Louisiana’s Award-Winning Recipes

Missy Armstrong, Dottie Brewer & Harietta Randazzo
Billion & Baby Publications (2002)
ISBN 0970794517
Reviewed by Juanita Watson for Reader Views (3/06)

Having lived in the South, I can really appreciate this cookbook. It contains a wide range of recipes that are generally referred to as ‘soul food.’ These are dishes that you might find being cooked daily in the home, for weekend family get-togethers, or neighborhood potlucks. Most of the ingredients would generally be found in a typical southern kitchen cupboard, and/or easily acquired at the supermarket. It is a very practical collection suggesting that good Southern cooking doesn’t need to be difficult.

Many of the recipes are “award winning recipes” from the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Scattered throughout are other recipes that could stand as equals with the ‘winners’. I especially liked Lil’s Jambalaya, Spicy Chicken Casserole, and Apple Cake. The only downfall with a few of the recipes is that the dish is cooked in the microwave. Someone with basic cooking experience could easily figure out temperature and cooking times in a conventional oven, but this may not be every reader.

I really liked this cookbook. It is presented in an easy to follow manner and has a coil spine making it stay in place on the kitchen counter. The instructions are simple and uncomplicated suggesting these are realistic recipes for everyday. If you are looking for a cookbook filled with Southern comfort food recipes, this would be a great choice.

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