What Readers Are Saying

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this charming family memoir and cookbook full of simple, delicious, family favorite recipes. I loved Grace's heartfelt and humorous stories about food and family traditions, growing up in Baltimore, and traveling abroad. The recipes I've tried have been easy to prepare and have already become favorites in our household. This cookbook would make a great gift for a budding cook or for anyone who wants to prepare delicious food with minimal effort.”

“Grace Kenneth Collins has come up with a winning recipe for a book--a tasty blend of family-centered stories, memoir and tales revolving around food, with a dash of clever introspection, all punctuated by relatively simple and appealing recipes sprinkled throughout its pages. The first chapter, on the trials of a two-week Outward Bound journey that helped spark her embrace of food preparation and consumption, draws in the readers, who are then treated to chapters on the culinary highlights of her hometown Baltimore, her journey to Paris and through Normandy to experience the delights of French food, the social history of soup, and the cultural dimensions of Italian food. This well-written debut work may be the first in a Grace Kenneth Collins media empire of books, magazines and a television show, all devoted to one of our favorite pastimes.”

"This book is truly amazing. It is an easy to read, interesting, and genuine account of Grace's journey through life, as well as her passion for food. Not only are Grace's memoirs heartwarming and sincere, but anyone can relate to them. Her ability to streamline her favorite recipes with key aspects in her life is beautiful. For such a young person, she has ventured to so many interesting places, experimented with so many different food dishes, and mastered quite a repertoire of recipes! As a review, I give this book 5 stars because not only are the stories well written and fun to read, but the recipes are diverse and easy! As someone with limited culinary skills, I have tried a handful of her recipes, and all have been a success! I recommend this book to anyone, of any age, and I know it will become a top used cookbook in my kitchen!"

I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the stories. The recipes were excellent. You can definitely tell she really has a great love for her family, and it comes across in this lovely book.

“I have always had a love of good cookbooks, as well as a love of personal memoirs. Grace has created the perfect combination of both with her book "Sour Beef and Cheesecake". You don't even have to know Grace or her family to truly enjoy reading about her and her family's exploits. I'm truly impressed that as young as Grace is, at how talented of a writer/storyteller she is. I truly recommend anyone to add this book to their collection!”

“This book makes me want to share a meal with Grace. I feel like I am one of the family - in the kitchen listening to stories as I smell the aroma of delicious dishes. Great for any age that loves food.”