Weekend Cooking: Debbie Macomber's Table

Over the years, I've often featured cookbooks written by authors or that were inspired by a book or series. I love that connection between two important aspects of my life.

In my experience, these kinds of cookbooks are fun to read, and Debbie Macomber's Table (Ballantine, April 3), a new cookbook from the famous author, is no exception. This book of family recipes includes Macomber's stories and memories and even relates some of the dishes to characters and scenes from her popular novels.

Even if you're unfamiliar with Macomber's books, you'll enjoy her family-friendly, tried-and-true recipes, which are perfect for everyday dining and family celebrations. Although Macomber grew up in the Pacific Northwest, her dishes span a wide range of American flavors, such as fish tacos, raman noodle salad, clam chowder, and deep-dish pizza.

As you might guess, Macomber relies on easy-to-find ingredients, but they way she uses them gives her dishes a special touch. For example, my husband really wants to try the whiskey bacon brownies, which are a Macomber family favorite. I have my eye on her garden-fresh cherry tomatoes and goat cheese spread, which is served warm. Once tomatoes are in season, this dish will find a place in my house. Sounds like a nice treat for a summer evening on the deck with friends and neighbors and drinks.

Although I've seen recipes for baked oatmeal, I had never tried it before. We really liked Macomber's version, which is chock-full of fruits and nuts and can be assembled the night before. All we had to do the next day is slip it into the oven. So warming on these damp spring mornings. I made the apple cinnamon variation, but I plan to try all her suggestions. Note: The leftovers are good reheated or eaten at room temperature.

Macomber is my kindred spirit: we both love popcorn. Her herbed variation is great with wine after (or instead of) dinner. Next time my nephews visit, we're going to try the salted carmel-drizzled popcorn; I know they'll love it. I'm not sure why Macomber provides storage information; we never have any popcorn left over!

Thanks to Debbie Macomber's Table, I've got my next batch of house gifts, thank you gifts, and Christmas gifts taken care of: pretty jars of homemade soup mixes and home-blended teas for the savory side and white chocolate bark, Christmas toffee, and almond biscotti, for the sweet side.

Other recipes that I have marked are Guinness and beef pot pies, Southwest BBQ chicken salad, baked polenta, turkey lettuce wraps, and strawberry scones (I'm impatiently waiting for strawberry season!).

Recommendation: Debbie Macomber's Table is for you if you're a fan of Macomber's novels, if you like cookbooks that supplement your reading, and if you like easy-to-make and family-friendly recipes. I'd like this book just because it's from Macomber, but I'm extra-happy that it will be more than just an addition to my literary cookbook collection; Macomber's recipes are just the thing to spark up our weekly menus.

What's the downside? If you're vegetarian or vegan, you won't find many recipes that will suit your diet. Check this one out from the library.

For more about Debbie Macomber, visit her website. Thanks to Ballantine for the review copy.

We really liked the following salad. I'm not much of mayonnaise fan, so I substituted poppy-seed dressing instead, which has similar flavors to Macomber's dressing. I also cut the cheese smaller than she suggested. (Click the scan to enlarge the recipe).

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