Reviews (47)

Hilarious........
This book kept me laughing for hours on end. I am from the south and had an occasion to spend 6 months in Greenville, Miss. recently, so having been there, met lots of natives, etc. made it even more comical. While reading the book you can almost hear the accent of the "Southern Ladies" in conversation. Gayden really has a way of turning mundane everyday life in the Delta, into one hilarious situation after another. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories and great recipes as well.

A taste of the deep south
I found this such a humorous and, for me, sentimental read. For each incident and character, I have enough life experiences in the deep south to be able relate the tale to characters and events in my past, including seeing ladies examine invitations from an angle to be sure they are engraved ("that beauty-graving is so tacky"). I am going to buy a couple copies for family members who I am sure will love this book as much as I do.

Sorry, but I didn't like it that much
The book was recommended to me by an elderly Southern lady with a great sense of humor, so I had high hopes.
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Subjects:  1. American Regional Cookery    2. American Satire And Humor    3. Cookery, American    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - General    6. Etiquette    7. Form - Essays    8. Funeral rites and ceremonies    9. General    10. Humor    11. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    12. Southern States    13. Southern style    14. Cooking / General   

Reviews (1)

Finally!!!
If your a crazed cake decorator like myself, you are always looking for different recipes, decorating and presentation ideas...finally a "different" cookbook has arrived.
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Subjects:  1. Cake    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - Cakes    6. Courses & Dishes - Desserts    7. Cakes, baking, icing & sugarcraft    8. Cooking / Desserts    9. HUMOR - HUMOR TRD HC    10. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (53)

Lazy Americans are fat
Why are Americans so fat? According to this dope, it's because of fast food. Which is an easy way to shift the blame from ourselves, our laziness, and our lac of discipline and blame those mean corporations for offering us all sorts of alternatives that we can accept or decline. Gee, I wish Mommy Government would outlaw unhealthy foods and unhealthy portions! Then everything would be right with the world; after all, no government has ever consolidated power over its people and then abused them. Right? People shouldn't have to make decisions for themselves! It's not fair to ask us to use our brains and decide what's best for ourselves. Someone else should take responsibility so we can just sit around watching television shows and playing on the Internet.

If you liked "Super-Size Me!" you'll love this book!
I cannot begin to tell you how often I chuckled outloud!While much of the information that Spurlock presents is startling and eye-opening of a seriously disturbing nature, he does so with a healthy dose of comic relief.I believe that this book is something that every parent, teacher, administrator and politician should read and read again.Anyone concerned about what we put in our mouths and call food, especially with the health and well-being of our youth, will want to read this book.
Funny and shocking
Well-written and a lot of research. Morgan Spurlock did his homework on this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Fast food restaurants    3. Humor    4. Junk food    5. Nutrition    6. Nutrition And Public Health    7. Obesity    8. Popular Culture - General    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Sociology (General)    13. Sociology - General    14. United States    15. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (41)

different
The book is funny at points. I expected more recipes. I listened to the audio version, read by the author herself. She employs liberal use of the callback, so much so that she latches on to a few key phrases and repeats them to the point of browbeating. The recipes are sickening. I could barely stand to listen. If those women actually eat that way, it's no wonder they are all saving for lipsuction. If I heard her say "one runningoverteaspoon of vanilla" one more time, I was gonna find her and punch her in the face. Just say a teaspoon and a half of vanilla! The part about her mother having a stroke makes her seem incredibly selfish and coldhearted. Maybe being dispassionate is just her way of coping.

Delish!
The good thing about this book is that it has alllll of the old standard recipes (Death Chicken, Chocolate Stuff) and a bunch of fabulous new ones... some that wouldn't clog your arteries with the first bite!As always, the side-stories and "financial advice" are hilarious and you'll find yourself wanting a ceee-ment monkey.

