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Good Lookin' Cookin': A Year of Meals - A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • You’re invited to pull up a chair to a year of meals, friends, and fun with the Partons, as Dolly and her sister (and favorite cook) Rachel share beloved, crowd-pleasing recipes and family stories.
“Hey, good lookin’—what ya got cookin’?”
This is what Dolly Parton sings to her sister Rachel Parton George whenever she walks into her kitchen. It’s what you do when a love for good music and good food runs in the family.
In Good Lookin’ Cookin’ Dolly and Rachel share tips for hosting events all year long, including twelve multi-course menus of cherished recipes for New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. You’ll learn how much butter or whipped cream goes into a “Dolly Dollop,” what condiment is almost always on the table at Parton family meals, and what special dish Rachel makes at Dolly’s request every year for her birthday. Recipes include American classics such as Country Ham and Biscuits, Barbecue Spare Ribs, Family Favorite Meatloaf, Slaw of Many Colors, Watermelon Fruit Salad, Mac and Cheese, and Strawberry Shortcake.
Filled with more than 80 delicious dishes as well as photographs of Dolly and Rachel cooking and hosting all year long, Good Lookin’ Cookin’ is a treasured cookbook that will make you feel like part of the Parton family. With their trademark warmth and sisterly love, Dolly and Rachel remind you that cooking doesn’t need to be serious—it should be fun! And always good lookin’!
“Hey, good lookin’—what ya got cookin’?”
This is what Dolly Parton sings to her sister Rachel Parton George whenever she walks into her kitchen. It’s what you do when a love for good music and good food runs in the family.
In Good Lookin’ Cookin’ Dolly and Rachel share tips for hosting events all year long, including twelve multi-course menus of cherished recipes for New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. You’ll learn how much butter or whipped cream goes into a “Dolly Dollop,” what condiment is almost always on the table at Parton family meals, and what special dish Rachel makes at Dolly’s request every year for her birthday. Recipes include American classics such as Country Ham and Biscuits, Barbecue Spare Ribs, Family Favorite Meatloaf, Slaw of Many Colors, Watermelon Fruit Salad, Mac and Cheese, and Strawberry Shortcake.
Filled with more than 80 delicious dishes as well as photographs of Dolly and Rachel cooking and hosting all year long, Good Lookin’ Cookin’ is a treasured cookbook that will make you feel like part of the Parton family. With their trademark warmth and sisterly love, Dolly and Rachel remind you that cooking doesn’t need to be serious—it should be fun! And always good lookin’!
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
About the author
Dolly Parton
130 books2,079 followersDolly Rebecca Parton (January 19, 1946—August 25, 2026) was an American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Parton supported many charitable efforts, particularly in the area of literacy, primarily through her Dollywood Foundation. Her literacy program, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which is a part of the Dollywood Foundation, was founded in honor of her father, who never learned to read or write. It mails one book per month to each enrolled child from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten. Over 1600 local communities provide the Imagination Library to almost 850,000 children each month across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
--Wikipedia
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Parton supported many charitable efforts, particularly in the area of literacy, primarily through her Dollywood Foundation. Her literacy program, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which is a part of the Dollywood Foundation, was founded in honor of her father, who never learned to read or write. It mails one book per month to each enrolled child from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten. Over 1600 local communities provide the Imagination Library to almost 850,000 children each month across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
--Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
October 21, 2024
This was a quick read because it is simply a cookbook with lots of good-looking pictures of food, and Dolly. And, her sister Rachel. Yes, it is another book from superstar entertainer and entrepreneur, Dolly, this time with her sister, Rachel in which they share more than 80 recipes that can be cooked throughout the year. Laid out as “A Year in Meals,” they include dishes that are especially seasonal and festive. And, easy to make and appreciate.
This beautifully photographed cookbook is appealing in so many ways. First, the easy to make recipes, and seeing Dolly doing what she loves – sharing with us. To look at the pictures displaying the food will make one salivate, hoping the easy directions will make it taste as good as the picture. But they also tell us why the book is important to them; and, provide helpful hints.
