Leagues Books

This cookbook was given to me when it was first published. I have used it ever since and today the cover has finally fallen off but it is still very much in use.

I haven't prepared a recipe in here that isn't fantastic. The presentation always amazes guests as they think whatever is made took hours and hours.

Like others have said, the recipes are not that difficult and stand the test of time.

Thank you so much for the cookbook. I received it in a timely manner and it was in perfect condition. What a wonderful way to receive a book that was impossible to find before.

I received this cookbook in the hardback edition from a friend back in 1980. I have used and used it over and over again. There are many favorites that I have used again and again; the Tahoe Brunch and Lasagne, to name only two. Buy it an see for yourself!!

I RECEIVED THE CALIFORNIA HERITAGE COOK BOOK AS A SHOWER GIFT IN 1974. I HAVE USED IT CONSISTANTLY FOR OVER 25 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER FOUND A BAD RECIPE. MY DAUGHTER IS LIVING IN AN APARTMENT WHILE ATTENDING COLLEGE AND ASKED IF SHE COULD HAVE HER FAVORITE COOKBOOK TO TAKE TO SCHOOL ... CALIFORNIA HERITAGE! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS COOKBOOK TO ABSOLUTELY ANYONE WHO ENJOYS EATING OR COOKING. I AM NOW SEARCHING FOR TWO ADDITIONAL COPIES.

The copy of the book I purchased was a present for one of my children. I have used the California Heritage Cookbook for 20 years. Every recipe I have made was good--to the extent that I do not hesitate to serve what appears to be a truly strange combination of ingredients to company. My favorite cookbook (and I collect cookbooks).

California Sizzles is a must-have cookbook. It has a wide range of dishes and contains suggestions for food combos for a variety of events. I've found that the menus produce quality results without those "oops" that you find with recipes in some cookbooks. It makes a great gift.

My husband and I both like to cook. We have quite a varied collection of cookbooks, and this is still the best all around source for reliable, tasty meals. We make notes on the pages, recording dates we tried things, and ways we may have tweaked something. Now when I give a copy to anyone (I think I am on #10), I add my own notes of favorites. Recipes are not complicated, but sure to impress. From appetizers to desserts, you will not be disappointed.

Love the balboa broccoli salad and carrot cake made with baby food! great if you don't like shredding carrots! Lots of great recipes

California Sizzles provides excellent recipes that are devoid of the blood-sweat-and tears with which many of us are too familiar.
I learned of this book at a lunch where one of the cookbook's praiseworthy recipes was served. There was almost a stunned silence when the group learned I didn't have it on my bookshelf. Well, I do now and don't regret it for a minute. American cuisine has long been extremely underrated.

Collecting and using new cookbooks has been a thiry-five year hobby. "Sizzles" is truly the book that I consult first whether I'm planning an event or a family meal. At least one half of the recipes have been tried and have become favorites at our house. I am ordering another copy of this today as a gift for a friend....this makes four that I've purchased.

One of the few cookbooks you can pick up and count on a great meal (appetizer, dessert. etc)without testing it first. You can try a recipe the first time and serve it for company without fear. Recipes are diverse and delicious. I've owned this cookbook for nearly 30 years. The one I recently purchased was a gift for a new friend. The rest of my friends already have it!! It makes a great gift.

I used to live in Denver, and I bought this cookbook for myself, as well as for family and friends. My original cookbook fell apart, so I ordered a new one. Needless to say, I Love this cookbook. Thank you. Karen Gould Stuart, Florida

Junior League cookbooks can be a mixed bag. But generally keep in mind that they represent a community's best cooks showing off for attention.
Southern cookbooks should reflect Southern cooking traditions and so on.
Colorado Cache is a very inviting collection of newer cooking traditions, often new twists on older recipes. Great gift for newlyweds, as it reflects more recent but dependable trends in cuisine. Always keep in mind that a Jr. League cookbook has earned its price if it only generates 4 to 6 favorite recipes for you! Colorado Cache provides wonderful Denver summer and winter favorites.

and is the only Denver Junior League cookbook that features original art, easy to use recipes, and is truly a classic.

I grew up eating many meals made from this cook book! And now I use it for my own family. There are great recipes that are not difficult, not time consuming, and use all the basics you already have in your kitchen. Healthy cooking too! I like the Chicken Spagetti-great for potluck dinners!

