Monday, May 18, 2015

I received a copy of Ally's Cookbook to read, cook from, and share my thoughts with my wonderful friends.  This Southern cook was nervous with the worldly content of exotic flavors. How would I ever be able to create this enlightening look into recipes of magic from other countries?

I opened the book to first get a glimpse of the back story of this Artist creating culinary delights on a canvas of originality and staying with the integrity of the representation of the areas she chose. I wanted to know more about this Boho lady that just makes us all smile with her imagination.

From her background of the hills of Appalachia in the tiny kitchen with her Mother, to all the women who have influenced her and whom she gives a lot of credit for her zest of building a recipe to award winning accomplishment, one, when reading, begins to embrace the tale of this woman with heart and can share with her the educational success she's had, her world carpet ride to adventures that make us all feel we have been there with her. You will be so involved with her story line of life that the recipes will be a wonderful topping on an inspiring story.

My Collection of salt and pepper shakers are now filled with the spices that she put together that everyone can make. I love spices and with these combinations from pages 3,9,10,15,16 and Page 22, and combinations from Caribbean Seasoning Mix to Harissa, I have rubbed, sprinkled, dabbed and marinated more food in one week than I usually make in several weeks. I took all the spices out of my cupboard to see what ingredients I would be missing in making these. How delighted I was when I realized I had almost all the ingredients I needed for her recipes.

I made several of the spices, tasted them and then went back and doubled some of the recipes, put them in baggies in the freezer and will be gifting them as presents. The toasting was simple, the directions easy to follow and I started becoming very secure in being able to make Ally's dishes easily.

I loved the Kind David Buttermilk Cucumbers and did the cucumbers without the pomegranate.  Funny thing happened while I was making these wonderful tasting cucumbers, it called for plain Greek yogurt and making the buttermilk sauce, in my eagerness, grabbed strawberry yogurt and not wanting to waste food, I kept those and refrigerated and then made another batch the right way. Both were delicious so I may make it with Strawberry Yogurt again.

Of course, being a down home Southern cook, I had to try her way of cooking Pinto Beans, Page 29.  Her Bohemian Fresh Herb Pinto Ham Beans passed the tasted test. I now will make them Ally's way.

Included are pictures of my salad with her spices, the cucumbers, and Pinto Beans. My lunch guest loved the spices so much, I gifted her with some.


Over time, many more dishes will be made with Ally's Kitchen Cookbook and I will post my excited attempts of recreating with my own flair.

Thank you Dr. Alice Phillips.


18 comments:

  1. Awesome review! Loved reading about the spice creations and you making double to put in the freezer for gift giving. Also like your rendition of the Pinto Beans! It really is an awesome, amazing cookbook, and one I too treasure.

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    1. Thank you so much, Mary Marshall. Your opinion is so valued and I can't stop smiling.. <3

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  2. Mary Beth, from your first photo and thoughts to your final photos and conclusions, you "boho'd" it... and, might I add: You "got it," girl! I was tickled that you mentioned almost all of the ingredients were in your cupboard already -- yes ma'am. Isn't it fun?! Thanks for your 'eager' review. ;) LOVED IT!

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    1. I am so over the moon that you, Kim and Ally seemed to love my review. I am just beside myself with loving this cookbook that you helped to get together and were so kind to make sure I got one. I'm one happy lady!! Thank you!

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  3. Love your review MB! I love Ally's Kitchen too!

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    1. Thank you so much, @Cooking Kept Me Sane. I enjoyed this cookbook so much and appreciate your enjoying the review!! <3

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  4. This cookbook sounds absolutely brilliant! What a fantastic review :) You sure have me very keen to get a copy of this for myself :)

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    1. I am thrilled that you liked the review and please, if you can, get this cookbook. You will love it. There are contests going on to win it so hopefully you will be a winner.. Thank you, @Pic-Nic

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  5. I enjoyed reading your review on Ally's cookbook. It's fun to read how someone approaches making new recipes and so enjoyed your 'strawberry yogurt' adventure - it's happens to me all the time in the kitchen - and it's always exciting when the recipe turns out delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with everyone.

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    1. Joanne DiPalo, I write like I talk and so the excitement of my cooking from this cookbook made me eager to write this review. I am so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind comment.. <3

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  6. I'm intrigued, Mary Beth and the food pics look delicious! Love the "strawberry yogurt oops"! You do know that this is how some of the most famous recipes have been discovered, right? Lovely review and will keep my eye out for this unique cookbook!

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  7. @Christina's Cucina, I am so happy to see that you read my review and liked it. You will love the Cookbook and can't wait to review when you publish yours. Thank you so much! <3

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  8. Mary Beth, I so enjoyed reading your review and how you were able to find a new favorite with the strawberry yogurt! Ally's Bohemian Fresh Herb Pinto Ham Beans were on my list of recipes to try soon, but after reading your words, I think I just bumped them up the list!

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  9. Thank you so much and the pinto beans were so good!!Had a little extra kick than I usually make and I liked them. I really appreciate your letting me know and I am so glad that you have discovered Ally also. Great lady, great cookbook.. <3

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  10. I love this cookbook and I am so excited to read your review, it really is a cookbook that expands your imagination and brings you to far away places. The spices are amazing! Can't wait to try them! Nettie

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    1. I stepped out of my Southern salt, pepper, bacon grease and ham hocks to venture to exotic places through Ally's eyes. I made some of her spices, used them liberally and wowed myself and my guest with the bold taste of life elsewhere. Delicious is the way I describe the Ally's Kitchen Cookbook.

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  11. Mary Beth...What a delightful review of Ally's cookbook! Ally is the queen of incredible spice combinations and I'm thrilled you had so much fun "playing" with them in your kitchen! I love everything about Ally. Not only is she is an incredibly kind and generous woman, but her talent for creating the most wonderful dishes coupled with her captivating writing style always leave you hungry for more! I wish Ally the best of luck with her beautiful cookbook and again, thank you so much for sharing your fantastic review with us!

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    1. I am so happy that you got to read the review, @Meal Planning Maven. I value your opinion and I am so happy that you are a fan of Ally's too. Thank you for letting me know that I did right by her.

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