As we plan our Thanksgiving meal this year, it was nice to have this cookbook display all the dishes possible for one’s dinner table. We can’t help but look forward to what is to come, recognizing the ease in which the directions guide those interested in duplicating the possibilities presented here, into our own wonderful meal.
We also can’t help but feel a sense of connection, as we read the notes shared about the authors traditions and lives. Their sharing of their own cherished memories, makes it possible for readers to enjoy the food recipes that are presented to us to “try.”
This book is: Entertaining. Well-written. Beautifully presented. Fun. Yummy! 😋
So, let’s sing along with Dolly, “Hey, good lookin – what ya got cookin’?” and, try some of these recipes, too.
This beautifully photographed cookbook is appealing in so many ways. First, the easy to make recipes, and seeing Dolly doing what she loves – sharing with us. To look at the pictures displaying the food will make one salivate, hoping the easy directions will make it taste as good as the picture. But they also tell us why the book is important to them; and, provide helpful hints.
As we plan our Thanksgiving meal this year, it was nice to have this cookbook display all the dishes possible for one’s dinner table. We can’t help but look forward to what is to come, recognizing the ease in which the directions guide those interested in duplicating the possibilities presented here, into our own wonderful meal.
We also can’t help but feel a sense of connection, as we read the notes shared about the authors traditions and lives. Their sharing of their own cherished memories, makes it possible for readers to enjoy the food recipes that are presented to us to “try.”
This book is: Entertaining. Well-written. Beautifully presented. Fun. Yummy! 😋
So, let’s sing along with Dolly, “Hey, good lookin – what ya got cookin’?” and, try some of these recipes, too.
October 9, 2024
Like others have already said, a lot of these recipes aren't original or something you haven't seen before, but me (a non-American), I don't really mind.
There's some recipes that I definitely will be trying, I'm the most excited about Cast-Iron Cornbread Sticks, believe it or not. I'm a biiiig lover of all things cornbread, which we always eat salty here, by the way, and I literally never thought to do it like this.
So, here you have appetisers, side dishes, main dishes, desserts and a few drinks here and there. They're split up by the months of the year and pretty on theme with the holidays (Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day etc). I feel like Father's Day specifically is so accurate, my dad would've definitely loved those if he was still alive.
Now, my gripe with this is that some recipes are extremely simple (like a 2 ingredient cocktail or a bucket of beer where you just put beer in a bucket). Or for example 3 different kinds of mashed potatoes taking up space that could've been used for something else. Something similar was done with salads, but I'll give that one a pass.
I listened to both the audiobook, and followed along with the ebook. If you actually want the recipes, you're gonna have to get the ebook or physical because they announce them and talk about them in the audio, but you don't get to hear the actual recipe. There should be an accompanying PDF though, but since my audio copy was from Libby I didn't get that.
What the audio has that the ebook doesn't, is a sort of kitchen interview, and the co-author (Maurice Miner) cooking up some recipes with Rachel live. That was fun, I'd probably go back to that someday and try to cook along with them.
And generally, they talk more about the recipes over audio than they do in the ebook. There's jokes too, and some family lore, so if you can get or borrow both versions I think they're worth it.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm considering making Corn Fritters for breakfast byeee.
There's some recipes that I definitely will be trying, I'm the most excited about Cast-Iron Cornbread Sticks, believe it or not. I'm a biiiig lover of all things cornbread, which we always eat salty here, by the way, and I literally never thought to do it like this.
So, here you have appetisers, side dishes, main dishes, desserts and a few drinks here and there. They're split up by the months of the year and pretty on theme with the holidays (Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day etc). I feel like Father's Day specifically is so accurate, my dad would've definitely loved those if he was still alive.
Now, my gripe with this is that some recipes are extremely simple (like a 2 ingredient cocktail or a bucket of beer where you just put beer in a bucket). Or for example 3 different kinds of mashed potatoes taking up space that could've been used for something else. Something similar was done with salads, but I'll give that one a pass.
I listened to both the audiobook, and followed along with the ebook. If you actually want the recipes, you're gonna have to get the ebook or physical because they announce them and talk about them in the audio, but you don't get to hear the actual recipe. There should be an accompanying PDF though, but since my audio copy was from Libby I didn't get that.
