Wine Bites by Barbara Scott-Goodman

Wine Bites

by Barbara Scott-Goodman

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 9780811876308

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Wine Bites is an inspiring cookbook for those who entertain casually and frequently. More than 60 recipes for simple, tasty snacks include suggestions for an accessible wine to pair with each, while vivid color photographs demonstrate how easy these delectable dishes are to prepare. Step-by-step instructions for putting together a first-class cheese plate, creating a generous antipasti platter, or transforming pantry staples into hors d'oeuvres make this an indispensable resource for great party-givings.
Barbara Scott-Goodman is the author of The Ski Country Cookbook among others. She lives in New York City.

Kate Mathis is a commercial photographer based in New York.

French Classics Made Easy by Richard Grausman

French Classics Made Easy
by Richard Grausman
Workman Publishing
ISBN: 9780761158547

My Review:

From the Publisher:
Classic French food is hotter than ever. But one thing hasn’t changed—few of us have the time, the patience, the technique, or the cream and butter allowance to tackle the classics as presented by Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The good news is—we don’t need to. For the past 40 years Richard Grausman, America’s premier culinary teacher, has been training American chefs in a simpler, better way of French cooking, and in French Classics Made Easy—a refreshed and updated edition of his original collection, At Home with the French Classics—he shares all of his extraordinary innovations and techniques. Golden soufflés in ten minutes. A light and luscious chocolate mousse that can be made as a cake, a chocolate roll, soufflé, or pudding. Plus Cassoulet, Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Bouillabaisse, Poached Salmon with Beurre Blanc—in all, 250 impeccably clear, step-by-step recipes in range of anyone who knows how to boil water or dice an onion.

When a step isn’t critical, Grausman eliminates it. If something can be done in advance, he does it. Plus he’s cut the amount of butter, cream, egg yolks, salt, and sugar; the result is health-conscious recipes that don’t compromise the essential nature of the dish. Techniques are illustrated throughout in line drawings. It’s the grandness of French cuisine, made accessible for both entertaining and everyday meals.

Pretty Cupcake Kit GIVEAWAY!!!

~Happy Mother's Day to You my Friends~

Pretty Cupcake Kit

by Chronicle Books

2011

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7548-6
*this product was provided to me by the publisher*

My Review:

From the Publisher:

So festive, so pretty, and so fun, cupcakes are a welcome addition to any celebration. Bakers of every skill level will love this handy kit, which includes a booklet with basic recipes for chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, various frostings, and simple, quick decorating tips. Packed with hundreds of decorative paper liners and dozens of colorful flag toppers, the Pretty Cupcake Kit comes with everything you need to make the cutest cupcakes ever!

Shana Faust is a freelance stylist and designer living in New York.

Elinor Klivans's most recent cookbooks include Cupcakes! and Chocolate Cakes. She lives in Camden, Maine.

Johnny Miller is a Brooklyn, New York-based photographer whose clients include Martha Stewart Living.

***GIVEAWAY***

1. US residents only, no PO Boxes.
2. Leave me a comment with your email address.
3. Pretty Cupcake Kit provided by Chronicle Books, Shipping provided by Beachbrights.
4. It's that easy to enter! Contest ends Sunday, May, 8th @ Midnight.

Plan to Party

Plan to Party

by Elizabeth Mascali and Dawn Sandomeno

Yorkshire Publishing *Thanks Todd for the opportunity to review!*

ISBN: 978-0-88144-218-2

2010

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Finally, a book puts the power of practical, tried and true, advice and practices in the palm of the reader’s hand in the form of a Plan to Party. This step-by-step approach to entertaining removes the mystique and fear by boiling down the fundamentals of entertaining into a straightforward, easy-to-execute plan, empowering the reader to host a party that will stand out from the pack this Holiday season.

The authors have been featured on: CBS, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Goodhousekeeping.com, Chicago Tribune, MoneyTalksNews.com, and AM New York.

“We are thrilled to bring our revolutionary approach to entertaining to a broader audience.” — Elizabeth Mascali and Dawn Sandomeno

Chock full of detailed, useful DIY information, this 280-page full color tome is sure to be a staple in everyone’s home from the soon-to-be bride to the experience host. Designed to make hosting parties less stressful, easier, and more enjoyable, this book delivers a feast for the reader’s eyes and table.

