Homestyle America

Many people are curious what 'American' cooking really is... I myself am perplexed with this, because although I live in America, I'm not sure New York could be considered the 'true' America. Almost everybody here is an immigrant; 1st generation, and onwards.

I came across this interesting article in today's NY Times, that talks about a woman, Phyllis Pellman Good, that has sold more books than Jamie Oliver, Giada De Laurentiis, and Ina Garten combined. She doesn't have a cooking show or book signings at posh bookstores in various cities. She is just a normal, down-to-earth American, that has gathered a series of cookbooks based on what people in America are cooking and baking.

The author of the article talks about that there are those people that love cookbooks that show foodgasm pictures as is usually associated in a glossy food magazine. The writer characterizes these people as ones that eat out '6 times a week.' Well I have to heartedly admit, I love foodporn books, such as the likes of Bill Granger and Nigella Lawson. But I certainly can't or even want to eat out all the time. These cookbooks are not display items for me; they are used, and battered! So I think there is some kind of middle-ground. Truthfully, as much as I am impressed and intrigued by Ms. Pellman-Good's success, I don't think that type of cooking would be for me. I came here as an immigrant, never really associated myself with Americana, so I guess that is why I am so open to British and Australian cuisine, among many others.

But for those that are interested in down-to-earth American home cooking, read that article (quite good reading!) and get yourself immersed in the rustic images of meatloaf and peach cobbler!