Lois Ellen Frank conveys great passion for Native American culture in this book. An obviously well deserved win of the James Beard award. A wonderfuly delicious, colorful and informative writing on American Indian Foods!

This is a great book for reading about the history of the many foods mentioned. The cover the book is actually different from the one shown on Amazon.com (and even more beautiful). If you are thinking about visiting anywhere in the Southwestern United States, this book will tell you something about the delicious foods native to the area. The photographs are outstanding and well worth the cost of the book. You don't have to be a cook to enjoy the foods and stories portrayed here.

It is easy to cook from these recepies and they work! I can't put this book down; it is so gloriously photographed and with such artistry and respect for Native American culture. Even those with no interest in food, will relish the photographs. The food is modern and healthful and edible.

I actually got this book because of the jambalaya recipe that I tasted at a party. As it was cooking, I read the accompanying writeup on the fireman who gave the recipe and ended up reading the entire book. I thought the stories of the fireman added a nice touch. Recently I gave a copy to a firefighter friend of mine and he was delighted (which was definitely a first). There needs to be a "More Firehouse Cooks", so I'll have a Christmas present for him next year.

I stole the above title because it's perfect. I've only had time to try a few recipes, but so far, so good (agree with the above recommendation for the Jambalaya on page 150). It's the stories of the firemen that make this book so special-like the stories about the chefs in Top Texas Chefs: Favorite Recipes. Great gift idea!

This is a great cookbook but a lot more. The stories of the firefighters, their families, how they feel about their jobs, were funny, moving, inspirational, and more. Get this one even if you never intend to enter another kitchen. (The receipes are great, too. Check out page 150, for sure.

Jim Peyton has written a really terrific book. This is one that should be in everyone's collection.

This book should be in everyone's collection.

Likely to be the definitive book in the field, here's the most scholarly, thoughtful, and authentic treatment of Mexican-American cooking yet printed, and one of the finest cookbooks of the year.

For those who have dined at the Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, or for anyone who is deeply involved in the craft of gourmet cooking, this book is culinary heaven. The photographs of some of the dishes in the book are indeed fine art, and they entice the reader to make permanent residence in the kitchen studio, with spatula-paintbrush in hand, and mimic or alter at will the recipes in the book. Having cooked all the main dishes in the book, with varying degress of success, I can vouch for the idea that one must depart frequently from strict adherence to the recipes. Definitely try the creme brulee, but use a cooking torch instead of broiling. Can't find quail? Use Cornish hens instead of course.

Best known as the executive chef of Dallas' Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dean Fearing soars above Texas and, indeed Southern Regional Cooking. This book is a must for anyone interested in the subtlties of taste combinations. While many of the ingredients are not easy to find in much of America's hinterland, those on either coast should have no problem in achieving Fearing's direction. Additionally, to those fearful of the small portions usually associated with today's fashion cuisine, Fearing's quantity of hearty food matches a True Texan's appitite.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this cookbook chef fearing a grad of cia is a wonderfully talented and inventive chef who cuisine should not be missed when in dallas . If you can't go there personally he has given every detail on how to prepare his heavenly dishes at home

McBrearty is one of those rare writers--his stories have brought real tears to my eyes and I've laughed out loud while reading some of the more hilarious and outrageous passages.

I appreciate the artfulness of the stories, too, so well crafted. Flannery O'Connor comes to mind for style. Chesterton comes to mind for wit and wisdom. Now that's good company!

Buy it, read it, and weep and laugh. And know that life is both mysterious and ultimately good.

Mr. McBrearty is a master of the short story. This book will touch most, if not all, of your emotions. I hope we hear more from this honest, humorous author.

The short stories that Robert Garner McBrearty has created in this wonderful book are hysterical and deeply touching. Anybody can relate to the frustration of some of his characters that know the right path that they must take to find happiness, but are unable to find firm footing on such a path. Like any great writer, McBrearty is able to explain the frailty of human nature in neither pedantic nor naive terms - I loved it.

The recipes are unusual and delicious and the notes and menus are an excellent introduction to the San Diego region and lifestyle. The concept of a regional introduction is beautifully illustrated with exquisite photographs. This is a wonderful collection of unusual and tasty recipes, analyzed for nutritional content, and very easy to follow. Many low-fat and healthy suggestions. It would make a great gift or tourist's souvenir.

After buying this book as presents for friends, I finally bought a copy for myself. It has been easy and enjoyable creating various dishes from seafood to CA-Mexican. Although the times for preparation sometimes are off, the recipes have generally been right on, both in time to prepare and quantity of food. I recommend this book as a present for friends and yourself.

Great healthy recipes. I have had numerous requests from friends for copies of recipes and info on where they could buy this book. The nutritional information at the end of each recipe is very helpful for people with specific diet concerns.

I really liked this book. It is a collection of the best recipes from Southern Living over a 20 year period. How could it not be great. Also, unlike the annual editions it lists recipes by category making things easier to locate.

This cookbook keeps with the tradition of all previous Southern Living cookbooks, providing recipes for tons of comfort foods. The gooey, rich Candy Bar Brownies are WONDERFUL, but needless to say, everyone is glad that they keep the nutrition information on this recipe a secret. Additionally, this cookbook has quite a few good low-fat/light recipes. Southern Living's 20th Anniversary cookbook is a must have for any kitchen.