Some potential interview or article ideas the authors can provide are:

1. Removing Common Barriers to Entertaining
2. DIY Party Planning with Quality
3. Defining Your Entertaining Style
4. Party Related Time, Money, and Stress Management
5. Creating High Impact Party Looks for Less
6. Party Planning with Fresh Natural Foods

With all the information and inspiration at the reader’s fingertips, they’ll feel like they just got the inside scoop from their best girlfriend who hosts the best parties. Understanding how to build a strong foundation provides the reader freedom to entertain how they want and when they want. They can follow one of the four included comprehensive Party Plans or draft their own.

The authors, Elizabeth Mascali and Dawn Sandomeno, are the founders of Party Bluprints Inc. and the wildly successful party planning blog, www.partybluprintsblog.com. Their blog is a wealth of information for hosts new to the themed party scene, as well as those who have been hosting parties for years. The blog and book reflect years of research, knowledge, and feedback on parties that will not only wow your guests but avoid breaking even the most modest budget.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Resource Links:

The Party Blueprints Blog

Dawn Sandomeno on FB

YouTube

Twitter

From Seed to Skillet **GiVeAwAy**

**Giveaway**

From Seed to Skillet

by Jimmy Williams & Susan Heeger

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7221-8

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Jimmy Williams learned all about vegetable gardening at the knee of his grandmother, a South Carolina native from a traditional Gullah community whose members were descendents of Caribbean slaves. He pays homage to his family history in this inspiring step-by-step guide to designing and planting a backyard vegetable garden and growing one's own food. With this essential garden manual, home gardeners can learn how easy it is to plan a garden, design and construct growing beds, tend the crop without using harmful chemicals, harvest gorgeous vegetables, and cook a delicious feast using Jimmy's favorite family recipes.

Urban farmer and landscape designer Jimmy Williams oversees his growing grounds, plants edible gardens for clients, and dispenses cultivation and cooking tips, plus vegetable, herb, and fruit seedlings, at three Los Angeles farmers' markets. He grows and sells heirloom tomatoes from seeds that have been passed down from his great-great-grandmother.

Susan Heeger is a long-time magazine and newspaper feature writer with a specialty in garden, design, home, lifestyle, and food stories. She lives in Los Angeles.

**Giveaway**

1. US residents only, no PO Boxes.

2. Leave me a comment with your email address.

3. Book provided by Chronicle Books, Shipping provided by Beachbrights.

4. It's that easy to enter! Contest ends Friday, January 7th @ Midnight.

Resource Links:
YouTube: From Seed to Skillet
From Seed to Skillet Web

Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free

Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free

by Karen Morgan

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7331-4

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Celebrities such as Courteney Cox and Laura Dern love Blackbird Bakery for its famously scrumptious gluten-free desserts. Now these same sweets can be yours too, thanks to this beautiful cookbook that collects 75 delicious recipes for classic desserts and gorgeous French pastries, all made without gluten. Celiac disease is on the rise (more than 3 million Americans and an equal number of Europeans have been diagnosed), and millions more seek gluten-free products to supplement a healthy lifestyle. With this cookbook, gluten-conscious gluttons can dish up all sorts of delectable desserts—anytime the craving strikes!

Karen Morgan is the "Big Bird" at Blackbird Bakery and the blogger behind The Art of Gluten-Free Baking. She lives in Austin, Texas.

~XOXO~

Resource Links:

Blackbird on YouTube

Blackbird-Bakery Site

Blackbird Facebook

Blackbird Twitter

Fix, Freeze, Feast

Fix, Freeze, Feast

by Kati Neville and Lindsay Tkacsik

Storey Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60342-726-5

*Thank you Alee for the opportunity to review*

My Review:

From the Publisher:
Buy groceries in bulk, prepare family-friendly meals, freeze appropriate portions in labeled bags, and defrost and serve whenever a quick, homemade meal is needed. Fix, Freeze, Feast presents a complete system for getting organized and putting healthful, satisfying meals on the dinner table. Most recipes begin with a warehouse club tray pack of chicken, beef, or pork, and include instructions for dividing, preparing, and storing the raw ingredients. A second set of simple directions describes how to thaw and cook the food. Dinner is always in the freezer!

