Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family

by Art Smith

From Art Smith comes a unique cookbook with more than 150 recipes to strengthen bonds between loved ones. Throughout history, humans have sat down together at the table to break bread. The simple ritual of the shared meal reunites us with our families and brings balance to our lives. There are many types of families--in using the word family, Art means to include anyone whom we have sought or chosen to be an important part of our lives. Unfortunately, in today's fast-paced world, the symbolic role of the table has been threatened. In many households, family members all eat separately, according to their own schedules, on the run, or in front of the TV. With this important cookbook, Art Smith wants to bring us back to the table--and back to each other. Art provides readers with mouth-watering recipes that represent the very best of home cooking, including Roasted Tomato and Cheddar Cornbread, to-die-for Sweet Potato-Pecan Waffles, hearty Seafood Gumbo, Grilled Shrimp on Arugula with Lemon Vinaigrette, and Spiced Pork Loin with Vidalia Onion Sauce, to name just a few. There is also a rich assortment of vegetable main courses--like Art's fabulous Italian Vegetable Casserole. Traditional dishes include the best-ever Buttermilk Fried Chicken and a Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy that's not just for Thanksgiving! And then there are the celebration cakes, perfect pies, and little sweets. From French Chocolate Almond Pie to Pear and Cranberry Cobbler, from Coconut Cake with Fluffy Icing to Triple-Layer German Chocolate Cake, from Pecan Divinity to Gumdrop Cookies, Back to the Table is filled with delicious treats for any occasion. Art's life's work has involved cooking for families all over the world. These experiences have taught him that families are essentially the same, regardless of international boundaries or cultural differences. We all want the best for each other and want to take care of the ones we love. And what better way is there to care for our loved ones than at the table? Illustrated throughout with stunning photographs of food and of people sharing their tables and their lives, Back to the Table is a book to use daily and to treasure for a lifetime.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Cooking, Family, Reference, Nonfiction

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2001

Reviews

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family", Art Smith offers not just a cookbook, but a "food memoir". Truly wonderful recipes and photography combine with his narrative of food and family memories throughout his lifetime. The kitchen is the heart of the home. Food connects all generations and lifestyles. We all have to eat, and we should all eat this well. Those who love to cook--and those who cook with love--will enjoy discovering scrumptious recipes such as: "Seeded Cheddar Cheese Straws"; "Garden Refrigerator Pickles"; "Farm Apple Butter"; "Buttermilk Fried Chicken"; "Pear and Cranberry Cobbler"; "Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy"; "Gumdrop Cookies"; "Sunday Dinner Pot Roast"; "Chocolate Pecan Pie"; "Spring Vegetable Lasagna"; "Sweet Potato Pecan Waffles"; and "Zucchini and Tomato Frittata". As the author says: "The table has always served as a symbol of congregation, the place where we celebrate our loved ones through the generations-old tradition of sharing a meal."

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love what Art Smith writes about family, food, traditions and what it was like for him growing up in the South. I love pulling this out every now and then and salivating over the kinds of food that take me back to my own childhood. I still get teary when I snap fresh green beans. I used to do this with Grandma when they were still warm from being picked from her garden.

I have tried quite a few of Art's recipes and they are all winners. The addition of lemon to his Sweet Potato Pie was a nice surprise. Next time I make it I'll add my special coconut and pecan topping. Auntie's Chocolate Cake with Chocolate-Pecan Frosting is so good it will make you cry!

[Barb Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even just cracking the cover, I knew this was going to be special. You can almost feel the warmth radiating from the pages...how meals symbolize so much more than full stomachs. Art Smith ladles out love with his soup. Food is family, precious moments, memorable conversation. Food is fresh seasons, flavor, and gathering people together. Food is tradition, childhood, a mouthful of magic. The book is filled with photographs and selected paragraphs used like quotations, alongside classic recipes like mom made. Recipes that say home. Mac and cheese, lasagna, chicken and biscuits. This is the way food should be cooked. This is the way cookbooks should be written.

[Lynnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a cookbook by Art Smith since his Oprah days & this one is really wonderful. Beautifully written, with stories about the recipes and helpful tips, you can feel the love and family history in all of these recipes. I found a lot of ideas and some great recipes that I can't wait to try.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay... so, this is a cookbook, but I do read cookbooks just about every day whether I'm cooking or not. I have a small obsession with them, I would say. This one I got when I was traveling in Chicago and ate at Art Smith's (Oprah Chef) restaurant. I've made a number of recipes from this book, and they are all delicious. They are mostly Southern in style, and therefore not exactly healthy, but that is probably why they are so good.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to give this cookbook five stars if for no other reason than it contains a fabulous version of a recipe for one of my all time favorite southern desserts...a Twelve-Layer Chocolate cake!! I had been searching high and low for a recipe to make a Twelve-Layer chocolate cake like folks cooked in frying pans back in the day.....Oh Happy day when I found Art Smith's cookbook that featured such a recipe. Try it!! Lots of work but totally worth it.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be better than it was.

[Arline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art Smith has been Oprah's personal chef for 10 years. He has now left her employ to open a restaurant in Chicago which is doing very well. Love his recipes!

[Garryvivianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice cookbook with good recipes, I have already tried a few from the book. I agree that it is so nice to have family & friends around you to share good food.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice recipes and a lovely premise.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

great southern decadent recipes and wonderful bread recipes

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite cookbook. The recipes are fun and so delicious! I've bought three and need a new one.

[Gaile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for people who don't want to eat while watching TV!

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my I loved reading this book. The recipes are just like Art ...warm and comforting.