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by Adrienne Petterson © 2004

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Back to the Table
by Art Smith
Hyperion
ISBN 0-7868-6854-6
Published October 2001 - Hardcover - 288 pages - $29.95

The sad reality is that not many families eat together at the table anymore.  Thus, meaningful bonds between family members are not nurtured and memories are not given a chance to be made.  Consequently, in my opinion, the lack of table manners (and in general) is evident in any restaurant, and so has the art of conversation deteriorated.  Communicating one's thoughts (within reason) and conversing about family matters and things in general around the table, is an important lesson in life, which is why chef Art Smith put together this gorgeous cookbook with many dishes good enough to bring everyone to the table.  He's well-traveled and has worked for a diverse bunch of people and fully understands and appreciates how important eating around the table is.  I fully agree.  Some of his recipes which sound tantalizing, are: Ice Box Buttermilk Dressing, Zucchini and Tomato Frittata (I'm a big fan of frittata), Scalloped Potatoes with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, Chocolate Pecan Pie, and his Triple-layer German Chocolate Cake.  I couldn't believe it when I came across the Smith Family's Twelve-layer Cake!!  His fruit drinks sound scrumptuous too.  By the end of the book my mouth was watering profusely and my stomach growling agressively.  The book is beautifully illustrated throughout, not only with pictures of the food, but also of atmospheric family-type ones.  Art Smith works as a personal chef to Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham.
Conclusion - Fantastic - I hope more families start eating as a family.

book cover


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