STOLEN RECIPES

"Stolen Recipes" is a cookbook filled with 345 of the finest Texas ranch recipes 'stolen' from only the finest Texas ranch cooks! A year in the making, this cookbook includes recipes for every taste-- from a dewberry cobbler to cheese grits and from roast wild duck to oyster dressing.

The recipe collection was an idea of a South Texas ranch owner, Mary Sue Koontz Nelson. She, however, does not cook--period--but loves good food with good friends. Mary Sue sent a letter to 150 fellow ranchers telling of her project and requested their most favorite recipes for her book. Replies from 111 ranch cooks came in. It took time, but the final result is a one-of-a-kind collection with page after page of delicious, tasty recipes from cross the State of Texas.

The idea for the book came in late 1998 when once again she was asked for an 'original' ranch recipe. She told them she would have to 'steal' one from a ranch neighbor and the idea became a reality. With her computer expert friend by her side, Mary Sue and Jeanne Byerly (or JB to Sue) went to work-- and work it was. One year later "Stolen Recipes" hit the stores.

Born and raised in Victoria, Texas, Mary Sue grew up in a small town doctor's family. The reason she never learned to cook are told in a short story in the book--along with some of her other unique and humorous tales. She was educated at the Hockaday School, Mary Baldwin College and the University of Texas. Cooking, stoves, pot and pans were the farthest things from her mind.

Mary Sue divides her time between her HK Ranch (established in 1867) which is located in Victoria County and a flat in San Antonio, Texas. She has three grown children; Shell, Bart and Claude and seven grandchildren. Having become a nationally recognized speaker in the last few years, she can easily speak to audiences of three thousand but still cannot cook a complete meal for three!

Nevertheless, Mary Sue is quick to remind anyone that she was simply the collector of this now famous cookbook. The Texas ranch cooks from all across the Lone Star State are the jewels in this book's crown. When Neiman Marcus purchased the book, they sent her all over the country with it. Turned out this was the stamp of approval she needed and, like the 'energizer bunny,' this book just keeps going and going... and going.

For YOUR copy email: mskn@msknelson.com or call: 210-733-8404. the book is $25.00 plus postage and she will be happy to sign one for you or yours. Order now and a real taste of Texas will be heading your way!!!ENJOY!!!