4 comments about Down-Home Wholesome: 2300 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!

1 comments about Southern Homecoming Traditions: Recipes and Remembrances.

1. I love this book, as well as the others by Carolyn Quick Tillery. Love the combination of food & recipes with history.

5 comments about New Soul Cooking: Updating a Cuisine Rich in Flavor and Tradition (Melting Pot).

1. I ordered this book through a bookclub and returned it. It was terrible! Tanya Holland is a beautiful Black woman, but I feel has gone too far out of the way to create "innovative and different" recipes so much that they are not appealing and certainly should not be categorized as soul food. The price is outrageous for the handful of recipes that were chosen for this cookbook. I collect african american/soul food cookbooks among others. If you are really into soul food cookbooks and what they really represent, your money would be better spent on "Essence Brings you Great Cooking" by Jonell Nash, "The Ebony Cookbook" by Freida DeKnight or "The Black Family Reunion Cookbook" by the The National Council of Negro Women. If you are interested in healthier soul food try, "The New Ebony Cookbook" by Charlotte Lyons or "The Family Dinner Quilt Cookbook" by The National Council of Negro Women. If you are interested in diverse, cultural flavors, I would recommend Vertamae Grosvenor's cookbooks or "Iron Pots and Wooden Spoons" by Jessica B. Harris. I have collected over 50 african american soul food cookbooks. They cover the gamut. That is why I can give an honest opinion on Tanya Holland's book. I just wish that she would publish an african american cookbook that the average African American can relate to. One that would be useful to families in their everyday cooking.



2. go for Frank Stitt's Southern Table which is what a real Southern cooking book should be. This book is very pretty, but not well written. It's simply kitschy, and the recipes are not good at all. I made several things from this book, and they did not work. I would not advise buying this book. I'm sorry, but Tanya Holland is not a 'real' chef, maybe one of those many people who write cookbooks and put in pretty pictures to sell it. Just my personal opinion.



3. I got this book to cook a traditional Christmas dinner for my family and friends, and I was so disappointed. I would not recommend this book. The recipes were not great. The photographs can be very deceptive. The banana pudding was mere mush.The 'yassa' chicken was disappointing and not to mention demoralizing. As a black woman, I am trying to get away from the 'yess sah' notion. Go elsewhere for true Southern cooking. No wonder there are so many of her books in the 'used' section for under $6.



4. I am a novice who was given this book as a gift. I have to say, this book is perfect for beginners like me, as well as cooks that are more experienced. As someone who is intimidated by most cookbooks, I'll tell you why this book put me at ease:
   
   Beautiful color photography! I don't know why some cookbooks either have no pictures, or bad illustrations. I like seeing what my goal is. And frankly, the pics look so tasty, it
   was quite motivating.
   
   Short list of ingredients. This was key for making me feel like the brown sugar and pineapple glazed ribs are obtainable. Let me tell you, they SO are!! And, I didn't have to search high and low for the ingredients. Whole Paycheck had everything I needed.
   
   Anyway, this cookbook put me as ease, and the result has been several dinner parties where my friend's jaws clearly dropped below the dinner table.
   
   Thank you, Tanya Holland, for inspiring me to cook more, and taking my flavors to an entirely new level!!



5. This book is fantastic. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in expanding their repertoire to one of the most accessible yet distinctive and richly flavorful cuisines. The author is a highly accomplished chef and writes in a lively and engaging manner. More importantly, the recipes are easy to follow. I was able to pick it up and put together a menu for guests that was a great success. Hurray! Also, another reviewer commented about the price. I think it's well worth the value. Most cookbooks are black and white and don't have pictures for everything. This one is beautiful to look at and you will really want to execute the dishes because you can see what the finished product looks like.

1 comments about African American Foodways: Exploration of History and Culture (The Food Series).

1. "African American Foodways: Explorations Of History And Culture" compiled, organized and edited by academician and food history expert Anne L. Bower covers African American cuisines ranging from West African fare, to Caribbean influences, to South American traditions, to contemporary fusion dishes using 'soul food' ingredients that had their origins in American slavery. The seven knowledgeable contributors draw from history, literature, sociology, anthropology, and African-American studies to illustrate and demonstrate how food's material and symbolic values have contributed to African American cultural identities for almost five hundred years. Of special note is Anne Bower's own contribution, 'Recipes for History: the National Council of Negro Women's Five Historical Cookbooks'. "African American Foodways" is a model of modern and seminal sociological scholarship, as well as a welcome and highly recommended addition to academic and community library American History, Culinary History, Popular Culture, and African-American Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

1 comments about Real Men Cook: More Than 100 Easy Recipes Celebrating Tradition and Family.

1. Excellent and refreshing book. Recommend for all men as well as
   women cooks.

No comments about Cooking the Gullah Way, Morning, Noon, and Night.

2 comments about Food for the Soul: Recipes and Stories from the Congregation of Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church.

1. I *love* this cookbook. It is gorgeous (with many full color photos), and the recipes are clearly written to ensure success. This is a famous Harlem church, and contains many wonderful stories and anecdotes. But be assured that the book will appeal to anyone with taste buds, regardless of race. (I'm caucasian, and love it).
   
   There are many recipes from Carole Darden Lloyd, whose wonderful Spoonbread and Strawberry Wine is one of my all-time favorite cookbooks. And you'll find recipes from names you'll recognize and admire, as well as those you won't know, but who are sensational cooks generously sharing their treasured dishes. Most contributors described why their recipes are so wonderful -- and the church carefully tested them.
   
   Don't miss this one! It is truly outstanding.



2. Inspired by their senior pastor's warning that "far too many black people are digging their graves with their teeth," the congregation of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, one of the oldest African-American churches in the country, has pulled together a slew of delectable recipes that will give new meaning to the words "soul food." With contributions from renowned restaurants like Sylvia's, Londel's and Brian Washington-Palmer's Native, "Food for the Soul" also entertains with stories about the church serving the local community.
   
