The Great Ranch Cookbook [Hardcover]

Gwen A. Walters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1998

Thirty western guest ranches, from Texas to Alaska, opened their kitchens and shared favorite recipes with award-winning author, Gwen Ashley Walters. This is no barbecue and beans cookbook. Each ranch employs a gourmet chef to create exquisite 5-star dining, served in the most gorgeous mountain scenery. More than 150 recipes, like Grilled Honey Lamb Chops, Smoky Rib-Eye Steaks with Tobacco Onions, and Blackened Buffalo Quesadillas, have been tested and re-written for the home cook. Each chapter features a ranch, including a description of the property, activities, and a breakfast and dinner menu, complete with the recipes. The author, a professionally trained chef and renowned cooking teacher, provides easy instructions, tips for taking shortcuts, and introductions to each recipe that will leave your mouth watering. If you read cookbooks like novels, you will love this book. So, snuggle up in your favorite easy chair and travel to the wild, wild west, just steps away from your own kitchen.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A 'must' for anyone yearing to visit a guest ranch!" --Jane Butel, from the foreword

“Walters’ cookbook is an original, mouthwatering collection that wins as both travel guide and dinner bell.” --Today's Librarian, February 2000

"Walters has collected her experiences and offers them up in a well-organized, fun-to-read book." --Jackson Hole Guide, August 12, 1998

From the Author

I wanted to address two needs with this book. First and foremost, I wanted to share the wonderful cuisine I've personally enjoyed over the years as a guest ranch visitor. I wanted to do it in such a way that gives the proper recognition to the culinary talents each of these ranches has discovered and employed. That's why I delve into the backgrounds of the Chefs and staff. I tested all the recipes, too, to make sure that anyone could successfully re-create every dish at home. I tested 250 recipes and selected 130 to go into the book. I have a web site, guestranchlink.com, which provides additional information about these ranches and even includes some bonus recipes that I tested that aren't in the book. Each month I feature a new ranch.

The second reason I wrote this book was to answer the question most often asked by people who have never been to a guest ranch. They want to know, "How do I find the vacation ranch that is right for me and my family? I tackled this in two ways. First, standard information is provided across all the ranches, such as season, guest capacity, activities and rates. Second, each ranch is described in detail, giving readers a visual cue to each place. I've told them what it looks like standing in front of the lodge and I've given them an up close view of the activities and the uniqueness of each location. I absolutely love vacationing at guest ranches. I love the outdoors and I love cooking. I've just combined my biggest passions in life, and it has been a supreme pleasure to share them with others in The Great Ranch Cookbook.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Pen & Fork Communications (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966348605
• ISBN-13: 978-0966348606
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,692,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A well thought out book. Great job Gwen and all involved!!!!, March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Great Ranch Cookbook (Hardcover)

Book was put together very nicely. I know Gwen and team put alot of hard work and time into creating this. The descriptions of the ranches, food, etc. GREAT JOB! Unfortunatly I have not been at the King Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado for about a year now. Memories of guests are fond. The Guest Ranch expierience is wonderful as are all guest ranches. The book is definatly an authority on letting the reader get a feel for what it is like. "Enjoy the recipes, on the open ranges where cowboys roam, or just in your kitchen at home". Thanks Gwen for having me in your book. Chef Mark M. De Nittis

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Ranch Vacation and Food Ideas!, December 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Great Ranch Cookbook (Hardcover)

I love being able to search for a guest ranch vacation and know the quality of the food in advance. And, the recipes are awesome!

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great first book for budding Julia Childs., December 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Great Ranch Cookbook (Hardcover)

Gee, our daughter-in-law is fast becoming a culinary superstar. We have shared this book with so many people they are becoming suspicious of our objectivity.