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Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Food & Cookbooks (2020)Following the launch of her #1 New York Times bestselling cookbook, Magnolia Table, and seeing her family’s own sacred dishes being served on other families’ tables across the country, Joanna Gaines gained a deeper commitment to the value of food being shared. This insight inspired Joanna to get back in the kitchen and start from scratch, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone to develop new recipes for her family, and yours, to gather around.
Magnolia Table, Volume 2 is filled with 145 new recipes from her own home that she shares with husband Chip and their five kids, and from the couple’s restaurant Magnolia Table, Silos Baking Co, and new coffee shop, Magnolia Press. From breakfast to dinner, plus breads, soups, and sides, Magnolia Table, Volume 2 gives readers abundant reasons to gather together.
The book is beautifully photographed and filled with dishes you’ll want to bring into your own home, including: Mushroom-Gruyére Quiche, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, Grilled Bruschetta Chicken, Zucchini-Squash Strata, Chicken-Pecan-Asparagus Casserole, Stuffed Pork Loin, Lemon-Lavender Tart, and Magnolia Press Chocolate Cake.
Magnolia Table, Volume 2 is filled with 145 new recipes from her own home that she shares with husband Chip and their five kids, and from the couple’s restaurant Magnolia Table, Silos Baking Co, and new coffee shop, Magnolia Press. From breakfast to dinner, plus breads, soups, and sides, Magnolia Table, Volume 2 gives readers abundant reasons to gather together.
The book is beautifully photographed and filled with dishes you’ll want to bring into your own home, including: Mushroom-Gruyére Quiche, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, Grilled Bruschetta Chicken, Zucchini-Squash Strata, Chicken-Pecan-Asparagus Casserole, Stuffed Pork Loin, Lemon-Lavender Tart, and Magnolia Press Chocolate Cake.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
About the author
Joanna Gaines
33 books1,247 followersJoanna Gaines is co-owner, co-founder and lead designer of Magnolia Homes, and co-stars in HGTV’s Fixer Upper with her husband Chip Gaines. She is the mother of five and lives in Waco, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
April 20, 2020
I was disappointed in the lack of heart and personalization that made me love the first cookbook so much. Joanna says right at the beginning that she basically used up all of her tried and true favorites in the first book, so this is just a bunch of new things she and her team threw together to make a second cookbook. Some of the recipes looked intriguing (I made the french toast this morning and it was delicious) but almost none of them had descriptions or a story behind the inspiration, which made this cookbook feel very flat to me.
November 23, 2023
Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering (Hardcover) by Joanna Gaines offers a delightful array of recipes that cater to various tastes. While some dishes may not align with our culinary preferences, the collection boasts fantastic staple recipes. Despite individual preferences, the overall compilation impresses with its sheer beauty and diversity. Among my favorites from this cookbook are the after-school banana bread, deviled eggs, scalloped potatoes, grilled salmon, and the exquisite strawberry shortcake with whipped cream.
May 17, 2020
Tons of info with gorgeous photos. I really like the substitute section and herbs combo. Plenty of recipes that I'd love to eat, but not make myself.
This was a library loan and was unavailable in kindle format. It was useless to bookmark or highlight anything unless I borrow it again.
This was a library loan and was unavailable in kindle format. It was useless to bookmark or highlight anything unless I borrow it again.
May 7, 2020
It is not every day that I do something new for a book review. After so many years of posting weekly, I've pretty much read and reviewed just about every kind of book there is. That's what makes this review such a rarity. For the first time in the history of A Book A Week, I'm reviewing a cookbook! Now, anyone who knows me outside of the book blogging world knows that I'm actually an avid home chef. I love trying new recipes and spending time in the kitchen. I'm also a fan of home and lifestyle guru Joanna Gaines. I fell in love with her design and family while watching her hit HGTV show Fixer Upper. I've read her book about the founding of her company, and have enjoyed watching her turn her humble little Texas design shop into a full-on empire. Her first cookbook was a wonderful mix of family recipes, photos, and stories. When her publisher offered me a copy of her next cookbook Magnolia Table, Volume 2, I jumped at the chance to give it a read!
