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Golden Girls Cookbook: More than 90 Delectable Recipes from Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia
Filled with innovative recipes by renowned chef Christopher Styler, and beautiful photos by NYT food photographer Andrew Scrivani, plus fun quotes, info, and photos from the show.
There will be Italian meals like Clams Fra Diavlo in Sophia's chapter, and Southern food like honey-bourbon glazed carrots in Blanche's, and of course some amazing cheesecakes. And what Golden Girls cookbook would be complete without Rose's favorite Scandinavian dishes, like St. Olaf Friendship cake, a simple, buttery treat.
From drinks and appetizers, to salads and mains, there is something to delight every fan in this witty and approachable cookbook.
There will be Italian meals like Clams Fra Diavlo in Sophia's chapter, and Southern food like honey-bourbon glazed carrots in Blanche's, and of course some amazing cheesecakes. And what Golden Girls cookbook would be complete without Rose's favorite Scandinavian dishes, like St. Olaf Friendship cake, a simple, buttery treat.
From drinks and appetizers, to salads and mains, there is something to delight every fan in this witty and approachable cookbook.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 1, 2021
I just love this book! There are so many recipes I want to try. And I love the picture of the girls and tidbits here and there 💕🌸
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
February 10, 2022
When I first picked up this cookbook, my initial motivation was purely the nostalgic kitsch factor. Who doesn't love the Golden Girls show? It still holds up all of these years later. But I was rather pleasantly surprised by the bona fides of this book. Not only were many of the recipes call backs to dishes referenced on the show, but they were also delicious. I held off writing up my review until I tried a bunch of the recipes, and thus far, they have all been winners! I also appreciated that the book wasn't all cheesecakes, even within the dessert section. That approach might have been obvious, but this provides dishes for those of us who may occasionally enjoy, but not necessarily love, cheesecake.
Below are the dishes I've cooked (some multiple times) and loved. I could not recommend this book enough!
(Almost) Unsweetened Granola
Dry-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Crunchy Salad
Stir-Fried Shrimp, Snow Pea, and Walnut Salad
Crunchy Mustard-Dill Salmon
Swedish Meatballs
Sour-Creamed Spinach
Dilled New Potatoes
Sperhuven Krispies
Southern Not-Fried Chicken
1-2-3 Citrus Dressing
Vegetable and Provolone Strata
Enchiladas Rancheras
Below are the dishes I've cooked (some multiple times) and loved. I could not recommend this book enough!
(Almost) Unsweetened Granola
Dry-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Crunchy Salad
Stir-Fried Shrimp, Snow Pea, and Walnut Salad
Crunchy Mustard-Dill Salmon
Swedish Meatballs
Sour-Creamed Spinach
Dilled New Potatoes
Sperhuven Krispies
Southern Not-Fried Chicken
1-2-3 Citrus Dressing
Vegetable and Provolone Strata
Enchiladas Rancheras
February 22, 2021
The copyright is owned by ABC. This was just a cookbook to cash in on fans nostalgia. A few decent recipes but most are too modern for when the Golden Girls aired. Crab salad filled avocado halves and quiche was what I’d expect - instead of Dorothy’s quinoa bowl. It’s worth a browse but I’ll pass on the recipes.
October 31, 2020
The world is filled with diverse opinions, preferences, tastes, and passions but there are some things that EVEYRONE loves despite race, color or creed. One of these consensual loves is none other than the hit sitcom, “The Golden Girls”. If you don’t/didn’t like “The Golden Girls”; then you truly are some sort of monster or beast. What is there not to love about snarky Dorothy, sexpot Blanche, naive but sweet Rose and sarcastic but wise Sophia? It has been almost 30 years since the last episode of this beloved television program aired and yet fans of all ages are as obsessed as ever watching “The Golden Girls” in syndication all over the world, every single day. Now, you can also cook with the lovely ladies - and more than just cheesecake- thanks to culinary expert Christopher Styler and photographer Andrew Scrivani in, “The Golden Girls Cookbook: 90 Delectable Recipes from Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia".
Like the thousands of cookbooks gracing the shelves of foodies; “The Golden Girls Cookbooks” falls in-line with a glossy, full-color graphic presentation border-lining the art coffee table spectrum. However, “The Golden Girls Cookbook” stands out among the crowd with its comedic, fan-friendly approach and unique stylistic offerings via Styler.
“The Golden Girls Cookbook” kicks off this golden food journey with a table of contents categorized by dish-type for ease of cookbook recipe identification; but the actual contents are split into sections based on each Golden Girl (starting with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and lastly Sophia). Each section contains various dishes, beverages and desserts offering a well-rounded menu.
