Rating: 
Summary: If he wasnt Oprah's chef you wouldnt be too impressed....
Review: I was in the mood for a new cookbook, one with real recipes, (not quick or made with a few prepared ingredients)one that would have great everyday meal ideas that I could go to again and again for inspiration. Well I had seen Art Smith on Oprah promoting this book a while back and thought Id give it a try. Unfortunately you arent able to search this book online so I went to look at it in person. And boy am I glad I did.
This cookbook is surprisingly low on recipes. There are a lot of pictures of people cooking and eating, big text explaining the love of family and food. The bread section has about 20 total recipes in it, from bisquits to sweet breads. Too low if your wanting to use this as an everyday cookbook.
The dinner recipes are neither new or exciting. Chicken and bisquits, chicken and noodles and pot roast are among the few. I have these recipes in other cookbooks already.
His "Smith Family 12 Layer Cake" recipe looks surprisingly familiar. Infact it's on the Martha Stewart cookbook Ive had for 3 years. I have yet to make that 12 layer cake from the Martha Stewart book, I dont need a slightly different recipe to add to my collection.
All in all this book doesnt hold much of anything new. If you dont have a single cookbook and want some basic recipes then this would be a good one I guesse. If you already have a collection of books and are wanting an everyday "classic" than this isnt for you.
Rating: 
Summary: great cookbook for people who want to cook
Review: I'm really quite surprised by the number of reviews slamming this book for having time consuming recipes. It is a shame this has gotten in the way of people enjoying some really great recipes. One reviewer even stated that "not everyone has a Kitchenaid mixer or a cast iron skillet." OK, I'll give you the mixer, but a skillet? Come on, any seasoned cook should have one and if the don't, they cost a mere $12-$15 and will last for several generations. I use my grandmother's. It is a must when cooking Southern food.
Let's face some facts, here: The recipes in this book are, or are largely influenced by, classic Southern cuisine. First, this isn't 30-Minute Meals. This is not to say all of the recipes take a long time, because many of them are great for a weeknight. But some are meant for Sunday dinners (the most wonderful of family traditions) and special occassions when one has time to devote to lingering in the kitchen. Back to the Table is about slowing down and enjoying your time at the table with your family. It's about tradition. What it is not about is running around like a chicken with its head cut off and trying to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes flat.
Don't get me wrong... Quick cooking is important these days. But if all of our cooking is done in a hurry, even on weekends, we are missing the true rewards of cooking. I recommend that we all slow down, at least once a week, and take time to really be a part of the kitchen.
Rating: 
Summary: Why all the bad reviews?
Review: I'm really quite surprised by the number of reviews slamming this book for having time consuming recipes. It is a shame this has gotten in the way of people enjoying some really great recipes. One reviewer even stated that "not everyone has a Kitchenaid mixer or a cast iron skillet." OK, I'll give you the mixer, but a skillet? Come on, any seasoned cook should have one and if the don't, they cost a mere $12-$15 and will last for several generations. I use my grandmother's. It is a must when cooking Southern food.
Let's face some facts, here: The recipes in this book are, or are largely influenced by, classic Southern cuisine. First, this isn't 30-Minute Meals. This is not to say all of the recipes take a long time, because many of them are great for a weeknight. But some are meant for Sunday dinners (the most wonderful of family traditions) and special occassions when one has time to devote to lingering in the kitchen. Back to the Table is about slowing down and enjoying your time at the table with your family. It's about tradition. What it is not about is running around like a chicken with its head cut off and trying to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes flat.
Don't get me wrong... Quick cooking is important these days. But if all of our cooking is done in a hurry, even on weekends, we are missing the true rewards of cooking. I recommend that we all slow down, at least once a week, and take time to really be a part of the kitchen.
Rating:
Summary: A very user-friendly book
Review: I've really enjoyed this book. In fact my mom and I made some of the recipies for the Thanksgiving holiday just passed.
Rating: 
Summary: not what i expected
Review: if you are looking for sweets this is a great book. but if you are looking for vegetable side dishes or easy recipes (as claimed on Oprah show) they are almost non-existent.
all recipes are involved and the order of recipes in the book is a bit confusing. one chapter titled "food for love" has an odd mixture of soups, veggies, cakes,... so you have to leaf through the book to find what you want.
Rating:
Summary: Sweet Potato Pecan Waffles - Oh My!
Review: If you get this for only one recipe (the sweet potato pecan waffles) it would be more than worth it. But, you'll love all the other recipes, too. Beautifully designed, scrumptiously written...all the good things a cookbook is supposed to be, and the recipes are the REAL thing.
Rating:
Summary: Sweet Potato Pecan Waffles - Oh My!
Review: If you get this for only one recipe (the sweet potato pecan waffles) it would be more than worth it. But, you'll love all the other recipes, too. Beautifully designed, scrumptiously written...all the good things a cookbook is supposed to be, and the recipes are the REAL thing.
Rating:
Summary: Good message...great food
Review: In an age of crumbling families and no time, Art Smith brings a nostagic message of hope and help. BACK TO THE TABLE is a cookbook that takes us back to a time when the dinner table actually meant something; before frozen dinners and fast food.BACK TO THE TABLE is not about the latest health craze or the newest way to cram a meal in between soccer practice and violin lessons. This book is about taking the time to sit down at the table and eat with your family. The recipes are delicious and simple (if a little time-consuming) and the focus on southern tastes seems to reflect the author's background. Some definite winners in BACK TO THE TABLE are the Grandma's chocolate cake and the incredible chicken tamales. Art Smith has created a cookbook that is both beautiful and useful, with an important message and tasty recipes. 5 stars all the way.
Rating: 
Summary: Not for the average family
Review: Most people don't have the time and patience to make most of the recipes in this book. Although I applaud the message, this book just doesn't help the average American family accomplish what the book sets out to do.
Rating:
Summary: Back to Yummy
Review: Okay, I've only had this book for three weeks and I've only made five recipies so far but, wow, there is some really good stuff in here. If you can find the ingredients at your local gourmet food shop, the Pecan, Blue Cheese and Bibb Lettuce salad with Late-Harvest Riesling Vinegarette was out of this world. I also like the menu ideas at the back of the book (I wish more cookbooks had this feature). "Back to the Table" is not a low-fat cookbook. The recipies aren't difficult but they're not quick-and-easy and you'll probably have to make time for a trip to the store for some of the ingredients. That said, if you're willing to spend a little time preparing a meal and you're drawn to unique recipies with a Southern influence, don't pass this one up.
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