Taste of Home Recipes Across America

Drawing on the tastes and favorites of their fans, the editors of Taste of Home offer up a whopping 735 recipes highlighting Midwest, Northeast, South, Southwest, and Western regions of America. As in previous editions, comfort food dominates%E2%80%94Buffalo wings, Swedish meatballs, cherry pie%E2%80%94but there are also surprises, such as the grilled sweet potato and red pepper salad and a homemade barbecue sauce that incorporates a can of Dr. Pepper. Regional recipes such as a flavorful low country boil from the South, Chicago deep-dish pizza, Tex-Mex fajitas and green chili pork stew, do a fine job of representing their locale. The selection covers the culinary spectrum%E2%80%94there is everything from appetizers like caviar and cheese spreads to desserts like a delicious blackout cake and a bevy of classic cocktails. The majority of recipes are sourced from readers, which sometimes works to the book's detriment, such as when a recipe calls for a pork butt, onions, cabbage, and root vegetables tossed in a pot and boiled sans salt, pepper, or any seasonings. However, the editors make up for any amateur efforts via volume and variety. (Sept.)