Cookbook Review: The Loving Kitchen

I was delighted to receive a copy of LeAnn Rice’s brand new cookbook, The Loving Kitchen, from her publisher,  Thomas Nelson, for review.  I’m always happy when a fellow food blogger publishes a cookbook.  It’s a wonderful realization of a shared dream that inspires the rest of us.  You can meet LeAnn at her blog, LeAnn Cooks.  Grab a tall glass of iced tea and be prepared to stay awhile.  Her Southern style is so warm and welcoming that you’ll feel like you’re visiting a friend.

LeAnn is all about sharing with friends and family.  And her vivaciousness and hospitality jump right off the pages.  The Loving Kitchen is filled with recipes that are perfect for family.  John’s family grew up going to church socials and many of LeAnn’s recipes would be welcome at Church Suppers.

I grew up as a Navy Brat and we received and made many welcoming dishes over the years.  The interesting thing about growing up in the Navy is that I knew kids from all over the States and lived in many places, so grew up eating a wide variety of foods.  Although I tabbed many recipes to try, LeAnn’s Cottage Herb Bread stirred a long-ago memory of yeast bread made with cottage cheese and herbs.  This bread is coated with butter, too, so it has a wonderful, crunchy crust.

The recipe is easy to follow and yields a great result.  LeAnn talks about having this bread in the oven when guests arrive because it makes the whole house smell good!  And it does!  And, the very first bite bursts with garden flavor – dill, onion, and chives.  And the great thing about it is I almost always have the ingredients on-hand.  You can find the recipe on her blog right here.

LeAnn includes a lot of Southern favorites right along side her fresh takes on traditional recipes.  This cookbook will be welcome in the home of busy cooks who love to provide comfort to others through good food.

Other recipes I’ve tabbed to try include:  Roasted Breakfast Potatoes and Bacon, Baked Crab Dip, and Tequila Shrimp Skewers.

Enjoy!