Customer Reviews

An African American Cookbook: Living the Experience

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm not black, I'm white, but I enjoy cooking and cuisine generated from hard times and a lack of waste. While I have other cookbooks focusing on the history of cooking by black cooks in this country, what makes this little book particularly interesting is the sprinkling of history throughout. No, it's not comprehensive and doesn't pretend to be. However, like doughnuts and coffee, the two just go well together. Some of the recipes, particularly desserts, rely too much on processed foods I wouldn't want to make. The meats and vegetables are better. Still, it's a nice little book and I'm glad to add it to my shelf.

This book is my favorite cookbook, and I have at least 50 of them. The recipes are wonderfully delicious, and my teenage daughters and I love to try different ones together. The ingredients are things you would normally have around the house, unlike some cookbooks where you have to buy stuff that you will never use again. You will use this cookbook more than your other ones. It's great!!

This is my most consistent in terms of taste of the 5 cookbooks I own. All the recipes I have tried so far have been GOOD and those who have eaten them have given them rave reviews. Some of the recipes aren't completely written, for example, one says, "Cook for 45-60 minutes." and it is not clear whether this means in the oven, in the frying pan, and at what temperature. There are enough of similar kinds of recipes though to figure these errors out.

For those who never learned how to cook like grandma or moms, this is the book to learn. You can also substitute ingredients, such as nonfat milk for whole milk, to make the food a bit healthier. You can also substitute smoked turkey for hamhocks and salt pork. However, sometimes you have to splurge and go for those to get that old school taste. :)

I got this book as a Secret Santa gift. After one night in the kitchen, I went nuts with all the recipes. They are all written so simply! They don't take too many ingredients. And I use my judgement on how healthy I want to cook. If I want a lower-fat meal, I just use a bit of butter/oil.

It has recipes from all over the world, Scandenavian cookies, potato pancakes, Jewish Apple Cake, pork friend rice, not too mention traditional Soul Food dishes. Also, I have a lot of experience in West African cuisine, and the traditional dishes are very similar.

You don't need to be of a certain race/culture to use this book! Most dishes are ready from 30 mns to 1 hour.

I purchased this book and I have to agree with the others that it is a very good cookbook for flavorful homestyle meals. I particularly enjoy baking which was the primary reason I purchased the book. I HIGHLY reccomend everyone try the "Best Yet" Pound Cake recipe... OMG!!!!!! I am asked to bake these often. I have also tried other recipes in this cookbook, some GREAT... some were so-so, but definitely worth the money to invest for your household and family.

I love this book. My daughter brought it home from her school library. I loved it so much that I had to buy a copy to keep. I have made several of the recipes, and all I can say is YUM!!!!

I bought this book about four years ago and it is truly one of my go-to books when I want the taste of a "down home" meal or dessert. Whether this will be your first cookbook or if you're a cookbook collector, like myself, this would be a great purchase!

I collect cookbooks but when I'm in the mood to try something new, I'll thumb thru the ones I have and am always distinterested. Want new side dishes mainly. But Phoebe Bailey delivers. Love this book. Got it at library and am now going to order it. Very useful. Lotsa cookbooks have recipes where too much is involved, or I know I won't like it or something, but these recipes are doable and I know I'll eat them. Highly recommend.

I MAKE IT A HABIT OF GOING THROUGH ALL THE COOKBOOKS, I PURCHASE. PICKING OUT THE RECIPES I LIKE, AND ELIMINATING THE ONES I DON'T LIKE. FOR ME, THIS COOKBOOK IS IDEAL AND I AM GOING TO BE EXTREMELY BUSY, COOKING AS MANY OF THESE RECIPES, AS POSSIBLE.

I finally got a chance to sit down and overview this book. I normally do with all my books but I couldn't put this one down. The blocks of stories and memories of ancestors truly makes me appreciate Every thing I have. It also makes me feel like I am tasting my heritage as I will begin to make the food. The recipes are simple ingredients and easy to find at any grocery store. I love this book.