Dolly Parton and her younger sister, Rachel Parton George, discuss their recently launched cookbook, focusing on dishes like potatoes and how they capture the essence of home cooking.
Dolly Parton stands as the multifaceted marvel among celebrities. Venture down one path, and you’ll find her to be an unparalleled vocalist and composer boasting over five decades’ worth of recorded music across more than 50 albums. Press onward, and discover her talents extend further still—she captivates audiences through acting roles, owns a theme park, champions charitable causes, and sets trends as a style influencer. Most recently? Dolly has added another title to her repertoire: co-authoring a cookbook alongside her sibling, Rachel Parton George.
A recurring theme in Dolly’s incredibly varied array of astonishing achievements is her talent for storytelling. This might be what makes her so captivating. Particularly when she shares tales about home, family, and traditions, people tend to pay attention. Amidst the rising tide of celebrity and influencer cookbooks, Dolly alongside Rachel stands out.
Good Lookin’ Cookin
’
is notable for its insightful narrative. It provides an intimate look at a respected family and a selection of recipes that underscore the warmth of home and the close relationship between Dolly Parton’s sisters.
This isn’t Dolly’s first dip into the food world. While
Good Lookin’ Cookin’
In her debut mass-market cookbook, Dolly has written recipe books alongside Dollywood (her amusement park). Additionally, she has collaborated with
Duncan Hines
,
Lodge Cast Iron
, and
Krispy Kreme
And she even introduced her own wine. However, the sibling twist is truly remarkable.
The Parton family hails from Locust Ridge, Tennessee, nestled at the base of the Smoky Mountains. In this brood of twelve siblings, Dolly stands as the fourth child, with Rachel being the baby of the bunch. Surprisingly, despite an impressive thirteen-year difference between them, these sisters share a strong bond. After completing just eight grades, Rachel left school behind to join her sister on tour, assisting with Dolly’s makeup and providing background vocals when needed. Currently, beyond co-authoring cookbooks, Rachel manages Dolly’s business empire through her role as Executive Director of Dolly Parton Enterprises. “Our relationship has always been fantastic,” remarks Dolly. “Collaborating creatively with my sister was truly delightful.”
When compared to Dolly, Rachel tends to be more reserved in conversation. However, delve into subjects like recipes and cooking methods with her, and you’ll see her come alive. Her enthusiasm peaks when discussing potatoes. She shares her trick for perfect baked potatoes: baking them unwrapped, after washing and thoroughly drying, right on the oven rack. Then, she excitedly explains her preferred method of preparing potatoes: slicing them and frying them in a pan using both oil and butter.
Dolly and Rachel have been passionate about cooking since they were young. “The holy trinity in our household was God, music, and cuisine,” Dolly remarks. As children, the Parton siblings used to go see their grandparents and great-grandparents, who frequently prepared meals for workers tending to the tobacco, hay, and cornfields.
It wasn’t unusual to find an array of treats like pies and cakes on the table, covered with a tablecloth to shield them from flies,” Dolly explains. “We were always eager to lift the cloth and discover what delights lay beneath.
Stories like these are ingrained.
Good Lookin’ Cookin’
For instance, consider the skillet cornbread recipe that Rachel mastered at just five years of age. “My mom kept wanting me close by in the kitchen,” Rachel explains. “She prepared everything beforehand and showed me how to blend all the ingredients. At some point, Mom mentioned to Dad that I had baked the cornbread, and he went out of his way to praise how delicious it tasted.”
For the Parton siblings, home isn’t defined by one specific flavor. “Home,” according to Dolly, “tastes like Mama.” Indeed, their mother’s influence permeates every page of this cookbook. During the conversation, both Dolly and Rachel refer to their mother, Avie Lee, an impressive 23 times. “Childhood memories often get tied to particular dishes you cherish and those who made these meals for you,” explains Dolly.
Their mother didn’t have a habit of jotting down recipes, but when Rachel stumbled upon a recipe card for salmon stew penned by Avie Lee for their brother Randy on his wedding day, she decided to make copies. She then framed these cards and distributed one to each of her siblings. “I keep that framed recipe in my kitchen, and it provides me with great comfort,” Rachel shares.
