The Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2003 Kensington publication.
This is the third installment in the Hannah Swensen series, and I think The Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2003 Kensington publication.
This is the third installment in the Hannah Swensen series, and I think maybe I’m finally beginning to settle into it.
Gearing up for the Lake Eden Winter Carnival, Hannah is super busy doing her part- but the town is all abuzz over the celebrity lifestyle guru, Connie Mac, stepping in to bake the Carnival cake. But Hannah thinks the woman is a fake, entitled, uncharitable and difficult. Still, it comes as a big shock when she finds Connie Mac dead in her bakery….
I’ll admit I knew almost from the beginning who the murderer probably was- but I had no clue what the motive or connection might be- so it was still a mystery and a good one at that. I am starting to warm up to Hannah now that I understand her better and enjoy her little ‘love triangle’ musings, her cat, her sister, and her annoying mother, too- all of which is quite entertaining.
Overall, this was a quick, fun cozy- and I’m starting to enjoy the series more and more as I go!
Classic Church Potluck Recipes is a 2022 Gooseberry Patch publication.
I checked this book out of the library on a whim -thinking I might find some olClassic Church Potluck Recipes is a 2022 Gooseberry Patch publication.
I checked this book out of the library on a whim -thinking I might find some older recipes I remembered from the church potlucks I enjoyed as a child- or maybe some dishes my grandmother used to cook.
This cookbook- or compilation of recipes reminds me of the cookbooks I have purchased- or inherited- over the years as part of a church fundraiser. The concept is a simple one: The church members who wish to participate each donate a recipe- in the usual categories- soups, breads, salads, main dishes, desserts, etc. Volunteers organize the cookbook and raise money for teen activities or other equipment the church needs.
These recipe books rarely include photos as the recipes are collected from many different individuals and is not professionally published for sale in bookstores or online. This cookbook is exactly like that. It’s a compilation of recipes donated by different people, from different locations in the United States and Canada.
These recipes are old school- or classic- as the title says- no gluten free- sugar free- fat free recipes- or the mention of the various ways we cook now- microwaves, air fryers, pressure cookers, and all that. Be aware of the ingredients- which might not be a great fit for watching their calories or fat intake….
But…
These recipes scream comfort food, and pleasant feelings of nostalgia, too They are perfect for church potlucks- but also for picnics and family reunions- or smaller gatherings- for clubs or other types of meetings. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, budget conscious, and the recipes are not complicated.
Overall, a nice comforting cookbook that brings back memories. That said, many of the recipes still show up at big family and church gatherings. It would be very easy to substitute ingredients for a healthier version in most cases. Some of my favorite recipes come from the church cookbooks I’ve collected or inherited over the years. They aren’t gourmet with slick color photos- but they are dishes that bring back some of my fondest memories.
The Better Homes and Garden New Cookbook is a 2022 IPG Publishing Licensing publication.
Many, many years ago, I was gifted a Better Homes and Gardens The Better Homes and Garden New Cookbook is a 2022 IPG Publishing Licensing publication.
Many, many years ago, I was gifted a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook for Christmas and of all the cookbooks I have on hand-and of all the Pinterest boards, and internet recipe bookmarks I have for recipes and ‘how to’ advice, the ‘Better Homes’ book is the one I use more than any other. So, I was thrilled to see an updated version had been released and did not hesitate to grab it!
I couldn’t have asked for a better update of my favorite cookbook. There are still immeasurable amounts of useful and historic information, beautiful color pictures, and plenty of up-to-date recipes which include plant-based recipes, for example, and provides various cooking methods one can use, like pressure cooking and slow cooking, sheet pans, and more!
I had a blast looking at the ‘then and now’ comparisons- which could also be humorous at times, and had a pop culture feel to it, which was not only a lesson in history, but entertaining as well.
The recipes are truly meant for the home cook and for everyday use- and offers some ideas on how to take the base recipe and be more creative with it- or make substitutions so that it will work with your personal preferences or diet.
There are so many interesting new dishes alongside the more traditional recipes- there are quick dinners, everyday sides, meatless dishes, soups, salads, sandwiches, meat, fish, poultry, you name it- plus a very handy index!
The Better Homes and Gardens cookbook has the single most helpful cookbook I have ever had- this new addition, though, takes that to a new level.
