Alice's Brady Bunch Cookbook [Spiral-bound]

Ann B. Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1994

The lovable maid of the Brady Bunch presents 280 recipes that were actually prepared for the show, including those provided by the cast, and is organized by such topics as "Brady Breakfasts" and "The Brady Bar-B-Q." Original. IP.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

What is there to say about a cookbook whose the author openly admits, ``Personally, I can't cook''? Davis, who played the ever- devoted housekeeper, Alice, on The Brady Bunch, supplies fatuous commentary (``A nice show about nice people who were mostly very nice to each other. Gosh, that doesn't sound so terrible, does it?''), along with updates on each of the cast members (Christopher Knight, who played Peter, has appeared on ``The Love Boat,'' as has his TV sibling Maureen McCormick, better known as Marcia). Lines from episodes are plopped onto the page without any context. Recipes by playwright Newcomer (co-founder of the Scottsdale Culinary Festival) and theatrical director Smolen are linked to the show only through nonsensical names like ``Cindy's Buttery Just Butter Cookies'' and ``House of Cards Hamburgers.'' Apparently Alice rarely served the kids any fruits or vegetables. Dishes are heavy on prepared foods (many desserts incorporate store-bought candy) and red meat (Sam the Butcher's influence, no doubt), but if these are meant to reflect the Brady era, where do pesto and Brie come in? Cookies made with instant oatmeal and Snickers bars are way too sweet, and St. Paddy's Whole Wheat Oatmeal Bread has the texture of sawdust and a dog-biscuit taste only Tiger could love. A final chapter gives recipes from the cast members themselves, including Eve Plumb's lamely joking instructions for making boiled water out of ice. Even intense nostalgia cannot justify this book. (Photos, not seen) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 258 pages
• Publisher: Rutledge Hill Pr; Spi edition (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558533079
• ISBN-13: 978-1558533073
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,204,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't dismiss this cookbook!!, July 9, 2006

By 

slorish "slorish" (oakland, ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alice's Brady Bunch Cookbook (Spiral-bound)

My mom put this book in my Christmas stocking a few years ago because I was a big fan of the Brady Bunch, and I love to cook. Let me tell you now that this is an excellent cookbook! If you hate stylized cookbooks tall on glossy, artsy photos of the food, but short on content, then this book is for you. Sure, there are some pictures and stories about the show, and some cutesy recipe names like "Marcia, Marcia, Marc0ia Muffins", but this stuff is kept to a minimum (and if you are a fan of the show, this stuff brings back some fun memories.).
The real substance of this cookbook comes from the recipes! This is a great book for the serious home cook who prepares lots of meals for hungry family members who like good food. The recipes range from simple homestyle classics to more sophisticated cuisine and lighter fare. It covers everything from breakfast to dessert, even beverages. It is PACKED with recipes, and everything I have made out of the book has been top quality. It is obvious that this book was put together by a serious cook and that it is not just a vehicle to sell books based on the BB gimmick.
You need not be a fan of the show to love this book. It is one of my most used cookbooks, and I have dozens of them.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, and good for you!, April 12, 2002

By 

Darthjal "Darthjal" (North America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alice's Brady Bunch Cookbook (Spiral-bound)

I got this as a gift some years ago. I normally don't go for celebrity/themed cookbooks because usually they're only a pedestrian collection of random recipes, plus a bunch of stock photos and a hastily written foreword.

But no! Like everything else Brady Bunch, this book was made with love! It's packed full of unique (i.e. "you read it here first" type of stuff) trivia, anecdotes, and quotes... plus some cute little trivia quizzes and photos.

Oh, and the recipes. As a cookbook, completely aside from all the Brady Bunch content - it's excellent! Some of these recipes have become my staples, and when I'm looking for something new, I've taken to looking here first (move over, Joy Of Cooking!).

Did the Bradys eat this way every day? No wonder they were always so cheerful!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Cuisines, for the Brady Bunch fanatic!, May 30, 2000

By 

Rebecca (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alice's Brady Bunch Cookbook (Spiral-bound)

This book is not only a staple item for an avid Brady Bunch collector, but it is a must have for the active cook as well. This book is filled with Alice's favorite dishes to satisfy even the greatest appetite!