Four over four decades Betty Rosbottom has been an exceptional culinary figure. Known equally her teaching, food writing and cookbook authoring, she has offered us fresh and vibrant recipe ideas that offer the ultimate in pleasure. And, yes, excitement.
This book, from 1996, was inspired by twenty years of teaching with a focus on French and European foods. Being from the heartland of Tennessee and Ohio, she wanted to offer a course focused on American Favorites. And this book was born from that course.
Her goal was to update American classics. So we find ground chicken in the meatloaf. White chocolate chunks scattered in her brownies. Chicken pot pies transformed with fennel and prosciutto.
The fourteen chapters spanning every aspect of the meal and every ingredient class:
- Appetizers and Drinks
- Soups
- Cover Dishes: Potpies, Cobblers, Stews and Baked Pasta
- Fish
- Birds and Meat
- Barbeque and Grilling
- Relishes, Chutney, Salsas and Sauces
- Fresh Vegetables for Every Season
- Side Dishes: Rice, Grains, Beans, Pasta, Dressing and Stuffings
- Salads
- Quick Bread
- Breakfast Treats
- Sandwich Specials
- Pies, Cakes, Brownies and Other Sweets
And from those chapters here is a representative sample of her genius at elevating recipes. A set of fourteen irresistible ideas you must try:
One-Bite Biscuits with Apple Butter and Country Ham [mustard and pepper scented biscuits]
Wild Mushroom Tart in Cheddar Crust
Curried Carrot and Parsnip Soup
Grilled Scallop and Tomato Bisque
Salmon Potpie with Buttermilk Crust
Shrimp, Tomato and Artichoke Stew
Cajun Style Cornish Hens with Rosemary Bacon Rice
Broiled Trout with Sesame Seeds and Chives
Mustard-Maple Mayonnaise
Fall Apple and Greens Salad in Warm Cider Dressing
Cheddar-Rosemary Pear Loaf
Sunday Morning Asparagus and Potato Omelets
The Other BLT {turkey bacon and roasted leeks]
Golden Pumpkin Roll with Toffee Cream Filling and Warm Caramel Sauce
Betty’s imagination is prolific. There are few “simple” recipes here. She’s devoted to emptying out your pantry and filling your tummy with the best in American food. For this holiday season, how could you pass on that Golden Pumpkin Roll?
Betty has written a dozen cookbooks. The most recent from 2016 is Soup Nights. You can pick any of her books and find charm and satisfaction. I love Soup Nights but Suzi and I are passionate about American Favorites. It will be a favorite for you, too.