Cooking traditions in Kentucky are still largely oral, being passed down from generation to generation. As a native Kentuckian, I frequently refer to this book when comparing my family's recipes to those that Ross has contributed. Ross provides many recipes for the same dishes throughout the book. Each recipe is cited from which Kentucky cookbook she found it in, or from her own family's recipes. I frequently turn to this book when I don't have a recipe in my family repertoire. Kentucky Keepsakes is essential for any Southern cookery bookshelf and had better be on the shelf of anyone hailing from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. ( )