No Man Knows My Pastries: The Secret (Not Sacred) Recipes of Sister Enid Christensen

by Roger B. Salazar, Michael G. Wightman

 “A Marvelous Work with Wonder Bread,” “Jesus-Fed-the-Multitudes Tuna Helper,” and “I Knead Thee Every Hour Rolls” are among the special heirloom recipes reluctantly shared by Sister Christensen in No Man Knows My Pastries. This faux cook book chronicles the special love affair Mormons have with lowbrow eating and provides easy, step-by-step directions for preparation of the likes of bologna mock chicken wings. Sister Christensen illustrates her favorite culinary hints with photographs of herself with her buns in the kitchen and of Brother Christensen at his TV tray wolfing down her delectable delights. Her ingenious “Jell-O-Matrix” will help readers match flavors and ingredients with appropriate party themes; her “Mauve Wedding Punch” is guaranteed to match bridesmaids’ dresses; and kids will “massacre” her “Mountain Meadows Muffins.” From “In-Breads” to “Just Desserts,” everyone can savor the self-identified “kreme” of Utah cuisine. “I’ve been mobbed for a recipe after more than one pot luck,” Sister Christensen admits in her preface. It “makes me sad to think there are brethren and sisters who have not discovered the joy of diced Spam casserole.” Out of duty to the betterment of ward dinners everywhere, she was persuaded to go into print. “So, sisters,” she concludes, “get out your aprons and let’s get cooking.”

Genres: Mormonism

127 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1992

Reviews

[Mike Triggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever been a member of the Church of LaterDay Saints or has lived in Utah will love this cookbook. You probably had a Sister Enid in your ward or she lived down the block from you. What a hoot.

[Napua Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite coffee table book. Hilarious if you’re in on the joke, probably very confusing if you aren’t.

[Chrissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 'cookbook' is absolutely hilarious. So glad I learned of it's existence. Perfect for any Mormon who can laugh at themselves, or any of us who have left and think back and laugh.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny if you're in on the jokes

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

An early 90's Mormon Drag Queen Comedy Cookbook? Why not?

Despite not being a Mormon or a Culinarian, there was enough humor to keep me entertained.

[Evelyn Harvill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious!