A co-worker just lent me this book after we shared a few conversations about rural Texas life and food. I didn't want to return it to him until I got a copy of my own, as it is a wonderful blend of autobiography and cookbook.

Reading it, I found myself missing the summers spent in East Texas with my great-grandparents. I particularly enjoyed the tales of my family's childhood adventures, and the wonderful smells and tastes of Great-grandmother's home cooking from scratch.

A word of caution, however; those of weak heart (both figurative and literal) should not only refrain from eating any of the foods as prepared per Mrs. Blackwell's instructions, but reading the Chicken and Dumplings recipe in the Poultry and Meat section should also be avoided (it contains rather gruesome, but hilarious and accurate instructions on how to dispatch the entree-to-be).

Whether you enjoy authentic home cooking, rural anecdotes, or simply reminiscing, you will find quite a gold mine in this little book.

THIS BOOK REFLECTS BACK ON THE SIMPLIER DAYS. AURTHOR DEENIE CARVER WORKED IN THE KITCHEN WITH HER MOM TO COOK FOR 9 CHILDREN. DEENIE JUMPED OUT OF A HAY LOFT AND BROKE HER HIP, FORCING HER TO STAY INSIDE AND NOT WORK OUT IN THE FIELD WITH THE REST OF THE CHILDREN. THE BLACKWELL FAMILY BOOST ON HER COOKING. LOUISE DILLOW HAS LIVED A JET SET LIFE AND IS AN ARTIST AND CONTRIBUTED HER ART ABILITY TO THE BOOK AS WELL AS RECIPES.

John Henry Faulk was in an up and coming radio and TV personality when in the mid 1950s when he decided to stand up to those who tried to turn America against itself. His memoir of his legal struggle, "Fear on Trial" tells how he was blacklisted by AWARE, Inc. and subsequently could not work in his chosen profession. Mr. Faulk, with the help of such prominent broadcasters as Edward R. Murrow, Charles Collingwood and Mark Goodsen, hired famed cousel Louis Nizer to file a lasuit against the blacklisters. His victory sounded the death knell fr those who would try to rule through fear, intimidation and innuendo. "Fear on Trial" is a must read for all those who value freedom if thought and expression, for if it were not for John Henry Faulk, Howard Stern, Don Imus and Rush Limbaugh and others would not have the freedom they do today. His writing style is the same as his broadcasting tyle was, simple, folksyand to the point. His recalling the terrible days of unemploable status and the help of friends such as Tony Randall, Jack Gilford (also blacklisted) and others will tug at your heart, mind and soul. I most heartily recommend this book.