Somewhere in my photo album there is a picture of me at age three on my grandmother's farm. She is walking close by me as I toddle along with a basket. I was on my way to collect eggs. I have loved chickens and eggs since that summer when she introduced me to the "girls" so when I had a chance to review Jennifer Trainer Thomson's The Fresh Egg Cookbook I didn't have to think twice.

I've been dreaming of my own flock of chickens for some time, but due to zoning regulations in my area it may never happen – but if it did, I'd be able to get a lot of great advice from this book. You see, not only is it a treasure trove of recipes to use with those fresh from the farm eggs, but Ms. Thomson also discusses the basics of how to maintain a flock and what living with chickens is really like.

If you aren't interested in having your own flock then you can just settle down with some delicious recipes that start with the easy, such as Fried Eggs, and move into the sublime French Griddle Cakes or the hearty Sausage Bread Pudding with Shiitakes. These recipes work and many of them are easy enough to pull off on weeknights after a long hard day.

Be sure to check out all the wonderful photography that accompanies the recipes and don't miss the story of Hot Wheels, the chicken. It's a tear jerker.

Full of fun, great food and some valuable lessons on living with chickens, The Fresh Egg Cookbook has earned a spot on my cookbook shelf. I urge you to give it a try.
 
Reviewed By Shawn Marie Mann
© February 2012