Cookbook Review: Gritslickers

Gritslickers - Southern Home Cooking for Today's Cooks
Lisa Lofton Shively
Hard back spiral bound 2005
ISBN: 978-0-9766756-1-7
no photos
www.lisashively.vpweb.com

This is another one of the books I got at the Southern Women's Show and had autographed by Lisa. I love the name of this one and Lisa includes the story of how this one was named in the book. Think cityslickers only southern.

I love to cook and enjoy tackling a more complicated and complex recipe when I have the time. On a work night it's usually a different story. I'm exhausted most days when I get home from work at 5 PM, or sometimes even later. On those nights I want nothing more than to get in and out of the kitchen in as little time as possible and with little effort and clean up. It's also a definite plus if the meal is economical. You'll find this type of recipes in Gritslickers.

LIsa says she's often called thrifty, sometimes even as an insult, but she always considers it a compliment. She rarely spends more than $5 on meat for a meal for her family of four. Her recipes more often than not call for a short list of ingredients, which are always found at your local supermarket and quiet often already in your pantry or fridge.

There is a short note included after every recipe. Type is easy to read and black. The book lays flat on your  counter. There is up to three recipes per page. Included is a page of tips and a few pages of stories at the beginning of the book. Chapters include: Appetizers & Beverages; Soups & Salads; Vegetables & Side Dishes; Main Dishes; Bread & Rolls; Desserts; Cookies & Candy; This & That.

I've already tried Turkey Rolls - Heavenly; Buffalo Dip - good and extra spicy; Quick Texas Stew - Yummy and filling; Lemon Bundt Cake- Fantastic; and  Cheese Danish - delicious and my family raved (I've made them twice already). Sunday, Sarita and I made the Three Day Coconut cake which we had tonight for dessert. My son loved it.m I have several more recipes marked to try soon including a Three Chocolate Cake (which I already have the ingredients for).

If you enjoy southern recipes, notes and stories with your food, economical and easy recipes, I think you'll enjoy this one.

Cheese Danish

2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese
1 egg, separated
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 T. sugar

Open one can of crescent rolls and press into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, egg yolk, 3/4 cup of sugar, and vanilla. Spread the mixture over the crescent rolls. Open other can of crescent rolls and place them on top of cream cheese mixture. Spread egg white over top and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting.

Recipe note: This is one of the most incredible recipes I have ever tried. It looks and tastes like something from a gourmet bakery. No one will suspect that it only took about 10 minutes to prepare.

Joan's notes: I have to agree this is great. Much better than the store bought danish I've had. It's even good a bit warm and makes a nice addition to a brunch menu. I allowed the cream cheese to come to room temp. before mixing it with the yolk and sugar.