Magnolia Table Volume 2 by Joanna Gaines
Magnolia Table Volume 2 – just like everything else Joanna Gaines does – just keeps getting better. I like this cookbook even more than the first one. It is beautifully designed inside and out with 380 pages of amazing recipes that are perfect for your next gathering. The linen cover neatly wraps a bundle of wonderful recipes, each with a beautiful photo (I love that!!). This book resonates with me on many levels because, in addition to the recipes, it’s filled with beautiful quotes and wisdom. After successfully making 20 tantalizing recipes, I can definitely recommend this cookbook for the variety of flavorful dishes that would appeal to anyone. I had a hard time choosing which to share – these are SOME (I had a lot) of my favorites.
At the start of each recipe, Joanna adds a personal statement — for example: “Dessert reminds us just how sweet life can be.” The Dinner section begins: “Dinner gathers us at day’s end, when stories are told, memories are formed, and traditions are made.” I love these personal touches to the collection of great recipes.
Joanna’s Sunday Pot Roast is now my go-to recipe. This is a BIGGIE for me as I don’t change my go-to recipes very often. For someone that has been cooking religiously for over 15 years, I’ve tried A LOT of pot roasts. So, this is me making a statement about how much I like this dish. What’s so special?…glad you asked. This recipe is much healthier than my old go-to, with few ingredients, it’s easy to make and packed full of flavor. The meat comes out both tender and juicy. I have made it twice to date and it has been perfect both times.
The story behind how the Creamy Poblano Soup recipe made it into this cookbook is sweetly sentimental. Come to find out, Chip and Joanna both ordered this soup on their first dinner date. I was warmed by the story and intrigued by the roasted peppers so decided to give it a try — and so glad I did! I love the creamy, smoky, kick of flavor this soup brings without being overly spicy. It was absolutely original and delicious. I will definitely make it again. The tortillas strips are a nice garnish and added to the flavor. This, my friends, is just one of MANY delicious soups featured in this book.
The Avocado Grapefruit Salad is healthy, bright, citrus-filled, and full of flavor. The dressing is a blend of grapefruit and lime juice, honey, and olive oil. I love the creaminess and color that the avocado brings to this delicious and nutritious salad.
Last but not least, the Broccoli and Rice Casserole. This dish comes together easily, has a killer flavor combination, and is a perfect side dish for almost anything. Also, it’s got that great comfort food vibe for added value. I turned up the flavor dial and used smoked cheddar – a choice we really enjoyed!!!
The back cover of Magnolia Table Volume 2 includes the quote: “At the end of the day, it’s gathering around the table and sharing a meal with the ones you love that makes the time spent in the kitchen worthwhile.” I couldn’t agree more. This book is filled with dinner opportunities (breakfast and lunch too) and serves as a roadmap to great meals and time spent with friends and family. What are you waiting for? I am hoping that some of you may have received this book as a gift over the holiday – if so, please refer to the chart below for tips and comments about all the recipes tried. If you don’t yet own a copy – grab yours today!!!!
Ratings:
| 1-3 Could not eat | |
| 4-5 Would not make again | |
| 6-7 Might make again | |
| 8-9 Definitely make again | |
| 10 Make again SOON |
| Recipe | Category | Rating | Page | Difficulty | Notes |
| Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes | Side Dishes | 10 | 170 | super easy | Fast & few ingredients but penominal taste |
| French Lentil Soup | Soups & Salads | 7 | 111 | easy | Improved as a leftover |
| Bacon Leek Quiche | Breakfast & Brunch | 7 | 83 | easy | Use less leaks |
| Chicken Florentine | Dinner | 8 | 225 | easy | Only used 2/3 cup of cream |
| Spinach Tortilla Soup | Soups & Salads | 7 | 108 | easy | Needs more salt and pepper a little bland. |
| French Onion Soup | Soups & Salads | 7 | 114 | easy | Suggest reducing amount of butter |
| Sunday Pot Roast | Dinner | 8 | 205 | easy | perfect – juicy and tender |
| Southern Sweet potato Casserole | Side Dishes | 9 | 191 | medium | Time consuming but worth it for special occasion |
| Chicken Poblano Soup | Soups & Salads | 9 | 113 | easy | Unique – need immersion blender |
| Minestrone Soup | Soups & Salads | 7 | 119 | easy | Make sure to use parmesan cheese it adds a lot. |
| Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple | Dinner | 8 | 233 | easy | Suggest cutting sauce recipe in half. Did not use that much and throw out a lot. |
| Sunday Pot Roast | Dinner | 10 | 205 | easy | Loved this dish. Suggest adding a dash of bold steak sauce to make it perfect |
| Hasselback Potatoes | Side Dishes | 8 | 167 | easy | I adjusted my cooking time because I had smaller potatoes – cook the whole time regardless of the size . Add time with large potaotoes |
| Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread | Breads | 10 | 63 | medium | Adding the cream cheese filling takes pumpkin bread to the next level. Maybe add pumpkin seeds on top. |
| Cranberry Sauce | Dinner | 8 | 265 | super easy | Cinnamon adds a nice touch compared to my regular recipe |
| Avocado Grapefruit Salad | Soups & Salads | 9 | 123 | super easy | Added pinenuts |
| Old Fashioned Corn Casserole | Side Dishes | 7 | 172 | easy | Would be good for a pot luck. |
| Weekend Salmon | Dinner | 8 | 235 | easy | This is a healthy quick weeknight dinner full of flavor |
| Puff Pastry w/ Brie & jam | Appetizers | 7 | 137 | easy | Messy – walnuts best part of the dish |
| Broccoli Rice Casserole | Side Dishes | 10 | 173 | medium | A lot of steps – perfect comfort food |