At first, I struggled when trying to figure out how to review this one. Usually, I can just summarize the plot of the book and give a few reactionary shots. Somehow that didn't seem like the best approach for a cookbook. A book can look great and be aesthetically pleasing, but the recipes have to be cookable. I mean, if the food isn't any good, the book didn't really do its job. And so I did the only logical thing I could think of in this case. I dove into my kitchen and got to cooking.
A recent article said that the demand for yeast has grown around 647% since the COVID-19 outbreak. It seems that being forced to stay home has inspired us all to try our hand at bread baking. I'll be the first to admit that baking is not my strong suit, but I'm fortunate to have a boyfriend who is a master at all things baking. One perk of being forced to stay home is that my house has kept a steady supply of fresh baked goods. This week just so happened to have a loaf of home-baked brioche, the perfect base for trying out Gaines's French toast recipe. Armed with all of the proper ingredients, I set out to give this recipe a try.
One of the great things about the recipe, from the very start, is that the ingredients are all pretty much staples in most kitchens. With the exception of heavy cream, I had everything ready to go. While that's not necessarily the most important thing in judging the effectiveness of a recipe, it is certainly helpful right now. My local grocer has been pretty hit or miss when it comes to having even common food items in stock. The only thing I ended up omitting was the Strawberry Butter. I couldn't get my hands on Strawberries, so I used just regular butter instead. No one's ever complained about butter of any kind at my house anyway!
From there the recipe was fairly straightforward. Gaines suggests keeping a wire rack on a sheet pan in a warmed oven to keep the French Toast warm. This was the kind of helpful hint I always appreciate in a cookbook. You could really tell that she tested this out in her kitchen with her family. The toast is cooked in batches, so this tip ensured the complete serving was hot at the end of cooking. I'm normally not a huge fan of sweets, but this French Toast recipe was a perfect balance. Crunchy on the outside, softer on the inside, well seasoned, picture-perfect. I was honestly most surprised at how pretty my plate looked. It was so appealing, in fact, that I almost didn't want to eat it. Almost.
Magnolia Table, Volume 2 serves as a wonderful companion to Gaines's first cookbook and is sure to inspire creativity and gathering with the recipes it contains. The French Toast recipe was simple to prepare but super tasty, the kind of recipe that I can easily foresee being added into the rotation of staples at our house. Something new to this installment is a brief guide to herbs and seasoning substitutions. This illustrated guide includes suggested parings and spice blend recipes that are informative and integral to having a basis for preparing recipes. Glancing through other recipes reveals that not only are they mostly minimal effort with the maximum end result, but they are also endlessly riff-able. I could see myself mixing and matching seasonings and sides to create more unique dishes. Whether you are an avid home cook like myself or a more novice chef, I think Magnolia Table, Volume 2 would make an excellent addition to any home kitchen.
At first, I struggled when trying to figure out how to review this one. Usually, I can just summarize the plot of the book and give a few reactionary shots. Somehow that didn't seem like the best approach for a cookbook. A book can look great and be aesthetically pleasing, but the recipes have to be cookable. I mean, if the food isn't any good, the book didn't really do its job. And so I did the only logical thing I could think of in this case. I dove into my kitchen and got to cooking.
A recent article said that the demand for yeast has grown around 647% since the COVID-19 outbreak. It seems that being forced to stay home has inspired us all to try our hand at bread baking. I'll be the first to admit that baking is not my strong suit, but I'm fortunate to have a boyfriend who is a master at all things baking. One perk of being forced to stay home is that my house has kept a steady supply of fresh baked goods. This week just so happened to have a loaf of home-baked brioche, the perfect base for trying out Gaines's French toast recipe. Armed with all of the proper ingredients, I set out to give this recipe a try.
One of the great things about the recipe, from the very start, is that the ingredients are all pretty much staples in most kitchens. With the exception of heavy cream, I had everything ready to go. While that's not necessarily the most important thing in judging the effectiveness of a recipe, it is certainly helpful right now. My local grocer has been pretty hit or miss when it comes to having even common food items in stock. The only thing I ended up omitting was the Strawberry Butter. I couldn't get my hands on Strawberries, so I used just regular butter instead. No one's ever complained about butter of any kind at my house anyway!
From there the recipe was fairly straightforward. Gaines suggests keeping a wire rack on a sheet pan in a warmed oven to keep the French Toast warm. This was the kind of helpful hint I always appreciate in a cookbook. You could really tell that she tested this out in her kitchen with her family. The toast is cooked in batches, so this tip ensured the complete serving was hot at the end of cooking. I'm normally not a huge fan of sweets, but this French Toast recipe was a perfect balance. Crunchy on the outside, softer on the inside, well seasoned, picture-perfect. I was honestly most surprised at how pretty my plate looked. It was so appealing, in fact, that I almost didn't want to eat it. Almost.
Magnolia Table, Volume 2 serves as a wonderful companion to Gaines's first cookbook and is sure to inspire creativity and gathering with the recipes it contains. The French Toast recipe was simple to prepare but super tasty, the kind of recipe that I can easily foresee being added into the rotation of staples at our house. Something new to this installment is a brief guide to herbs and seasoning substitutions. This illustrated guide includes suggested parings and spice blend recipes that are informative and integral to having a basis for preparing recipes. Glancing through other recipes reveals that not only are they mostly minimal effort with the maximum end result, but they are also endlessly riff-able. I could see myself mixing and matching seasonings and sides to create more unique dishes. Whether you are an avid home cook like myself or a more novice chef, I think Magnolia Table, Volume 2 would make an excellent addition to any home kitchen.
April 23, 2020
I’m a sucker for Joanna Gaines. While I do not share the same design aesthetic she does, I’m obsessed with the recipes she shares. I think Volume 2 is better crafted than Volume 1. I will be testing many recipes in the near future.
July 29, 2020
Made a few things out of this since receiving it for Mother’s Day. The roasted chicken and vegetables and cabbage rolls were very good but not at the top of my favorites list. I also did a variation on the cabbage rolls that had a Far East flair with notes of sesame, peanut, soy, and ginger; my family enjoyed the swap out. My favorite— by far— thus far has been the blueberry sweet rolls with a fresh lemon glaze. While they don’t contain cinnamon when made as directed, they’re better than any cinnamon rolls I’ve ever made— softest, fluffiest texture I’ve ever achieved, especially when eaten the same day as prepared. A little firmer the second day, but as good the second day as most yeast-based dough is on the first. Huge fan of always using fresh lemon zest and lemon juice rather than extract, so I was glad to see the recipe called for such: the difference is most distinctive. I have a plethora of ideas on how to modify this recipe for completely different, exciting flavor variations!
December 29, 2020
One of the most dull cookbooks I’ve ever read in my life. There are no inventive recipes at all, simply Joann going through a list of classics that people have already nailed. I was SO disappointed.
April 4, 2023
I cooked all 145 recipes- yippee!! Not all were winners (looking at you stuffed grape leaves), but all helped me become a better chef. Mostly, I loved being able to use “cooking through a cookbook” as an opportunity to gather my people together and feed them. The year brought joys and sorrows (as years do) and these recipes are now a journal of sorts honoring the memories and the people. Thank you to my Guinea pigs and to the people who kindly listened to me talk about this adventure over and over again- we did it! Now on to cook Volume 1!
December 8, 2020
I became an official fan of Joanna Gaines during the quarantine when I watched her cozy home cooking shows filmed by her adorable children.
She's affable, I like the way she speaks, her cooking style but, most of all, I love seeing her close knit family and how they all interact with each other.
