The Best Reader + weekend

Da Cajn Critter — Pamela D. Lyles

"I can't help but relate to and feel apart of this wonderful family." — Miss Remmers

From Amazon.com...

"Da Cajn Critter is a gumbo of old family, friends, and personal recipes from Louisiana, Europe and all over the U.S. It is a way of life for someone who wants to eat good food, be with real people and make cooking simple and easy so you actually want to cook. This collection of cajun and creole favorites is a must for anyone looking for authentic Louisiana flavors!"

I thought that this would be the perfect book to follow the Thanksgiving holiday. I know, we are all extremely full... actually, in retrospect, perhaps a Work Out book/review would be better suited... nah! I figure, this past weekend kitchen's everywhere were exhausted with the traditional Thanksgiving feast, now their ready for something new, exciting, and "Cajn"!

"Da Cajn Critter" is the first ACTUAL cookbook I've reviewed — I'm not counting "The Recipe Club." The first thing that grabbed my attention upon opening this book is the tone — yes, the tone — of the book. The tone, or voice, is so unbelievably vibrant and alive! Probably due to the fun font, interesting illustrations, and uplifting voice — I may like the tone of the book better the actual recipes (gasp!)... okay, maybe not...

Along with tone, I love the little stories (if you can call them that) — for instance, the very first recipe, "Mama Bea's Cheese Cookies," is followed by a brief explanation of where the recipe came from. After reading these explanations — I can't help but relate to and feel apart of this wonderful family.

Full of all different kids of recipes and successfully separated by "Appetizers," "Breads, Breakfast, and Brunch," "Soups, Salads, and Dressings," "Meats, Fowl and More," "Seafood," "Vegetables, Potatoes, Pasta and More," "Desserts," and "A Little Something Extra," this recipe book is a great addition to my future kitchen (and Momma Remmers' until I graduate and actually have a kitchen).

The last section of the book, "A Little Something Extra," includes an awesome pronunciation guide for Northerners like me, a guide to decorating with candles to create the mood you want, and, for the inexperienced cook (again, like me), there is a section full of UBIs (Useful Bits of Information).

"Da Cajn Critter" includes traditional recipes with a twist, like "French Toast," and fun family recipes, such as "Aunt Norma Blintzes." If you are looking for a fun recipe book full of voice and character — I highly recommend "Da Cajn Critter."

I am most looking forward to creating the following recipes:

  • "Cherry Squares"
  • "Jeff's Favorite Mashed Potatoes"
  • "Peppermint Shake"

book, cook, food, LIFE, retro, review, and more:

Da Cajn Critter — Pamela D. Lyles + weekend