Shining

I was so excited to see an advance copy of this cookbook! The cover image drew me in immediately - the Smoky Mountains happens to be my favorite place, and whenever we’re there we spend a LOT of time at Ole Smoky tasting moonshine. I loved the added bonus of reading about the history of the company and the photographs that were peppered throughout the pages. As a non-avid cook, these recipes seem perfect! They’re not too complicated and range from southern classics to delicious twists with moonshine. I can’t wait to try out some recipes! Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!

Moonshine is a uniquely American spirit, made originally in Appalachia by the first people who settled there, primarily Scots-Irish. Moonshine became legal in 2009 in Tennessee, and this book is written by a woman whose family has the first officially federally licensed moonshine distillery in eastern Tennessee. It combines history and recipes.

The book starts with a description of moonshine history, replete with old-timey photographs and newspaper clippings. The author then describes how her husband, who is from a family with a long history of moonshining, came to her one day and told her that he was going to start a moonshine distillery. Fast forward to now, and their Old Smoky Moonshine distillery has multiple lines of moonshine that are available in all 50 states.

The recipe section starts with cocktails, of course. But the book also has a variety of recipes of a more common cookbook sort: dips, breads, salads, soups, main and side dishes, brunch, and desserts. Not every recipe has moonshine in it, although you will find it in some surprising recipes. Moonshine chili, anyone? The recipes are current family favorites or reflect the southern roots of this family, like spoonbread and pimiento cheese. Some recipes reflect modern sensibilities, like Spring Greens with Fennel & Raw Honey Vinaigrette.

The book is beautifully photographed, both of the Smoky Mountain region and the recipes themselves. If you have an interest in the uniquely American spirit moonshine that has now slipped off its illegal mantle, you might enjoy this read about its history and some intriguing-sounding recipes.

Wow! So many amazing and mouthwatering recipes! Can't wait to try them out, every recipe once this book sound delicious and I NEED to try them!

This has some good recipes but I'm not a super adventurous cook. Many will enjoy the wide range of foods available in this cookbook. More than recipes, this is a history of the Baker family and their life in the Appalachian Mountains. In 1969 Tennessee changed their laws that allowed the production of Moonshine. The family took advantage of this change and produced not only the moonshine but this beautiful cookbook that features their product. Contains 65 recipes. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Loved both the gorgeous photos and the recipes in this book. I have long been a fan of Old Smoky Moonshine and their products - this book is an incredible way to integrate their moonshine into some amazing summer dishes. Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed this cookbook.! everything about it was great, from the pictures of the mountains to the history. the recipes looked so good, the mix of old time ones like ramps and eggs and new ones like blackberry lemonade cocktail there is sure to be something for everyone. I am so excited to start trying them out. its hard to decide where to start. the recipes are well written and easy to understand. I am defiantly getting me a hard copy when they come out! it would be nice if I could order an autographed copy from ole smoky.

A quintessential moonshine cookbook, featuring the Ole Smoky brand history and rich photography. Cannot be missed, especially if you’re looking for different ways to incorporate shine in your cooking and baking.

Delicious collection of southern recipes. Ideal for summer. Easy to follow instructions accompanied with colourful pictures. Ready for summer!

#Shining #NetGalley

"Shining: Ole Smoky Moonshine Family Cookbook" by Jessi Baker is a beautiful cookbook with some history on the "moonshine" tradition in Appalachia and Ms. Baker's own personal history with moonshine in Tennessee. From her roots to her family recipes, the cookbook is both an account of the past and an invitation to taste the culture and tradition of one family's Tennessee heritage.

From cocktails to Southern breads, soups and stews, to the main courses, sides, brunch recipes, and you couldn't ignore the delectable desserts. This cookbook urges the reader to return to a simpler time and to beckon family and friends around the dinner table for something special. It puts a new spin to a home-cooked meal that leaves the reader salivating with anticipation to create all-new entrees to tickle the palate.

I received this eBook free of charge from Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.