Avie Lee passed away in 2003, yet her culinary legacy endures. Both Dolly and Rachel concur that their mother’s most beloved recipe was macaroni combined with tomato juice, enhanced with a bit of bacon fat and butter—a meal she prepared specifically for them when they weren’t feeling well. “It felt like our mom’s remedy,” explains Dolly. Even now, should any of the Parton siblings fall ill, you can bet one of their sisters might bring over a comforting serving of macaroni mixed with tomato juice as part of a care package.
Apart from their sick-day comfort foods, Rachel and Dolly enjoy holidays. For the family potluck, the essential dish they always have is mashed potatoes. Both Rachel and Dolly equally love this starchy side. Potatoes feature in ten of their recipes.
Good Lookin’ Cookin’
: Whipped Potatoes, Grilled Potato Wedges, Rustic Potato Salad, Au Gratin Potatoes, and others.) “While compiling the book, everyone kept asking, ‘Do you really need one more potato dish?’ We insisted, ‘Yes—potatoes are dear to us,’” explains Dolly. “For us, potatoes symbolize holidays.”
Even though there isn’t a specific host for the holiday celebrations, Dolly mentions that Rachel is renowned for turning every event into something grand. “Going to Rachel’s place is always enjoyable since she pays attention to all the small details,” Dolly explains. “She invests a lot of time and energy into these gatherings. The Christmas tree must be perfect, the dining table needs to be impeccable—every tiny detail matters.”
Rachel draws parallels between holiday entertainment and musical performances. She states, “When you’re performing live, you engage with your audience. Similarly, when I’m in the kitchen during holidays, I aim to connect with the guests sitting at my table.”
For Dolly, cooking serves as an additional medium for self-expression. Instead of adhering strictly to recipes, she prefers to wing it. As Dolly puts it, “My approach to cooking mirrors Mama’s style: add some of this and a bit of that.” Rachel exhibits considerable creativity when cooking; however, she ensures her dishes will be delicious as well. Unlike me, she maintains neatness in the kitchen.
Preparing meals is akin to composing a song,” Dolly remarks, highlighting how these activities frequently complement each other. “Many of my finest tunes were conceived as I crafted delicious dishes, and conversely, enhancing my writing skills also improves my culinary creations.
Musical Taste
We requested Dolly and Rachel to match timeless Dolly tunes with dishes from their cookbook.
Good Lookin’ Cookin’.
Jolene: Spicy Chicken Wing Dip Served with Celery Sticks
“Oh, go for something spicy—the Hot Wing Dip,” Rachel suggests. “That lady was simply craving my husband, Carl Thomas Dean. There’s no recipe for Carl in the cookbook, but he definitely stars in the song,” Dolly explains.
9 to 5: Beloved Family Meat Loaf Recipe
Meatloaf is perfect for this since you can prepare it on a Sunday and just pop it into the oven once you return home the following day,” Rachel explains. “Plus, you could also pack it in a sandwich for lunch at your workplace!
Coat of Many Colors: Salad of Many Colors
“It must be the
Slaw of Many Colors
the purple slaw along with the tomatoes and all these various hues,” Dolly remarks. “It brings back memories of Mama and her tiny coat.
I Will Always Love You: Ignite My Flame with Banana Foster
“Our Banana Foster dish, as I’ll forever be fond of this recipe,” Rachel mentions. “Perhaps I ought to rewrite that tune: ‘I’ll Forever Enjoy Eating It,’” responds Dolly.
My Tennessee Mountain Home: Crispy FriedChicken withGravy
Dolly mentions, “In the summertime, Mama would often prepare fried chicken, which was one of our favorites. A meal consisting of roasted chicken along with mashed potatoes and green beans—there’s really nothing better than that.”
Get Your Hands on “Good Lookin’ Cookin'” Now!
Credits
Talent
Dolly Parton
and Rachel Parton George
Text By
Ariel Knutson
Photos By
Jim Wright
Video By
Noz Entertainment
, Rebecca Guthrie, Mike Cunliffe
Produced By
Laura Ellefson,
Victoria Heydt
,
Lindsey Hayes
,
Ashley Kappel
,
Melissa Knific
,
Jason Sheeler
Wardrobe Designer
Steve Summers
Hair Stylist (Dolly)
Cheryl Riddle
Hairstylist and Cosmetics Artist (Rachel)
Jessica Candage
Food Stylist
Sara Mellas
Prop Stylist
Vance Nichols
Location
Noz Entertainment
Read the initial article on
All Recipes
.
