The following is a book review by Beatles expert and author Jude Southerland Kessler:
“It was 50 years ago today….” Yep, you’ll be singing that tune over and over this coming year as the 50th anniversary of all-things-Beatle swings around! Fifty years since the lads landed at JFK (7 Feb. 2014) and fifty years since they sang on The Ed Sullivan Show and fifty years since the 1st American Tour…THIS is the Golden Anniversary!
And to celebrate that momentous year-long event, Lanea Stagg has created a Beatles cookbook that plies witty titles (John), down-to-earth recipes (Ringo), inspired art (George), and fan-friendly facts (Paul) about the Fab Four to supply a year of Beatle-themed recipes for the gala.
One of the jewels you’ll find inside this collector’s book is a recipe for Scouse, the traditional dish of Liverpool that gives residents of the city their nickname, “Scousers.” The stew-like dish is served up by Liverpool author, Dave Bedford (who wrote Liddypool) along with a very interesting history of the dish as a side!
Stagg also offers a special truffle recipe in honor of each Beatle! And yes, before I peeked inside the book, I knew John’s would be a lemon tart! (One day people will discover his lovable, cream-filled centre and be pleasantly surprised.) George’s truffle is filled with recipe for “a smooth, mellow coffee,” and Ringo’s is “a raspberry nut.” Paul’s truffle, appropriately, is “a sweet cherry cream.” And these great candies are just as fab-tastic as they are easy to make. Wow your friends and salute the boys from Liverpool!
Also, within the pages of this book, you’ll not only learn to make “Stuffed Sgt. Peppers” and “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Slaw,” but you’ll also glean great trivia about Beatles songs (such as a complete list of all songs with proper names in the titles). And the recipes aren’t complicated or chockfull of ingredients that only kitchen-gurus have! They are recipes that families can make and enjoy together!
“Do You Want to Know a Secret?” I even shared my mom’s treasured “Strawberry Pie Forever” recipe with Lanea, and Maxine (my mom) gives that dee-lush-ious pastry and fruity delight to No One! As my uncle used to say, “This pie is eulogizing!” (which translated means “to die for.”)
Unlike Stagg’s other books, this book does not feature a “Suggested Play List” to the recipes because if you just put on a Beatles album (or CD or IPOD selection) and play, you’re good to go! But Stagg does include a condensed history of Beatles songs (for example “Sun King’) and a synopsis of all 5 of The Beatles’ movies.
All in all, RECIPRE RECORDS: A CULINARY TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES is a collection of 50 great recipes, stories, histories, and facts for the Golden Anniversary of the lads…and the fans as well.
RUSH to www.reciperecordscookbook.com and get a copy of this unique collector’s book while the party is still going strong!








