Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George recently released their Good Lookin’ Cookin’ book, which contains over 80 recipes rooted in their big family upbringing in Tennessee. Although not in the cookbook, Dolly said she ate groundhogs, a.k.a. whistle pigs, growing up, and it was her father’s favorite.
She explained they are just big fat hogs that roamed the woods, and tasted just like pigs when cooked. Dolly still has fond memories of big family dinners at the table growing up, and how they bonded over meals, unlike today, when houses hardly have a dining area.
Dolly Parton is bringing her childhood meals to life
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Growing up, Dolly had to learn to cook for a big family, especially because she was in charge of the home when her mom was busy or indisposed. She is now putting her culinary knowledge into her new cookbook, for fans to experience a bit of her childhood via their taste buds.
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The 78-year-old was the ninth of 11 children, including Rachel. Even before Dolly was older and tall enough to reach the kitchen countertop, she would help peel potatoes, and turnips and this has shaped her cooking prowess today. Her mother would also leave all she needed to make in a bowl and ask her to make specific meals.
Fans are excited about Dolly’s latest release, which is not music this time. The book has the iconic country singer and her sister on the cover, both sporting similar hairstyles and colorful outfits. “I love good cooking, but not as much as I love my sister Rachel. So, getting to combine the two was a joy beyond belief for me,” she stated on Instagram.
Dolly’s announcement got positive feedback as her followers either promised to buy or mentioned their purchase ahead of the holidays. “Just ordered 4 for Christmas gifts!!” someone exclaimed. “Really happy with the book! Arrived in The Netherlands,” another fan-turned-customer gushed.