I have been extremely pleased with this cookbook. The recipes are not complicated and can be served for a weeknight dinner or a special occassion. Would love for the Birmingham JL to release another edition!

I love to cook and this is my absolute favorite cookbook! The food is amazing. I've given this cookbook as a gift many times.

You must buy this book and make the Gourmet Cheese Grits!! They are out of this world. This book is a must for entertaining recipes!!!

My husband and I cook a LOT and this is, by far, our favorite cookbook. Each and every recipe is simply delicious. You can prepare a fantastic meal without being a culinary graduate. Everything is well laid out and -- again -- DELICIOUS. I am so confident in this book that I will try new recipes from it on company. Buy it NOW!

This is one of the best cookbooks we own. The recipes are easy to follow and execute. There are a number of new ways to cook old dishes. Not one recipe has been a clunker. This cookbook gets used more than any other around our house. We have enjoyed preparing the recipes and tasting the wonderful results.
This is a cookbook worth having whether you have only a few cookbooks or a few rooms of cookbooks.

Those who want to learn about hockey - and not just what Alan Eagleson did to it - should run, not walk, to buy this book.
Conway's book is superb, and his work on Eagleson made him a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
It's a must-read for any sports writer, too. It's like having an "Investigative Journalism 101" class taught to you, and for a fraction of the money you'd pay at a university.

This is the most interesting book I have ever read. I studied it to do an oral presentation for Grade 9 English class a few years ago and was so intrigured by the Alan Eagleson story that, now in my first year of University, I am pursuing a career very similar to that of Alan Eagleson...one in which I would essentially deal with the business side of the NHL where I would love to make some sort of a positive influence, as Eagleson did. However, Alan Eagleson's corruption, which is described in this book, is an excellent example of how one person can cause a negative influence on many people's lives through illegitimacy and how public opinion of that person can change almost instantly as a result. Russ Conway did an excellent job of investigating Alan Eagleson, and his book is a wonderful summary of his work. I would recommend this book to anybody, whether they are a hockey fan or not.

Russ Conway has written a wonderful investigative piece about a man who is truly a disgraceful figure in the history of Canadian hockey. Russ brings forth, with his own agressive style, the wicked ways of a man who calling a crook is an understatement. First, he never backed down to get his answers and his writing is first-rate. Anyone who follows hockey should read about a man who almost destroyed it.

All hockey fans owe Russ Conway a debt of gratitude for helping rid hockey of the parasite Alan Eagleson. He documents Eagleson's criminal and disgusting behaviour in great detail, helping fans to better understand what hockey players faced in the past, the necessary background information for many of the issues facing pro hockey today. I haven't read such a gripping book since "Net Worth". Eagleson will be back in the courts again before long, no doubt willing to lie about the charges being brought forward by a number of retired hockey players. Read this book and you'll see that the players have justice on their team.

This is one of the most important sports books ever written. Through his exhaustive work, Russ Conway exposes the greed, corruption and financial swindling that plagued the NHL throughout Alan Eagelson's reign of terror and the financial and emotional price that so many players faced. Most importantly, Conway's work served as the catalyst for Mr. Eagleson's downfall and proving many player's assertions of corruption. Put simply, this is an important piece of journalism that every fan of sports should read, whether you are a hockey fan or not.

A teriffic account of the begining of professional base ball. Every season from 1871 - 1900 is reviewed accompanied by numerous photographs. A pitchers and players index for all 19th century ball players is included and an all-time records section is also compiled.
A very thorough work on 19th century base ball.

A true treasure house of information regarding an era that has been overlooked for WAY too long------my congrats to Mr. Nemec

A tremendous work on the games beginings. This book containsnumerous photos of 19th century baseball which brings the game alive.Every season is reviewed with complete statistics of team standings and players. There are many side articles on individual players, teams and accomplishments. The rules of play for each year are updated and there is a player and pitcher register for all who played.

A historical and statistical must! END

The season stories and sidebars are all excellent. So are the photos. This isn't really a criticism, but I do wish the season stats for each player had been a bit fuller. I'd be glad to take a smaller type size if it meant getting in stats like batter strikeouts, sacrifice hits, etc. The same with the career stats. I like the way the author sorts the players according to the most prominent positions they played, but it would help not to have to look up stats like doubles and triples in other encyclopedias. This isn't really a big deal, just a suggestion if the author ever does a new edition of this wonderful book.