What the audio has that the ebook doesn't, is a sort of kitchen interview, and the co-author (Maurice Miner) cooking up some recipes with Rachel live. That was fun, I'd probably go back to that someday and try to cook along with them.
And generally, they talk more about the recipes over audio than they do in the ebook. There's jokes too, and some family lore, so if you can get or borrow both versions I think they're worth it.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm considering making Corn Fritters for breakfast byeee.
September 18, 2024
I love all things Dolly so I immediately purchased this cook book but was disappointed as I flipped though. Are there some good recipes? Yeah, for sure. I mean, that goes to say by looking at the pictures but I haven’t officially made anything yet. But, then there were some that just seemed like fillers. Like the 2 ingredient mimosa we all know the recipe for. Or the 2 ingredient green beer, one ingredient being food dye. I’m sure you can guess the second ingredient. The generic baked potato with no pizazz or personal touch. 2 different versions of corn bread. 3 versions of mashed potatoes. The beer bucket 💀
Overall, not a terrible purchase but a little let down from the queen.
Overall, not a terrible purchase but a little let down from the queen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
I love Dolly with all my heart and soul, but the beer bucket recipe sent me into orbit.
May 1, 2025
☀︎2, I didn’t work 9-5 for THIS, stars☀︎
I love Dolly Parton. I love her voice, music, movies, hair, nails, and even boobs. She is an icon. A legend. A bonafide southern queen. At a minimum she’s the queen of MY heart.
With that out of the way, I’m just going to be upfront…I’m super disappointed in this book. I didn’t look at it before ordering and honestly, where are the recipes? The first 10% is an absurdly long intro section. The chapters hold recipes according to months, but I think most recipes just got put places. The majority of the recipes are incredibly basic; as in your family more-than-likely has their own variation. Examples include: mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, cornbread, dressed/deviled eggs, banana pudding, pumpkin pie. The list could very well go on. If you’re from/have family in the southern United States I guarantee you have most of these recipes somewhere. Call your aunt, call your mamaw, you can even call that second cousin everyone talks badly about. While this is beautiful, you’re essentially purchasing a coffee table book.
I love Dolly Parton. I love her voice, music, movies, hair, nails, and even boobs. She is an icon. A legend. A bonafide southern queen. At a minimum she’s the queen of MY heart.
With that out of the way, I’m just going to be upfront…I’m super disappointed in this book. I didn’t look at it before ordering and honestly, where are the recipes? The first 10% is an absurdly long intro section. The chapters hold recipes according to months, but I think most recipes just got put places. The majority of the recipes are incredibly basic; as in your family more-than-likely has their own variation. Examples include: mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, cornbread, dressed/deviled eggs, banana pudding, pumpkin pie. The list could very well go on. If you’re from/have family in the southern United States I guarantee you have most of these recipes somewhere. Call your aunt, call your mamaw, you can even call that second cousin everyone talks badly about. While this is beautiful, you’re essentially purchasing a coffee table book.
March 17, 2025
I love Dolly Parton. She is a national treasure. I love her feisty sister Stella. I love her sister and cookbook co-author Rachel Parton George. But this cookbook, I don’t love.
I feel incredibly guilty not to adore Good Lookin’ Cookin’. It advocates seasonal cooking! It’s OG Southern recipes! It’s Dolly Parton, for heavens’ sake! But the recipes are the kind you can find in every Methodist Women’s cookbooks south of the Mason-Dixon line. I bought this cookbook (admittedly, on sale) and don’t regret it, but I cannot lie. You can do better.
I feel incredibly guilty not to adore Good Lookin’ Cookin’. It advocates seasonal cooking! It’s OG Southern recipes! It’s Dolly Parton, for heavens’ sake! But the recipes are the kind you can find in every Methodist Women’s cookbooks south of the Mason-Dixon line. I bought this cookbook (admittedly, on sale) and don’t regret it, but I cannot lie. You can do better.
September 12, 2024
Sorry, ladies, you did not invent some of these recipes... The recipes lacked originality and substance. I love Dolly, but not this cookbook.
November 6, 2024
I love me some Dolly. She could write her grocery list, and I'd read it. I loved getting to know her sister and the love they have for each!
