Friends Cookbook: The Well Read Cook

The Friends of the Jones Library is pleased to offer a one-of-a-kind cookbook, The Well Read Cook. Since its publication in the fall of 2017, proceeds from the sale of the cookbook have benefited all three Amherst town libraries. The Friends of the Jones, friends, family, library patrons, and locals have all contributed their tastiest tried-and-true recipes into a single book that will be treasured for generations to come. This mouth-watering cookbook contains almost 300 recipes — everything from appetizers to desserts. Each recipe includes the contributor’s name, so it’s easy to find the recipes of friends and neighbors.

Pull a toddler into the kitchen and make homemade play dough (p. 142). Impress your dinner guests with your Dead-Vegetable Soup (p. 27). Tell former State Senator Stan Rosenberg what you really think…of his pasta sauce recipe (p. 73).

Cookbooks are available in the Jones Library Front Office and The Baker’s Pin in Northampton.

To whet your appetite, here’s a tasty recipe from The Well Read Cook:

Cranberry Chutney
contributed by Dolly Jolly
The Well Read Cook
2 Granny Smith apples
2 oranges
½ medium onion, chopped
4 c. fresh cranberries
1 c. water
¾ c. dark brown sugar
½ c. granulated sugar
¾ c. cider vinegar
½ t. salt
1 t. grated ginger
½ t. mace
½ t. curry powder
½ c. small black raisins
Peel and dice apples. Grate rind of both oranges, creating zest. Squeeze juice from oranges. Check cranberries and wash. Simmer the onions, water, and the sugars, for 30 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, apples, seasonings, and orange zest. Boil slowly for another 30 minutes. Stir in the orange juice, cranberries, and raisins. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst. Makes about one quart.

Updated April 28, 2023