spend more time and less money on your kids", "You know you've met the wrong doctor when... offers to paint your car for $50"... and this doesnt even get into the two pages on how to be a good wife (an excerpt from a 1950's magazine, offered in jest?) and overuse of quotes on family statistics "about 75% of women dont know what's for dinner... until 4pm", "the avg american eats 1/3 of his/her meals away from home"...
   
   So getting to the recipes... nothing seems overly great or amazing. My attempt at the corndogs was miserable with repeated effort and following the recipe to the T. Getting the oil to 370' would burn the corndog batter. At 270' they would brown too quickly and form a big air bubble on one side refusing to turn in the oil. And the flavor wasnt anything to write home about let alone fit to publish.
   
   I'm very disappointed that I even bought the used copy.
   
   "76% of married women work outside the home. In 1950, only 28%"; "Dinner conversation appetizer: ask each other 'what would you be doing if you knew you couldnt fail?'"....



4. I own MANY cookbooks, loved this one. Recipes are pure comfort food. Loved the little stories with it, more than just another cookbook. Very interesting reading.



5. I actually bought this as a replacement for the book I borrowed out to someone and never got back.
   I really like this cookbook it has many recipes in here that I use.

5 comments about The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes and Food Memories.

1. I've owned this book for over five years, and it is best cookbook I own. Recipes are well-tested, don't cost very much to make, use readily available ingredients, and many are simple enough to make for weeknight suppers. I recommend the chicken gumbo, the Carter Hill barbeque ribs, the eggplant casserole, the yam pork chop skillet, the Jamaican bannana cake, and the honey crunch pecan pie. I recommend this cookbook as a gift for college students because the recipes are easy and delicious.



2. I have had this book for over 10 years, and I'm white. I bought this book when I was dating a black (african american) guy and wanted to cook him the foods that he liked. I still refer to it from time to time, but the best recipe is the macaroni and cheese. I get so many compliments when I make it for family dinners and potlucks, and everyone asks me for the recipe.



3. The Black Family Reunion Cookbook came just in time for my own family reunion this past weekend - July 4, 2005. It's an excellent choice for newcomers or oldheads like myself. It takes you back to the good days when your mother was in the kitchen whipping up a delicious peach cobbler or some tasty macaroni and cheese. I just loved this! Every single recipe took me back to my youth. It was funny running across dishes that I had forgotten about. Whether you're African American or Hispanic, you will love this cookbook!! Highly recommended to the world of book lovers
   
   Rolanda,
   Nothing BUT Page Turners Book Club



4. This is the best cookbook!!! I bought it for my mom and then ended up borrowing it so much I had to buy my own! The recipes are incredible!! I have not found a bad one yet. Mac & Cheese is amazing!!



5. What a disappointment!
   
   I was expecting real food and soul food, and what I got was a book of recipes that women generally inflict on each other at pot-luck affairs.
   
   In the history of the World no real food has ever been cooked or served for a pot-luck meal. What happens is the woman has to contribute something so she looks thru her cupboard for stuff no one in her family will eat. Like canned lima beans and pickled beets and anchovies. So she tosses everything into one pot, boils it, pours the goo into a casserole, and takes it to the pot-luck. The book oughta be called Pot Luck Recipes to Inflict On Your Work Associates.

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

1. A delightful book full of delicious recipes with clear instructions, family histories and a whole new vocabulary of odd expressions and descriptions of food. I also bought the more famous "Sylvia's Family Soul Food Cookbook" (Sylvia has a famous restaurant in New York), but I actually prefer this one slightly more, although both are absolutely wonderful. Sylvia's book is larger, more colourful and has more photos than this unassuming book by Sheila Ferguson, but the recipes for both books are just as mouth-watering; Sheila's book has a delicious recipe for "Red Devil's Food Cake" and Sylvia has a similar one called "Red Velvet Cake", for example. It's just that "Soul Food" by Ms. Ferguson has a few more unusual and unknown recipes in it, like her recipe for "Fergy's Fried Chicken". Most of the recipes look delicious and it all depends on the skill of the cook attempting these gems I guess, but I think both books are great references on this style of cooking and both are equally perfect. I would just be more likely to give Sylvia's cookbook as a gift because it is more elegant and I'd probably keep "Soul Food" for myself. No, come to think of it, I'd keep both.



2. This book was full of food that if you eat on a regular will probable cause heart problems, high blood pressure and high colestoral. Let find a better way to eat black people.We are not slaves any more we have options.



3. I don't like this book at all because the recipes are not good at all.



4. I use this book all the time. The author infuses authentic soul food recipes with tales of her and our rich cultural heritage. From sumptuous buttermilk biscuits to delicious sweet potatoe pie, the recipes are easy to follow. Every recipe I've made in this book has turned out delicious. This is also a great gift for newlyweds.



5. I am a mom of a large family, and I love this cookbook.The recipes are **great**,I also like the stories (and the history of some of the dishes) that come with the recipes.These are Down Home Style recipes that use things we have on hand in our kitchens and pantries.All the recipes I have tried in this book have turned out well, and my family loved them.GREAT Southern Soul Food Cookbook.My Grandma taught me how to cook and some of these remind me of her recipes (of course none were ever wrote down, she knew what to put in them though, and how much). Enjoy!!

5 comments about Sweets: Soul Food Desserts & Memories.

1. This is a great book. I made the strawberry cake that is on the cover for Thanksgiving and it was delicious! Everybody raved about it. I also love the stories that also go along with the recipes. A great buy!



2. This book has alot going for it! Not only does it contain the author's charming vignettes of her family history, it also has the best recipes in the country! It's a great book on different levels -- fun to look at, fun to read, and fun to create delectable memories with our own families! A+++++



3. Patty Pinner's childhood comes to life through her stories & recipes, and her "womanly" advice adds charm to her cakes and pies. I have to admit, this is the only cookbook that has found it's place on my bedside table because of the great stories and old family photographs.



4. Foolproof recipes with entertaining family stories. Every recipe I've tried has turned out perfectly (with the exception of the slow-cooked caramel icing) so this is my new Dessert Bible!



5. This book is filled with nostalgic black and white vintage photos of her family which will remind you of your own family back in the good 'ol days...don't miss out on the Pineapple Upside Down Cake baked in an iron black skillet, oh my!!!