Southern Living is one of the most trusted magazines in the US, a staple in southern homes, and in the homes of those who race into the kitchen after a day's work to make a nutritious and tasty meal. Under the guidance of the test kitchen specialist, Vanessa McNeil Rocchio, Southern Living adopts the principle that it is easier and quicker to cook a meal rather than order yet another dinner of the same old takeout food. "Don't Drive Through, Drive Home" they admonish, offering recipes for food that tastes infinitely better than take-out, yet doesn't break the bank, or take too much time. The book is lavishly illustrated with photos to guide, as well as to give examples of beautiful plating that replaces the cardboard boxes of take-out.
The recipes are so easy that your kitchen will hum, and so delicious that you will hum, too. They are divided into eight uniquely organized chapters:
-The Supper Table - Simple, quick-fix ideas for salads, beverages, breads, and desserts.
-Dinner's in the Pantry - Recipes made with pantry staples.
-Don't Drive Through, Drive Home - Quick favorites that taste better than fast food.
-No-Cook Suppers - Leave the oven off for these gems.
-Slow Cooker - Hands-off meals that cook so you don't have to
-Picky Eaters - Kid-friendly recipes to suit any taste.
-Cooking for Two - Downsized dishes that can easily be increased for a crowd.
-Weeknight Company - Special recipes that welcome company any night of the week.
This is a book to make life easier, and the editors have not merely put together the large quantity of recipes, (250!) but added notes to the recipes: there are notes to indicate what will best accompany a dish, Vanessa's Savvy Secrets to make a recipe foolproof, Time-Saving Tips, and Table Talk, suggestions for dinner conversations so the meal is not only delicious to eat, but also provides nurture for the family.
Though there are southern classics such as Shrimp and Grits, Chicken-Fried Chicken, and Smothered Pork Chops over Rice, classic American favorites are not overlooked, and you will find recipes for pastas, pizzas, chili, burgers, roasts and stir-fries.
This is a full and rich book that will make your dinner hour more enjoyable. This should become a family favorite.
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