Share the Bounty by Benita Long

Share the Bounty is a delightful book—a collection of recipes and brief passages of Christian inspiration.  The theme seems to be “home entertaining with a higher purpose”.   I cuddled up with it on the couch as soon as the kids were in bed, and read through it in an evening.  The calm and inviting introduction made me feel as if reading the book was just as much an invitation into someone’s home.

I really needed this book at this time in my life!  I often feel so much anxiety over guests coming to visit, and I try to avoid inviting others over for meals.  I feel the pressure of things needing to be perfect and myself to be entirely put-together, that I forget what a privilege it can be to invite others into my home and “share the bounty”.

The pictures were visually quaint and calming, though some of them seemed a little dated to me.  I think I would have liked a little more modern influence in the picture selection—namely more modern day décor, centerpieces, and home architecture—though these photo choices are probably very comforting to an older audience who can familiarize themselves with these styles better than I can.

The recipes were very cleanly displayed.  I could prop it up in my kitchen and read off the recipe without having to flip pages, squint, or lose my place on the page.  I enjoyed a scriptural quote or Christian passage on nearly every page.

The book is so complete and visually well-assembled as a recipe book, that it could be on display in the kitchen, instead of on a bookshelf.  I think this book would make a lovely hostess gift, or for family members around the holidays.

I was sold on the first recipe in the book.  I knew as soon as I read “Strawberry Rhubarb Bread” , I wanted to make it.  I was trying to be exotic, but couldn’t find frozen rhubarb ANYWHERE!  In a panic I threw in some bananas as a substitute.  How’s that for a Home-Ec teacher?  Embarassing.

It still turned out delicious!:

You can purchase the book HERE or find it on Amazon HERE.

*I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com (http://BookSneeze®.com) book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.