   A beautiful book that is both inspirational and enjoyable.

4 comments about Real Men Cook: Rites, Rituals, and Recipes for Living.

1. This book is a culmination of recipes and stories from a unique annual family event "Real Men Cook", which focuses on the joys of fatherhood and cooking. This book is a wonderful addition to the library of anyone who finds joy in preparing meals for the ones they love.



2. Kofi and his wife, Yvette, are co-founders of Real Men Cook for Charity. They sponsor the Real Men Cookout, which is a Father's Day Charity event designed to celebrate black men as positive role models--everyday men, as well as celebrities. The charity started in Chicago and today, it is celebrated in over twelve cities. The cookbook is more than just recipes. There are stories/essays and poems to help celebrate the African American culture by and about many different people. The stories are just as good as the food. Enjoy!



3. A cook book, a history book a great gift! I love a man who cooks, and Real Men, do cook. My husband James cooks brunch each Sunday and my friend Terry Allen (p. 40) of Dallas, has found his place in cooking history with his heritages dishes preserved in the book. Real Men Cook highlights exceptional, amazing men cooking mouth watering dishes. Give your favorite guy a copy of this `real men' cookbook and you can support a great non-profit that celebrates ordinary American men being extraordinary in major cities; Dallas, Chicago, Los Angles, New Orleans, and all across the America.



4. This will help you try some meals that you love but can't find someone to make for you. Now you can stop calling your mama, sister, and bugging your wife to find out how to make great dishes. I know it is hard for us to read instructions but this is an easy read and fillingly rewarding.

5 comments about Soul Food: Recipes and Reflections from African-American Churches.

1. A cookbook will be judged primarily on its recipes and this one really delivers the goods. Unlike so many books that chase prevailing food trends and offer gimmicky recipes with needlessly lengthy ingredients lists, this one presents plenty of time-tested classics that are economical and simple to prepare. A cookbook that you'll really *use*, rather than just put on your coffee table. The affectionate background material included by the author is a charming bonus.



2. I am a cooking fanatic and a cookbook lover. This is a wonderful book just to flip through - the stories are amazing - and the recipes will exceed anyone's expectations!! My favorites so far are the Macaroni and Cheese and the Mean Greens. (They are my favorites because those are the only two that I have tried!) I made the Macaroni and Cheese last Thanksgiving and being one of the last dishes to the table I was surprised to see it as being one of the first to go!! My family asked why I didn't make more! And the Mean Greens have given me a name. (The only thing that I hate is that people keepe requesting them!) I left this cookbook over a friends house by accident and because I know I will have a fight on my hands tryig to get it back so, I just ordered another one so that he can have it! I also ordered Brown Sugar, the dessert version of the same cookbook. I can't wait!!!



3. I collect Aferican-American cookbooks. My perfect book is a good mix of authentic recipes and backroung info to add to heritage of the recipe. While I like the format and actual page layout of other African-American cookbooks better, this book has some solid recipes. Where this book excels over others is that there is a story behind nearly every recipe and there is lots of variety in the recipes. The recipes are easy to follow and do remind you of church anniversary dinners!



4. It would be impossible to single out one recipe in this book and say it's the best. They are all the best and they work well together. I must say, I never thought molasses would be a staple in my cupboard but it is. If you bought this book just for the neat meatloaf recipe, it would be worth it. These are tried and true recipes of the past, each one with its own unique story.



5. This is a great cookbook. It brings back many memories of great and talented family cooks. I gave away six copies as Christmas presents to family members. We are not Southerners, but we are foodies and we do remember church socials and events fondly here in New Jersey. The baked rice, Texas Chili rice and the squash casserole have become big hits in my own household. Kudos to Ms. White and her friends.

3 comments about Everybody Loves Meatloaf: More Than 100 Recipes for Loaves and Fixings.

1. All in all, an imaginative and creative take on preparing meatloaf. I was especially impressed as various cuisines were explored; i.e., Mediterranean, Greek, Indian, Italian, etc. There were also good pointers for using turkey and chicken as well as some good recipes for using poultry in meatloaf. So, why the four stars, and not five? Too much reliance on chili sauce and bacon strips as a topping and little or no variety of the brown gravy type of meatloaf. Also, the editors missed a "biggie." There is a recipe for a spinach cheese loaf, and guess what? Spinach is not listed in the ingredients and not mentioned in the preparation so readers are on their own for determining how much and what type of spinach to use. Otherwise, a good guide, and one that I will use for new meatloafs.



2. Everyone laughs when I tell them I have a cookbook with nothing but meatloaf recipes, but I've found it to be very useful. The author does a very nice job of discusing basic meatloaf "theory", (with some nice reminiscences about her grandmother) which makes it easy invent your own recipes in addition to using the ones in the book. Every recipe I've made from this book has been a winner, even the ones that depart pretty far from the meatloaf norm, like the Curried Apple Chicken Loaf. I also like the many suggestions for what to serve with the recipes, and the "fixings" recipes at the back.



3. I love meat-loaf! I thought I knew how to make meat-loaf. After reading this book I realized that I knew nothing. The classic old-fashioned meat-loaf recipe on pg 14 is worth $10.00 by itself. The author covers all kinds of loaves, chicken and turkey, seafood like the dilled salmon loaf was outstanding! there is also believe it or not vegetarian loaves (but not quite vegan). and one of the best chapters is devoted to sauces and glazes because when it all comes down to it, Its the crunchy top that is the best part! there is 14 different sauces to try and the few that I have tried were outstanding! and to round it out she even included an old classic mashed potato recipe. For $10.00 this hard-covered gem should not be passed by!!!