The Best from Helen Corbitt's Kitchens

Book Overview

Helen Corbitt is to American cuisine what Julia Child is to French. She insisted on the finest, freshest ingredients, served with impeccable style. As Director of Food Services for Neiman Marcus's Zodiac Room, she dazzled celebrities and dignitaries who flocked there for tantalizing cuisine. In The Best from Helen Corbitt's Kitchens, Patty MacDonald serves up more than 500 favorite recipes from Helen Corbitt's Cookbook and her four later cookbooks, as well as many never before published recipes from her cooking schools.

"A must-have for any serious collector of Texas cookbooks."--Austin Chronicle

"Helen Corbitt was of another generation, but many of her recipes live on in the Lone Star State, as do her fans."--Austin American-Statesman

"It says a lot about Corbitt that more than two decades after her death, cooks still treasure her recipes. . . . In Texas, every kitchen belongs to Helen Corbitt."--Houston Chronicle

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1574418130
• ISBN13: 9781574418132
• Release Date: September 2020
• Publisher: University of North Texas Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Good for Entertaining

This book is one I have wanted for years. I have used it several times, successfully. Her tartar sauce can't be surpassed. A wonderful gift for anyone.

Great Cookbook

I seem to enjoy reading cookbooks in the same way other read novels. I found that this book had super recipes. I have been after the Neiman Marcus carrot cake recipe for years and years. Every-time I go to the cafe I just have to have the carrot cake it is my favorite. I always asked where I could get the recipe no one could tell me. I looked inside the Neiman Marcus Cookbook and they only had a picture of the carrot cake, no carrot cake recipe. I tried making the one in this book and it is fabulous. I think it tops the one at Neiman Marcus because it is homemade and fresh. I made it in a rectangle large brownie type baking dish (not a bundt) and added 1/2 cup raisins. It was fabulous. Next I am going to try making the monkey bread in my pop over molds. That sound super too. There are really many many great recipes in this book. I am very happy with my purchase.

Helen Corbitt's ZODIAC ROOM at Neiman-Marcus

The Zodiac Room, at the top of the legendary Neiman-Marcus Department store, in downtown Dallas was my first real exposure to how wonderful food could be...my Mom was an excellent Texas cook, my Texan grandmothers were wonderful cooks as well. Their repertoire was traditional Texas fare...chili con carne, chicken fried steak with cream gravy,cream pies, fried okra, cheese enchiladas and so on...and I loved their food. I grew up in West Texas surrounded by amazing, delicious food.But the first time I ate Helen Corbitt's Guinea Hen Madeira,her Crabmeat Chantilly, her Poppy Seed Dressing, my life changed. Her food at the Zodiac Room was amazing...it changed my life. For the last twenty years I have cooked for a living and Helen Corbitt remains my primary inspiration.I am so thrilled to see Helen Corbitt's recipes back in print. I place her in the late 20th century Cooks Pantheon next to James Beard, Julia Child, Adelle Davis and Martha Stewart. Stewart Wise

the grande dame of texas cuisine

This cookbook reintroduces Helen Corbitt, though if you have lived in Texas for years you are no doubt familiar with her. She became famous as the head of the restaurants of Neiman-Marcus department stores, and many Texans know her through her texas "caviar", hot fudge pecan balls, retro molded salads, fabulous "potluck" recipes, poppy seed dressing, and other Texas favorites. If you cannot find the original editions, this is certainly one to own. You will find yourself using it over and over again.

Over 500 favorites from earlier Corbitt cookbooks

Fans of Helen Corbitt have described her as the 'best cook in Texas', catering to the White House and others - this provides a new Helen Corbitt cookbook gathering over 500 favorites from earlier Corbitt cookbooks and including some never published recipes. No photos but the simple dishes don't need them.