Mmmmmmm.  Mmmmmmm. Delicious.  RHODE ISLAND RECIPES, the book!

I’ve lived in Rhode Island since I was 12 years old.  I married a Rhode Islander whose Mom, Dad and both sets of grandparents lived in Rhode Island.  All 4 of my kids, all 4 in-law kids (one originally from Pittsburgh, one from Philadelphia, one from western Massachusetts, one from Rhode Island) live in Rhode Island; and all 9, soon-to-be-10, grandkids were born and live in Rhode Island.

I know Rhode Island.

I know its fabulous reputation for food.

I know its homemade and homegrown products.  I know their traditions. I buy them.  I cook with them.  I love them.

So when I got my hands on a new cookbook, RHODE ISLAND RECIPES – Creative, healthy cooking with iconic local foods, written by Rhode Island Food Writer/Blogger/Speaker Lydia Walshin (The Perfect Pantry, Soup Chick and Drop in and Decorate) AND Healthy Food and Family Blogger/Speaker Jennifer Leal (Savor the Thyme)… well, I not only devoured this wonderful recipe book but want everyone else to know about it, too!

Lydia and Jen created each recipe in this perfect recipe book.  They did not solicit or accept free products from the 17 established Rhode Island companies whose products are featured in their recipes in this book.  Lydia and Jen make sure to let you know that all Rhode Island products are available on-line and/or how to substitute products perhaps nearer to you geographically or nearer to your own heart.  The bottom-line: Lydia and Jen have created a user-friendly, beautifully photographed (by the authors), Rhode Island Recipes treasure chest that will not only delight your appetite, but give you a wonderful taste of Rhode Island’s culinary fame.

I’ll give you a few taste teasers!  We’re famous here in Rhode Island for Italian cuisine.  So what do Lydia and Jen do?  Give us Italian Twist Guacamole, featuring our local, famous Wright’s Farm Classic Italian Dressing.  Seriously, the best Guacamole I’ve ever tasted.  Mangia!

Or how ’bout the easy Slow Cooker Beer & Vegetable Pot Roast Stew, featuring Newport Storm Beer and Wicked Natural Caramel Mustard. This recipe not only rivals my late Mom-in-law’s famous Pot Roast, but brings back memories of each Pot Roast family dinner I ever enjoyed with my husband’s family.  My Mom-in-law Florence Couto is smiling from heaven right now!

And the Cod Cakes with Red Pepper, Tarragon & Yogurt Remoulade, featuring Wicked Natural Mustard Dill Sauce and Rhode Island Red Hot Sauce?  Help me. We in the Couto family are Cod Cake fanatics (OK, maybe snobs!) and this recipe is both appetizer and entire meal.  Seriously, the best I’ve tasted.

Next on my list to whip up is the Baked Clam & Corn Cake Fritters, featuring Kenyon’s Clam Cake & Fritter Mix, Rhode Island Hot Sauce and Iggy’s Chopped Clams.  I’ve used these products, but never together in this clam o’ plenty.  Can’t wait to dig in…

Rhode Island Recipes is filled with recipes that are guaranteed to feed your families and your souls… with a touch of our very own Rhode Island products and traditions.  I will be trying every single one of the many, many Appetizers, Soups/Sandwiches/Breads, Main Dishes, Salads/Sides, Desserts and Featured Foods products recipes…

… because even though I live here, there’s always some phenomenal recipe, or fabulous twist on a recipe, right around a Rhode Island corner. Oh, did I mention that Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free are labeled and designated, too!?

Take it from me – Rhode Island Recipes is a must read, a must try, a must have!

Now I’m off to whip up some Rhode Island Hot Chocolate, with Faux Fluff (featuring, of course, Dave’s, Autocrat or Eclipse Coffee Syrup).  What? Never heard of Coffee Syrup?

Well, get the book!  Rhode Island Recipes!  You will be happy!

And check out:

Facebook – Rhode Island Recipes
Twitter – RIRecipeBook
Pinterest – RIRecipeBook
Blog – www.rhodeislandrecipes.com
Link to Book – www.rhodeislandrecipes.com