My shelves contain many cookbooks. Several are Southern Living Annual Recipes. Believe me, this is the one to have. It is the best - yet.

Southwestern Soups, Stews & Skillet Suppers provides a dual focus on quick dishes and unusual meals with a southwest spice to them, from a spicy chili-enhanced chorizo chowder to a spicy eggplant stew for two or a barbecued beans and sausage skillet. While color photos are peppered throughout, the focus is on adaptations of traditional dishes and new Southwest dishes which require little preparation.

This is the kind of cookbook I like to get my hands on. Indeed, the team of Judy Walker and Kim MacEachern have created another gem. Vivid photography will make your mouth water and you will not want to wait for cooler weather to prepare these tempting culinary delights. Desert Fish Soup, Cast Iron Pot Brown Stew, Winter Squash Stew, Skillet Enchiladas, Easy Chicken Pot Pie (which is a delectable "no-brainer"), Jalapeno Blue-Corn Muffins and my personal favorite, Lentil Lime Soup, are among the tasty choices this very "hands on" cookbook offers. I suggest you purchase two,(like I did) so you have a "pretty copy for your kitchen" as you will have the other book's spine split and the pages stained from constant use.

Once again Judy Walker has authored a cookbook that has plain, easy directions and the receipes don't use too many ingredients. Each receipe is labeled as Don't Miss, Second Time Around, Quick and Easy, Slow Cooker Family Favorite, Entertaining, etc. Alternative methods of cooking are sometimes included. Those not living in the SW will appreciate receipes for sauces and seasonings!

As a mexican, I congratulate Melissa Guerra for the perfect book she wrote. The recipes are easy to follow, delicious and perfectly combined. I would recomend this book to everybody who enjoys cooking and tasting new dishes!!! When is the next one coming out?

This best is the best cook book i own. Not only are the recipes wonderful but the easy step-by-step directions makes me the master of my kitchen. Way to go Melissa Guerra, when's the next book coming out.

If you want a true taste of Mexico and Texas, this is no Taco-Bell substitute. This is the real thing. The writing is great and informative and the receipes are writen for the real cook. Loved the snapper recipe and the drink combinations.

I've read about everything Hillerman has written, and listened to most of his recorded Books on Tape. I'm an ex-Peace Corps Volunteer and appreciate his fascination and his realistic approach to this original American culture.

Tony Hillerman writes great mysteries with complex characters and beautiful descriptions of Navajo country. But when he came up with Navajo police officer Jim Chee, he created the perfect '90s man. Chee is gentle, spiritual, strong, mostly silent, and smart. Plus, he recognizes his own failings--and tries to become a better man. Whew! Who could ask for anything more?

In this book of three earlier Jim Chee mysteries we get the best of Hillerman and a nice dose of all the things he's rightly famous for. There are insights into Native American culture, beautiful descriptions of the Southwest, intriguing mysteries and even a little love story.

When Jim Chee falls in love with Mary Landon, a Wisconsin school teacher who wants him to leave the reservation and work for the FBI, two of the mysteries allow us to follow the development of that relationship as Hillerman explores the difficulties of a cross-cultural relationship. Chee's struggle with his personal life gives a great deal of texture to the mysteries, and his efforts to be both a Navajo singer and a policeman create tension between his personal and professional duties.

Of course, the best part of these mysteries is Hillerman's marvelous grasp of character and place. Open this book and you'll lose yourself on the Navajo reservation with as interesting a group of people as you'll ever wish to meet in real life. Especially that Jim Chee character!

Hillerman, a former newspaperman, spend many,many years in the Southwest, and his novels are set in a land he knows very well. From the mesas to the Chinle Wash these three novels exude the bold topography of the Navajo Nation.

Jim Chee is a member of the Tribal Police, struggling with one foot in the ancient tradions of his born-to and born-for clans while trying to assimilate modern mores. His on-again off-again love is Janet, a spirited Native American lawyer, whose thoroughly modern stance clashes with his ambiguous identity.

Through Jim Chee we experience glimpses into Dinetah, the land, and culture of a fascinating people. The brushstrokes that create this world are deft, with a pyschological appreciation for each character. Hillerman creates a world for all senses to enjoy.

Two stories are set in the Navajo Nation, while one begins there and travels to Los Angeles, CA. Layers upon layers unravel, as Chee investigates seemingly random and unrelated bits. I especially appreciate the culture interwoven into the story line, yet never felt this done in a heavy-handed way.

Each novel is a jewel, each with it's own merits. Villians may be expected, or nearly the last person you suspect, but you'll have your consciousness raised while loving every minute of these tales. Atmospheric, sensitive and compelling Hillerman with have you longing for a trip to this world.

I think it's especially telling that the author has been given the highest honor that can be bestowed on a non-tribal member: Friend of the Navajo People. The Dineh appreciate dry humor, and while Hillerman never creates sterotypes, he gently lampoons instead of deifying. Once you enter THIS land of enchantment you will clambor for more from this splendid storyteller and outdoorsman.