I have always liked Linda Evans. From a young woman watching Dynasty to watching reruns of Big Valley I’ve always thought she was the total picture of class, not to mention incredibly beautiful. When I was offered Recipes For Life: My Memories by Linda Evans for review I jumped at the chance to know a little more about her and see just what these recipes were that she valued so much. As I read through her book I was surprised at the tone of it as it felt so easy and comfortable; just like talking and reminiscing with a friend.
Recipes For Life is full of Linda’s memories, wonderful photos, and great recipes. She is very open about her life, her past, and shares with us her great passion for cooking and eating. Her father had called her Bones when she was young because she could eat and eat and not gain an ounce and lucky for her she is still able to do that. Linda loves to cook for others and see the joy that it gives them. It’s interesting to note that Linda never had intended to become an actress. Her dream was to marry, have kids, and make a home. How very different her life turned out and yet she has no regrets. Of course I don’t think I would either if I had gotten to meet kings, queens, presidents, and a variety of other famous people. And along the way she has been collecting recipes…and lifelong friends.
The book is told in little stories and each is somehow related to the recipe shared. Linda tells of her life growing up, her life in Hollywood and even some intimate looks into her private life. She shares recipes from many famous people like Barbara Stanwyck who became a very important part of her life and John Wayne himself. Has her life just been all glitz and glamor? – no, especially in her relationships, but Linda has taken in everything in her life and handled it with a positive attitude and I can’t help but admire her for that. The warmth of her personality really shines through every word she shares with us in this book.
Recipes For Life is part memoir and part cookbook and both are well worth reading. There are about 50 recipes in the book and quite a few I can’t wait to try like Chicken, Shrimp, and Mushrooms, Leslie and Tony Curtis’s Lemon Souffle with Raspberry Sauce (oh my, I do love anything lemon), and last but not least because there are many others, Lose-Your-Figure Potatoes with Cheese and Garlic. Wow, when I make those I’ll do a step by step for you all. If you’re someone who loves a foodie book or memoirs, or, like me, has always liked Linda Evans, then I encourage you to read Recipes For Life.
Be sure to check out my giveaway for 3 copies of this wonderful book here!
My copy of Recipes of Life was received for review from the publisher.
