Disclosure: I was given an advance copy of Love Welcome Serve to review. All opinions are my own.
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There’s a giveaway, y’all. (NOW CLOSED)
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CONGRATULATIONS TO REAGAN! EMAIL ME YOUR MAILING ADDRESS, ETC.
“Intentional kitcheoning”. Coined by Amy Nelson Hannon in her inaugural cookbook, this phrase is at the heart of Love Welcome Serve. It says, “Come. Pull up a place at our table and let’s enjoy this time together. Sit and enjoy a meal with my family.” And that’s just what Amy wants to convey. She feeds people because as she so warmly says in the first few lines of the introduction, “I believe with all of my heart that people who are cooked for feel cared for.”
This way of life — of loving, feeding and caring for people — was modeled for Amy through her grandmother, Euna Mae, the namesake for Amy’s kitchen specialty store in Springdale, Arkansas. I have to be honest and tell you that I adore this store. After all, y’all, I am a foodie which means I’m drawn to pots and pans, knives and measuring spoons rather than the latest fashion trends. Give me a hand-turned wooden spoon any day.
The same quality, design and sincerity displayed in Euna Mae’s runs throughout Love Welcome Serve. It’s not just a cookbook. It’s an invitation to join Amy and her family at the dinner table. In fact, you’ll feel so much a part of the Hannon family, you may just find yourself being handed an apron and told to stir a pot or two.
You’ll read it cover to cover before you ever try a recipe. You’ll want to know Amy’s hints, but more importantly, you’ll want to learn her stories of being a pastor’s wife, a mom of three, and an accidental entrepreneur. She’s a natural. She’s the real deal. Her mission is to serve you up a whole big heaping of loving, serving and welcoming. And you’re gonna’ fall in love with this cookbook just as you’re gonna’ fall in love with Amy Hannon.
Her recipes are ones you and your family will try and enjoy time and again. Trust me. I already have. In my segments on THV, I have shared variations of some we have enjoyed from her Cooking Today segments on KNWA in Northwest Arkansas. (You can find those on youtube.com, HERE.)
In the introduction Amy entitled “My Heart,” she shares the story of why she feeds people and her hopes of encouraging you to create memories with those you invite to your table or to whom you share a pot pie at their own. In “A Few Things About a Few Things,” she shares some basic tenets—why you really should use REAL lemon juice rather than the pretend stuff and why shredding your own cheese really is important. (You’ve heard me say the same thing over and over, right?)
Bites That Welcome, the first of the recipe chapters, welcomes readers to open up their homes with some Hannon family-approved treats. Aunt Lori’s Cheese Ball and Creamy Chipped Beef Dip are two I plan to try over the holidays. Toasted Coconut and Bacon Popcorn sounds A.M.A.Z.I.N.G, doesn’t it? I mean. There’s bacon, y’all. Due to my current diet plan, I’ll avoid making the Texas Firecrackers because I already know they are absolutely addictive, but you go ahead and eat my share! And make up several batches to share just as Amy would do.
Photo courtesy of Amy Nelson Hannon and Euna Mae’s.
Pickles, Tossed and Chilled, Meats, Mains, and Sturdy Soups follow with such temptations as Lemon Poppy Seed Fried Chicken Salad and Amy’s Signature Shrimp and Grits. Sorry Sam. Hubby’s smoked pork is just too good to switch to yours. It’s a small sacrifice, I know.
You’ll find some of my personal favorites in Comforts and Casseroles: Baked Southern Reuben Sandwiches, Kitchen Sink Frittata and Creamy Bacon Spinach Ravioli.
Photo courtesy of Amy Nelson Hannon and Euna Mae’s
Probably my favorite chapter, and it’s hard to pick a favorite, is Serve Alongsides ‘cause you know I seriously love making and eating sides. Be sure you check out Sam Hannon’s grandmother’s Johnson County Biscuits. Can’t wait to make those! And in For the Love of Sweets, what’s not to love? If you’re sweet tooth has a hankering, give Euna Mae’s Peach Fried Pies a try. Is there anything more Southern, y’all?
Try the one included here for her White Chicken Chili with Cilantro and Lime or one of the ones we’ve already come to love: Roaster Red Pepper-Pimento Cheese, Fajita Guacamole Burgers, or Aunt Nance’s Jalapeño Corn Casserole.
Yes, I do know Amy personally. However, I was asked to do this review totally independently by the publishing company which had no idea that I knew her. It was total coincidence. Honest. I am absolutely thrilled to do it because this is one quality book. It’s beautifully presented–including Amy’s own photography and food styling. (If you’re a foodie food blogger, you KNOW how difficult that can be.) More than that, however, it’s sure to become a treasured member of your library.