~XOXO~

Other Resources:

Fix, Freeze, Feast Web Site

YouTube

Facebook

Homemade Living Series by Ashley English and GIVEAWAY

    

Keeping Chickens / Canning Preserving

by Ashley English

Homemade Living Series

Lark Books/Sterling Publishing

ISBN 13: 978-1-60059-490-8 / ISBN 13: 978-1-60059-491-5

Today's lifestyle movements are all about sustainable living, eating local, growing your own, making your own, restoring, recycling and repurposing. I love this Homemade Living series by Ashley English and so will you.

Keeping Chickens: Thanks to Martha Stewart, I thought owning chickens would be glamourous. Thank goodness I read Ashley English's Keeping Chickens. This book keeps it real. I found the information included in this book to be incredibly resourceful, informative and actually a delight to read. I found myself on several occasions spouting off facts to my husband in amazement (Did you know that cannibalism is common among chickens??). I also loved that in the midst of all the instruction & supply list are these great human interest stories: Portraits of a Chicken Owner.

This book covers all details of keeping chickens under these main subject chapters: What to Consider, Selecting a Breed, Obtaining Chickens, Housing, Feeding, Hatching Eggs, Raising Chicks, Health & Wellness, Eggs and Recipes.

I honestly can not say enough about this book and how well written it is. If you are considering chickens then you must read this book!





























Canning & Preserving: Canning to me has always been intimidating. I always thought you either needed a degree in chemistry or you needed to be born in the 1920's. I can remember my Grandmother Tucker canning in her small kitchen in Alpharetta, GA. Canning brings back memories and traditions in my mind. I would love to learn canning so that I could preserve my garden all year around. I believe Ashley English is going to help me learn canning with this book.

Ashley has such an easy way to her writing. I honestly believe that nobody writes about homesteading like Ashley. Of course, this book does not disappoint.  The book is divided into the following chapters: Why We Can, Tools of the Trade, Canning Concepts, Ingredients, A Jam/Jellies/Preserves Primer, A Pickle/Relish/Chutney Primer, A Whole Fruit/Vegetables Primer and Seasoned Recipes. Again, Ashley adds human interest stories in her Portrait of a Canner, Canning parties and Trouble Shooting.

I honestly believe that this is the only book you need to learn canning - Yes, it is that good.
















Both Books: 5 Stars

~GIVEAWAY~

Now for the GIVEAWAY!! Lark Books/Sterling Publishing (Thank You Meaghan) has graciously offered one lucky commenter a copy of Keeping Chickens and Canning & Preserving. How to enter (any of these entries will work):

1. Leave me a comment with your email address. +1
2. Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway. Leave me two comments that you did. Suggested Tweet: (#giveaway #bookreview Keeping Chickens/Canning & Preserving @steringbooks @ashley_english @beachbrights). +2
3. Open to US, No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends Fri. May 7th.

Resource Links:
Ashley English's Blog
Facebook
Twitter

~XOXO~

The Hummingbird Bakery Cupcakes and Muffins

Those of you who know me, know I can't bake. Cook, yes. Bake, no and yes, there is a difference. However, that has all changed my friends. I now can bake cupcakes. Here is my review of this simply marvelous, magical cupcake recipe book. Buy it. I promise your cupcakes will be TO. DIE. FOR.

The Hummingbird Bakery Cupcake Kit
*contains cookbook & 100 cupcake cases

by Tarek Malouf

Ryland Peters & Small

Feb 28, 2010

ISBN-13: 978-1845979935

My Review: For this review I completed the vanilla cupcakes recipe (page 16) with vanilla icing (page 11). Honestly, I wanted to try the red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing but I have never had success with baking cupcakes and I did not want to try a recipe that required any additional work than necessary. The vanilla cupcakes turned out so delicious and perfect, I wish I had made the red velvet. Now I have the confidence to make both. Honestly, when I tell you I can't bake, I mean it. This is my very first successful batch of cupcakes.