The Sweet Potato Queens' Big-Ass Cookbook (and Financial Planner)
Jill Conner Browne has done it again. She and the "Tammy's" will take you to laughter city with this one. She couldn't be any funnier!Of course, I love any book about queens, or being the the Queen! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American cooking    2. Cookery    3. Cookery, American    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. General    7. Humor    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    9. Humor / General   

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Cookery    3. Cookery, International    4. Cooking    5. Food habits    6. Gastronomy    7. General    8. Humor    9. Nutrition    10. Cooking / Reference   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (14)

Play With Your Food
Excellent, although it may have been directed toward children, it is a great source of information and pictures for catering and decorating food tables.I use it all the time and marvel at how I now look at fruit and vegetables prior to buying.

There's Always a New Way To Look At Cuisine
Don't think for a moment that the insane food presentation ideas in this book are only meant to delight children; adults I've entertained become hysterical when served okra lizards or pigs carved from citrus fruits. Two caveats if you try any of these techniques: choose the right sized knife, and make sure it is sharp. Another good idea is to have spare food on hand; you'll ruin an attempt or two for sure as you slice your way up the learning curve. Unbelievably Clever!
If you have never had the pleasure of flipping through the pages of this book, then buy it today!At first glance, it is merely a whimsical, albeit beautiful, series of photos.However, upon closer inspection, the expressions on the faces really start to come across.And, yes, I'm talking about produce!This is a great book to put on your coffee table and share with your friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Fruit carving    3. Garnishes (Cookery)    4. General    5. Humor    6. Methods - Garnishing    7. Vegetable carving    8. Food & Drink / Cookery    9. Humour   

Editorial Review

When Jeffrey Steingarten was made food critic of Read more

Reviews (59)

Good to eat
I read about half of this book to my pre teen sons last year. Although they asked me to read something else before the end, they still talk about it. We learned some fascinating facts about food, and some of the chapters were hilarious. Eventually the book bogged down, but I can recommend it to foodies, info junkies, and anyone who enjoy a good laugh.

Best food book I've read so far
This was the best foor book I've read so far.I learned a lot and was entertained.

Best. Book. Ever.
Absolutely hilarious. If you are not already obsessed with food, you will be when you are done reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Essays    4. Food    5. Gastronomy    6. Humor    7. Cooking / Essays    8. General cookery   

Editorial Review

Janet and Greta Podleski, also known as The Looneyspoons Sisters, are the high-energy authors of the low-fat cookbook Read more

Reviews (43)

Some good recipes, but terminal case of "the cutes"
As with their previous book, I suggest you borrow this book from the library before buying it. You will either like their style of writing or you won't.
CHICKEN FAJITA SALAD - BUY THE BOOK JUST FOR THIS!
I just received CRAZY PLATES and made the chicken fajita salad for Memorial Day.While putting this salad together I was beginning to have my doubts.But fear not, this is a fantastic tasting salad and I definately plan on making it again.
great food with good size portions
I'm on weight watchers and I like the weight watcher's take out tonight book but I feel the portions are just a touch small, this book however is great. The taste is good and you will actually get full plus another thing I like about the book its that it not a bunch of non fat ingredients like non fat cheese or sour cream etc... I also like that the entire book uses the same spices so you do not have to run out and buy a bunch of different spices. I've only had to purchase coriander. Plus it gives you a whole bunch of little tips and inspirations on every page. Out of the 9 low fat or weight watchers cookbooks that I own this one is by far the best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Food    5. Health & Healing - Low Fat    6. Humor    7. Low-fat diet    8. Recipes    9. Cooking / General    10. Health & wholefood cookery   

Reviews (102)

Cooking the Books
He shows off reproductions of illustrations for a cookbook devoted to toast, perhaps an extra bonus when you bought one of those newfangled toasters back in 1935.The booklet actually looks pretty stylish, and indeed copywriters in those days put ours to shame, but it inspires predictable hilarity in Lileks: "Ladies, serve toast, and well-groomed twins in tuxedos will want to have sex with you!"
I Was ROFLMAO From The First Page...
and all of the way through the rest of the book.Like previous reviewers, I laughed so hard I had tears rolling down my cheeks.I'm sure my Grandma served up food like this from time to time because I recognized some of it.And I'm very glad she didn't do it too often, you'll see why when you receive your copy of this book.The worrying thing is, I have 3 cookbooks that were given to me in the 1980's (they were published in 1972 and I still have them, I'm 38 now), and the pictures are eerily similar!!This book will make your day.It certainly made a blah day a whole lot brighter.On another note, I first saw this book advertised in a catalog for a different company, and found that Amazon's price is cheaper.