For some reason, 1900/1901 seems to be a magical boundary for baseball history books. There are two possible reasons for this. First, 1900 or 1901 (depending on how you look at it) marked the beginning of the twentieth century, and, in the eyes of many, the "modern era" of baseball. Second, 1900 was the inagural season of the American League, the renamed incarnation of Ban Johnson's Western League. In 1901, the American League elevated itself to major-league status, initiating the two-league format that exists to this day.

While those are certainly convenient benchmarks, they arbitrarily overlook what came before as somehow "irrelevant" or not "modern". David Nemec's book proves that baseball is a story of gradual evolution, rather than an overnight coming of age. It can be argued that modern baseball began in 1871, the year that the first professional baseball (or Base Ball) league began play. The National Association of Base Ball Players officially recognized baseball as a business -- even if the Supreme Court still refuses to do so. Players were openly paid to play what many had argued was an amateur sport of gentlemen, clubs, exercise, and grand feasts. The NA had its share of problems -- gambling, contract-jumping, rowdiness, and organizational chaos. Teams came and went -- Philadelphia had three separate teams in 1875. One team, the Boston Red Stockings, was dominant in a field of teams with questionable talent. All a team needed to do was pay a $10 fee and they were in the association. Hence teams from Chicago and Boston were forced to play squads from Middletown (Connecticut), Fort Wayne (Indiana) and Keokuk (Iowa).

The National League of 1876 changed all of that. Unlike its predecessor, it centered around teams, not players. It instituted reforms such as the hated reserve clause and territorial rights and market threshholds. Gambling was not tolerated. Nor were Sunday games or beer at the park.

Baseball evolved over the following decades into the "modern" game that historians pick up from 1900. Batters were no longer out if their hits were caught after one bounce. Three strikes -- not four -- resulted in an out, while four balls -- instead of nine -- lead to a walk. Home plate became five-sided, and the pitcher's box was replaced by the familiar mound. This compensated for the move of the pitcher from 45 to 60 feet, 6 inches from the plate.

Nineteenth-century baseball also had its share of heros and characters. Cap Anson, who became the first player to amass 3,000 hits, was the primary figure behind the drawing of the racial color line to haunt the game for decades. Other greats included Dan Brouthers, Cal McVey, "King" Kelly, Wilbert Robinson, and so on.

Nemec's book captures the development of the game quite well through his season-by-season accounts from 1871 to 1900, showing the evolution of the rules of the game and the major events of each season. The book is liberally peppered with rare team and player photographs. Most importantly, the book is a virtual clearinghouse of statistics for nineteeth-century players.

Now for a few criticisms. While Nemec's style is chatty, with plenty of sidebars detailing unusual characters and trivia about nineteeth-century episodes, the text clearly reflects Nemec's passion for statistics. Some episodes revolve around debates over batting averages or pitching numbers that occured over a century after the fact. Nemec focuses on his personal disputes with accepted statistics, which is fine to a point, but he gets carried away with his "findings".

Also, while he spends a good deal of time on the changing nature of the rules of the game from year to year -- which is quite eye-opening -- he spends little time on some of the other, more subtle changes off the record books that were equally important. No mention is made of the development of modern equipment, such as masks or gloves, or how this affected the game or led to the changing of the rules. No discussions involved the way in which ballparks evolved, how baseball coverage changed, or how baseball became a truly modern business with expanding numbers and types of fans.

Having said all this, this is the most comprehensive and systematic treatment of nineteenth-century baseball yet compiled. If nothing else, this book's significance may lie in forging the path for other books to follow and expand upon its scope.

This is a book you must read. I gave the previous outing of the Moospath league "Cordelia Underwood" a deserved 5 stars but this book is even better. The storyline has more dramatic tension (If Cordelia Underwood had a nod to "The Pickwick Papers" then "Molly Peer" has a sideways glance at "Oliver Twist") but the characters are as delightful and the laughs come just as readily. I was reading it in bed and tried to read the episode with the Blue Hubbard Squash out loud to my wife but was reduced to side-splitting laughter with tears rolling down my cheeks. A great read for anyone who likes good words, good people, and a good laugh.