What I loved most about this book is the simple ingredients and small serving sizes. The recipe did call for caster sugar which I found I could make my own by putting regular sugar in a food processor.

I also had to buy unsalted butter and whole milk, both common ingredients but not what I normally keep on hand. Everything else I had (of course every kitchen will be different). The book is small but very cute and Peter Cassidy does a great job photographing all the different varieties of cupcakes & muffins. Several to cupcakes note: vanilla, red velvet, chocolate, lemon, strawberry cheesecake, black bottom, lavender, banana & chocolate, green tea, pumpkin, & marshmallow. Several muffins to note: carrot & zucchini, spinach & cheese, blueberry and maple & pecan. Buy this book. 5 stars!

*One thing I would note. I like my cupcakes to have a little more icing on top. Next time I will consider doubling the icing recipe.

The Hummingbird Bakery

~XOXO~

Coming Home by Rosanna Bowles

Coming Home

by Rosanna Bowles

Stewart, Tabori & Chang / Abrams Books

2010

ISBN: 978-1584798361

A Seasonal Guide to Creating Family Traditions~

My Review: This is the debut book for Rosanna Bowles who is also known for starting a successful dish ware company. This book is sizable with wonderful color photographs and over 180 pages. The book is divided into 6 sections: Introduction, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Acknowledgments/Index.

I found the stories of Bowls and her family to be charming and the recipes basic, fresh and worth trying. This is a great book for the reluctant entertainer like myself. This book shows you the creating traditions is about much more than perfection but about quality time with your friends & family. Creating bonds and connections is at the heart of this book with simple traditional pleasures.

This would make a beautiful Mother's Day Gift, Bridal Gift, Shower Gift or Gift for yourself!

You can watch my video review on You-Tube.

4/5 stars!

*Thank you Leslie for the opportunity to review*

~XOXO~

Farmers' Market Desserts

Farmers' Market Desserts
by Jennie Schacht
Chronicle Books
ISBN 9780811866729

My Review:

From the Publisher:  The number of U.S. farmers' markets has grown by 20% over the past three years to nearly 5,300 nationwide. This collection of tempting desserts inspired by those markets and the farmers who share their produce there satisfies the sustainable shopper's sweet tooth with more than 50 recipes for tarts, crisps, cupcakes, puddings, and more. Discover classics like Deep Dish Sour Cherry Pie and new interpretations like Tangerine-sicle Ice Cream. Featuring seasonality charts, "farmer journal" tips, and dazzling color photography to teach and inspire, Farmers' Market Desserts is the perfect gift for bakers, lovers of local produce, and all who share in the delights of the farmers' market.


Amazon

~XOXO~

**Thank you Jessica for the opportunity to review**

Seasons in Wine Country

Seasons in Wine Country
by Cate Conniff
Chronicle Books
ISBN 9780811865883

My Review:

From the Publisher: Seasons in the Wine Country -- Seasons in the Wine Country brings the flavors of the Napa Valley and the expertise of instructors at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone into your home with over 100 seasonal recipes. Beat the winter blues with a hearty helping of Cabernet-Braised Short Ribs with Swiss Chard and Orecchiette and distill the fresh flavors of spring with Lemon-Glazed Pound Cake with Rosewater and Strawberries. With simple step-by-step instructions from the world's foremost culinary authorities—including suggestions for wine pairings as well as primers on culinary techniques and equipment—Seasons in the Wine Country is the ultimate resource for those who desire to live the good life and cook like master chefs!


AMAZON

~XOXO~

**Thank you Jessica for the opportunity to review**

Porch Parties and Sangria Recipe

Porch Parties
by Denise Gee
Chronicle Books
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6580-7

My Review: This book exemplifies porch entertaining with over 50 cocktail and handheld snack recipes. These recipes make entertaining simple, fun and enjoyable. The book is bright and cheerful with great photographs. Approximately every third recipe has a coordinating picture. The book is divided into 5 chapters:

Porch Party Pointers

Convivial Cocktails

Punch with Pizzazz

Think Frocktails not mocktails

Little Bites

For this review I made the Ruby Sangria on page 71. This Sangria proved to be light tasting and refreshing. I recommend this book to anyone wanting simple delicious entertaining. This would also make a cute gift...think housewarming!

