I’ve
never been a huge Elvis Presley fan—his peak fame came a bit too early in my
life for me to fully appreciate the King in his prime. But comfort food cookbooks?
Those are my weakness, and The Elvis Presley
Cookbook; Fun Facts and Simple Southern Comfort Recipes Fit for a King
completely won me over.
This charming book is packed with nearly 100 hearty, nostalgic recipes straight
from Elvis's table—think iconic Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches, Pork Chops
with Sauerkraut, Split Pea Soup, Tomato Fritters, fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits,
Tennessee Jam Cake, and even Chocolate Soda. It's more than just recipes; it's
a backstage pass to Graceland, loaded with Elvis trivia, personal stories from
his cooks, fun facts (like how he preferred meatloaf over steak because it was
quicker to eat, or his holiday ham salad request while serving guests turkey),
and what he always kept stocked (Oreos, Pepsi, and chocolate/vanilla ice
cream). There are recreated menus for special occasions, like his wedding
reception or the Beatles' visit, so you can host a full "Elvis" meal.
The layout is delightfully vintage and comforting—just flipping through it
feels like a warm hug. Most recipes have colorful food photos, plus tons of
black-and-white shots of Elvis, movie stills, and even contributions from
former staff. The recipes themselves are simple, budget-friendly, and
straightforward—no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Perfect for
novices or seasoned cooks craving classic American comfort: fried dishes,
casseroles, rich desserts, and family-style Southern flavors from the 1950s and
beyond.
Nothing groundbreaking here, and that's exactly the point—these are timeless,
hearty dishes meant for everyday eating and sharing. I can't imagine a single
one I wouldn't love, and I plan to cook my way through the whole book. For me,
the nostalgia, insights into Elvis's life, and pure comfort-factor make it a
winner. Elvis superfans will go wild, but even casual fans of vintage Americana
or food history will find it irresistible.
A wonderful tribute that's as much cultural keepsake as cookbook. 4 out of 5 stars.
It’s scheduled for publication on July 7th; you can pre-order your copy here.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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