Stir Ups

I was probably 14 when my mom bought this at a thrift store. I've kept the book now until a puppy htought it was his toy! Time to get another. They aren;t kidding when they say these recipes are full of flavor. The two carrot cake recipes are my favorite in the world. Plenty of ribbon awarded recipes you won't regret serving at your table like: Two great almost fondue like appetizer dips perfect for artisan bread, baguettes or sourdough rounds. Mushrooms Supreme, a mushroom dip with made by cooking mushrooms with bacon, then making a sort of roux then adding the sour cream and Worcestire. Hot Broccoli Dip which uses garlic and cheese and mushrooms - delicious! A Banana Dressing that you taste and think how gourmet these Great Plains are. And of course, what would a midwest cookbook be without great quickbread recipes like we remember our aunts, mom's or grandma's to make, like Pumpkin Bread, Lemon Nut Bread, Mexicali Cornbread, and Muffins by the Pail Full? There's great yeast recipes, as well, like No-fail French bread, pita bread and coffee cake. A Marinated Brisket that has soy sauce as your secret ingredient. And, of course, stuffed pork chops. There are plenty of recipes that are mouth watering without a ribbon, as well. Dutch Baby, a comfort dessert. A hummus recipe to go with the pita bread, and Chicken Breasts in Lemon Cream.

This is a great, non-threatening cookbook for people who are reluctant to try new recipes. Exceptional recipes are identified by the cookbook committee and clearly marked and are, therefore, pretty safe bets for success. Berry-Best Muffins, Chicken Alberghetti, and Chicken Tetrazinni are some of our favorites. Also worth noting: a Low-Cal section, Kid's Specialties, and Easy-to-dos. There are also several full menu selections at the back of the cookbook. I recommend this cookbook to friends looking for a good resource when they start cooking.