THE MIDWESTERN JUNIOR LEAGUE COOKBOOK

Like The Southern Junior League Cookbook (1977), this has recipes that seem home-grown. And although the directions could sometimes be worded more precisely, the broad selection allows something for every taste. The sections on condiments and preserves and fresh game are most appealing but the other areas have specialities worth trying. There are shortcuts (the lazy woman's lasagne calls for cream cheese and sloppy joe mix) and less-than-happy surprises (whipped cream on crabmeat) but most are less startling: tuna noodle casserole or roast beef, sherry or cream soup sauces, a generous sampling of breads and coffee cakes. And rained-in homebodies with small children can try the flourless Cookie Monster Cookies, an easy enough recipe that yields eight dozen treats.