Top 10 Fun to Read Cookbooks

1. Not Afraid of Flavor: Recipes from Magnolia Grill

This is truly my kind of cookbook. Not only is it beautiful, with gorgeous pictures, legible typeset, and the expected elegant dessert recipes, but it's a good read, too.

2. Gooseberry Patch Christmas

I love these books because every page is visually interesting. They don't like to waste space. Along with the recipe there might be a box with another recipe only it's handwritten with cute drawings. You might also find directions for a craft or a famous quote. Each page is a pleasant surprise.

3. Show Boat Cookbook

I just happened to pick up this cookbook at the library. I fell in love almost instantly. I just had to have it. All of the recipes are very appealing. They go a step beyond the everyday and yet not so far to be overwhelming. The recipes are accompanied by what it was like for the characters on the Show Boat.

4. The Church Ladies' Divine Desserts ...

Here's a collection of recipes for the dishes eaten at most African-American churches. Even more importantly you'll also get to read about some of the ladies who make these dishes. You know these ladies, they're in every church, some are the "movers and shakers" of the congregation and the others give to the church in more quiet ways.

5. Antoine's Restaurant Cookbook

From the age of 9, my family and I spent two weeks every year in New Orleans. There wasn't one trip where we didn't eat in this famous restaurant. Besides great recipes, you'll find out all about Antoine's and New Orleans' rich history.

6. Commander's Palace : A Pictorial History ...

There are even more memories to be found at Commander's Palace. This is where my husband proposed to me. Besides memories, I love the great recipes and the history in this great cookbook.

7. Aunt Bee's Mayberry Cookbook

Who doesn't remember Barney going on and on about Cashew Nut Fudge? That recipe, along with a lot more, is in this cookbook. The true Mayberry fan will love all of the little stories and dialogue that go along with the recipes.

8. Fannie Flagg's Original Whistle Stop Cafe Cookbook

Here's another fun to read cookbook. If you loved the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, you just have to have this book. I'm lucky enough to live fairly close to the Whistle Stop Cafe. I just can't get enough fried green tomatoes and banana split pie.

9. A Passion for People : The Story of Mary Mahoney ...

If you're ever in Biloxi, Mississippi you just have to go to Mary Mahoney's Restaurant. Every dish is beyond fabulous. The crabmeat dishes are just to die for. Not only do you get some of her wonderful recipes in this cookbook, but you get to find out all about her. She was known to be an outstanding person.

10. Christmas with Southern Living

Any and all of the Southern Living cookbooks are worth having, in fact I am constantly trying to increase my collection. The Christmas issues are even more special with tons of recipes as well as decorating tips and crafts. You'll enjoy spending an evening or two reading this book.