This is the only practical cookbook you will ever need, most likely and, speaking from experience, it would make a nice gift for Christmas, or a newly married couple, a housewarming- or for anyone who loves to cook… And eat!! ...more
Basic Soups by Marguerite Patten in a 2008 Grub Street Cookery publication.
I picked this book up on a whim from the Overdrive library. Although I makBasic Soups by Marguerite Patten in a 2008 Grub Street Cookery publication.
I picked this book up on a whim from the Overdrive library. Although I make soups all year round, I am more apt to be in the mood to cook a big pot of soup during the winter months, which are almost upon us- so, I was hoping for some tips and tricks, and maybe a few recipes that would mix things up a bit.
I got all that and quite a bit more. The author goes into great detail about how to make the broth or soup stock and all the various meat or vegetable bases one could start with and goes on from there -including soups that are creamy or clear, vegetable, fish, meat, poultry- cold soups, and even fruit soups and soups for those who are dieting. Not only are there recipes, but various methods of cooking are explained, which includes microwave cooking and pressure cooking.
I learned a lot from the text portions and did find some interesting recipes. The huge downside of this informative cookbook is that there are no pictures- not one- front or back.
Overall, this book was very helpful for me when it came to making homemade broths and soup bases. The recipes are mostly simple, and the ingredients are not hard to find, in most cases. I appreciated the variations provided and the notes on how to freeze or not. That said, I’m not sure if I will purchase a copy for future reference, but I did keep it on my 'considering' list- just in case....more
Cooking With Chilies by Clifford Wright is a 2022 Harvard Common Press publication.
I love spicy food! I grew up with spices and rich flavors, then moCooking With Chilies by Clifford Wright is a 2022 Harvard Common Press publication.
I love spicy food! I grew up with spices and rich flavors, then moved to an area with a different blend of spices and I love it all- but as much as I enjoy a little heat in my dishes, my DH believes every dish is supposed to be flavored with hot spices... ...more
Enough Already by Valerie Bertinelli is a 2022 Mariner Books publication.
When I first saw this book, I presumed it was a memoir, but upon further insEnough Already by Valerie Bertinelli is a 2022 Mariner Books publication.
When I first saw this book, I presumed it was a memoir, but upon further inspection, I noticed it was also labeled as a foodie/recipe book… even more intriguing...
Because I like biographies/memoirs and cookbooks- I just don't recall ever seeing them combined together in one book.
I also noticed that the book was placed in the ‘self-help’ category, which always gets a firm ‘no’ from me, especially if it is written by a celebrity.
Despite that, the memoir/ recipe combo, plus all the rave reviews, overrode my reservations and I decided to see how this would play out.
So, did the presentation work? Well...
It was a mixed bag...
Let’s start with the areas I struggled with, first. I was not really looking for a book about Valerie's memories of her ex-husband, Eddie Van Halen. I liked Eddie Van Halen- maybe not to the degree others did- but, to be blunt, this book seemed like some sort of tribute to her life with him, because she really couldn’t seem stay on other topics for very long before she was back to talking about Ed again. I wanted to say, "Enough Already!'
The recipe box, mentioned in the blurb, didn’t surface till deep into the book- though that might have been by design. Valerie did spend some time speaking about her background, though, and about her relationship with her mother, and shared some shocking revelations about her parents, and family- but I didn’t get that 'strong woman' inspirational vibe I was hoping for.
I also wondered if maybe sticking with the good, licensed therapist would be better than woo-woo advice from a Hollywood psychic, when it comes to mental health questions- but that’s just me...
What I did like…
I liked the way the recipes are tied to specific memories, events, occasions… and they are recipes that are down to earth and sound, not only delicious, but comforting, as well. I do wish we had some recipe photos, though.
I am glad Valerie came to realize that she had allowed her weight obsession to suck the joy out of living her life with gusto. She’s been incredibly hard on herself over the years, and it was so unnecessary. She seems to have finally accepted that now, seems more comfortable in her own skin, and I like the way she is embracing this stage in her life, even though, admittedly, times have been hard- and she’s going through a divorce as this book concludes.
It was also lovely to discover that Valerie is a cat person. I like the way she is with her son, too, and I’m glad they have a good relationship. I have always enjoyed Valerie’s acting performances, but I will confess, I have not seen her cooking show yet- partly because I haven’t had ‘cable’ in years and didn't have access to the Food Network. That said, we recently got YTTV for my parent’s sake- so I’ll just have to try and catch her show someday.