Here are the pictures & recipe of my Sangria from Porch Parties:

Ruby Sangria (page 71)

1 (750ml) bottle red wine

1/2 cup brandy

1/2 cup orange flavored liqueur

1/2 cup fresh OJ

1/4 cup sugar

2 cups orange wedges

2 cups red apple wedges

2 cups green apple wedges

2 cups grapes

1 (750ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled

Garnish: with extra of the above fruit threaded on small skewers

Combine the red wine, brandy, liqueur, OJ and sugar in a large pitcher; stir well. Add the oranges, red & green apples and grapes. Chill for several hours.

Just before serving, add the sparkling water.

Pour the Sangria into red-wine goblets filled with ice. Garnish with fruit kabobs, if desired.

Take two aspirin in the morning. Kidding, the book does not really say this!

Enjoy-

~XOXO~

Resource Links:

Chronicle Publishing

Amazon

YouTube

The Great Christmas Cookie Swap

Good Housekeeping

Hearst Books/Sterling Publishing

November 2009

Specs: 160 pages, Hardcover, Spiral Bound, 5x7

ISBN-13: 9781588167576

My Review:  This book is the "go to" for all things cookie swap.  Not only does the book give you tips for how to organize and host a cookie swap but the book also gives you great tips on baking the best cookies at the swap!

The book is a very manageable 5x7. It is spiral bound and lays flat for easier reading when cooking (I love these kinds of considerations).  I would like to have seem more photos included with the recipes but they did write the recipes "large-batch" to make cooking and giving easier (another great consideration).

It is no secret that I can't bake. Cooking yes, Baking no. There is a difference!  From now on when I get invited to a cookie swap, I am going to use this book and cook all the delights: Coconut Macaroons, Cinnamon Spirals and Nut Cresents. I will have those "cookie swap church ladies" swooning with cookie envy!

This would make a great stocking stuffer or better yet, a great addition to a gift basket. Just add the book with a batch of cookies in a cute basket - all tied up in a bow. Perfect!

5 out of 5 stars.

Publisher's Review: Butterscotch Fingers, Chocolate Crinkles, Gingerbread Cut-Outs, Peppermint Meringues: all these Christmas cookies sound delectable, but nobody can bake dozens of recipes at the same time. The solution? A swap! All across America, families, neighbors, community, and church groups gather at Christmas cookie swaps, where each participant brings a large batch of his or her favorite recipe to share. Everyone fills a plate or tin with samplings of the tasty treats; the more people, the merrier—and the more kinds of cookies to try. It’s a fun way to enjoy a variety of Christmas tastes without doing all the work yourself—and to celebrate with those you love.
Good Housekeeping helps home bakers enter into the joy, camaraderie, and pure deliciousness of this tradition with a new collection of 60 favorite Christmas cookie recipes from around the world—each configured to make batches of at least eight dozen cookies. Choose from holiday classics and contemporary twists; they’re easy to make with everyday ingredients. And each recipe has been triple-tested for success in the famed Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, so you can bake with confidence. For extra help, there are also great tips on techniques and shortcuts, as well as fun ideas for throwing the best cookie swap ever. Finally, as a special bonus, the book features removable blank recipe cards in the back—so you can pass along the recipe.

You can buy The Great Christmas Cookie Swap from Amazon.

XOXO-

**Thank you Caroline from Sterling for the opportunity to review**

How to Roast a Lamb

Authors: Michael Psilakis, Barbara Kafka

Little, Brown and Company Publishing

October 2009

ISBN: 0316041211

My Review: I have never owned a greek cookbook and other than making my own chickpea hummus, I have never cooked Greek food. I did not grow up with Greek food. I have never been to a Greek restaurant. I believe this cookbook could change my cooking habits. I believe the recipes from this cookbook could find their way onto my table.

This book should be viewed as a resource for Greek food and recipes. Every cook should have this book included in their arsenal. This is an excellent reference for original Greek recipes with a modern twist.

