Originally posted 4/24/2019
(There wasn’t a 3 month summary because I was traveling for work)
It took me 4 months to finish the Magnolia Table cookbook and it was a really great experience. I thought I was a fairly accomplished cook before I started this process. However, after cooking all 140 recipes, and following her instructions, I have been humbled a bit and have to admit that my culinary skills have a long way to go. Although the last 4 months have definitely taken it up a notch.
I have to say that this is one of the best cookbooks I own. The vast majority of the recipes are good enough to be “keepers” and there are some great tricks and tips that are worth buying the book for. The food is classic comfort food with enough classy upgrades to make many of the old standbys feel like new.
I would like to see more cookbooks include pictures of the process, particularly when there are instructions based on color or consistency that determine the end of cooking time. There were a couple of these that may deserve a higher score but didn’t turn out because I did a “best guess” based on the instructions.
Summary – with added graphs because I am what I am. 🙂
There were only 5 recipes that scored below a 3.
Steamed Artichokes – .001
Roasted Elephant Garlic Bread – 1.5
Meatloaf – 2.5
Chocolate Chip Cookies – 2.5
Mexican Rice – 2.998
There were 8 recipes that scored above a 4.8.
NOTE – I updated this on 5/1/2019 to reflect an upgrade in the score for the Jalapeño Drip Jam. We have made burgers two more times and it is the reason. I wouldn’t change a thing about it, and I will never make burgers at home again without it.
Baked Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil, and Fontina – 5
Jalapeno Drip Jam – 5
Gaines Brothers Burgers – 4.9
Lemon Pie – 4.9
Orange Scones – 4.899999
Mashed Potatoes – 4.89
1919 Pimento Cheese – 4.89
Almond Chicken Tenders – 4.85
Honorable Mentions that probably deserve a higher score
Best Ever Fluffy Pancakes
Becki’s Mac and Cheese
Mrs. Gail’s Chicken and Fettuccine Alfredo
All in all, this has been a very positive experience. It broadened my horizons, particularly where cheese is concerned, and forced me to step out of my comfort zone.
Count of recipes by chapter and average score
