Book excerpt: In "Just Good Food for Good Friends," Dirk Hoffius demonstrates his passion for cooking for his family and friends. As he collected his favorite recipes, a theme was evident: recipes that were so simple that one would be embarrassed to explain how it was made. However, his guests kept raving, and he kept collecting those simple hits. Eventually, his friends became aware of the collection and expressed their expectation of a copy. And so, the birth of "Just Good Food for Good Friends." Throughout the 156 recipes, Dirk covers the basics with appetizing appetizers, simple salads with delicious homemade dressings, soups, vegetables, side dishes, homemade salts and sauces (be sure to try the Rattlesnake Salt), meats, poultry, seafood, brunch, and desserts. With each recipe comes with a vignette on the origins of the recipe or a quick tip.