There's also the River Road cookbooks. They are classics as well.

Then there's the one written by Mrs. Carville in Baton Rouge (mother of Fr. Carville, I believe). I can't remember her first name. Tipper, maybe? Great down-home recipes. Just a collection culled from friends and family in Baton Rouge. Strictly recipes, no story, but I use it a lot.

You know, I recently started working on a cookbook. It will be a long-term project though. It will probably take a couple of years. Once I get a couple of intro chapters done, I'll start to look for a publisher. This is the kind of project that demands a "team" of people (food photographers especially). More details to follow....

Mara,

I absolutely LOVE making pizza at home! My kids love it too! Char love it, but feels terribly guilty when she eats it. Something about it being fattening and unhealthy!

Pizza is my favorite food. There's this little hole-in-the-wall down the street from us. Pizza Man. Coolest place. Old jukebox that plays "Puff the Magic Dragon." A lot. The once-white ceiling is now smoke and grease covered. And the smell of the place follows you home, since it becomes embedded in your clothes. I love it! Best pizza I have ever had... anywhere. When I make pizza at home, I take Pizza Man as my model. I have yet to duplicate his masterpieces though. I guess I need to keep practicing.

Thank you for the encouragement, Lorraine!

You're right about not having to follow the recipe exactly. But, I think next time I will grill the chicken first. That just sounds yummier to me.

Also, after thinking about it for a while, I think the crock pot cracked because it was so hot and I set it down on a cool surface. I should know better. I broke a pizza stone once doing the same thing.

Lesson learned... I think!

Good advice, Honey! As a matter of fact, David and I talked about that in the interview. Talking about food or drink can make you hungry or thirsty. Talk like that really is irresistible!

Thank you, Bitte, for your kind words! You are right, food is a great way to keep families together. I am continually amazed by the magic of meals shared with family and friends. God bless you!