As a yankee wife of southern man, I have eaten and made many of the recipes in this book. (Yes, we love our bacon grease!) My mother in law patiently indoctrinated me in the ways of southern cooking, but I'd rather eat at her table. Yes, we do eat black-eyed peas and something green on New years Day for luck. I'm partial to spinach, but collards are good, too. The peas are wishes for pennies, and the greens are for dollar bills, so I eat extra greens! And no, my family doesn't put a half dollar in the peas, but I'm gonna ask about it next year. (I prefer sweet cornbread, but they just shake their heads at me. Still a Yankee lol)
As a yankee wife of southern man, I have eaten and made many of the recipes in this book. (Yes, we love our bacon grease!) My mother in law patiently indoctrinated me in the ways of southern cooking, but I'd rather eat at her table. Yes, we do eat black-eyed peas and something green on New years Day for luck. I'm partial to spinach, but collards are good, too. The peas are wishes for pennies, and the greens are for dollar bills, so I eat extra greens! And no, my family doesn't put a half dollar in the peas, but I'm gonna ask about it next year. (I prefer sweet cornbread, but they just shake their heads at me. Still a Yankee lol)
November 18, 2025
I enjoyed this cookbook. The audio was great too! Both Dolly and Rachel narrate and talk about the recipes. I enjoyed the layout of this cookbook as well.
October 11, 2024
A very American cookbook with a family recipes with musical friends and family using cups
October 24, 2025
Good Lookin’ Cookin’ by Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George is a warm and inviting collection that blends recipes, memories, and family traditions from the Parton household. The book isn’t just about cooking—it’s about connection, storytelling, and the comforting power of food to bring people together. Throughout its pages, readers will find a mix of Southern classics and homey dishes accompanied by anecdotes that celebrate the sisters’ upbringing in East Tennessee and the values that shaped their lives. One particularly charming tradition shared is that of their father placing a silver coin in a pot of black-eyed peas each New Year’s Day for good luck—an emblem of the simple joys and rituals that anchor family life.
Whether one enjoys or doesn’t enjoy this book, as with any other, depends on one’s mindset. If a reader opens it expecting an entirely original recipe collection straight from Dolly and Rachel’s own kitchens, they may find themselves disappointed—and, in doing so, may miss the heart of the book altogether. Good Lookin’ Cookin’ isn’t striving for culinary innovation; rather, it’s a heartfelt expression of the sisters’ love of food, family, and the togetherness that good meals inspire. Critics who focus solely on the lack of originality overlook the deeper intent: to celebrate heritage and shared experience through the language of food.
For those seeking the full experience, it’s worth pairing the print or e-book edition with the audiobook. The audio version—featuring Dolly and Rachel themselves—adds a distinct layer of warmth, as if one were sitting at their kitchen table, listening to their laughter and stories. The conversational tone brings the recipes and reminiscences to life, while the printed version complements this with photographs and layout that make the collection visually inviting.
Personally, I found the audio format delightful and engaging; it felt like being welcomed into their kitchens for a chat over a pot of soup. Accessing the supplemental recipes was not an issue for me, though it might have been even more accessible if the sisters had read the recipes aloud for those who rely solely on the audio experience. Still, it remains a charming and well-crafted collection—one that even a reluctant audiobook listener like myself can’t resist when it’s narrated by Dolly Parton herself.
For a different perspective, read fellow Goodreads reviewer and talented writer Karen's thoughts:
[https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Whether one enjoys or doesn’t enjoy this book, as with any other, depends on one’s mindset. If a reader opens it expecting an entirely original recipe collection straight from Dolly and Rachel’s own kitchens, they may find themselves disappointed—and, in doing so, may miss the heart of the book altogether. Good Lookin’ Cookin’ isn’t striving for culinary innovation; rather, it’s a heartfelt expression of the sisters’ love of food, family, and the togetherness that good meals inspire. Critics who focus solely on the lack of originality overlook the deeper intent: to celebrate heritage and shared experience through the language of food.
