Cowgirl Cuisine by Paula Disbrowe

Very smart gal-friend, Paula Disbrowe's, "Cowgirl Cuisine: Rustic Recipes and Cowgirl Adventures from a Texas Ranch" not only serves up dishes that will impress the hound-dog out of your friends, but the beautiful photos and warm stories really reminded this West Texas gal of home on the range.

Paula presents some divine twists on country cooking, like her Chili recipe, which includes ground cloves and lots of poblano peppers. This dish is one of those that makes your eyes roll back in your head and your knees weak. There's a salmon recipe served with a beet salsa that's the prettiest thing I've ever seen on a plate, and makes that common fish taste like a celebration! Another very smart gal-friend, Jordana, says Paula's stuffed jalapenos are "The best!"

So if you're feeling uninspired about what to do for dinner, run over to your favorite book vendor and pick up Cowgirl Cuisine. It's pretty enough to put out on the coffee table, but trust me, you'll keep it in the kitchen.

SueAnn