Around the Opry Table
by Kay West
Published by Center Street
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at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Linda Lee
Subtitled: A Feast of Recipes and Stories from the Grand Ole Opry
If you like country music and its celebrities, you’ll love this book.
Starting with stars from the early days of the Opry like Uncle Dave Macon and Pee Wee King, all the way to present-day performers such as Dierks Bentley and Trace Adkins, there is something for everyone. You can read about Brad Paisley and Little Jimmy Dickens going fishing together and find out what’s in their favorite fishing supper. Learn what’s in the fudge Porter Wagoner learned to make from his mother, and you’ll need more than a cookbook to figure out the ingredients in Johnny Cash’s mother’s Scripture Cake.
History and food are blended into stories of celebrities being surprised with invitations to join the Grand Ole Opry. There are menus for some of the induction parties and you might be surprised at the food served.
Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Dolly Parton, and George Jones are just a few of the big names included in the book. There are pictures of everyone, if not of the food. Small chapters about well-known performers and their love of food make them bear a stronger resemblance to us mere mortals. Good food and entertainment make for a good experience and this book is no different.
Armchair Interviews says: The stories are entertaining, the recipes enticing.