Country music superstar Lambert takes fans into the kitchen in her down-home debut recipe collection. Lambert admits she "love(s) eating way more than cooking," and it shows as she pulls recipes from her mother and grandmother, friends, and fellow singer Trisha Yearwood, and looks to her father for guidance on seasoning a cast iron skillet. Most dishes are simple and probably not all that different from what many home cooks already make, among them chicken salad and "old timer's green bean casserole." But recipes aren't really the point here. Instead, Lambert uses stories of food to celebrate friendship, good times, and the importance of kinship. The dishes themselves may be secondary, but those looking for tasty variations on deviled eggs or clever Ziploc omelets for camping need look no further. Gumbo, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, and "Bev's Famous Meatloaf" are just some of the country goodness offered up. Desserts are a Lambert favorite, and in this area she does not disappoint: rum balls, whiskey cupcakes, and peanut butter pie are sure to keep folks at the dinner table. Whether served around the campfire or for a holiday meal, these dishes charm in their tasty simplicity. (Apr.)

Songwriter, musician, and Texan of many other talents Miranda Lambert offers a potpourri of 55-ish recipes begged, borrowed, and stolen from her gal coterie, from Grandma Nonny to Mom Bev, Lambert's BFFs, and even some HGTV-star pals. Stories and associated recipes roll out with ease: Nonny's tuna salad, Dad Rick's lessons about taking care of cookware, Ziploc omelets for road tripping in an Airstream, even a Lion King Christmas. It's clear that the joy of good living and good food are part of every celebration. Lambert's rules of cooking are simple: use what you got, without shame. Prepared piecrusts and ready-to-go puddings are used in desserts like cherry salad and banana pudding. Texan, Mexican, and Louisianan cuisines rule, with a bit more spice: gumbo, migas, stacked enchilada bake, and black-eyed peas (with half a can of Coke to cut the gas) are standards. Lambert's personal photographs, accompanied by anecdotes about her husband Brendan, making a good roux, or her Wanda June housewares line will, quite simply, enchant.