For those seeking the full experience, it’s worth pairing the print or e-book edition with the audiobook. The audio version—featuring Dolly and Rachel themselves—adds a distinct layer of warmth, as if one were sitting at their kitchen table, listening to their laughter and stories. The conversational tone brings the recipes and reminiscences to life, while the printed version complements this with photographs and layout that make the collection visually inviting.
Personally, I found the audio format delightful and engaging; it felt like being welcomed into their kitchens for a chat over a pot of soup. Accessing the supplemental recipes was not an issue for me, though it might have been even more accessible if the sisters had read the recipes aloud for those who rely solely on the audio experience. Still, it remains a charming and well-crafted collection—one that even a reluctant audiobook listener like myself can’t resist when it’s narrated by Dolly Parton herself.
For a different perspective, read fellow Goodreads reviewer and talented writer Karen's thoughts:
[https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 1, 2025
I’ve gotta be honest, Dolly could put out a math textbook and I’d love it. But this is such an adorable cook book! I picked it up assuming it would be a few cute photos and some recipes. The photos are so fun, I love their stories, and I was surprised at how many of these recipes I could easily tailor for my specific dietary needs.
It’s separated into months with recipes that fall into those categories. There aren’t heavy pages of text only recipes with no photos, everything looks delicious and is beautifully presented. The ingredients are given as an easy to read list as opposed to the new (distressing) way I’ve noticed cook books heading by writing the ingredients in paragraph form.
All in all, I love it- who couldn’t use a little more Dolly?!
It’s separated into months with recipes that fall into those categories. There aren’t heavy pages of text only recipes with no photos, everything looks delicious and is beautifully presented. The ingredients are given as an easy to read list as opposed to the new (distressing) way I’ve noticed cook books heading by writing the ingredients in paragraph form.
All in all, I love it- who couldn’t use a little more Dolly?!
January 4, 2025
Great for fans of Dolly Parton and less experienced cooks looking for southern-leaning, familiar comfort foods. Presented as 12 menus by month, recipes are well-written and easy to follow. The book is nicely designed with tasteful pictures of the dishes and fun photos of Dolly and her sister Rachel.
March 10, 2025
Cozy, personable, and accessible. I’m such a Dolly fan.
August 29, 2026
I love cookbooks and Dolly Parton, so this was a win-win for me. I enjoyed all the stories and tips from Dolly and her sister, Rachel. I also loved the pictures, especially themed for each month, like the recipes. I wish I could keep the book, but I need to get it back to the library so someone else can enjoy it, especially now! 💕🩷
December 4, 2024
Lovely book with nice family info and great pictures. Most of the recipes are pretty basic but it was nice to look through.
January 21, 2025
If you want to buy this book because of the recipes, I recommend you don’t. Dolly and Rachel didn't create most of them, and there are recipes in there that are really just a waste of paper. For example, there's a recipe on page 122 where you're supposed to buy an 8-liter bucket, buy a bunch of beers at the store, and arrange them with ice. What kind of "recipe" is that? 😀 Another example is on page 56 where there is a recipe for "Green Beer". The steps are as follows, you buy any beer and paint it green with food color. And there's stupid stuff like that.
The book is both aesthetically pleasing and nicely categorized by month. The photos are nice and professional but some of the dishes could have better and more detailed instructions . A lot of times with desserts you'll just find some cake mix in the procedure which I guess in America you normally buy as a ready-made item but here in Europe we are a proud people to be able to make it ourselves.
The book is both aesthetically pleasing and nicely categorized by month. The photos are nice and professional but some of the dishes could have better and more detailed instructions . A lot of times with desserts you'll just find some cake mix in the procedure which I guess in America you normally buy as a ready-made item but here in Europe we are a proud people to be able to make it ourselves.
September 19, 2024
A fun look at basic American recipes many for holidays from Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George. Highlights include stuffed mushrooms, dressed eggs, oven-roasted asparagus, slaw of many colors, and broiled potato wedges.
September 27, 2024
Cute but feels like a cash grab. There’s some Parton family lore, but it lacks substance. Beautiful pictures and theme <3
October 31, 2024
This is a delightful book full of mouth-watering recipes, beautiful pictures, and helpful tips from Dolly and Rachel. More than 80 recipes are included, and they are broken up into special holidays! I look forward to trying a lot of the recipes! I love Dolly, and it's wonderful of her to share her family recipes and special moments!