Absolutely Hilarious
I bought this book about a year ago on a trip to read in the car.I was laughing so hard I had tears streaming!My husband kept asking me to to read the parts to him I was laughing about and I couldn't catch my breath long enough to finish each paragraph.I remember my mom making very similar things to this and she had a knack for making them actually taste good. (a gift of hers I wish I had) Trust me, you MUST buy this book!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. General    5. History    6. Humor    7. Cooking / General    8. Form - Parodies   

Reviews (4)

The Neanderthal speaks
I am very flattered to be the Neanderthal she cites in her introduction so I have my bias. I have been reading her columns since they began. She taught me not be afraid to try new wines and to find wines that I like, which is the point of drinking wine. But she keeps my interest - week after week and through two books - with her incredibly witty, funny and instructive style. She's that teacher you had whose class you looked forward to because she made it fun and interesting. Her irreverence for wine snobbery equals her reverence for the wine. Her latest book has all the wit and wisdom in a very organized flow from front to back. You'll learn, but most importantly, you'll leave her pages unafraid of wine. I highly recommend the book and the column.

Chotzi, why aren't you 5 stars or 100 points, whichever comes first?
Another very funny, and knowledgeable, book on wine in a very crowded field of far too many mediocre wine books, mostly cluttered with cutsy girlie books on what is a wine, etc., and isn't a rosé cute, ad nauseum. Ol' Jen here, or rather in snowy Colorado, really knows her grapes and the wine made from them, and isn't modest about describing just what's what. Way to go, Jennifer. Keep up the good work (ethic) and flamboyant language. Some of us appreciate a well-turned phrase as much as a well-turned ankle.
A Must Have for Wine Lovers both Novices and Experts

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Subjects:  1. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    2. Consumer Guides    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Humor    6. Wine And Wine-Making    7. Wine Buying Guides    8. Wine and wine making    9. Wine tasting    10. Cooking / Wine & Spirits   

Reviews (15)

Highbrow
More for when the power goes out.Not a good book if you have to evacuate
A funny and entertaining book with something for everyone
This book is immensely entertaining and funny; it had me laughing and reading sections outloud to anyone who would listen.I've bought copies as gifts for all my friends, and we're almost looking forward to future outages, just so we can use all the useful information in style!The recipes are easy to make and the various exotic options add a sense of adventure and fun in trying them out.I never thought I'd have so much fun putting together a preparedness "five day wine box" -- I think it's an excellent idea. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone -- for the creative ways to make pantry canned and boxed goods into gourmet cuisine, eating well without electricity, the humor and personal anecdotes, the glimpse into the author's hurricane experiences, the do's and don'tsof disaster preparedness, practical lists, and great tips!

not for vegetarians only
I've been cooking from Apocalypse Chow for a few months-even without a disaster-and am amazed at how great the recipes are.The quality of these dishes surpasses other "survival" recipes I've tried, and Robin Robertson's expertise as a chef reallycomes though. The book provides recipesthat use only pantry foods-after your fresh and frozen meats and vegetables are gone. As suggested by the book, I have fun adding canned meats and fish the way I like to some of the recipes.No other book I've seen takes pantry food to such a high gourmet level in taste, healthfulness, and presentation. I'd recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Disaster Situation Planning    6. General    7. Natural Disasters    8. Survival skills    9. Humor / General   

Reviews (41)

You've got to read this book!
I received this book as a gift. There are quite a few books on this subject on the market and this one is the best. I too could not put it down and finished it in 3 days. It's a huge book, a great resource that is well researched and written.. I have a few friends who've purchased this book and really loved it too. I can highly recommend this book.
Good information
Iliked this book.It gave alot of helpful, healthy info. I just wish that it had listed the fiber amount for each recipe. Makes Weight Watcher point counting easier.