It will be one you will use over and over. And you’ll be buying copies for those you love. Just as I have already done.
You can do that now, of course. They are available online through Euna Mae’s and Amazon. Don’t just take my word for it. Order yours today. You can thank me later.
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Amy Nelson Hannon: White Chicken Chili with Cilantro and Lime
Notes
A few shortcuts can make this recipe an even bigger winner: Use deli rotisserie chicken and chopped jalapeños from a jar.
Resist the urge to buy pre-shredded cheese and just shred your own. It'll melt beautifully into the stock for the best chili ever!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or additional chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf, broken in half
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 14-ounce cans whie beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 Jalapeño peppers, minced
- 4 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- salt
- Juice of 3 limes
- 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
- Original toppings: chopped fresh tomatoes, chopped green onions, sliced avocado, sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and saute until tender and just starting to get color.
- Add the garlic, oregano, cumin and ginger. Cook for another minute.
- Stir continuously so the garlic doesn't burn.
- Add the stock, wine (if using) and bay leaf.
- Cook 5 minutes, or until somewhat reduced.
- Stir in the chicken, beans and jalapeños.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn the heat down to low and add the cheese, a little at a time, stirring until melted.
- Add the pepper and taste; add salt if needed.
- Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf halves before serving with all your favorite toppings.
Intentional kitcheoning. Amy’s heart. She wants you to gather your people around the table. Share a meal together. Cook together. Pray together. Love together. And do the same for others you know and those you need to know.
Thanks Hachette Book Group for giving me the honor and pleasure of sharing the joy of this cookbook with my readers, friends and family. It was a a real pleasure.
Find my version of Amy’s Grilled Chicken Stacks I did for THV11 This Morning HERE.
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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Now for the really good news — I’m giving away a copy of Amy’s Love Welcome Serve so you can enjoy a copy on me. Like I said, I’m confident it will become one of your kitchen treasures. ENTER the giveaway by leaving a comment below on why you’d like to receive a copy. You can be entered a second time by commenting on my Dining With Debbie Facebook page letting me know which of Amy’s recipes on her blog or from her Cooking Today show you are anxious to try or have already tried.
Sharing this Tweet earns you a 3rd entry. Be sure to leave me a comment telling me you shared.
[Tweet “It’s a #GIVEAWAY! 4 @AmyNelsonHannon’s Love Welcome Serve cookbook. Enter @ https://diningwithdebbie.net/2017/11/11/amy-nelson-hannon-love-welcome-serve-giveaway/]
The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on November 18, 2017.
After meeting her in person, she truly conveys the spirit of her cookbook.
Isn’t it the truth. She’s the real deal. Good luck:)
I need this cookbook and can’t wait for you to email me and say “You Won” . LOL
I love unique cookbooks and I collect cookbooks to pass along to my daughters. I can’t wait to try the “For The Love of Sweets” and “Serve Alongs”! I can already tell that this cookbook is gonna be a best seller! God Bless and Happy Cooking 🙂
Good luck! It’s a beautiful book.
Wooden spoons are amazing. Definitely use the recipes to cook for my family
I have someone nearby who makes them. Getting a few of those would make such a nice Christmas gift. Hint. Hint—someone needs to tell Hubby. Good luck!
I love cookbooks. I am one of those people who like to sit down and read them.
You know, I do the same thing. I read them like others read novels. Thanks for stopping by and good luck! Head on over to Instagram and comment for an additional entry. Come back soon:)
I am on the search for good cookbooks, and this looks like it fits the bill! Thank you so much for sharing! I would love to hear the stories Amy has to share as my husband is also in ministry, not a pastor but perhaps one day if the Lord wills. Food is such a grand ministry opportunity, fellowship and good food go hand in hand so often!
When we are in NWA, we attend the same church where Sam serves as one of the teaching pastors. He’s just wonderful…I guess that trait runs in the family. Good luck! Thanks for stopping by.
I would love to have Amy’s cookbook. I’m a little bit of a fan girl. There is so much I can learn from her.
I’m in there with ya’ girlfriend:)
My BFF is a foodie. Her gift is trying new recipes and serving others. Great gift for her!
Well, good luck with the giveaway. Your friend will love you forever if you win this one!
I love you blog and I love and collect cookbooks, so I would love to have a copy!
You are so kind. Thanks so much. Good luck with the giveaway; it’s a great one to have.
I love cookbooks, they are my favorite kind of books. I read them from front to back several times. I have a small collection of them, that I keep adding to every chance I get. This book would be a great addition to my collection.
Me, too. I read them like novels. I really need to donate more of mine to the library. Good luck!