I sincerely hope Mr. Reid keeps writing more adventures of the Moosepath League. This second novel has a more serious tone than the first, but the same detail of characters and plot, as well as the same likable characters who triumph in the end - which is exactly what we want! A real refreshing change, in this day of skimpy plots and shallow characters, with text filled up by expletitives. Thank you so much Mr. Reid!

As with his first book introducing the Moosepath League, I couldn't put this one down. It is fun and quirky and totally amusing how the Moosepath League can always find trouble but never really seem to grasp the depth of danger they are in. Van Reid has created a wonderful series that is fun to read. I can't wait until he publishes another.

'Mollie Peer' is the second installment in the adventures of the Moosepath League. If you have not read the first installment, 'Cordelia Underwood', you should do so now.

Once again, Van Reid gives us a charming, funny and altogether delightful romp through historic Maine. This time around the story is a little more tense and fast-paced, but Reid still manages to infuse enough humor and romance to keep the reading light and breezy. Reid also includes a great piece of New England folklore when he recounts the Riddle of the Needle, Rock, and Mirror. This anecdote alone is almost enough to justify reading this book.

The members of the Moosepath League are some of the most enjoyable characters I have ever come across in my reading, and I have complete confidence that you will feel the same.

Another great book by Van Reid. Mollie Pier was even better than Cordelia Underwood, though perhaps not quite as good as the Daniel Plainway book. Let's hope Van Reid continues with more Moosepath books. These novels are absolutely terrific!

This cookbook is great to have on hand when you need a quick reference for everything from measurements to the proper way to set a table. The recipes are simple, easy to make, and always well-received when I host dinner parties!

I use Necessities and Temptations as my primary cookbook. The recipes are fabulous. My favorites are Spicy Hot Crab Dip, Cheese Nut Wafers, Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas, Freezer Muffin Pizza, Eggplant Monreale, Cadillac Chili, Spicy Cheese Olive Bread, Brunch Egg Casserole, 3D Brownies, Iced Lemon Squares, and Longhorn Caramel Corn, It is one of the most thought out cookbooks I have seen . My favorite part of this cookbook is the Entertaining Section featuring Napkin folding, Checklist g your party like how much wine or ice you need for each person, which wine glass is for what, how to set your placesettings, how to set your buffet table, garnishes, and what to keep in your home bar. It also has a miscellaneous section that includes recipes for Kids play dough, silly putty, and papier-mache. The play dough takes five minutes to make and I keep it in a baggie in the kitchen for whenever my son wants to "help" me in the kitchen...he can cut and roll the play dough. You'll get so much out of this cookbook. It's a must for your cookbook collection!

This would make a GREAT GIFT for: teachers, college grads, newlyweds, neighbors, out-of-town guests...the list goes on!!!! This cookbook is for ANYONE who cooks! There are kids recipes (both edible and not), kitchen tips and conversion charts, napkin folding and place setting guidelines, event planning tips and recipes...oh, and I don't want to forget the DELICIOUS RECIPES!!! The Spinach Meatloaf is divine and the Chicken Enchiladas are like "real" Mexican food (just use corn tortillas instead of flour). THIS IS A MUST GET!!!! Pair it with AUSTIN ENTERTAINS (another fabulous cookbook from the Austin Junior League) for a great gift - to you or someone else!

Compiled by the collaborative efforts of The Junior League of Austin (100% volunteers), Necessities And Temptations offers 600 triple-tested recipes designed to be "kitchen friendly" regardless of the family cook's level of culinary experience or expertise.

This book is PERFECT for the beginning cook and a great gift for brides and graduates. Enhanced with a 45 page section of "Basics", Necessities And Temptations offers solid "how to" information on such basic issues as measuring, serving, substitutions, storing, freezing, herbs and spices, as well as a glossary of cooking terms.

From Crunchy German Sandwiches; Flemish Beef Ragout; Crab with Gruyere Sauce; and Rich Sweet Potato Pudding; to Molasses Rye Bread; Butterscotch Custard Pie; Holiday Cranberry Jam; and Instant Russian Tea, Necessities And Temptations is a superbly presented compendium and meal planning reference for any and all occasions.

