[Book] The Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook by Nancy Vienneau

This book is more than just delicious recipes. It’s sharing, nurturing relationships, building a sense of community, and coming together. The concept of this book is what caught my attention. I thought it was just a recipe book but when I scanned through the book I was really excited to learn more about this group who actually meets together every month. It reminded me of my childhood. Although my parents very rarely had gatherings, there was a sense of community in the neighborhood that made everything feel like home. As an adult, entertaining at home is one of my favorite things to do. We all lead such busy lives but taking time together to enjoy the company of each other, even if it is once a month, matters. It’s nice to set that time aside and really get to enjoy the company of those whom you surround yourself, whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors. The recipes in book are ideal for entertaining. They are made for groups and also make wonderful presentations. While I love food that tastes good, a wonderful presentation of meals has always been something that makes me happy. This book clearly accomplishes both of these tasks with delicious recipes that not only taste great, but are Instagram-worthy. The Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook includes 160 different Southern recipes and they are all arranged seasonally which makes it easy to find something for the perfect occasion. The recipe style reminds me a bit of Martha Stewart. Each month has a different theme. My favorite is September, which is Burger Power. The recipes in this group make up the perfect backyard barbecue, even the tasty desserts! What’s funny is that the theme for May is Berry Happy Birthdays, which also happens to be MY birthday month along with several family members. I would love to join in a community monthly potluck event like this one! It sounds like so much fun! As the book shares the best recipes they’ve compiled through their own experiences, they also teach readers tips and tricks to planning their own community potluck event. I just may have to try this sometime! Many of the recipes include use of fresh, organic produce grown in their own gardens. While I certainly appreciate organic items and purchase them as often as possible, I am not a gardener myself. It does add a touch of “homemade” to the feel of their community events which I find quite charming. It really teaches the reader how fun life can be when people use what they have and come together to share and enjoy it with others, a concept that can be duplicated in many areas of our lives.  

About the Author:

Nancy Vienneau began cooking professionally in 1980 as a caterer. These days she works in her community promoting local farmers, urban gardens, healthy affordable cooking, and food security. Most Fridays you’ll find her cooking at Second Harvest Food Bank. Her work appears in Alimentum: The Literature of Food, Relish Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, her weekly restaurant column for The Tennessean, and her blog Good Food Matters. Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.  ]]>