Summer Time
by Faith Johnson

     Summer is here and it is time to kick back and relax every chance you get. Time for barbecues and entertaining the kids, family and friends: how will you do it all? Open the door of your local  Rapides Parish Library and find the answer.
     If you are a beginner or connoisseur at grilling, Rapides Parish Library has an array of books with mouth-watering recipes you cannot resist. The Cook’s Illustrated Guide to Grilling and Barbecue: A Best Recipe Classic, by the editors of Cook’s Illustrated will help beginners look like professionals. This book explains the difference between grilling and barbecue. It also has wonderful recipes and illustrations. Barbecue! Bible Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades, Bastes, Butters and Glazes, by Steven Raichlen, is a bright idea book that will help you enhance the flavors of your meat on the grill.
     Some may not want to be outside in the heat grilling, and that is O.K. At Rapides Parish Library we can take care of you too. Get that great grill flavor without the sweat with George Foreman’s Indoor Grilling Made Easy: More than 100 Simple, Healthy Ways to Feed Family and Friends, by George Foreman with Kathryn Kellinger. Other books to enjoy are Betty Crocker Easy Family Dinners: Simple Recipes and Fun Ideas to Turn Mealtime into Quality Time, edited by Cheri A. Olerud. Betty Crocker’s Healthy New Choices is an excellent recipe book for the entire family to enjoy.
     When it comes to cooking and entertaining, Paula Deen is a household name. At the library you will not only find her latest cookbooks, but her latest memoir, Paula Deen: It Ain’t All About the Cookin’, written by Paula Deen with Sherry Suib Cohen. Paula Deen courageously opens up her life experiences to her adoring fans and the world. Meet the real Paula Deen as the lady says, “It ain’t all about the cookin’.”
     In the end let us not forget the best part of summer, vacation time with the kids. Lithgow Party Paloozas!: 52 Unexpected Ways to Make a Birthday, Holiday, or Any Day a Celebration for Kids or The Ultimate Indoor Games book: The 200 Best Boredom Busters Ever! By Veronika Alice Gunter, can help you plan fun activities to keep the children and entire family entertained.
     All of this and more can be found out at your local branch of Rapides Parish Library. Just open the door and come on in. We will be glad to see you. You can visit us online at www.rpl.org  Have a great summer!
     Faith Johnson is a Reference Specialist at Rapides Parish Library.