The Pudding Hollow Cookbook

Rating:
Summary: More than a cookbook!
Review: First, let me say, that my intention is to go through this book, page by page, and try every recipe. (Well, maybe not the maple ones!) That's how good they all sound. But, more than that, this is no ordinary cookbook. Make no mistake about it, this is not an encyclopedia of cooking techniques. The recipes are written in a style suggesting special treats, shared between friends and scribbled on the backs of envelopes. The whimsical comments that accompany each recipe, show a writing skill that mere listing of ingredients could never provide, making it a nifty read, even for the non-cook. In Judith Russell's quaint paintings and sketches, there is always some small detail to delight, as well as a charming look at a New England neighborhood. Granny Toad lives on in these works by the late Judy R. As for the food represented wihin the covers of The Pudding Hollow Cookbook, the choice is broad; Old timey (Sally Lunn, etc.), current favorites (pasta salads, Tex-Mex etc.) and some that must be traditional family favorites. I think I even caught an occasional literary reference, such as Dandilion Wine. I recommend this book for all of these reasons.

Rating:
Summary: As fun to browse as it is easy to cook from
Review: Pudding Hollow is a dip between hills in the hamlet of Hawley, Massachusetts. The Pudding Hollow Cookbook is an enthusiastically recommended compendium of recipes that reflect the diverse New England seasons, enhanced with culinary author Tinky "Dakota" Weisblat's anecdotal introductions and stories the express the spirit of those small and intimate communities that sill continue in various parts of a rural United States. From The Charlemont Inn's Cider-Maple Dumplings; Florette's Rhubarb Tea; Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters' Mixed-Berry Scones; and Aunt Fox's Carrot Souffle; to Nancy Dole's Cranberry Relish; Dot's Sour Cream Coffee Cake from the Federated Church Auction; Donovan Baby Red Potato Salad from the Charlemont Riverfest; and Grandmother Parker's Cracker Pudding, The Pudding Hollow Cookbook is as fun to browse as it is easy to cook from.

Rating:
Summary: The Pudding Hollow Cookbook
Review: The Pudding Hollow Cookbook by Tinky Weisblat, with illustrations by Judith Russell, is a delight. The recipes range from traditional "Yankee" fare, such as Indian pudding, to recipes from more exotic lands, such as sate from Indonesia. While some of the dishes are fairly complex, all of the recipes are easy to follow and many reflect the bounty of western Massachusetts, notably maple syrup, rhubarb, and apples.

The best elements of the book for me, however, are Tinky's evocation of life in rural "West County". Having spent childhood vacations with family in the area, I enjoyed seeing references to seasonal celebrations (Yankee Doodle Days), regionalisms (people from Heath are known as "Heathens"), and comments about places I regard fondly (the Mohawk Trail and Shelburne Falls' Bridge of Flowers). While the region has become remarkably cosmopolitan in recent years, and the recipes reflect that, it is the evocation of long ago that touched my heart.

Judith Russell's illustrations grace and complement the text with a delightful folk art quality. Her paintings and drawings capture the simplicity of life in the Pudding Hollow region and the seasonal delights to be found there.