I have to admit, I was intimidated by this book at first glance. It is a large book with overwhelming ingredient lists and hard to find items. Would a working mother really have time to shop and cook these recipes for her family? I will tell you honestly that some of these recipes are far too advanced for my family. The Poached Halibut with Cypriot Shellfish Salad, Cucumber-Yogurt Broth & Caviar has 49 ingredients including sheep’s milk yogurt, live razor clams and sturgeon caviar. I don’t think my local Kroger will be able to accommodate. I bring this up not in a negative way but to keep your expectations in check. This is not your casual Food Network recipe book. This book is about so much more than Greek food. It is about culture, family, traditions and the spirit of Greece.

What I am planning for my table: Spanakopita, Dried Fruit Salad with Thyme-Honey Vinaigrette and Grilled Watermelon & Grilled Manouri.

5 out of 5 stars.

From the Publisher: A rising star in the food world, Michael Psilakis is co-owner of a growing empire of modern Mediterranean restaurants, and one of the most exciting young chefs in America today. In How to Roast a Lamb, the self-taught chef offers recipes from his restaurants and his home in this, his much-anticipated first cookbook. Ten chapters provide colorful and heartfelt personal essays that lead into thematically related recipes. Gorgeous color photography accompanies many of the recipes throughout. Psilakis's cooking utilizes the fresh, naturally healthful ingredients of the Mediterranean augmented by techniques that define New American cuisine. Home cooks who have gravitated toward Italian cookbooks for the simple, user-friendly dishes, satisfying flavors, and comfortable, family-oriented meals, will welcome Psilakis's approach to Greek food, which is similarly healthful, affordable, and satisfying to share any night of the week.

You can buy How to Roast a Lamb from Amazon, B&N and other fine booksellers.

XOXO-

**Thank you Anna from Hachette for the opportunity to review this fine book**

CookBook Review: Easy Food for Kids (& Giveaway)

Easy Food for Kids

Ryland Peters & Small
October 2009
Specs: 240 pages, 120 color photos
ISBN: 9781845978983


My Review: Let me first be honest here. I am writing this review while eating a Poptart, so my culinary choices might not be right for reviewing a cookbook but this cookbook is for kids and I have one of those. So, I am at least partially qualified. There also might be a cultural differences in this cookbook.  I reside in the United States and this book is published by Ryland, Peters & Small, who have a strong presence in London.

This would be a great cookbook, if you were not a kid.  Unfortunately, the title says "child-friendly food" so I can not give this cookbook high marks.  How many kids do you know that will eat the following: smoked mackerel pate (pg. 61), leek frittata (pg. 74), fiorentina pizza (pg. 120), herby trout triangles (pg 122) and fish pie (pg. 145).  I can see my son's gag reflex in full glory.

I might not be able to recommend this book to kids but it is a great cookbook for adult taste buds. The book is divided into 6 basic chapters: breakfast & brunch, soups & snacks, lunchboxes, hot dishes, desserts and teatime treats. The ingredient lists for each recipe are minimal, time saving and the flavors seem appealing. I did not try any of the recipes for this review. I like the size of the book (7.5" x 7.5") and the color pictures are nice and coordinate well with each recipe.

If you have a child that will try anything, with far reaching tastes, than this cookbook is for you. It will bring a little variety to your meals and the recipes are easy enough that kids could help in prep--making this even more delightful!

2.5 out of 5 stars.

From Publisher: It is often difficult to get children to eat the nutritious meal you have lovingly prepared for them. Easy Food for Kids is packed with more than 100 easy recipes for good, honest food that children will love to eat, and which dont demand lots of your time. 

Whether the little ones are off to school or the whole family is having a lie-in on the weekend, theres a recipe in the Breakfast & Brunch chapter to get everyone off to a storming start. Extra Oaty Porridge and Blueberry Pancakes will be gobbled up in no time. 

Salads, Soups, & Snacks are for those quick meals and munchies when you need something light but nourishing to keep the kids going. Pea and Ham Soup, Thai Chicken Noodle Salad, and Parmesan Breadsticks are healthier than store-bought crackers or potato chips. Making the kids Lunchboxes will ensure that they have a varied diet. Chicken Wraps with Mango Chutney and Cucumber and hot, sweet Butternut Squash Soup will be just what the kids need halfway through their school day. 

