An American Family Cooks: From a Chocolate Cake You Will Never Forget to a Thanksgiving Everyone Can Master

Thank you for an amazing book. These recipes are as easy to follow as they are delicious to eat, and the real life stories are a joy to read, reflecting the pleasures of making meals together, making traditions, and sharing them at the table. I do not consider myself a cook, but this book, given to me by foodie friends, has made me believe I can cook a splendid meal. I've used it almost nightly since receiving it at Thanksgiving. It's as if the Choates are in our kitchen, guiding me through the steps, and it even has some recipes & techniques considered "lost" when my own grandmother passed away. This Christmas we used Judith Choate's recipe for "gougeres" and it was if my grandmother were still with us, pulling them from her oven. I gave this to professional chefs as well as kitchen novices for Christmas. Move over Silver Palate & Ina Garten (the other cookbooks I use), this cookbook is a must to own, love and share. Five stars!

"An American Family Cooks" is like a magnet for me. The illustrations are such a super, fresh, great looking and fun way to introduce the recipes and family story while family and friend pictures made the recipes deeply personal and authentic. I love the story of communing around the table, this American way of sharing our lives with each other, I felt it represented the best in American life and traditions of family.As a professional chef, the variety and scope of recipes has resulted in bookmarks galore, from Nana's green tomato relish to the lemon meringue pie to the empanadas and pickled oysters. A classic pommes boulanger is rare to see these days, especially made at home. It reminds me that the best food always begins in the home. Thank you for publishing this book, I recommend it for any kitchen and as a very cool gift.

This is such a wonderful, inspiring book. The paintings and photos are gorgeous, and the love and warmth the Choate family shares in and out of the kitchen is apparent on every page. But of course it's the recipes that make this a book that I will return to again and again. From satisfying, simple, everyday dishes to special occasion dinners, this food reflects years of perfecting the art of family cooking. Now in the process of being passed down to the third generation, these are time-tested and well-loved recipes that embody the best of American cooking. I will be cooking from this book for many years to come, and I can only hope my kids grow up with the love for food, cooking, and family meals that the Choate family has created.

This is an awesome book. I thoroughly enjoyed the personal touch, each member relating their family histories with regard to their family cooking experiences.It has been a help to me to know so much more about wines and the proper usage of them.The recipes are enlightening. I've been trying ones that I had never known of before. There is so much common sense included in this book and I treasure it.

I enjoyed the actual pictures of the family and seeing how they are actually involved in the cooking and make it a family experience which is a great way to connect with family. I also appreciated the wine and beer pairings for certain receipts. I would definitely buy this as a gift for anyone who cooks or aspires to cook.

The books calls us to make home that special place for family and friends. Incredible recipes from a master cook. I own many cookbooks, this will be one I will go time and again. I love the ease in which Judith writes. Pull up a chair and let her talk to you from her kitchen.

I have over 200 cookbooks and yet I'm drawn back to this one over and over. It's like having a conversation with a close relative who has catalogued all the memorable family recipes. Based on her bio, Judie Choate knows her stuff in the culinary world and I think her expertise educates in a loving and nurturing way.

Since the book arrived I have cooked a recipe every other night...and not only are the recipes great (and easy to follow), but the stories that are included make a strong impact and great connection with what you are making. I've already purchased several more copies for gifts!