Peace Meals: A Book of Recipes for Cooking and Connecting

I was a home cook recipe tester and taste tester for the recipes submitted for this cookbook. I have not been disappointed with anything I have made or tasted. Everything gets rave reviews. I have given this a gift to many people and everyone enjoys it. The only downside to this cookbook is trying to decide which recipe to cook first because they all look so good!

Never underestimate a cookbook compiled by Junior Leaguers. I've always thought the best recipes are the ones that are used frequently and have passed family taste tests over generations - recipes saved on 3x5 notecards, scraps of yellowed paper, and torn out pages from Better Homes and Gardens. These recipes make up most of the dishes in the spiral bound Lubbock Junior League cookbook (circa 1973) that sits dog-eared and food stained on our kitchen counter. Now Peace Meals sits on our counter too, and I hope it becomes as battered and well-used as it's panhandle predecessor. Though many of this book's recipes are decidedly more multicultural and upscale than the casserole and pot roast plates of my youth, they are no less effective. Peace Meals has a beautiful cover and a simple yet elegant design. Oh, and don't forget to read the forward - a wistful reflection of meals gone by that sets the table for this celebration of good food and shared repasts. Two flour dusted thumbs up!

As a busy career professional, I use this book for everyday and special occasion cooking. It's a fantastic compliment to Stop and Smell the Rosemary which I also have in my Junior League cookbook collection. Peace Meals is a work of culinary art with beautiful photos and easy elegant dishes. My favorites include the Spicy Rosemary Cashews, White Bean Dip, Ratafia, Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Cheese Sauce, Spinach/Proscutto Flank Steak, Carrot Soup and the Frozen Margarita Pie. The Junior League of Houston does it again! Simply fantastic.

I love this cookbook. The photography is stunning and the recipes have been consistently great! My favorite so far is the chicken and spinach lasagna (and I don't even like lasagna!). It is a wonderful collection of recipes from the some of the top chefs in Houston (the women in the Junior League)!

I bought a case of this cookbook when it came out, and am going to order more! This cookbook has been the best thing to give as a gift. So far this fall, I have given it with cooking tools as an engagement present and housewarming present. All of my recipients have had amazing things to say!!!! I will definitely want more on hand as the holidays FASTLY approach.