The Texas Cookbook by Mary Faulk Koock, published in 1965 and illustrated by Tom Ballenger. I have to say this is a great cookbook and I’ve only scratched the surface since it came into my possession.

“From barbeque to banquet—and informal view of dining and entertaining the Texas way.”

While this cookbook is not heavily illustrated, the illustrations it does have are great, and reminiscent of the sixties. I have yet to find much information on the illustrator, Tom Ballenger, so if you know about him, please let me know.

This vintage hardcover cookbook is filled with nearly 500 pages of recipes, and from what I can see, some pretty good ones at that! I will definitely be adding recipes from this baby!

And really, the main reason for this post is to thank my friend Mark W. for sending this cookbook to me.  He stole it from his mother in order to cheer me up during these trying economic times I seem keep having (no matter how hard I bust my bottom), and to celebrate my upcoming birthday.  What a great friend!  I honestly can’t that any other friends steal from their own flesh & blood in order to try to make their friends happy during hard times.  I’m verklempt… and I’m not even Jewish!

Don’t worry Mark, I will never rat on you!  ;-)