December 31, 2024
Yup, I'm rating a cookbook! I guess there's always a first time for everything. But, I'm rating this because my mom and I went through this cookbook, and we had a great time talking about each recipe - how we'd change this and that to make it healthier and vegetarian/vegan appropriate. Loved that memory with my mom, and I want to thank Dolly for that.
April 29, 2025
This was so cute and kind of hilarious, actually. I received it in a gift basket and then regifted it to a friend who would think it was totally a blast. The best part is that she had us over for dinner featuring recipes from the book. We contributed a couple as well. And the results? Actually quite good! Generally this is kind of heavy southern fare though and probably not something you'd eat on the regular.
February 7, 2025
This is a sweet and beautiful book. There’s something for cooks of all abilities - from baked potatoes, or a “beer bucket,” to coconut cake and prime rib. Might be a nice wedding shower gift. You can’t go wrong with Misses Dolly and sister Rachel.
March 22, 2025
So campy and fun.
August 12, 2025
The recipes are just so disappointing. The first recipe is “chicken feed” which is canned chicken with processed kraft cheese spread, on English muffins. Garden salad with miracle madness dressing sounds intriguing, but apparently the miracle here refers to miracle whip. Quite a few of the recipes use miracle whip or mayonnaise. Carrots and peas - carrots, peas, and butter cooked together in a sauce pan.
There are 3 recipes for mashed potatoes. 2 recipes for cornbread. 1 jello recipe that requires a brain mold. LOL
In case you don’t know how to prepare a beer bucket, all you need is ice, beer, and a bucket. And if you want green beer, just add green food coloring. Seriously?!
The cakes are not good lookin, they all look super dry.
My grandma used to save bacon grease in a jar and cook with it as needed, and apparently Dolly wants us to continue that as a few recipes call for bacon grease.
The saddest cookbook I’ve ever read.
There are 3 recipes for mashed potatoes. 2 recipes for cornbread. 1 jello recipe that requires a brain mold. LOL
In case you don’t know how to prepare a beer bucket, all you need is ice, beer, and a bucket. And if you want green beer, just add green food coloring. Seriously?!
The cakes are not good lookin, they all look super dry.
My grandma used to save bacon grease in a jar and cook with it as needed, and apparently Dolly wants us to continue that as a few recipes call for bacon grease.
The saddest cookbook I’ve ever read.
April 22, 2026
Dolly let me down.
August 18, 2026
I liked the photos of Dolly and her sister. The recipes looked good, there was just nothing that looked appealing enough to cook-except maybe the green bean casserole 😀
January 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Like a lot have said, a lot of these recipes aren't original, but I don't really mind. It was lovely to browse through and the pictures where visually pleasing which is always something I love in a cookbook!
Like a lot have said, a lot of these recipes aren't original, but I don't really mind. It was lovely to browse through and the pictures where visually pleasing which is always something I love in a cookbook!
February 27, 2025
Love Dolly, but a "Year of Meals" was recipes for 12 hosting meal-plans for the primary holiday of each month. Recipes were definitely novice-level, but know you're reading this out of love for Dolly (which is so justifiable) and not for a diverse collection of recipes. Variety extends from cooking BBQ Chicken, Southern Biscuits (which is the recipe I was excited for and still am going to try), to a 'beer bucket' which is assorted beers in a bucket for Fathers Day.
September 2, 2026
This is one of the best cook books I’ve read and am interested in trying recipes since the Joy of Cooking while in the military. That is my most used recipes resource for decades.
While browsing recipes and reading the stories found the set up unlike other cook books. Divided into twelve months. Food anyone could make and enjoy during each particular month and season.
Many cook books offer recipes most people will never make. I dare say every single one is doable for the average ability person. For the expert improvising would be simple.
Like, I would make my own ingredients instead of using prepackaged foods, such as Jell-O instant pudding for the Quick and Easy Banana Pudding. Okay, my way might not be as easy of I modify to all homemade. Or I’d get a different brand with ingredients that reflect how I cook, organic or homemade.