The intriguing factors are in the details that are utterly delicious (no pun intended). Each girl’s section is parlayed to her character on the show with recipes that she believably would have concocted (such as Rose with Scandinavian farm recipes, Blanche cooking up Southern takes and Sophia highlighting her Italian heritage) or that go along with an episode plotline that true fans will remember. Most of the recipes are prefaced with a blurb introduction that allows the entire recipe to take on the tone of the respective Golden Girl while resulting in the reader visualizing them actually cooking. “The Golden Girls Cookbook” is a cooking guide but is inevitably also entertaining.
In fact, Styler ups the entertainment ante by including small cartoon jokes and photos from the show alongside “Golden Wisdom” cooking and recipe tips. The clincher, though, is the jargon and writing style of the recipes. Instead of a rote instruction or professional outline; Styler uses a friendly, conversational narrative filled with humor. The recipes make the Golden Girls feel like they are your best friends telling you how to cook rather than a buttoned-up foodie chef. There is nothing stiff about “The Golden Girls Cookbook”.
The selection of recipes is also ideal with few ingredients, simple-to-make and quick dishes mixing gourmet with classic favorites. Many of the recipes are healthy and are on-par with current diet food trends plus offer meatless versions. Even those readers with dietary restrictions such as myself (I am Celiac); will find it easy to substitute ingredients.
There are some grievances with “the Golden Girls Cookbook” although they are minor. First, too many of the recipes contain mayonnaise (nasty!) but this is subjective to my personal taste. Second, not only are the photos a bit poor on quality and in an outdated food styling art; but there aren’t enough of them. Also absent are nutritional facts which are commonplace in most cookbooks. And where is all the cheesecake?! There are not enough cheesecake recipes. I don’t think the Golden Girls would have approved.
“The Golden Girls Cookbook” is diverse in accommodation to serving size with some recipes serving larger parties while others are enough for singles or duos. This is notable as most cookbooks target family-sized groups and alienate smaller living arrangements.
Readers beware: Sophia’s Italian section is not for the novice cook. The majority of the recipes are long and detailed with multiple, intricate steps. This section also features few reference photos so there aren’t enough visual aids to guide the reader to the final product.
A small hiccup, but one that is noticeable, is a matter of layout: occasionally, ingredients are listed on the next page of multiple-part dishes even though the steps are concluded on the previous page. This is both confusing and not visually pleasing.
Despite small flaws; “The Golden Girls Cookbook” is a charming and unique food journey based on “The Golden Girls” that is sure to delight all fans of the sitcom and projects the sense that you are cooking right alongside everyone’s four favorite gals.
Like the thousands of cookbooks gracing the shelves of foodies; “The Golden Girls Cookbooks” falls in-line with a glossy, full-color graphic presentation border-lining the art coffee table spectrum. However, “The Golden Girls Cookbook” stands out among the crowd with its comedic, fan-friendly approach and unique stylistic offerings via Styler.
“The Golden Girls Cookbook” kicks off this golden food journey with a table of contents categorized by dish-type for ease of cookbook recipe identification; but the actual contents are split into sections based on each Golden Girl (starting with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and lastly Sophia). Each section contains various dishes, beverages and desserts offering a well-rounded menu.
The intriguing factors are in the details that are utterly delicious (no pun intended). Each girl’s section is parlayed to her character on the show with recipes that she believably would have concocted (such as Rose with Scandinavian farm recipes, Blanche cooking up Southern takes and Sophia highlighting her Italian heritage) or that go along with an episode plotline that true fans will remember. Most of the recipes are prefaced with a blurb introduction that allows the entire recipe to take on the tone of the respective Golden Girl while resulting in the reader visualizing them actually cooking. “The Golden Girls Cookbook” is a cooking guide but is inevitably also entertaining.
In fact, Styler ups the entertainment ante by including small cartoon jokes and photos from the show alongside “Golden Wisdom” cooking and recipe tips. The clincher, though, is the jargon and writing style of the recipes. Instead of a rote instruction or professional outline; Styler uses a friendly, conversational narrative filled with humor. The recipes make the Golden Girls feel like they are your best friends telling you how to cook rather than a buttoned-up foodie chef. There is nothing stiff about “The Golden Girls Cookbook”.
The selection of recipes is also ideal with few ingredients, simple-to-make and quick dishes mixing gourmet with classic favorites. Many of the recipes are healthy and are on-par with current diet food trends plus offer meatless versions. Even those readers with dietary restrictions such as myself (I am Celiac); will find it easy to substitute ingredients.
