Barbara Moseley is co-editor of the Best of the Best State Cookbook Series at Quail Ridge Press, a job she accepted in 1986 just to help out her friend and golfing partner, Gwen McKee. They realized that not only did they share a love of golf, but also a love for cooking and collecting recipes. Nearly two decades later, Moseley is still helping her friend gather and edit recipes for the highly acclaimed cookbook series and also for the distinguished RECIPE HALL OF FAME COLLECTION.
A native Mississippian, Barbara Moseley grew up on a farm in Florence, Mississippi, so her appreciation for good food has roots in her fertile upbringing. She still enjoys working in the family vegetable garden and sharing the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables it yields—both in fresh form and prepared in the fantastic recipes she loves to cook. Barbara would like to one day write a cookbook of her own based on the many recipes handed down through her family. She expects there may be a little bit of a problem, however, because none of her relatives ever measured anything. Measurements were just "a dash of this and a tiddle of that!"
Barbara also joins all her family members, from youngest to oldest, to help on the family Christmas Tree Farm during the holiday season each year. Immediately following Thanksgiving, right up until Christmas, Barbara and her family enjoy their role in what is an important family tradition worldwide—selecting the perfect Christmas tree. Families, church groups and school classes gleefully fill the fields on special tours and searches, requiring the whole family’s help.
Barbara Moseley’s life experiences reflect her appreciation for heritage, tradition, and the importance of the family. Before joining the fledgling Quail Ridge Press, Barbara also operated an office supply business and founded a cable television company with her husband Lonnie, so she is well-acquainted with helping to run a business. She attended Mississippi College as a student, keeping her education close to home as well.
One of Barbara’s favorite aspects of researching the various states is the travel. A wonderful learning experience, her journeys with co-editor Gwen McKee have revealed a wealth of information about America and the way Americans cook. She and Gwen have met a great assortment of people, many who have become dear friends, and visited scores of landmarks, legends, and local attractions. From bed and breakfasts to private homes, television studios to test kitchens, Gwen and Barbara have met, fed and/or cooked with food lovers from all corners of the United States.
Barbara Moseley enjoys golf, RV camping with her family, and spending time at home with them. Her energetic, lively, 84-year-old mother, who is also a golfer, inspires Barbara to stay active and enjoy all facets of life. Three grown children and several grandchildren, who all live nearby, offer a convenient source for testing recipes. In fact, some of the grandchildren love to come over to help, especially when it’s cookie-making time!
