favorite things friday: BIG TASTE OF LITTLE ROCK

I feel like a very proud godmother.   And like a proud godmother,  I am taking this moment to brag.

The Junior League of Little Rock has a legacy of producing outstanding cookbooks.   Little Rock Cooks released in 1973 has sold over 100,000 copies to date.  Traditions released in the 1980′s  is a favorite in houses across the South.  Apron Strings published in 1997  introduced a new culinary vibe and gave us the notoriously delicious Kahlua Cake recipe.  In January 2009,  JLLR released it’s fourth cookbook - BIG TASTE OF LITTLE ROCK.

A year later if you live in Little Rock or in Arkansas,  you have  mostly likely heard of the newest JLLR publication.  What we didn’t expect is that Paris, France had heard of us.  Last week Gourmand International awarded Big Taste of Little Rock the Best Fund Raising Cookbook in the World.

While this may come as a surprise to most,  as the proud godmother   – I knew from the very start it would be and now IS a darn good book.    The photography is beautiful.  The text is rich reflecting the mission of the  88year old  women’s organization and the city of Little Rock.  The recipes are simple, elegant, and just down right scrumptious.  EVERYTHING I have prepared from the book has been incredibly tasty!    (This from a staunch foodie)

Under the FCC  regulations, I should probably disclose that I was heavily involved in the Junior League of Little Rock during the book’s creation and publication…which is  why I consider myself it’s godmother.  However,  I was not part of the 22 person committee that collected and triple tested the 800 recipes submitted for consideration.  I did have 6-7 recipes make the cut and are  included in the  250 recipes featured in the book.    So if you ask me now for my Italian Chili, Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza, or my Almond Strata recipe,  I will make you buy the cookbook instead of emailing it to you.  Sorry – I have an organization to support.

In addition to my tried and true recipes above,  my new BTLR favorites include the Mocha Poundcake, the Sugared Chili Pork Tenderloin,  the Benedict Bake, the Chicken Piccata,  the Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread and the Gorgonzola Fillets with Balsamic Fig Reduction….just to name a few.   I also like the Ribeyes with Cowboy Butter – because the title makes me laugh.  If you already own  a copy,  I would love to hear what your favorite recipes are.

If you are looking for a great housewarming present, a birthday present, a mother’s day present, a wedding present, or if you just like to curl up with a good book and read -  look no further.  This is the perfect addition to any kitchen or coffee table.   You can purchase it at most book retailers or directly from the Junior League of Little Rock’s website. The funds generated by the book support programs that enrich the lives of women and children.  From mentoring teen mothers to car seat safety to providing children with school supplies to help them reach their learning goals…just to name a few.

The Junior League of Little Rock had set out with a  vision of providing an incredible edible journey though our city.  Now, the world has noticed and has taken a BIG TASTE OF LITTLE ROCK.

Now – go buy the book.