The Military Wives’ Cookbook: 200 Years of Traditions, Recipes, and Remembrances

Carolyn Quick Tillery
Cumberland House (2008)
ISBN 9781581826722
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (11/08)


As an Air Force spouse, Carolyn Quick Tillery is leaving a legacy for future military spouses and families by providing recipes passed down for generations and those that will be passed down as well.  Some traditions never die. The first portion of the cookbook provides history of many military wives, including General Custer’s wife “Libbie.”  She also provides excerpts of letters and writings.  Libbie Custer is quoted as saying: …My dish was the belle; it was invited to more dinners than anyone in the garrison. The book also has old photos as well as menus. Collecting all the items and recipes must have been a real joy for Tillery.

“Southern Chicken and Dumplings” have been a favorite of mine but I never did make the dish. I was thrilled to see a recipe in this cookbook and it was the first one that I tried.  The flavor was simply wonderful and the dumplings were light.   I also tried “Djaj m’ Kali” aka “Pickled Lemons.”  I’ve seen them before and even tasted them, however, I had no idea how they are made until now.  I’ve tried them now and they are wonderful, even after just two weeks in the brine.  I highly recommend you try this wonderful dish.

I’m eager to try more recipes in this book.  Carolyn Quick Tillery presents a keeper; one that can be used over and over again.  From what I can tell, all ingredients could probably be found in most pantries, as well as the local grocery stores.  “The Military Wives’ Cookbook” is recommended as an addition to anyone’s library of cookbooks.

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