The “Staff Picks” display at the front desk recently featured these choices from Library Assistant Ellen Mills. There’s a definite theme here, and its just on the tip of our tongue. Here’s what Ellen had to say about her choices:
*Mystery of the Senses: Taste DVD–“Taste” is one part of a series by Nova. Host Diane Ackerman takes us on a world tour devoted to taste. The experiences of the sensations of saltiness, sourness and bitterness are explored both at the table and in the laboratory. We’ll discover our responses both through the brain and the tongue.
*Thou Shalt Not Grill: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery With Recipes byTamar Myers–A tongue-in-cheek murder mystery set in a charming Mennonite/Amish community. Out-of-town accommodations can be found only at Magdalena Yoder’s inn, where not only good food is served up, but murder as well. Magdalena is a charming host with very definite ideas on how life should be lived who still holds to many of the Mennonite traditions. It makes for a very interesting household, when combined with an eclectic and sometimes eccentric group of guests. Combine that with murder and good food, and you have a fun ride ahead of you.
* Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becke and Ethan Becker–A great book found in many kitchens. Some consider it an essential tool or a great wedding gift. Over the years it has evolved into one of the great cooking “dictionaries” chock full of helpful information for the novice to the gourmet. It may become your cooking “bible”.
*Williams-Sonoma “Thanksgiving Entertaining” –I will admit on this particular cookbook, I’ve yet to try any of the recipes. But several have caught my attention and I’m eager to try them out this holiday season. I’m in charge of pies, so the Pecan Praline looks too good to pass up. And I love pumpkin pie so the Walnut-Praline Pumpkin Pie is definitely my first project. To me not only does the meal have to taste good but the presentation and the table are also important–simple, but elegant designs that don’t crowd the table. You find several ideas to work within any budget. On Page 102 there is a craft project that I remember from elementary school that I’ll do with my twin nephews.
*Paula Deen’s My First Cookbook–Paula understands that some of the greatest memories are tied to the kitchen. This is a cookbook that helps you create some memories of your own. Time-honored child-friendly recipes are made to share with your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or any child. With a little patience, you’ll soon have a kitchen full of helpers, along with some good things to eat.
*Finding Betty Crocker by Susan Marks–An intriguing biography about an American icon named the second most popular woman in America by Fortune magazine in 1945. She sponsored her own radio program during the Depression and World War II. Her 1950 cookbook competed in sales with the Bible. Presidents, Hollywood celebrities and famous chefs have all sung her praises. Not bad for a woman who never existed. This book goes back to the beginning of the creation of one of the most changeable but recognizable faces today.
*George Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen by Trisha Yearwood–The book opens with the forward by Garth Brooks, who gives a loving tribute to his wife Trisha. The book is filled with family stories, traditions and down-home country recipes. From Garth’s German Chocolate Birthday Cake and Fried Chicken to the Broccoli Salad and Fried Okra, the recipes, once made, smell and taste like recipes from an old-time church cookbook. Photos taken from the family album, and photos of the finished recipes, beautifully illustrate this book. I particularly enjoyed the Blackberry Cobbler. It was simple and easy. Made me think of my grandmother’s cobbler, for which I never had the recipe.
McBook 
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