Can I say Valerie’s journey towards self-love inspired me in any way personally? Sure- I think some of her advice to herself is solid. All of us should practice self-care, but there was nothing in that way I have not heard before. Still, there's a good list of things to do that are worth being reminded of- but we all have to do the work ourselves.
Frankly, I'm comfortable in my own skin- and have been for a long time now. I don’t analyze myself in terms of how others see me physically. I’m more concerned with just being healthier, not just for myself for others in my life, as well. I never stand on the scales, or angst over gray hairs or wrinkles- but of course, I’m not on TV, nor am I under the social media spotlight being scrutinized by trolls everyday… so there’s that.
Still, despite my not finding the 'self-help' sections deeply motivating for me, personally, the book is an interesting and revealing peek into Valerie’s life, as it is now.
I’m sorry she’s lost her parents, and the love of her life, but I am happy to see she’s in a better place mentally when it comes to her relationship with food, and her body and self-image. I hope her journey will inspire others who are struggling with these issues, to say 'Enough, Already', too!
The Secret History of Food by Matt Siegal is a 2021 Ecco publication.
This is a fun look at the history of some our most common- and beloved foods- suThe Secret History of Food by Matt Siegal is a 2021 Ecco publication.
This is a fun look at the history of some our most common- and beloved foods- such as apple pie, for example. The book takes what could be a great deal of minutia and trivia and turned it into an entertaining history and food lesson. The sarcastic remarks added humor, while keeping one engaged and focused.
Food is definitely something we spend a great deal of time thinking about, but how often do we really stop to consider the history of the food, or the psychological connections behind our food choices?
Do we really eat hot chilies to distract us from other types of pain? The science in this book appears to be dependable information, and I found it to be quite fascinating.
Some of the lists went on a little too long, as we got the gist long before Siegal exhausted us on the various flavors of Prego Pasta sauce, though the points made about numerous choices we are presented with in the supermarket was interesting. I can attest to feeling a little overwhelmed by the overabundance of brands, flavors, sizes, etc., from time to time.
Also, worth noting for those considering this book, nearly half of it is dedicated to notes. It is good to see the sources and I feel comforted by the legitimacy of the information I am asked to absorb, but I do wish there was some way to give readers a heads up about the actual number of reading pages in a book before purchasing it.
Other than that, this is an excellent way to learn about some little-known food facts, we should all consider, and is presented in an entertaining, engrossing manner. It’s also a quick, easy read that shouldn’t take long to digest…
The Wok: Recipes and Techniques by J. Kenji López-Alt is a 2022 W.W. Norton Company publication.
Absolutely THE best cookbook I’ve picked up in a longThe Wok: Recipes and Techniques by J. Kenji López-Alt is a 2022 W.W. Norton Company publication.
Absolutely THE best cookbook I’ve picked up in a long time! Kenji is a popular chef and food writer and has a YouTube channel with an astronomical following. This new cookbook, obviously, is centered around recipes and food preparation using the versatile Wok.
This book is packed with mouth-watering recipes- naturally- but the book could also serve as cooking class, it is so chock full of information and lessons on how to use your Wok- such as:
The science behind the way the Wok works, the type of Wok you should buy, how to season your wok, must have knives, spices to keep on hand, how to slice, and seed, vegetables, and in-depth information about ingredients- like MSG and Glutamic acid, the best way to freeze food, and the right oils to use for the best results.
All this fabulous information is packed in between pages and pages of in-depth recipes, which also includes color photographs.
This cookbook is awesome and is one my husband and I will use frequently and refer to often.
The author is so knowledgeable and explains things in such an easy-to-understand manner, it makes this book both fun and informative.
After learning how to use the Wok properly, and following Kenji’s advice, your recipes will be professional quality too!
Overall, this cookbook has a wonderful presentation and layout. I learned so much reading it, and can’t wait to try out these tantalizing recipes!...more
The Secret of Home Economics by Danielle Dreilinger is a 2022 W.W. Norton & Company publication.
A surprisingly fascinating look at the history of HomThe Secret of Home Economics by Danielle Dreilinger is a 2022 W.W. Norton & Company publication.
A surprisingly fascinating look at the history of Home Economics from a feminist viewpoint.
