Cookbook Essentials: “Pickles, Pigs, & Whiskey”

Happy Friday!

Today, I am starting a new series called “Cookbook Essentials” where I will be featuring one cookbook – new or old – that I can’t live without.  I know I am always looking for easy to read, useful, beautiful…and of course…delicious new recipes, and if you are visiting Fig + Cotton, you are too!

All of the cookbooks featured are a part of my personal collection, and I would never recommend a cookbook that I didn’t love.

First up is Pickles, Pigs & Whiskey: Recipes from My Three Favorite Food Groups and Then Some  by John Currance.

purchase here

What is the gist of this cookbook?
The 130 recipes of this cookbook are Southern-inspired recipes from James Beard award winner, John Currance.

Is it easy to read?  Is it well organized?
The book is definitely easy to read, however, it is not necessarily organized in the way you are expecting.  It is a total joy to read.  You may just find yourself reading it cover to cover the day you bring it homw.  Currence’s southern grit shines through the playful background stories of each recipe.  His  humor is infectious.  And…there is a song he has selected that goes with each recipe.  Yes.  It is that awesome.

However, don’t go purchasing this cookbook thinking you are going to find section on “Main Dishes” and “Sides.”  The books recipes are organized by technique, including Slathering, Pickling, and Brining.   In addition, the Table of Contents is pretty bare.

Is it useful?  
Very useful.  The recipes are sometimes complex, but not difficult.  Currence walks you through the steps like he is standing in your kitchen.  I love the reference sections he has on his favorite ingredients, and his “notes” at the bottom of the recipes are extremely helpful.

Many recipes could be intimidating for the novice cook, so keep that in mind.

Are the recipes ones that you can actually make with products in most grocery stores?
Pretty much.  However, there are decent substitutes for the items you can’t find.

It is beautiful?
Oh, yes.  It could be a coffee table book.  The pages are thick and very well laid-out.

Are the recipes as delicious as they look in the book?
They certainly are.  Case in point:  check out my NOLA-style Barbecue Shrimp and Creamy Cheese Grits.  It may be the favorite thing I have ever cooked, according to my husband.

I hope you enjoy this cookbook as much as I have!