Like her first cookbook, Magnolia Table, Volume 2 maintains the same aesthetic, it's sturdy, heavy with quality paper.
The recipes are not eye-catching or unique, as some reviewers have noted, but the photographs are beautiful though I wished there were more photos.
A pet peeve of mine regarding cookbook is there are never enough photos.
I eat with my eyes!
Overall, the recipes are easy to follow, and most of them have tasty titles so if I was inclined to cook, I might make a few of these dishes.
She's affable, I like the way she speaks, her cooking style but, most of all, I love seeing her close knit family and how they all interact with each other.
Like her first cookbook, Magnolia Table, Volume 2 maintains the same aesthetic, it's sturdy, heavy with quality paper.
The recipes are not eye-catching or unique, as some reviewers have noted, but the photographs are beautiful though I wished there were more photos.
A pet peeve of mine regarding cookbook is there are never enough photos.
I eat with my eyes!
Overall, the recipes are easy to follow, and most of them have tasty titles so if I was inclined to cook, I might make a few of these dishes.
July 29, 2020
Another great cookbook by Joanna Gaines that convinces me we could easily be BFF’s. I love the simplistic layout of each recipe and the font is easy on the eyes. The pictures (one for each recipe) are beautifully photographed and bring a sense of calm to me. No matter how my dish turns out, I love the calming stages food pictures. They just remind me that some of us appreciate good food made with love. I did enjoy the first cookbook more just because it was more personal to their family but there are many yummy recipes in this one! Try the Honey Garlic Chicken first! Page 233!
November 11, 2020
Beautiful photos and lots of can't wait to try recipes. My only complaints - wish there was more personalized stories/descriptions with each recipe and most of the baking recipes require a stand mixer.
August 15, 2020
Pictures of recipes? Not all are pictured.
Commentary on recipes? Sometimes.
Nutrition facts? No.
Recipe Style? Standard American, I suppose.
Any keepers? No.
It feels like I've seen the vast majority of recipes here before.
Commentary on recipes? Sometimes.
Nutrition facts? No.
Recipe Style? Standard American, I suppose.
Any keepers? No.
It feels like I've seen the vast majority of recipes here before.
January 11, 2021
Some of these recipes are really good. tried a simple one and came out delicious. Cannot wait to try more.
January 14, 2023
Reading cookbooks is a hobby all of its own-I just love it. So good to dream of the family memories around these recipes!
May 31, 2020
This is just as beautiful a cookbook as the first Magnolia Table Cookbook. I have had the luxury of tasting 4 of the recipes served to me by my daughters. I loved all four: Ham and Spinach Puffs, Pretzels, Cheese sauce for the Pretzels and Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup. I also made her Pecan pancakes and the Bacon Cheddar Breakfast cups. They were also delicious. (all made and eaten while in Covid 19 Quarantine.)
I flagged many of the recipes I want to try, to the point that my husband who watched me one night, asked why I didn't just flag the ones I DON'T want to try. Ha ha.
I flagged many of the recipes I want to try, to the point that my husband who watched me one night, asked why I didn't just flag the ones I DON'T want to try. Ha ha.
November 22, 2020
Felt pretty impersonal and like the publisher wanted to just capitalize off of the first cookbook. The little antidotes felt forced and there weren’t any special, unique recipes I haven’t seen in other cookbooks. Of course, the photography was gorgeous, but the real Joanna Gaines charm was missing. As a side note, ALMOST EVERY recipe contains some sort of dairy product, so vegans and lactose intolerant readers be warned.
September 30, 2020
Everything Chip & Joanna do is outstanding, and this book is no exception. Beautifully created book, recipes, pix, stories, etc. It’s fantastic.
January 10, 2021
So much better than her first, in my opinion. I only took away 2 or 3 recipes from her first. This one feels much less forced, not so much of a perceived desire to impress, just really good recipes
August 23, 2021
Seen it all before....