The beauty of this book is you can make it your own while following the simple instructions. It’s about home cooking. There are some fancier recipes that are still simple for special occasions or when company is over. Still all doable by the average every day folk who aren’t much in the kitchen.
The book is geared not just to families but anyone who wants to have healthy and not healthy foods.
Given it covered January through December and includes foods we grow in the donation garden I facilitate have decided to make this into a 2028 fun event.
My goal is to host a seed to table cooking show and recipes. 2027 already has a plethora of things going on in the donation garden and my author life. Hoping to launch book two and three by that September. Plus be in the process of completing for launch the donation garden and community book I’d written that’s got a Dr Seuss vibe and includes the helpers and even the feral to friend cats we help socialize for family life.
I can begin in January and see about doing a recipe or more from the book monthly and include garden produce. By then I should have the hydroponic garden set up in doors and an outdoor kitchen area with a sink for the water weather show. Including a smoker.
This book inspires me to explore more diverse home cooking and outdoor options. Including the people who shop out donation garden for meals.
It would be fun to include some of the recipes in our own on the website plus videos.
We also have a little library ecosystem throughout the neighborhood we list on the website. I care for three on the garden fence for ages children, teen, and grown ups.
I think between the recipes and books plus I could do a readings and signings it would be fun to add Ms Parton’s love of family, cooking, and books to our community events.
I recommend this book for its simplicity of ingredients. It’s options if ya wanna do a fancier meal that’s still not difficult to make. The hometown vibe including chicken, biscuits, and more.
I particularly like the asparagus and produce options. I enjoy cast iron skillet asparagus, myself. My recipe is prep the produce. Roll it into the cast iron skillet that’s been preheated and is always coated and ready to use.
Once the asparagus heat about 1/4 of the way drizzle some filtered water on top to steam them to be 1/2 cooked and a little wilted. Should look bright green. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and roll until light brown. Then, sprinkle some Himalayan salt on top. They should look light brown and not dead. Just cooked enough you can eat them like French fries. They have a little bit of crunch. So delicious.
This is one example from the book, though I believe that recipe is for the oven. Which can work just as well.
I use a flat two burner size cast iron flat for this. But you can use a standard cookie sheet. They make black cookie sheets that I believe do a better job. For pizza crust, too.
Of all the cookbooks I’ve had the pleasure of reading and using, The Walking Dead: The Official Cookbook and Survival Guide is the most fun because it plays off the television show and is pretty inventive.
Dr Andrew Weil’s doesn’t always have practical options, but I learned a lot about nutrition I still use today. And many other people have incorporated these ideas and speak about it, but might not know he was one of the original promoters of not eating the crap being processed today decades ago.
I’ve read and owned a stack. Used some. The most impractical was by Gordon Ramsey. But hey, he’s all about the fancy :)
The Joy of Cooking with the spiral binding is pretty beat up. I learned a lot. Fed my family on the tips. That expanded what I learned in chef school. Hard core basics and many many opportunities to mature one’s ability to chef if ya want.
Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year in Meals: a lifetime of friends, family, and food by Dolly and Rachael Parton George is a new go to recipes to experiment with and employ on a regular basis.
Sadly, the photographer died, Aubrie Pick. The dedication is in the back with them together with Ms Pick. Who does a fantastic job showcasing the meals and people who made this new joy of cooking possible.
As you can tell, imma definitely five star on this one.
On a side note, the book is laid out spectacular. Great reference section, each recipe notes amount of people it’ll feed, to prep and cook times. There’s always a summary intro for each from the ladies about the dish. Little side notes are included with some of the recipes to encourage ways to defrost a turkey to a reminder to pick up gummy worms and eye balls for a Halloween dessert that looks fun to try.
All in all, just got a copy to see for yourself. Your library might do a free ebook option on Libby. The hard back is beautiful and is easy to clean the cover. They thought of everything with this cook book. It’s beautiful food, pictures, recipes and packaging included.
While browsing recipes and reading the stories found the set up unlike other cook books. Divided into twelve months. Food anyone could make and enjoy during each particular month and season.
Many cook books offer recipes most people will never make. I dare say every single one is doable for the average ability person. For the expert improvising would be simple.
Like, I would make my own ingredients instead of using prepackaged foods, such as Jell-O instant pudding for the Quick and Easy Banana Pudding. Okay, my way might not be as easy of I modify to all homemade. Or I’d get a different brand with ingredients that reflect how I cook, organic or homemade.
The beauty of this book is you can make it your own while following the simple instructions. It’s about home cooking. There are some fancier recipes that are still simple for special occasions or when company is over. Still all doable by the average every day folk who aren’t much in the kitchen.
The book is geared not just to families but anyone who wants to have healthy and not healthy foods.
Given it covered January through December and includes foods we grow in the donation garden I facilitate have decided to make this into a 2028 fun event.
My goal is to host a seed to table cooking show and recipes. 2027 already has a plethora of things going on in the donation garden and my author life. Hoping to launch book two and three by that September. Plus be in the process of completing for launch the donation garden and community book I’d written that’s got a Dr Seuss vibe and includes the helpers and even the feral to friend cats we help socialize for family life.
I can begin in January and see about doing a recipe or more from the book monthly and include garden produce. By then I should have the hydroponic garden set up in doors and an outdoor kitchen area with a sink for the water weather show. Including a smoker.
This book inspires me to explore more diverse home cooking and outdoor options. Including the people who shop out donation garden for meals.
It would be fun to include some of the recipes in our own on the website plus videos.
We also have a little library ecosystem throughout the neighborhood we list on the website. I care for three on the garden fence for ages children, teen, and grown ups.
I think between the recipes and books plus I could do a readings and signings it would be fun to add Ms Parton’s love of family, cooking, and books to our community events.
I recommend this book for its simplicity of ingredients. It’s options if ya wanna do a fancier meal that’s still not difficult to make. The hometown vibe including chicken, biscuits, and more.
I particularly like the asparagus and produce options. I enjoy cast iron skillet asparagus, myself. My recipe is prep the produce. Roll it into the cast iron skillet that’s been preheated and is always coated and ready to use.
Once the asparagus heat about 1/4 of the way drizzle some filtered water on top to steam them to be 1/2 cooked and a little wilted. Should look bright green. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and roll until light brown. Then, sprinkle some Himalayan salt on top. They should look light brown and not dead. Just cooked enough you can eat them like French fries. They have a little bit of crunch. So delicious.
This is one example from the book, though I believe that recipe is for the oven. Which can work just as well.
I use a flat two burner size cast iron flat for this. But you can use a standard cookie sheet. They make black cookie sheets that I believe do a better job. For pizza crust, too.
Of all the cookbooks I’ve had the pleasure of reading and using, The Walking Dead: The Official Cookbook and Survival Guide is the most fun because it plays off the television show and is pretty inventive.
Dr Andrew Weil’s doesn’t always have practical options, but I learned a lot about nutrition I still use today. And many other people have incorporated these ideas and speak about it, but might not know he was one of the original promoters of not eating the crap being processed today decades ago.
I’ve read and owned a stack. Used some. The most impractical was by Gordon Ramsey. But hey, he’s all about the fancy :)
The Joy of Cooking with the spiral binding is pretty beat up. I learned a lot. Fed my family on the tips. That expanded what I learned in chef school. Hard core basics and many many opportunities to mature one’s ability to chef if ya want.
Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year in Meals: a lifetime of friends, family, and food by Dolly and Rachael Parton George is a new go to recipes to experiment with and employ on a regular basis.
Sadly, the photographer died, Aubrie Pick. The dedication is in the back with them together with Ms Pick. Who does a fantastic job showcasing the meals and people who made this new joy of cooking possible.
As you can tell, imma definitely five star on this one.
On a side note, the book is laid out spectacular. Great reference section, each recipe notes amount of people it’ll feed, to prep and cook times. There’s always a summary intro for each from the ladies about the dish. Little side notes are included with some of the recipes to encourage ways to defrost a turkey to a reminder to pick up gummy worms and eye balls for a Halloween dessert that looks fun to try.
All in all, just got a copy to see for yourself. Your library might do a free ebook option on Libby. The hard back is beautiful and is easy to clean the cover. They thought of everything with this cook book. It’s beautiful food, pictures, recipes and packaging included.
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