Gooseberry Patch

Classic Church Potluck Recipes is a 2022 Gooseberry Patch publication.

I checked this book out of the library on a whim -thinking I might find some older recipes I remembered from the church potlucks I enjoyed as a child- or maybe some dishes my grandmother used to cook.

This cookbook- or compilation of recipes reminds me of the cookbooks I have purchased- or inherited- over the years as part of a church fundraiser. The concept is a simple one: The church members who wish to participate each donate a recipe- in the usual categories- soups, breads, salads, main dishes, desserts, etc. Volunteers organize the cookbook and raise money for teen activities or other equipment the church needs.

These recipe books rarely include photos as the recipes are collected from many different individuals and is not professionally published for sale in bookstores or online. This cookbook is exactly like that. It’s a compilation of recipes donated by different people, from different locations in the United States and Canada.

These recipes are old school- or classic- as the title says- no gluten free- sugar free- fat free recipes- or the mention of the various ways we cook now- microwaves, air fryers, pressure cookers, and all that. Be aware of the ingredients- which might not be a great fit for watching their calories or fat intake….

But…

These recipes scream comfort food, and pleasant feelings of nostalgia, too They are perfect for church potlucks- but also for picnics and family reunions- or smaller gatherings- for clubs or other types of meetings. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, budget conscious, and the recipes are not complicated.

Overall, a nice comforting cookbook that brings back memories. That said, many of the recipes still show up at big family and church gatherings. It would be very easy to substitute ingredients for a healthier version in most cases. Some of my favorite recipes come from the church cookbooks I’ve collected or inherited over the years. They aren’t gourmet with slick color photos- but they are dishes that bring back some of my fondest memories.

3 stars… (meer)