Compiled by the collaborative efforts of The Junior League of Austin, Necessities And Temptations offers some 600 recipes designed to be "kitchen friendly" regardless of the family cook's level of culinary experience or expertise. Enhanced with a 45 page section of "Basics", Necessities And Temptations offers solid "how to" information on such basic issues as measuring, serving, substitutions, storing, freezing, herbs and spices, as well as a glossary of cooking terms. From Crunchy German Sandwiches; Flemish Beef Ragout; Crab with Gruyere Sauce; and Rich Sweet Potato Pudding; to Molasses Rye Bread; Butterscotch Custard Pie; Holiday Cranberry Jam; and Instant Russian Tea, Necessities And Temptations is a superbly presented compendium and meal planning reference for any and all occasions.

I'm never afraid to try new recipes from Of Tide & Thyme. Everything I have prepared from this cookbook has been excellent. At a recent holiday cocktail party, I prepared the Chafing Dish Crab Dip, and everyone rated it as the BEST they had ever had. I also prepared the Broccoli Cheese Dip, which was not only pretty, but also WONDERFUL!!! One of my favorite recipes is for the Marinated Pork Tenderloins. The marinade is fantastic and gives it such a great flavor. I cook my tenderloins on the grill rather than in the oven. We prepare this quite a bit for tailgating at VA TECH--GO HOKIES!!! This truly is the best cookbook in my collection and I have at least 50 to 75 cookbooks!!!

I purchased this cookbook in a gift store in Ocean City, MD on one of our family vacations about 5 years ago. I had many cookbooks before it and many more cookbooks since. Out of them all, this is my hands down favorite. Every recipe that I have made from it is delicious. When relatives and friends like something I make enough to ask where I got the recipe, it is usually from this cookbook. I have actually bought it as a gift for my mom, my mother-in-law and all my close friends. Thank you Junior League of Annapolis for the best cookbook ever!

I am from Southern Maryland, and I received this gift for my wedding shower and it is wonderful. You really can't go wrong with any of the dishes. An easy crowd favorite is the Strawberry salad, they just rave on and on about it! I have given this book many times as a gift since, because of the great recipes and especially since it represents Maryland!

I haven't made a bad recipe yet. I love the rating of each recipe and the little reviews. Several of my neighbors have purchased it after trying some of the dishes.

As a Chesapeake girl tranplanted to Southern California, I just love this cookbook! Each recipe in the book takes me back to the authentic southern cooking I enjoyed in my native Maryland/Virginia family homes!

The recipies are clear, rated for difficulty, sophisticated, yet destined to become family favorites! And each has a fabulous sense of style that will mark you as a fabulous hostess!

Don't tell my friends in the Junior Leage of Pasadena, but this cookbook is right up there in excellence with ours, and Lord knows, ours are just fabulous!

I absolutely love this cookbook! It is superb!

Being born & raised in Southwest Louisiana, I learned how to cook from generations before me. This cook book is the closest thing to real Southwest Louisiana food. I have had my copy for numerous years and have worn it out but continue to use it. I give this book as a gift on every occasion that is appropriate (& some that are not). This is the only book I would recommend to anyone with an interest in Cajun food. It's awesome! Karen - Lake Charles, Louisiana transplanted to Omaha, Nebraska.

I've had (earlier printing - plastic bound) version of this cook book for at least 25 years. I absolutely love it. Unfortunately, after much use the binding broke and my cook book was a total mess, although I still frequently used it. I actually went online to order one for my new daughter-in-law and was delighted to see it in hard cover. So, I bought four (my daughter-in-law, my daughter, one as a gift for a friend and another for myself). I am delighted with the quality of this cook book. I come from a long line of great cajun cooks (my mom and both sister also have the cook book). I've eaten cajun food all of my life. These recipes are delicious, truly cajun and easy to prepare. The informative welcome to each section is a delightful extra. I would strongly recommend this cook book for anyone who enjoys cooking delicious meals. I will purchase them again for gifts for friends and family.

I think every single woman I know has this cookbook. It's as if you get one after a certain age as a "right of passage" or something in this town. I have this cookbook, my mother has it and my Grandmother had it. We have never ran across a recipe in this book that was not great! Buy it! You will NOT be disappointed.

Octavia's Fried Chicken is the best, most foolproof fried chicken in the world. Octavia: whereever you are out there, thanks for making me EXTREMELY popular!

I have had this cookbook for many years. I first purchased it back in 1977, and it is without a doubt the best in authentic Cajun cooking. My original Pirate's Pantry finally fell apart from many years of use; but, although I recently replaced it, I still have my old original stuffed into a manila envelope. I love this cookbook!!!