Good effort, could have been better.
The good:
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Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Health    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Family    5. Health    6. Health & Healing - General    7. Health and hygiene    8. Nutrition    9. Cookery    10. Diet therapy    11. Food allergy    12. Health & Fitness/Nutrition    13. Humor    14. Recipes   

Reviews (2)

If you really want to know the history of scotch wiskey...
This is the pentultament source for the history and intrigue of scotch...who is "doing" who and how does scotch go from hops, water, and copper pot to the necture of the gods - this is the ultimate source book...And it is written with a sense of irony and humor.Buy this book...if you love scotch you will adore this book.

Great illustrations and zany sense of humour.
Being a fan of single malt whiskies myself, I really appreciate his knowledge, at the same time that I am taken by his whimsical humour.(I am Canajian,eh?) His illustrations are outstanding, and he is a truly inspiredwatercolourist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Graphic Satire And Humor    5. Scotland    6. Whiskey    7. Contributions in whiskey    8. Cooking / Wine & Spirits    9. Steadman, Ralph   

Editorial Review

Throughout the 1970s, as he wrote the "American Journal" feature for the Read more

Reviews (11)

Funny Foodie Confesses All
This review refers to "Tales From The Tummy Trilogy" by Calvin Trillin(audio cassette)
Fats Goldberg lives!
I seriously doubt when Calvin Trillin was knocking out this purple prose back in the early `70s that he ever considered himself a "food writer." I expect no one at the time save the M.F.K. Fishers and Elizabeth Davids of the world even considered that label for themselves. Besides, Mr. Trillin was--indeed, still is--funnier than hell about his gastronomical habits and so was likely slotted under "Humor" in disco-era bookshops--a fate, I'm sure, worse than literary death.I mention all this as a eulogy to how far we've come, category-wise; Mr. Trillin is indeed a food writer and a great one to boot. And even though he's been at this over thirty years his essential approach--*bon vivant* foodie, not frustrated chef or that hideous modern invention, "food critic"-- remains unique.
Wonderful writing and a delight even though much has changed on the American food scene
As far as I know, Calvin Trillin and I disagree on almost everything in government, economics, and legislation.However, he writes so well, that I prefer to forget the other and just remember how much he delights me with the music and fun of his words. This book is actually three books in one and all of them are about food.Trillin writes about food in a wonderfully charming way by using his family, friends, as well as the patrons, and restaurateurs he meets during his journeys in search of good eats.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Dinners and dining    3. Essays    4. Food    5. General    6. Humor    7. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    8. Restaurants    9. United States    10. Cooking / General   

Reviews (13)

Mean
Here's an appropriate label for the authors of this mean-spirited tome: self righteous jerks (see also smug a*holes). Put that in the next edition.

Everyone gets a label, even you "Mr. Man Trying to Avoid a Label"
Funny character sketches matched with quirk-capturing drawings -- a perfect combo.This book can open your eyes to the world of fruits and freaks that surround you.In fact, you may be one and not know it!If you have ever noticed a certain odd type of person around town but can't find the right words to describe them, this book is for you.

Food Court Druids, Cherohonkees and Other Creatures Unique to the Republic
It thought it was more clever than it was.Same goes for the humor. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Character sketches    2. General    3. Humor    4. National characteristics, Amer    5. National characteristics, American    6. Humor / Parodies   

Reviews (10)

A Diet Diary
Judy Gruen just wanted to lose fifteen pounds for a college reunion. In her journey she had to sidestep empty promises and quick fixes. Judy Gruen finally attempts Boot Camp training and when you see her picture on the back of the book, complete with flowered hat, you will know why this quite humorous.
Loved it!
This is a great book that most people who have tried to diet and exercise can relate to.I had a hard time putting it down because it is a great and funny read.I could relate to alot of the things she did.You won't be disappointed in this book.

Funny!
I saw myself in allot of the different ways that Judy was tring to lose weight. I love her humor and I too love that chocolate. You must read this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Courses & Dishes - General    3. Form - Parodies    4. Humor    5. Colleges and universities    6. Cooking / Courses & Dishes / General    7. Gruen, Judy    8. Reducing diets    9. Reunions    10. Weight loss   

Reviews (6)

Cookie Sutra
This book has really cute depictions of various Kama Sutra positions - a fun and entertaining read, my boyfriend and I loved it! The cookie recipe is good too.

Cute, cute, cute
A lot of fun. Most amusing. A prefect gift for a bridal shower or for any occasional. Tasteful!

