Live Well, Laugh Often, Cook Much

Farm Chicks in the Kitchen: 

Live Well, Laugh Often, Cook Much
By Teri Edwards and Serena Thompson
ISBN: 978-1588168665
Library Call No: 641.5973 E2683F

This book is an example of the trends in cookbooks today. It combines uncomplicated recipes with a sort of homespun chef-ography. It reflects the importance food plays in the memories of family and friends. Farm Chicks in the Kitchen gives a nod to simplicity, not only in the choice of everyday fare, but in the home project ideas (with some basic instructions), whether it’s creating simple aprons or serving trays to the re-purposing of antiques and junking finds, that make a house a home.

The Farm Chicks’ story recaptures the fate-filled meeting of two friends and their journey. Though they have marked differences in their upbringing, they share a common interest in the love of the same simple things. This passion has evolved into ever changing business opportunities.

This was one of my books that I selected to work from for our original get-together cook-a-thon. I chose it for its fresh country style, the appealing home-crafter projects and inspiring ideas for using some of the collectibles I own. I collect vintage aprons. The prairie print aprons worn at our cooking party were inspired by ones worn in this book, minus the appliqué. The family stories were especially sweet and make you feel like you have been personally introduced to Terri and Serena’s family and friends.

Among the recipes I have tried to date are: The Crunchy Granola (pg. 48), Savory Sweet Potato Soup (pg. 86), Roasted Chicken and Pesto Hoagies (pg. 79), Spinach, Feta and Beet Salad (pg. 100) and I have definite plans to make both the lemon tea and pecan chocolate chip shortbread soon. Some of my attempts are photographed and others are not but all are included in the recipe reviews.

The Farm Chicks Christmas: Merry Ideas for the Holidays (745.59412 T476F at your library) by Farm Chick, Serena Thompson was newly released for the holidays in 2010. It has the same nostalgic flavor as the cookbook and is full of visions of the season for creating the prefect holiday home. I liked them both so much that I have purchased both books.

Photo by nerxs

If you are interested in antiques and love junk shop finds there is a great book also published in 2010. Restore. Recycle. Repurpose. By Randy Florke.  It is full of the same beautifully photographed, fresh country inspired looks for doing just what the subtitle suggests… Create a Beautiful Home. The call number is: 747 P639r for finding this book at your library. You should check it out. (Pardon the pun.)

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