Lorraine Wallace is notable for two things: she is married to journalist Chris Wallace and she has a love for cooking that she admirably crafts into cookbooks. This is her third cookbook and derives its name from the Sunday focus for her life and Chris’. He hosts one of those Sunday morning talk and new shows — on Fox, don’t get excited, Chris is so good that even my Suzen watches.
Lorraine is a devoted wife and mother and has been cooking for a herd: her two children and his four. She has compiled in this book a solid spectrum of recipes. Some are hers or her family’s. Some come from friends. Some have been selected from the great restaurants and chefs of the Washington, D.C. area. The collection here is eclectic. There are solid basic recipes here, like the buttermilk-baked chicken. And then you’ll find Lorraine’s own creative stabs offering dishes you’ll be tempted to try: Chicken Thighs with Roasted Cauliflower and her Buffalo Chicken Chili.
Lorraine has charted this book so we can enjoy a wonderful supper dish any night of week. Yet that “Sunday” word resonates with me. These recipes are not 1-2-3 simple. There is a little complexity, a little time, or just a little surprise embedded in each one. These are interesting meals that I would target towards Sunday dinner.
Whether your Sunday begins with worship or sports, the close of this one day may be the only time of the week that the entire family gathers in one spot for any time. The meals here can transform that gathering into a celebration. Good food spurs good conversation. Your Sunday meal can set the tone for the entire week.
The chapters here offer main dishes that run the gamut from soups to skillets. There are classic American ideas and some selections from beyond our borders that will make for an interesting Sunday night. Here’s a tour of the book:
Supper Soups and Stews has fall and winter fare for you to consider, but also a very summerish avocado soup:
Brunswick Stew
Chicken Soup with Fennel and Apples
Salmon Chowder with Pastry Crust
Avocado Soup with Lime Cream and Seared Chipotle Shrimp
In Simply Oven Baked you’ll find
Beef Stroganoff from the famous Wagshal’s Restaurant in D.C.
Fish with Teriyaki Glaze and Asian Cucumber Salad
Salmon Charbroiled on a Bed of Baby Bok Choy
Brisket Braised with Cranberry and Tomato Sauce
Casseroles and Savory Pies and Tarts presents one-dish ideas that can be a substantial side or a full meal:
Baked Sausage and Peppers on a Bed of Polenta
Stuffed Zucchini with Sirloin, Parmesan, and Tomato Sauce
Tomaot, Roasted Onion and Mozzarella Tart
Skillets and Stovetop Suppers offers another array of one-dish meals, these destined to be served piping hot:
Chicken Thighs with Coconut Milk and Chiles
Salmon Burgers with Leon Herb Sauce
Turkey, White Bean, and Spinach Hash
This is a family-supper book that you can use for nights when everyone can be corralled for a meal. Some of these dishes, like salmon on baby bok choy, have enough class and elegance to be perfect for a night of entertaining guests. The meals her will please both family and friends. Even more happily, they will please you. If you want to elevate your dinner elegance, then Mr. & Mrs. Sunday’s Suppers is a new book that will become an old friend.