Hi Debbie, I would love to have a copy of this cookbook. I believe I would read it cover to cover at one sitting. Love your blog!
Thank you so much:) Good luck. You’ll love the book.
Hi Debbie!!! I don’t need to be entered in the giveaway… just wa red to send you a note! What a great review! It makes ME want to cook… and YOU KNOW THATS NOT SOMETHING I AM GUFTED AT! I honestly wish I could be the person who feels comfy inviting people in and serving them a home cooked meal! Never ever have felt comfy doing this!!! Is it too late in my GOLDEN YEARS?!!
I miss you guys! You need to come down for a visit and we could head on over to Euna Mae’s. You really do need this cookbook. It’s absolutely delightful:) PS Not a single squirrel recipe in the book!
What NOOOO SQUIRREL recipes?!?? How can this be?
I know! I’ll have to speak to her about that:)
Yikes I AM ALSO NOT “GUFTED” AT TYPING REPLIES!!!! Sorry for above typos!!
Too funny!
What an awesome review! I would love to win the cookbook! I love Euna Mae’s and cooking and need some new recipes to make for my growing family! 🙂
Thanks, Sweetness:) Good luck on the giveawy. How’s our baby boy?
Im a student at the U of a, and enjoyed my trip out to Euna Maes so much. I purchased the keepsake cookbook/journal and have fallan in love with trying new recipes to put in it. I have since studied cuisine in italy, and will be studying cuisine for 5 months in Spain this spring. This Arkansas girl would love to practice some of Amy’s southern cooking to help with the homesick feelings and connect with my host family in Spain.
Congratulations! You’ve won the cookbook! Email me your mailing address, full name, etc. diningwithdebbieblog@gmail.com
I’d love obe her cookbooks! She’s amazing!
The #1 reason why I want her cookbook? Because I LOVE my NWA peeps! #2 um, gorgeous glorious food!
Good luck! Thanks for always being so supportive.
What a great cookbook and review. The White Chicken Chili looks delicious, I would love to have this cookbook. Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for the review.
Miz Helen
So good to her from you. It’s been a while! Hope you are doing well. You would adore this cookbook.
Love cooking for my family and friends. Nothing makes me happier than having everyone around my kitchen and them eating/loving my food. Amy’s book sounds amazing and would love to have it become part of my collection!
Have you been to EunaMae’s? If not, we should get with our “best friend” and head that way!
I follow Amy on social media and I just adore her. I started watching her cooking show and love her heart for hospitality. I’d love to read her cookbook and would really enjoy trying her Southern recipes.
Her shows are addictive for sure:) She has such personality; she’s immediately your best friend.
Even though my mother had a Home Ec degree, she taught me nothing. What I learned was the hard way. Yet, I learned to feed my family a mix of good/nutritional meals. With children grown, I’ve been in a lull. I’ve decided though to become a born anew cook, starting with the holidays. This author obviously loves what she’s doing. I want to catch what she’s got!!!
Think maybe we could get Amy to take us on to raise????
You can never have enough good cookbooks–especially when recommended by more than one good cook! Thanks for the opportunity!
You best!
This makes me want to make that soup and grab that cookbook.. VERY PRETTY!!!!!! Would love some new recipes 🙂
It would be perfect for your busy, growing family. Need to see you — it’s been like FOR. EV. ER!
I’d love this cookbook because of its variety of heritage and home-tested recipes.
Don’t we all love those? You just know her recipes are going to be family favorites.
Amy’s presentation was one of my favorite sessions of our conference. It is obvious that she loves cooking for people. I’d love to win her cookbook.
She’s a lovely person, and I love the way she focuses on her family and sharing with others.
This cookbook looks AMAZING!!! Definitely a must-have 😉
She did such a good job. I’m a tad bit jealous of her food photo talent:) Good luck.
How cool! That white chili recipe would be a hit at my house for sure!
You just know it! It’s been too long. We need a visit:) Happy Thanksgiving.
You just know it’s delicious!
I commented earlier, but don’t see my comment! I am a student at the U of A. I bought a Keepsake Kitchen Diary at Euna Mae’s and love to add new recipes too it. I am hoping to get this cookbook to share some southern recipes with my new Spanish host family this Spring!
I also commented on the FB and shared on twitter:)
That’s awesome:) thanks so much for sharing and for stopping by. Good luck with the giveaway:)
Thanks for stopping by and entering. Best wishes:)
Sounds like a great book. I just love trying out new recipes!
I think you would really enjoy it. Good luck:)
I love to try new recipes, and this book lokks like it has many good new ones to try!
I tweeted as @juanitamay67
I commented on your facebook page.
I love new recipes to try.