Occasions to Savor [Hardcover]

Delta Sigma Theta (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 7, 2004

Recipes, menus, and entertaining tips from one of the largest, most respected African-American women's organizations in the world.

Renowned for their dedication to service, the women of Delta Sigma Theta are equally admired for their chic signature style. In Occasions to Savor, the sorority shares its entertaining savvy with everyone-Deltas and non-Deltas alike.

Lavishly illustrated, this book features more than 250 recipes compiled from members of the sorority, plus entertaining tips and suggested menus for specific occasions, including bridal and baby showers, book club meetings, an after-theater dinner, a backyard barbecue, and Christmas dinner. Featuring a full range of recipes from appetizers, beverages, salads, soups, and entrées to breads, breakfast foods, and desserts, Occasions to Savor is much more than an entertaining guide and cookbook; it's a celebration of African-American women who have made significant contributions to society.

Engaging profiles of such influential Deltas as former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan; Mary McCleod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman College and founder and first president of the National Council of Negro Women; renowned choreographer Judith Jamison; and Dorothy Height, civil rights activist and chair and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, reveal why the women of this esteemed organization are held up both as role models and mentors and as icons of style and substance.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The sisters of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority include some of America’s most accomplished African-American women, but their festive volume feels more like a compilation of family recipes than it does a professional cookbook. Unafraid of building a meal around canned soups or vegetables, the sisters offer dozens of down-home ideas, several of which can be accomplished in half an hour or less. The recipes range from the extremely appealing (such as the rich, salty Fried Collard Greens) to the stomach-turning (Chicken Dip, which incorporates canned chicken, cream cheese and mayonnaise and possesses a goopy consistency). Several of the dishes qualify as sinful pleasures, like the Fried Catfish with Homemade Tartar Sauce or the rich Sour Cream Hash Browns. There’s evident Southern flair—witness the three different varieties of corn pudding and myriad casseroles, gumbos and sugary sweet desserts. Unfortunately, few photographs highlight the recipes, and the undersized photos that are present don’t always show off the dishes to their full advantage. Still, charming personal narratives are threaded throughout, along with loving profiles of Delta Sigma Thetas who have made their mark on the world (such as actress Ruby Dee and educator Carolyn Wilder, who founded three private schools). The sense of accomplishment and fun that permeates this cookbook makes it as much a joy to read as it is to cook from.
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About the Author

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is one of the largest African-American women's organizations in the world. The private, nonprofit organization's mission is to provide services and programs to promote human welfare.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Adult (October 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399152032
• ISBN-13: 978-0399152030
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #996,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Divine Recipes That Inspire, November 6, 2004

By 

Ms. Menefee "Delta Dream7" (Baltimore, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Occasions to Savor (Hardcover)

This book is simply wonderful. Even if you are not a Delta, it doesn't matter. Cooking is universal and this book is a must have. It will become a family treasure. Each meal is crafted in a manner that is easy to follow. I'm not a true cook, but I am ready to learn. This book makes you want to cook.

Occasions to Savor made its debut, in July, at the National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. It took the convention by storm and inspired many to try new recipes and to add onto the ones already used. I was one of those present who was inspired on that hot day. There were samples of the recipes available at the event and the results were outstanding. If you're ready to "kick it up a notch", this book is for you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book - highest possible recommendation, November 29, 2004

By 

Mark Twain "Gillian" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Occasions to Savor (Hardcover)

You don't have to be a Delta to love this book. (I'm not even Black.) It is a gorgeous book, very warmly written, and filled with treasured recipes, most of which are prefaced by the contributor's description of why it is so special. Unlike community cookbooks, each recipe is both clear and complete. It seems expensive only until you've seen it. It is a sensational cookbook, and will quickly become one of the loveliest (if not THE most wonderful) in your collection. You can't help but love it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't miss this one!, December 9, 2007

By 

Sir Angus (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Occasions to Savor (Hardcover)

This cookbook looks expensive only until you see it. Be assured that it is well worth every penny!

It is gorgeous, with full-color photographs, and large, clear print. There are stories and acknowledgements from famous African Americans (e.g., Camille Cosby) and Delta members. The recipes are all tried-and-true, and most are prefaced by the contributors' comments about why it is so special.
Everything I've tried to date has been sensational -- the best of its kind I've ever tasted.

This has the advantages of a top-of-the-line community cookbook, but with gorgeous presentation, well-perfected recipes, etc.

You won't be sorry you bought it or gave it as a gift.

(And you most definitely don't have to be African American to appreciate this ... I'm not. This will appeal to anyone with taste buds.)