The Blue Ribbon Cook Book

"The Blue Ribbon Cook Book is a Louisville treasure. Not only does it evoke great memories of downtown Saturday lunchces at Stewarts and The Colonnade, but also culinary traditions passed down to me by my grandmother who considered Jennie Benedict the last word on luncheons and entertaining. While friends were busy playing jacks and jumping rope, I was learning to make Charlotte Russe, Benedictine and dreaming up my own Garden Sandwiches for a real tea party. I am eternally grateful."—Linda Allison-Lewis Kentucky Living Food Columnist and author of Kentucky's Best: 50 Years of Great Recipes

"Three cheers to Susan Reigler and the University Press of Kentucky for publishing "Miss Jennie's" Blue Ribbon Cookbook! Susan gets to the heart of this celebrated character in her Introduction to the book; and in addition to the recipes Susan cites, I am fascinated by the chapters on "Menus" at the end of the book. Today's cooks still have much to learn from Jennie Benedict's honest, straightforward, confident writing!"—Kathy Cary, Chef/Owner, Lilly's Bistro, Louisville

"The University Press of Kentucky has brought back to life the person and recipes of Jennie Carter Benedict, a true Louisville, Kentucky, and American woman who shaped and influenced the way we ate in the first quarter of the 20th century."—Jan Longone, Curator of American Culinary History, Clements Library, University of Michigan

"The Blue Ribbon Cook Book is a timely collection that is certain to bring more than just a bit of Kentucky flavor to the family dinner table."—Larry Cox, Tucson Citizen

"All in all, it's a marvelous read, and a delicious way to revisit the Commonwealth's culinary tradition."—courier-journal.com

"Indeed, if you had only one cookbook in your home, this wouldn't be a bad one to consider, with its comprehensive, concise and easy-to-use recipes."—Sun Herald

"The entire cookbook is charming."—Voice-Tribune

"Reigler gives an interesting picture of the woman who, in 1893, started a catering business from her home."—Louisville Courier-Journal

"The book is a perfect choice for people who are interested in the history of cooking, or for people who crave dishes like the Hickory Nut Cake they had as a child."—Armchair Interviews

"The joys of historical research include unexpected discoveries that pop up as you pursue a topic. . . . One such detour began when I was working on a story about the Kentucky Derby. I read about the famous Benedictine Sandwich, served on Derby Day in Kentucky, that was created by Jennie Benedict. Because of that I bough her wonderful [Blue Ribbon Cookbook]. Her book is rich with recipes . . . just clean concise recipes and advice on menus for small to large parties, luncheons, dainty menus, and simple dishes for the sick."—blogcritics.org

"Jennie Benedict's work defined early 20th century middle class cooking in Kentucky and her legacy continues to be found on restaurant menus and served on home tables across the state. . . . Many of the recipes contained in this cookbook are considered classics."—hubpages.com

"This text will be useful for the novice and experienced cook to locate those long lost recipes which were often passed from cook to cook."—Southeast Librarian