Like many people, when I heard someone say ‘Home Economics’ it instantly brought to mind images of 1950s classrooms where the message was clear- A woman’s place was in the home and that is most unfortunate.
This well-researched book takes a hard look at the history of home economics and her findings are extraordinary!
Before the field became stigmatized, and a course relegated to mainly white girls and women, the field was considered progressive, using science to help improve society through the home. The goal was to curb hunger and improve health through nutrition.
The field began in the late nineteenth century and gained momentum, becoming popular during the first world war and the depression era and was especially helpful to black households.
The 1950s Home Ec., stereotype really hurt the image of the field, and it was also at this point when black women were left out of the equation, almost entirely, as it became exclusively white and female.
Since then, Home Economics courses have dropped out of the offered curriculum- and again, that is unfortunate, as many educators seem to be in favor of it.
A fresh approach or name change could help to eradicate the bad image that Home Economics has had a hard time shaking off- such as key words- like ‘Home’ and ‘Family’ - for example.
As the author points out-'home' is more inclusive than family- as you and your dog can be ‘family’- or if you live alone- how relevant is ‘family’ in your choices in clothing or what you are planning to have for dinner?
But, still, everyone does think about what they are going to eat for dinner-what products will be needed to clean your home, and how food and necessities will be paid for- right?
Our hectic lifestyles often leave little time to teach these skills in the home, as has often been suggested. Not only that, but it could also help to balance the household chores, instead of having these tasks fall mainly onto the shoulders of women- which it still does- most of the time.
Just something to think about.
Overall, this book is most enlightening, and most of the information here was news to me. The material is organized and maybe the author was as surprised by what her research revealed as the reader! She obviously put a great deal of effort into the research and the presentation is thoughtful and thorough.
I was impressed and proud of how women have worked through the years to improve our lives. Although, the commercialization, mainly brought on by television, sexism, and racism, eventually created a ridiculous standard and representation of HE, that would eventually be its undoing, burying all benefits and forward thinking that came before.
I hope Home Economics will make a comeback-in an updated way that will accredit many of the women and organizations featured in this book, at long last, and restore the reputation of this field of study, so that it can continue to prepare students and improve the quality of life for us all.
For those who think this book will only appeal to those who have careers in the HE field- that couldn't be further from the truth!
I recommend this book to everyone. Men and Women of all ages- those who are interested in women's or feminist studies, or history, will find this book interesting, educational, helpful, and just might convince you we still need to teach Home Economics!
Field Notes for Food Adventure: Recipes and Stories from the Woods to the Ocean by Brad Leone is a 2021 Voracious/ Little Brown & Co. Publication.
I lField Notes for Food Adventure: Recipes and Stories from the Woods to the Ocean by Brad Leone is a 2021 Voracious/ Little Brown & Co. Publication.
I love recipe books!! Sometimes I just like thumbing through them, looking at the lovely presentations and the unique ways of preparing food, I never would have thought of.
This book grabbed my attention because of the title. I have never seen the YouTube series, but I had an idea the author would introduce me to foods found in specific locations, that were perhaps, off the beaten path.
I thought it would be interesting to see what those unique ingredients and methods of preparation might be- and who knows, I might find something I could try, even if the ingredients were hard to find or didn’t grow in my neck of the woods.
I’m glad I gave the book a chance. As it turns out the author sticks mainly to locations in the Northeast- which is a long way away from me.
Still, I loved the unique adventures, and learned a lot about fermentation, fungus- aka- mushrooms- and maple syrup. I’ll have to take a pass on the squid, though.
This book has some interesting preparation methods, and I thought, as I was looking through it, that this one might be a big draw for those who enjoy fly fishing and hunting.
Truly, I think this book, is quite educational!!
As to finding a work around for these recipes- I would say- absolutely!!
No, I can’t get the ramp onions around here, and no I wouldn’t be able to get the exotic mushrooms, but there is no reason why one couldn’t prepare these dishes using some substitutes common in your region.
The book also made me think about visiting the Northeast someday- and I will have to find the time to check out the author’s YouTube channel- “It’s Alive!”
This is not the typical cookbook, or Recipe book. It has a gorgeous presentation, with vivid color photographs- including photos of the locale, which are incredible!
Overall, this is an enlightening, adventurous book for those who enjoy gathering ingredients in the great outdoors- from the woods and the oceans- as the title states.
Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a life from Scratch by Erin French is a 2021 Celadon Books publication.
An inspiring story of success!
In thFinding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a life from Scratch by Erin French is a 2021 Celadon Books publication.
An inspiring story of success!
In this memoir, Erin French shares her life journey in an honest, emotionally raw voice. Her upbringing, her family dynamics, her first marriage, her lonely and extremely difficult battle with depression and substance abuse, hitting rock bottom and clawing her way back up to become a successful restaurant owner is often harrowing to read about, but rewarding in the end.
The Lost Kitchen is located in Freedom, Maine, which makes the title of the book a nice play on words. Freedom is a tiny little town, but the restaurant is known as a ‘dining destination’. Erin, and her restaurant, have been noticed and featured in the NYT and Martha Stewart Living, and Erin has shared her story on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and more.
Her journey to this point has been fraught with many roadblocks, mistakes, and challenges, but Erin dug deep to find the tenacity to turn her life around and the courage to grab her dream and make it come true.
Anytime I see someone work their up from rock bottom, having lost virtually everything, to reclaim their lives again, I find much hope and inspiration in their determination to fight back.
From a personal standpoint, Erin didn’t exactly make a good first impression. She got off on my bad side almost immediately by offending my religious beliefs. Although I bristled, I was able to shake it off and read the book with an open mind and by using my critical thinking cap.
I am glad I stayed with the book. Erin's battles with depression is especially grim, and her pain, literally jumps off the page. My heart went out to her, but I was also impressed by her strength and her love for her son, which inspired her fight to win.
It is good to see someone pull themselves back from the brink to find professional victory, and personal stability as well.
I’m happy Erin's talents are being recognized and sincerely hope she continues to enjoy much success and prosperity.
While I live a long way from Maine, I'll keep an eye out for more great reviews and features about Erin and her The Lost Kitchen.
Southern Cakes: Sweet and Irresistible Recipes for Everyday Celebrations by Nancie McDermott (Becky Luigart-Stayner (Photographs) is a 2012 Chronicle Southern Cakes: Sweet and Irresistible Recipes for Everyday Celebrations by Nancie McDermott (Becky Luigart-Stayner (Photographs) is a 2012 Chronicle Books publication. (originally published in 2007)
I noticed this cookbook at my library a long while back, struck by the simple cover which reminded me of the coconut cakes my grandmother and mother used to make.
This sounds like a book that was a fun endeavor for the author as she went through recipes for the book which led to fond memories and making connections.
Baking is altogether different from cooking in general- so there is a helpful ‘how to section’ and a list of helpful kitchen tools.
The book is a little heavy on various flavors and styles of pound cakes and coconut cakes. There are familiar recipes and some I’d never heard of – like Tomato soup cake and chocolate mayonnaise cake.
The recipes for the icing or frostings are included with each cake recipe- but there is also a helpful section just for the cake toppings.
Most of the ingredients are common, some may be seasonal or unique to southern areas- but I don’t think there was anything listed that was so exotic one couldn’t locate it online, if nothing else. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Some are very basic and easy, some more complicated and time consuming. However, as the title suggests, these recipes are just right for everyday celebrations.
I have a digital copy of this book, which is a little plain. There are pictures, but not one for every recipe and they are not much bigger than a thumbnail in some cases. The presentation may be different in the print version.
There are some internet links in the back of the book- but it should be noted that this is an older book and some of those links are no longer viable.
Although I felt like was having a virtual sugar rush and might have gained ten pounds just browsing through the book- it did bring back a few memories for me too, and I am happy to see these nice southern cake recipes compiled in one book!
A Literary Holiday Cookbook: Festive Meals for the Snow Queen, Gandalf, Sherlock, Scrooge, and Book Lovers Everywhere by Alison Walsh is a 2020 SkyhorA Literary Holiday Cookbook: Festive Meals for the Snow Queen, Gandalf, Sherlock, Scrooge, and Book Lovers Everywhere by Alison Walsh is a 2020 Skyhorse publication.
Every year, as the holidays descend, I cringe at the thought- but the one thing I look forward to is the food. We tend to indulge in many dishes, drinks, and desserts during the months of November- January that is seldom served outside of the holidays.
As much as I appreciate the variety of traditions we enjoy now, I have often been fascinated by the various holiday feasts depicted in books and movies.
