Review: Melba’s American Comfort – Melba Wilson

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Fresh from the kitchen of her legendary Harlem restaurant, Melba’s, the reigning queen of American comfort food serves up one hundred delectable recipes that put her own special touch on favorite dishes—and taste just like home.

Where do celebrities and foodies go for the most delicious fried chic...

Fresh from the kitchen of her legendary Harlem restaurant, Melba’s, the reigning queen of American comfort food serves up one hundred delectable recipes that put her own special touch on favorite dishes—and taste just like home.

Where do celebrities and foodies go for the most delicious fried chicken and eggnog waffles? To Melba’s, of course! Melba Wilson is a sweet, upbeat, occasionally sassy, always genuine ambassador for the cuisine known for years as soul food but that she prefers to call American comfort food. Melba cut her culinary teeth at the iconic Sylvia’s, the famed Windows on the World, and the hugely popular Rosa Mexicano. Now, as the pioneering owner of her own legendary Harlem restaurant, she proudly holds court in Melba’s always-packed dining room, dishing out lovingly prepared sweet potato pie, wine-braised short ribs, BBQ turkey meatloaf, deviled eggs, and a legion of mouth-watering American classics as well as unforgettable special twists on beloved comfort foods.

Now you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to dig into her sumptuous signature recipes! With mouthwatering full-color photography and a beautiful design, Melba’s American Comfort features the secrets of her irresistible home cooking, passed down from her great-grandmother and other talented generations and given her own loving variations, plus a treasure trove of delightful stories from the heart of her bustling kitchen.

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I buy cookbooks about three times a year with the intention of cooking up a storm, but once I look at the directions – the excitement disappears. Maybe it’s an Aries rebel thing, but I never follow a recipe to a tee. Also, I get overwhelmed when the ingredients listed are things I never heard of and the directions are too complicated for my taste.

My husband & children tell me all of the time that I’m a great cook, but I’m not the type of cook that loves to stay in the kitchen dreaming of new creations. After skimming through Melba’s cookbook while I stood by the mailbox – I couldn’t help but notice Melba’s beautiful smile on the cover. It was as if Melba’s was saying – “Orsayor, Get out of your comfort zone and try some of my recipes.” When I finally settled down from my busy day – I picked up Melba’s cookbook and started to read. The next thing I knew I was writing out my grocery list and bookmarking pages.

My husband laughed at me because he had witnessed me getting excited about recipes and quitting before I started. This time was different – I bought the ingredients and began my Melba’s takeover.

Melba shares with the readers how she got started with her love of cooking. She also shares the epiphany she received while traveling on an airplane in 2005. The author shares her “Five Lessons for Life In and Out of the Kitchen” – #4 hit home for me. Thank you, Melba for also including “The Care & Feeding of your Cast-Iron Pan.” in your cookbook.

The photographs are so beautiful in this cookbook – that it makes it hard to decide which dish you want to cook first. I decided on the following: Candied Bacon, Fried Green Tomatoes, & Honey Suckin’ Hot Wings.

The recipes were so easy to follow. Some of the ingredients were things I already had in my cupboard. That was a plus for me. There’s nothing worse than trying to shop for ingredients you never heard of before.

I highly recommend Melba’s American Comfort! Grab a copy for you & your friends!

Candied Bacon – 5/5

Before Melba: I would microwave my bacon for 3-5 minutes. Her recipe called for brown sugar & cayenne pepper. (In my James Chanel Wright voice) Melba!!!!!! This recipe gave my bacon life!

Fried Green Tomatoes – 5/5

Below is my husband’s reaction to Melba’s Fried Green Tomatoes recipe. FYI: This was my husband first time trying Fried Green Tomatoes. I have made it before in the past but he always turned his nose up at it. Not this time!!

Honey Suckin’ Hot Wings – 5/5

I was so nervous making the Hot Honey sauce for the wings. Even though the recipe wasn’t difficult – I knew the sauce was an important element for the wings. Also, my husband would give me his honest opinion of the sauce was nasty. We don’t sugarcoat when it comes to food. LOL!

The finished product!

My husband’s plate!!! 

I screamed and did a little twerk when I took my first bite – because it was so good. I’m the first person to run to the local wing spot for my favorites. Not anymore! I’m so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone to try Melba’s recipes.

I highly recommend Melba’s American Comfort! Grab a copy for you & your friends!

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