There are some grievances with “the Golden Girls Cookbook” although they are minor. First, too many of the recipes contain mayonnaise (nasty!) but this is subjective to my personal taste. Second, not only are the photos a bit poor on quality and in an outdated food styling art; but there aren’t enough of them. Also absent are nutritional facts which are commonplace in most cookbooks. And where is all the cheesecake?! There are not enough cheesecake recipes. I don’t think the Golden Girls would have approved.
“The Golden Girls Cookbook” is diverse in accommodation to serving size with some recipes serving larger parties while others are enough for singles or duos. This is notable as most cookbooks target family-sized groups and alienate smaller living arrangements.
Readers beware: Sophia’s Italian section is not for the novice cook. The majority of the recipes are long and detailed with multiple, intricate steps. This section also features few reference photos so there aren’t enough visual aids to guide the reader to the final product.
A small hiccup, but one that is noticeable, is a matter of layout: occasionally, ingredients are listed on the next page of multiple-part dishes even though the steps are concluded on the previous page. This is both confusing and not visually pleasing.
Despite small flaws; “The Golden Girls Cookbook” is a charming and unique food journey based on “The Golden Girls” that is sure to delight all fans of the sitcom and projects the sense that you are cooking right alongside everyone’s four favorite gals.
November 14, 2022
Let's be honest....this is really just a recipe book with Golden Girls slapped on the cover and pictures of them throughout. However, I'm here for it. Some of the recipes alluded to various episodes or foods mentioned, while other recipes were assumptions what some of the characters would likely eat based on their personality or heritage. The recipes themselves seem pretty good. There were around a dozen that looked tasty enough that I would want to try. My biggest issue is that all of the recipes didn't have pictures. Roughly 1/3-1/2 probably did....which is better than none or a few pictures, but there were many recipes that sounded like they could be good, but I would never bother making since there were no pictures. Had all of the recipes had pictures though, this would be a pretty solid Fandom cookbook. While it could be better, definitely worth the read if you enjoy cookbooks and are a Golden Girls fan, especially if you can check it out at your library or have KU!
October 23, 2020
This one is quirky and wonderful just like my Golden ladies. Some of the recipes sound fun, but I picked it up more for the ladies than the recipes. I like the flow of the book and the way they matched things to each character.
March 27, 2025
This is a fun collection of recipes, with quotes from and references to the beloved show. I'm interested in trying several of them and like to imagine the girls making them.
March 21, 2022
I waited for this book for a very long time, and unfortunately found myself a little disappointed. It's cute and charming, but for the most part, this is a cookbook that asked "hey, can you imagine so-and-so eating this?" instead of "remember this episode where so-and-so cooked this dish?" And I tend not to like those. The book is divided into four sections, each representing one of the main characters of the show. Instead of a natural progression of recipes, from appetizers to salads, mains to desserts, we get a disorganized mishmash of food vaguely related to each character. The book opens with Dorothy, and it was not a strong entry in the slightest. As a matter of fact, the choices for Dorothy were so poor that I almost closed the book in dismay. While the other offerings were better (Rose's Sperhuven Krispies and cheesepuffs as well as related Scandanavian dishes; Southern staples such as fried chicken and deviled eggs paired with late 70s/early 80s diet fads for Blanche; mostly Italian offerings for Sophia) Dorothy's recipes were just nonsensical. "She's practical! So here's some granola. She's an independent thinker! So why not put red peppers in a Caesar salad?" It was just nonsense. And unappetizing nonsense at that. Unfortunately, after setting such a dour tone for the book, I wasn't quite as excited about the rest of the book as I might have been otherwise.
In the end, I didn't end up copying a single recipe, and found the book to be a real let-down. I'm a diehard, hardcore fan of this show. I am the kind of person that *usually* buys all the little tribute books because I love the characters and setting so much. But I'm not buying this. I'm glad I got it from the library. If I had purchased it, I probably would have tried to return it after flipping through it.
In the end, I didn't end up copying a single recipe, and found the book to be a real let-down. I'm a diehard, hardcore fan of this show. I am the kind of person that *usually* buys all the little tribute books because I love the characters and setting so much. But I'm not buying this. I'm glad I got it from the library. If I had purchased it, I probably would have tried to return it after flipping through it.
November 15, 2023
I read another similar Golden Girls cookbook by the same author not long ago and decided this might also be a fun read. While I am a little too young to have watched the show on the air and really understood it, I watched it not long ago on Hulu or wherever it was streaming and enjoyed it. I know cheesecake is a thing for them and since I liked the previous book, I thought this might be fun, too.
