Wow — it’s difficult to believe that the holidays are upon us again. Not to complain, as fall and winter, with their holidays, traditions, family gatherings, seasonal performances, etc., are absolutely my favorite time of year.
But I find that each year I seem less and less in control of my schedule during this season and caught up more and more in the hustle bustle. The shopping, Christmas programs, area sights to see, Christmas parties, extra baking — it’s just always back to the time crunch. Which leaves me looking for ways to manage the season so that its beauty, truth and holiness are not lost along the way. But that’s not easy.
If you find yourself with similar thoughts, you might consider — for that person on your shopping list who loves to cook — the simple purchase of one of the local cookbooks just off the printing press.
One of the nice things about most local cookbooks is that they feature down-home cooking by down-home people. Recipes are usually the tried-and-true kind, rather than difficult gourmet dishes that require more ingredients, skill and time. They just work, and families love them.
Sound just right for that hard-to-buy-for aunt? Keep reading.
Wittenberg Lutheran Church, in their centennial year, has collected the best recipes from group members, family and friends and compiled them into an attractive keepsake centennial cookbook titled “Recipes and Remembrances.”
The book is bound in a three-ring hardback color binder and features an easel, which is clipped into the three rings and can be removed to display a particular page on.
Of course, the book opens with a brief history of Wittenberg Church. Some of the 365 recipes included are from a cookbook started by church members 40 years ago and include appetizers, breads, main dishes, soups and salads, desserts, and two categories I haven’t seen in other books, recipes by and for children and recipes by men.
At the back of the book are the usual cooking hints, emergency substitutions and cooking for crowds, along with a brief lesson on napkin folding.
This is a lovely book and well worth the $15 price tag. Proceeds will be used to fund church projects.
To order your copy (or copies), see any member of the church or call the church at 704-279-4505. For more information, call Judith Gould at 704-638-0739 or Diane Ahrens at 704-279-4505.
Publishing a second printing of their cookbook, the King’s Daughters Class of First Baptist Church in Salisbury once again offers “Seasoned With Love.” Dedicated to the class’s teacher and mentor, Ella Mae Swicegood, the book is bound in cardstock and opens with a tribute to the beloved mentor.
Unique about this book is that the index of recipes is in the front, rather than the back, of the book, and includes not only the recipe name but the chef’s names as well.
I also like the fact that only one recipe is offered per page, allowing the user room for notes. The beginning of each section also starts with a blank page for notes, a perfect spot to record your favorite recipes in that section for quick reference.
You can purchase “Seasoned With Love” by calling Frances Caudle at 704-279-5894. The cost is $10.
Another local cookbook just printed is “The Fifth String & Friends,” a collection of recipes by Bonnie B. Kearns. As the name indicates, the book was inspired by the good cooking on the bluegrass circuit. Seems folks who love to pick and grin also love to cook!
This collection of recipes is from local cooks, as well as folks in Virginia, Tennessee and other parts of North Carolina.
The book is bound in a glossy, color, heavy cardstock and features 292 recipes in the usual categories of appetizers, soups and salads, side dishes, main dishes, breads, desserts and candies. It also has an extra category, This and That, for the recipes that don’t easily fit into other categories, such as Giblet Gravy, Pickled Okra, Spaghetti Slaw, Squash Relish and Taco Dip.
At the back of the book are helpful hints, a guide to herbs and sauces, tips for baking breads and desserts, cooking terms and a brief calorie counter for some basic foods.
“The Fifth String & Friends” can be purchased for $10 by calling Bonnie Kearns at 704-636-5990 or Vivian Hopkins at 704-279-5674.
One final cookbook on my list is “The Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation Inc. Cookbook.”
Also in a glossy, color, heavy cardstock cover, this book begins with a history of Gold Hill, which was established in 1843, followed by three simple, yet beautiful, sketches of some of the historic buildings of the area.
Released this past Founders’ Day, the collection of recipes was begun approximately three years ago and was contributed to by mostly local cooks.
Profits from the $8 book will fund the Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation. To order, call Teresa Earnhardt at 704-279-7897 or Vivian Hopkins at 704-279-5674.
Contact Sylvia Andrews at 704-797-4222 or sandrews@salisburypost.com
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