Brilliant!!
For years making gingerbread houses has been a family tradition at the Holidays.Now we have a new one for the grown-ups!Obvious new holiday gifts too!Bravo Mr. Jaye, and to the Mrs. Who did not ask...-we know why!
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Subjects:  1. Baking - Confectionery    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Courses & Dishes - Cookies    5. Humor    6. Satire And Humor    7. Sex    8. Sexual Instruction    9. Topic - Adult    10. Cooking / Cookies    11. Parodies & spoofs    12. Sex & sexuality   

Reviews (11)

Dangerous to cars around you
Yes. A fine tome of lore.
Manifold Dstiny - A Good Read
Manifold Destiny, how to cook on your car engine, is entertaining to read but practical in application.Imagine, if you will, dining on cajun shrimp in garlic rather than McFast Food while motoring to your destination.Recipes for Thruway Chicken Thighs, Hyundai Halibut, Merritt Parkway Veal Scalllopine or Safe-At-Any-Speed Eggplant suggest some of the haute cuisine which can be tucked under the hood of your car for an over the road treat.Presented with both culinary wisdom and a sense of humor, Manifold Destiny is fun to read but serves as a real cookbook as well.Rather than recommending specific cooking times, recipes note the number of miles you should drive before expecting you meal to be done.What a way to plan rest stops!A sure winner.

One of my favorite books
The first thing you are likely to wonder is why used copies of this book often go for [fifty dollars] or more in online auctions. Here's why. Once having read it, you'd really truly miss the ability to share it with disbelieving friends. I admit, I am biased, since I happen to have the same type of vehicle/kitchen used in the writing and testing of these recipes. If you own a different type of vehicle, your mileage may vary. Sorry, couldn't resist. It's hilarious reading even if you don't have the guts to try it yourself. The somewhat prosiac nature of the recipes, as derided by one reviewer, actually serves to heighten the surrealism. If you're attracted to the title, the book won't disappoint. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Engines    6. General    7. Motors    8. Humor / General   

Editorial Review

Picture a magical, sugar-fueled road trip with Willy Wonka behind the wheel and David Sedaris riding shotgun, complete with chocolate-stained roadmaps and the colorful confetti of spent candy wrappers flying in your cocoa powder dust. If you can imagine such a manic journey--better yet, if you can imagine being a hungry hitchhiker who's swept through America's forgotten candy meccas: Philadelphia (Peanut Chews), Sioux City (Twin Bing), Nashville (Goo Goo Cluster), Boise (Idaho Spud) and beyond--then Read more

Reviews (86)

Super fun
I had a great time reading this book. It made me want to go out and buy every candy bar that he discussed. Sometimes the book gets a little off track into the author's angst-riden psyce, but his discussions about the candy industry and why it is difficult for smaller companies to succeed today is interesting.

I Laughed Myself Silly At the Beginning
If Steve Almond is a candyfreak, then I'm a candywhore. I'll take it where I can get it and I'm not half as discriminating about its origins.
A Delectable Celebration of the Spirit of Boise??
Don't be thrown off by my review title of Steve Almond's "Candy Freak," I'll get to Boise again, I swear.Before Boise, first the book.If you are "he or she of short attention spans," let's just start with two short statements...ok one short and one long...wordiness is a gift after all.You really can't afford in life not to read this book.A Rice-ey girl gifted me this book because she thinks I'm a music freak...though Almond's book is seemingly about the freakdom of all things candy...it's not...it's about people and what makes them so human, so interesting, and ultimately so loveable...it's about love in the end...which is such a worthwhile subject, you can't afford not to read "Candy Freak."There I've said it...now on to interesting rambling and attempted random thoughts witty pitter patter.
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Subjects:  1. Almond, Steve    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Business / Economics / Finance    6. Business/Economics    7. Candy    8. Candy industry    9. Chocolate    10. Courses & Dishes - Chocolate    11. Food And Beverage Industries (Economic Aspects)    12. Form - Essays    13. General    14. Humor    15. Industries - General    16. Topic - Business and Professional    17. United States    18. Humor / Topic / Business & Professional   

Reviews (2)