That is why, when I came across this book, I knew I had to check it out. I thought it might be fun to re-create the holiday scenes in some of my favorite books, plus, it might be a creative way to liven up one’s holiday feast- and maybe lead to a few fun, lively- and safe- socially distant- conversations.
While the cover of the book suggests the recipes are those featured in Christmas themed novels exclusively, to my great delight, I found the book also included recipes for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and New Year’s. There is also a gift giving section at the end of the book, along with references, a conversion chart, and an index.
Each book featured has a menu, and every recipe has a photo of the finished product, a quote from the book the recipe was featured in, or inspired by, the ingredients, and instructions.
I didn’t find any recipes that called for super hard to find ingredients, and the instructions, are thorough enough, and easy to follow.
I thought this collection of literary themed menus and recipes was a great idea!! While most of the recipes come from classic novels, they will seem fresh to us because they are not as common. There are also many fun party foods, especially the ones for Halloween, although many of these were not actually featured in the book- such as Dracula’s Dinner Rolls, for example.
The presentation is simple, straightforward, and organized and has given me plenty of ideas to try all throughout the holiday season- plus, it was fun to reminisce about the books these recipes were derived from.
Not only did I find these recipes tempting- I was also tempted to re-read some of these great classics and add those I have yet to enjoy!
Lots of pictures- easy to follow, step by step instructions. Great introduction for beginners. Might be a good time to consider trying to gAssigned-
Lots of pictures- easy to follow, step by step instructions. Great introduction for beginners. Might be a good time to consider trying to grow your own food. You don't need much space to try growing these herbs, veggies, and fruits.
Salad Samurai by Terry Hope Romero is a 2014 De Capo publication.
Naturally, when we hear the word ‘Salad’, the first thing many of us think of, is thSalad Samurai by Terry Hope Romero is a 2014 De Capo publication.
Naturally, when we hear the word ‘Salad’, the first thing many of us think of, is that small ‘dinner salad’ we have on the side or that might serve as an appetizer- which is about as boring as boring can be. Seldom do we think of having a salad as a main course- or refer to a salad as being ‘hearty’.
This cookbook, however, will change your entire perceptions of salads. While these recipes apply to the vegan diet, anyone can find a recipe they will want to try. Not only that, there are fresh ideas for homemade dressings, and plenty of hints and tips as well, and color photos of the recipes.
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The salads are organized by seasons, which makes sense to me. Various fresh ingredients are not in season year -round. My moods change with the seasons as well. Summertime has me reaching for more fruits and lighter meals, while in the winter I long for something warmer and a little heavier.
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The ease of preparation varies, and the ingredients were not ones I can readily obtain here in Podunk, Texas. However, once can always use these recipes to prompt your own imagination by adding, leaving out, or substituting ingredients that work best for you.
One thing is for sure, though- after reading through this book, you will never think of salads as boring again!!...more
All About Dinner by Molly Stevens is a 2019 W.W. Norton Company publication.
Who hasn’t, at some point, become frustrated when it comes to deciding whAll About Dinner by Molly Stevens is a 2019 W.W. Norton Company publication.
Who hasn’t, at some point, become frustrated when it comes to deciding what to cook for dinner? We want something fresh, original, healthy, easy, and delicious- but that is often easier said than done. We may want to try something new but may feel intimidated by the prospect. Dinner shouldn’t be so stressful!
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Molly Stevens not only provides numerous menu choices, using everyday ingredients, but also gives the book an upbeat presentation, adding many priceless cooking tips along the way. So, relax! Put dinner into perspective with this beautiful and immeasurably helpful guide to healthy, delicious meals!
This book is very easy to follow, with colorful photos, organized into the usual categories.
Epic Air Fryer Cookbook by Emily Paster is a Harvard Common Press publication.
Fresh, Fun, and Easy!
I got an air fryer for Christmas last year and n Epic Air Fryer Cookbook by Emily Paster is a Harvard Common Press publication.
Fresh, Fun, and Easy!
I got an air fryer for Christmas last year and now I wonder what how I ever survived without one. I’m always looking for new and fresh recipes to try out and am especially interested in ones that are unique to air fryers specifically. This cookbook, as promised, has one hundred recipes, divided into the usual sections one expects to find in a typical cookbook.