August 16, 2023
I think that everything Joanna touches turns to gold anyways but this book is just another notch in the book of fab. I am no different then Joanna, when her introduction talks about how food isn't just a means to an end but a whole experience. Food allows people to come together and bond over something delicious and comforting. Food to me is a whole experience; that starts with an idea of what to cook and ends in a feeling and experience when you're serving and eating. That's exactly what this book does. It feels comfy, homey, but also gorgeous and classic. Nothing is pretencious and everything is super easy for all skill levels. All the way down the the editing of the photos and the texture of the pages it makes me want to be on the farm surrounded by animals and lush green pastures. Total fan girl.
September 3, 2020
This was a great book with lots of interesting recipes!
Also, there were lists of Fresh Herbs, what they look like, their flavor, and uses; Herb Pairings and pairing suggestions; recipes for Seasoning Blends; a two-page spread of substitutions.
At the end of the book is an Index.
Also, there were lists of Fresh Herbs, what they look like, their flavor, and uses; Herb Pairings and pairing suggestions; recipes for Seasoning Blends; a two-page spread of substitutions.
At the end of the book is an Index.
August 14, 2020
Lovely photos, but I wouldn’t expect anything else from Magnolia’s style. Recipes were fine if a little run of the mill, like that the ingredients aren’t esoteric. Zucchini cake will be tried.
June 3, 2021
I really like Joanna Gaines style and cookbooks. I have her first one and like this one b/c it has recipes that are a little different to try. Nicely, made Book with clear directions and pictures.
June 15, 2022
The kind of feel-good, home-cooked recipes that you want to add to your family's weekly menus
September 5, 2023
Very good arancini and marinara - beautiful pictures too
September 12, 2020
I generally found this book to be disappointing compared to the first book. I wanted more anecdotes and musings by Joanna, because the recipes are (for me) secondary to the story that she weaves in with each one. The first book had more Joanna and thus more substance for me as a reader. I was underwhelmed by the recipes and the recipes chosen. There were only 2 or 3 that I actually want to try because they sound interesting and worth the effort, as opposed to her first book where I tried many of the recipes - some hits and some misses - and enjoyed the experience.
I found that a lot of the recipes that she included I had found elsewhere with almost the exact same instructions and ingredients but done by home cooks and bakers. It always makes me cringe when I see that, because despite the whole test kitchen and test recipes, if the recipe is the same as what I've made time and time again without any variation, is it really something you've perfected?
I only give it 3 stars because I'm still a fan. As a cookbook, I'd be hard pressed to give it a 2.
I found that a lot of the recipes that she included I had found elsewhere with almost the exact same instructions and ingredients but done by home cooks and bakers. It always makes me cringe when I see that, because despite the whole test kitchen and test recipes, if the recipe is the same as what I've made time and time again without any variation, is it really something you've perfected?
I only give it 3 stars because I'm still a fan. As a cookbook, I'd be hard pressed to give it a 2.
August 16, 2020
Loved this latest book from Joanna Gaines. Great recipes and stories.
April 9, 2020
I have always loved to read cookbooks and Joanna Gaines is one of the best. She has the same likes that I have in décor and cooking.... it keeps me inspired to keep things fresh and neat. Spring cleaning, cooking for loved ones is an absolute joy and she hers books help me with new look or add ons to the table.
April 8, 2020
Spent the afternoon completely devouring the book! Beautiful and sooo many recipes I cannot wait to try. Loved the 1st volume and it is my go to. This one will also be on that list! Highly reccomend! Check this one and her previous book. You won't be disappointed!
July 20, 2020
A good size book (8 x 10 inches) that, even if you don't use it to cook from, will look impressive sitting on your counter. Some nice photographs and some of the recipes have little stories prior to the ingredients/instructions list. Mostly very common recipes in all the major categories that you can find in any cookbook or on the internet. If you're a fan of the Gaines's, you'll enjoy this book and it is a handy, basic reference for good, everyday type recipes without too many exotic ingredients. If you're looking for cutting edge culinary adventures, this is not the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews