Since the 1950s, Junior Leagues have published collections of their favorite regional recipes to raise funds for local community development. Not only have these down-home, family-style cookbooks defined what we now call “comfort food”, they have also raised tens of millions of dollars in charitable contributions and, collectively, sold in excess of 19 million copies. Now, to celebrate volunteerism and the Leagues’ approaching 100th birthday, The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. has collected into a single volume the very best, most popular, and soul-satisfying dishes from over 200 Junior League cookbooks. At one time Junior League cookbooks were better known for convenience-food recipes than for simple, elegant cuisine. No longer. In addition to such authentic American dishes (passed down from one generation to the next) as Josephinas, Country Captain, Shrimp Etouffee, Cornish Pasties, Geoduck Fritters, and Maryland Crabcakes, this collection also offers a healthy sampling of thoroughly modern easy-but-elegant recipes such as Walnut Stilton Torta, Chicken Breast in Phyllo, Bronzed Swordfish with Tropical Fruit Salsa, and Fresh Tomato Tart. And, of course, with families always on the go, literally hundreds of quick-and-easy recipes have been included for such dishes as Baked Potato Soup, Cheesy Italian Supper Pie, Cowboy Cookies, and Baked Steak. With over 750 recipes, The Junior League Centennial Cookbook is sure to become an instant classic and an essential addition to the cookbook shelf.