Included are:
Breakfast foods Party Foods and Appetizers Vegetarian meals Main Courses with Poultry, meat and seafood Side dishes Deserts
As you will discover, the air fryer is not just for traditional ‘frying’ but also works like a convection oven. I have tried one or two air fryer cookbooks right after I first got my fryer, which got me off to a good start, while I acclimated myself to the device.
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This book is a nice addition to my growing collection! I’d never even thought about trying some of these recipes in the air fryer!! It really is very versatile and a much healthier choice. In fact, we had given up on some favorite foods because of the health risk, but now we can enjoy them again in moderation.
One recipe included was for fried green tomatoes- which was timely for me. We just experienced our first freeze of the season and I still had tomatoes on the vine in my garden- all still very green. So, I had already planned on looking up a recipe for FGT- and now I have one I can use in my air fryer- guilt free!
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The other recipe I tried was the Baja Fish Tacos mainly because I had many of the ingredients on hand and was in the mood for fish.
Overall, this is an exceptional air fryer cookbook. If you have an air fryer or are thinking about buying one for yourself or someone else, be sure to pick up this cookbook to go along with it. There are color photos included, and most recipes are very easy to make and do not require hard to find spices or ingredients.
A Feast of Serendib by Mary Anne Mohanraj is a 2019 Serendib Press publication.
This is a wonderful and colorful cookbook featuring recipes featuring sA Feast of Serendib by Mary Anne Mohanraj is a 2019 Serendib Press publication.
This is a wonderful and colorful cookbook featuring recipes featuring several geographical blends, but is mainly based in Sri Lanka. The recipes are eclectic, exotic, yet simple.
Naturally the author began with a brief lesson on the spices one will want to have on hand. Once more I was struck by how many of these spices are also frequently used here in Texas and are quite easy to find at my local supermarket- no special trips out of town or ordering online. The author included a recipe for making homemade curry, something I found interesting, since many store -bought curries look good, but are lacking in flavor.
There are menu suggestions, perfect for those who entertain or are hosting a dinner party. From there the cookbook is organized in much the same way as most cookbooks-
Appetizers and snacks Main dishes Side dishes and salads Grains Cocktails and Drinks Sweets
This cookbook is heavy on curry dishes, which is fine with me, since I love, love, love curry- almost to the point of addiction. Some of the vegetable curried recipes are very basic, but super delicious. Other recipes are little more complicated and require a bit of prep time.
I must say I’ve never encountered any recipes quite like the ones in this cookbook. It’s an interesting marriage of flavors. Once more I found a few recipes that will spice up my summer garden vegetables, which is something I am always on the look out for. This is especially true for eggplant and okra, two vegetables I run out of fresh recipes for.
Overall, this is a very interesting cookbook. I found the appetizer and snack section and the vegetable, accompaniments, spices and sauces information the most helpful for my needs.
The Instant pot is THE hot kitchen tool right now. I don't have an official Instant Pot. I have a standard pressure cooker. However, for the record, tThe Instant pot is THE hot kitchen tool right now. I don't have an official Instant Pot. I have a standard pressure cooker. However, for the record, these recipes can be made in both, but you may want to check with the model you own for specifications. I avoid rice dishes in my Pressure Cooker, but everything else is a go.
That said, this Indian cookbook is a compilation of recipes specifically for the Instant Pot. However, there is also plenty of helpful information included for anyone just starting out with Indian cooking or are new to cooking with an Instant Pot.
A wide array of dishes, spices, and sauces are featured, including snacks, casseroles, legumes and beans, soups, vegetables, desserts and drinks. The directions are easy to follow, estimating prep. time and the amount yielded. There is also an index to help one locate specific recipes quickly. The photos are colorful and will leave your mouth watering! For me, the section on bean and legumes was especially of interest because of how quickly the instant pot cooks them, and the new and tasty ways I found to enjoy them. The vegetarian dishes are plentiful as well, and the egg dishes look very intriguing. I hope to try a few of them soon!
Overall, this is an informative cookbook for those who have an instant pot or plan to purchase one. My husband is a huge fan of pressure cookers and Instant pots, and because we are learning to cook Indian foods, this is a cookbook I am sure we will reference often. However, I think this cookbook would come in handy even if you are a little wary of instant pots. I don’t think it would be too hard to adapt these recipes to cook in more traditional ways.
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