LOXLEY, Ala. — It’s a well-thought out book. The loose-leaf style of pages holds a stand so a busy cook can prop up his or her book There’s plenty of info on cooking times and what to substitute for what on the front covers, and there’s even a handy pocket to keep those recipes you clip out in order.

“It has been a labor of love,” said Deloris Dyess, Secretary for the Loxley United methodist Church’s Women’s Group.

According to Marti Hammitte, president ofthe group, the book has “close to 300” time and family-tested recipes. The cookbook is titled, “100 Years of Feeding the Flock.”

“We received recipes from members of the church and local community members,” Hammitte said, adding that a few dishes came from friends of the church who live outside the community. The books is broken into sections keeping appetizers, main dishes, soups and salads, and desserts together.

And “Feeding the Flock” honors the memory of good cooks who have already passed on.

“A lot of the recipes are in memory of ladies who have gone before,” said Dyess.

That’s not surprising. The church, which sits on Highway 59 in Loxley, will celebrate it’s 100th anniversary next year.

It makes a good gift for any occasion and Dyes says, “We tried to put in as much as possible hint-wise. They make good wedding gifts.”

The book, which features a recipe for opossum and a few humorous concoctions sells for $15, and is available by calling (251) 626-5544 or 964-7387. The book, Hammitte says, is available from Burris Farm Market and the Mane Street Style Shop in Loxley.

And if you want to buy the book directly form the church, there are two upcoming opportunities. The first is Dec. 4 at the church’s “Bluegrass and Gospel Music” event, which will be held the church’s Family Activity Center. The concert will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., and admission is by a love offering.

The second opportunity will be at the church’s bazaar also in the activity center, on Dec. 13.

“We are going to have a yard sale and baked goods,” said Hammitte. “The men of the church will have a pancake breakfast and sell barbecue sandwiches.”

Putting the book together was a lot of work for the committee, and for Hammitte in particular. But it was worth it, especially in new recipes to try for both women.

“I just tried one for cranberry chicken. It was fast and easy to make. My husband Tom loved it,” said Hammitte

And Dyess is serving her family a corn salad this this Thanksgiving and enjoys one of the “memory recipes” for hot chocolate she found in the the book.

The project, which started a year ago last spring, also opened eyes to talents the women have.

“Julie Whitten did the covers and personal pages, “ said Hammitte. “She did all the graphics. I didn’t know she had a design firm. She has a lot of talent and a lot of good ideas. This whole experience enlightened me about another member.”

According to Hammitte, the church received 440 books for the first printing. So far, more than 200 have been sold.