Unfortunately this really is simply a money grab with the GG brand/show. Although the previous book I had read was definitely more targeted towards the the show's audience, I am not entirely sure what was the point of many of these recipes and/or how they tied in (or how strong the ties were).
As other reviews mentioned it is not really organized by type of dish/drink. There are bits of amusing tidbits about the show, character inserts, etc. but overall it is hard not to see this as a cash grab on both the specific show nostalgia and the trend of creating cookbooks around shows. If you love the show and/or like these types of books this might be a fun thing to do (trying out the dishes, hosting a watch party, etc.) but I'll bet for the more casual fan this will not be for them.
A good gift for a GG fan, maybe also for anyone who likes cookbooks based on TV shows, etc. For most people this is likely skippable and/or something only to borrow from the library. The author's 'The Golden Girls Cookbook: Cheesecakes and Cocktails!: Desserts and Drinks to Enjoy on the Lanai with Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia' might be more for fans.
I bought this as a bargain buy and that was fine for me.
Unfortunately this really is simply a money grab with the GG brand/show. Although the previous book I had read was definitely more targeted towards the the show's audience, I am not entirely sure what was the point of many of these recipes and/or how they tied in (or how strong the ties were).
As other reviews mentioned it is not really organized by type of dish/drink. There are bits of amusing tidbits about the show, character inserts, etc. but overall it is hard not to see this as a cash grab on both the specific show nostalgia and the trend of creating cookbooks around shows. If you love the show and/or like these types of books this might be a fun thing to do (trying out the dishes, hosting a watch party, etc.) but I'll bet for the more casual fan this will not be for them.
A good gift for a GG fan, maybe also for anyone who likes cookbooks based on TV shows, etc. For most people this is likely skippable and/or something only to borrow from the library. The author's 'The Golden Girls Cookbook: Cheesecakes and Cocktails!: Desserts and Drinks to Enjoy on the Lanai with Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia' might be more for fans.
I bought this as a bargain buy and that was fine for me.
February 6, 2025
If you're a fan of The Golden Girls, brace yourself for a culinary treat that beautifully brings fun with innovative cooking. The Golden Girls Cookbook is a tribute to the popular 1980s series, crafted by the talented chef and author Christopher Styler. Stunning photography is provided by NYT food photographer Andrew Scrivani.
From the opening pages, the cookbook draws you in with its laughable quotes and fun anecdotes that fans of the show will instantly recognize. Each chapter is thoughtfully organized around the beloved characters—Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose—with recipes that reflect their unique personalities and culinary preferences.
Dorothy starts off with her recipes which are so her personality. Blanche’s Southern will showcase lots yummy recipes offering a touch of warmth and sweetness. Don't forget to check out her Fried Chicken recipe. On to Rose. Her chapter introduces us to Scandinavian delights like the St. Olaf Friendship Cake—a simple, buttery treat that is sounds delicious. In Sophia’s chapter, expect to do lots of reading with some intense recipes which is the essence of her fiery spirit.
You'll enjoy and appreciate the small sections called, "Golden Wisdom."
"The Golden Girls Cookbook" is more than just a collection of recipes; it's a celebration of friendship, food, and the timeless humor adults will enjoy. I understand there are more of their cookbooks out there so I'll have to check those out, too. :)
From the opening pages, the cookbook draws you in with its laughable quotes and fun anecdotes that fans of the show will instantly recognize. Each chapter is thoughtfully organized around the beloved characters—Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose—with recipes that reflect their unique personalities and culinary preferences.
Dorothy starts off with her recipes which are so her personality. Blanche’s Southern will showcase lots yummy recipes offering a touch of warmth and sweetness. Don't forget to check out her Fried Chicken recipe. On to Rose. Her chapter introduces us to Scandinavian delights like the St. Olaf Friendship Cake—a simple, buttery treat that is sounds delicious. In Sophia’s chapter, expect to do lots of reading with some intense recipes which is the essence of her fiery spirit.
You'll enjoy and appreciate the small sections called, "Golden Wisdom."
"The Golden Girls Cookbook" is more than just a collection of recipes; it's a celebration of friendship, food, and the timeless humor adults will enjoy. I understand there are more of their cookbooks out there so I'll have to check those out, too. :)
February 4, 2022
I was so excited to see this cookbook at my bookmobile, but it fell flat. The concept is great - especially as Betty White just passed away and people are yearning to connect with an old favorite show. However, there is no rhyme or reason as to the layout of the book. Recipes are not grouped by type: drinks, entrees, salads, etc., but instead are all intermingled together so it makes looking up something to make difficult. Also, not all recipes have photos and since you don't know what type of recipe it is, you have no idea without reading through the entire recipe what it's making and whether or not it's what you're looking for. Just overall very confusing and jumbled. This could've been done so much better.
December 18, 2022
With the subtitle of Cheesecakes and Cocktails, there's no doubt to what you'll find in this very pink and bubbly invitation to "desserts and drinks to enjoy on the lanai with Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sofia." Each chapter is dedicated to one character, and the whole book is sprinkled with dialogue, photographs, and snippets from episodes making this a lovely present for Golden Girls fans. From Straight Out of Brooklyn Creamy Cheesecake to the Italian Coffee Cocktail, the recipes are fairly simple and don't require hard to find ingredients. A fun cookbook for browsing as well!
July 24, 2021
Thank you for being a friend! Styler showcases Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia's style and personality through both well-known favorites like fried chicken, lush desserts including cheesecake, and many more.
I wish the book featured more photos of the recipes, but those that do are very mouthwatering.
I wish the book featured more photos of the recipes, but those that do are very mouthwatering.
December 31, 2023
I can't wait to try some of the recipes in this book. I find the organization charming, as well as the references to actual episodes and the character analysis. Slightly disappointed that Sofia didn't get her own cheesecake recipe, but the memory of the episode referencing Dorthy's cheesecake hit a high note for me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIjKC...
October 14, 2020
Read through the recipes and there are several I am going to try. I have made the fluffy tomato/cuke salad. The dressing is really good. It makes this simple salad different from others. I also made the 1-2-3 dressing and put some on fresh fruit salad. It is delicious!
November 29, 2020
You can tell that the author is true fan of The Golden Girls! Lots of jokes and relevant references throughout. The organization was interesting as well, as it was done by girl, not by type of dish. There are a couple of recipes in here that look promising, especially in the Sophia section.
January 4, 2021
A fun cookbook for any Golden Girls fans!
Recipes from the show are included, but so are recipes geared towards the girl's home states. Will definitely cook recipes from each character, and I'll have a blast doing it. 😋
Recipes from the show are included, but so are recipes geared towards the girl's home states. Will definitely cook recipes from each character, and I'll have a blast doing it. 😋
January 15, 2021
While I love the Golden Girls, I was not a fan of this cookbook. The first problem is that many of the recipes do not include photos. My second issue is that a lot of the food is trying to be too fancy and does not sound appetizing.
April 26, 2022
I was expecting more out of this cookbook. A lot of the recipes are boring and not worth making without drastic changes. This book’s biggest sin, though, is the lack of CHEESECAKE RECIPES!!!!!!! There are only two and a cheesecake ice cream recipe.
October 9, 2022
So many yummy recipes! ♥️
Definitely a great book to give as a gift for someone who likes cooking and who’s a Golden Girls’ fan. I really want to try some of these, especially the cheesecakes. 😋😊
Definitely a great book to give as a gift for someone who likes cooking and who’s a Golden Girls’ fan. I really want to try some of these, especially the cheesecakes. 😋😊
May 20, 2026
Looking forward to trying some of the recipes though will probably leave the Lindstrom Surprise for more adventurous palates. Loved the little bits of "Golden Wisdom" and the side-section markers for entrees and desserts.
January 3, 2022
Received this as a present and read it honor of all the ladies.
August 17, 2022
While reading this book I started rewatching episodes of the show with my mom and I am loving it!
September 10, 2022
GOLDEN GIRLS!
July 17, 2023
I didn't know there was a Golden Girls cookbook until seeing it at the local library.
July 3, 2024
This was really cute and perfect for anyone who loves the Golden Girls. I saved some recipes for later.
July 16, 2025
I hate cooking, but I love cheesecake and I love the Golden Girls. This is a beautiful book with fun recipes and witty quotes from the show.
November 6, 2020
It had some great recipes. Some of eat.. some alittle to fancy for me. I like the pictures and story's and little comics in the book. And who doesnt love the golden girls.?
October 5, 2024
The rating is based solely on the ebook version. The formatting for the Kindle app is terrible. Perhaps it would be better if viewed on a PC but not on an iPad. It is like a photo was taken from a distance of each page of a hard copy of the book.
If you’re planning on reading this on a mobile device, I would strongly recommend downloading a sample or borrowing it with Kindle Unlimited, if available, to gauge if it is a book you’d like to purchase in digital form.
If you’re planning on reading this on a mobile device, I would strongly recommend downloading a sample or borrowing it with Kindle Unlimited, if available, to gauge if it is a book you’d like to purchase in digital form.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews