Cheese Grits with Tomato Gravy (adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, 1991)

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook (1991) is a glorious cookbook compiled by the National Council of Negro Women.   The recipes honor NCNW’s founder, Mary McLeod Bethune, and commemorate the organization’s annual Black Family Reunion Celebration, which honors “the historic strengths and values of the Black Family.”  The recipes are peppered with stories of Ms…….

Smoky Onion Pie (Tennessee, 1996, adapted)

Smoky Onion Pie is a cheesy, savory pie that comes off as something between a gratin and a quiche.  This recipe comes to me by way of a 1996 cookbook from the Crye-Leike Realty company, a Tennessee-based real estate company.   Crye-Leike has published more than two dozen cookbooks from their founding in 1977 up through……

Cheesy Olive English Muffins (adapted from Breakfast & Brunch, 1990s)

Cheesy Olive English Muffins is my favorite quick and easy recipe from the Breakfast & Brunch cookbook in the Country Kitchen collection.   Like all recipes in this cookbook it is included as part of a multi-course brunch menu.  It is recommended as a starter to accompany an Oyster and Bacon Omelet, melon balls, and……

Curried Carrot Croquettes (adapted from Sunset Wok Cook Book)

The recipe that perhaps best showcases the spirit of Sunset Wok Cook Book is  Curried Carrot Croquettes.   It fits with the vaguely Asian theme of the cook book (India’s in Asia, yo) and still maintains the mid-80s suburban dinner party vibe of the rest of the book.  It’s also a great way to use a……