Tyler Florence’s new cookbook was written for the way I love to cook. My favorite meals are those shared with family and friends, with plates of food passed family-style for everyone to share. Tyler Florence Family Meal: Bringing People Together Never Tasted Better is full of over 100 recipes for comfort foods with a contemporary twist that will make you want to gather your loved ones for a rustic, soul-satisfying feast.
In his new cookbook, Tyler shares what I think is the perfect modern-day definition of family:
“Today there is no single way to define family. In simplest terms, it’s the people you spend a great deal of time with, care for deeply, and trust with everything.”
Tyler Florence is absolutely right – family is what you make it. Tyler Florence Family Meal is divided into chapters based on the different aspects of Tyler’s life from which he draws his own family: his family at home, his extended family of friends and neighbors, and his restaurant families. Recipes range from quick, kid-friendly meals such as Hayden’s Favorite Breaded Chicken Strips, The Perfect Omelet, and Chicken Paillard with Salad Greens and Creamy Parmesan Dressing, to show-stopping feasts for special occasions and holidays, such as The Ultimate Beef Wellington with Mushroom Gravy, and Roasted Pheasant with Brioche, Truffle, Pork and Foie Gras Stuffing. There are also recipes that speak to Tyler’s Southern roots, like Old-Fashioned Pimiento Cheese with Crackers and Crudites, Chicken and Dumplings, and Big Papa’s Banana Pudding.
Old-Fashioned Pimiento Cheese with Crackers and Crudites
Being the Southern food fanatic that I am, I could not pass up the chance to try out Tyler’s recipe for Old-Fashioned Pimiento Cheese with Crackers and Crudites. It was absolutely delicious! The chopped pecans atop the dish were the perfect crunchy complement to the savory, creamy cheese. Now that the weather is colder, I am looking forward to making a big pot of Tyler’s Chicken and Dumplings, or his Lamb Shank Braised in Stout Gravy with Watercress Salad from the “Restaurant Families” section of the cookbook.
Regardless of your cooking ability or personal preferences, there is literally something for everyone in Tyler Florence Family Meal. It would make a great gift for anyone who loves to cook. Tyler’s timeless new recipes will surely be new classics – and favorites in your own home!