For evening and weekend meals, the Hot Dishes chapter caters for every type of hunger. Meatloaf, Fish Cakes, Roast Chicken, Pasta with Ham and Peas, and Chili Con Carneentres this delicious will be loved by kids and adults alike. 

And with Desserts like Brownies and Almond Fruit Crumble, you can reward good eaters with a sweet treat. Get the kids to join in when you bake some Teatime Treats like Apple Cake and Double Chocolate Muffins. Or let them help you make Drinks such as the Mango Smoothie or Strawberry Milkshake, perfect for starting the day or coming home from school.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am giving away my review copy of 

"Easy Food for Kids" to one lucky follower. 

Winner will be announced Wednesday. So, FOLLOW ME!!

or RSS me!

XOXO-

**Thank you Marny from Ryland, Peters & Small for the opportunity to review this book**

Chocolate...A Love Story (& GIVEAWAY)

Chocolate...A Love Story by Max Brenner

Artwork by Yonatan Factor
Little, Brown and Company
November 2009
ISBN: 978-0-316-05662-5

My Review:
Yes, Max Brenner is a Chocolate God.  Mr. Brenner has amazingly crafted the diverse flavors of chocolate to create 65 decadent recipes bound in this one book. You think you know dessert pizza? Think again. Max's Bad Boy Chocolate Pizza comes complete with a chocolate-hazelnut spread and topped with chopped marshmallows.  If that did not wet your appetite, how about A High School Bonfire Chocolate Melting Heart Cake that is filled with a mixture of heavy cream, marshmallows & white chocolate. My knees are getting weak just thinking about these delicious recipes.  What you will not find in this book is traditional pictures of the recipes.  This book is just as much about chocolate as it is about art, words and the intimate stories they tell. This book is seductive.

One final thought, my review would not be complete without the recognition of the artwork. What grabbed my attention among these 144 pages was the illustrations by Yonatan Factor. Page after page of pop art eye candy. I have found a new favorite artist. The pages of this book will one day be framed and hanging on my wall.

4 out of 5 stars

From the Publisher:
With gigantic vats of churning chocolate, desserts like their famous chocolate pizza, and 12 varieties of hot chocolate served in custom mugs, Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man has turned their line of hip, colorful themed restaurants into an international sensation.. Chocolate: A Love Story is a vibrant new cookbook that includes 65 original recipes narrated in the quirky, captivating voice of Max Brenner, the restaurant's visionary founder and "bald man." Bold original illustrations inspired by Art Deco poster graphics, full-color photographs, easy-to-follow, delicious recipes, and a serving of Max's unique vision for spreading "chocolate culture" around the world make this book a must for every chocolate lover.

You can learn more about Max Brenner at his website.

LEAVE ME A COMMENT TO WIN A COPY!
1. A copy of Chocolate A Love Story by Max Brenner will be sent directly to winner from Hachette Book Group. Your comment must be associated with an email address so I can contact you.
2. Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win
3. No P.O. Boxes
4. Contest ends Tuesday, November 17th.

XOXO-

**Thank you Anna from Hachette Book Group for the opportunity to review.**

Book Review: Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook Volume 1 & Giveaway

Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook Volume 1
by Lynne Tolley & Pat Mitchamore
Thomas Nelson Publisher (ISBNs: 1558530010 / 9781558530010)

I am so excited for the opportunity to review Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook Vol 1.  I am not only excited because I love cookbooks, food and Jack but because I lived in a small town right beside Lynchburg, TN which is home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery.  Jack Daniel's is not just about whiskey. It's about food, family and community.  This is truly an American iconic brand.

After flipping through the many recipes what really stuck out was the pictures of the people and places that the authors chose to spotlight.  There is so much rich history in middle Tennessee and Jack Daniels has been a huge part of this history.  This book sets out to capture the "spirit" of this relationship and delivers very nicely.  If you or anybody you know has ties to Middle Tennessee, Jack Daniels or loves good home cooking, then this is the book for them.

Two recipes to note:
Cafe Daniel (page 13)
Jack Daniel's Chocolate Velvet Cake (page 156)

Book Description from Publisher: The rich tradition of country cooking, the distinctive taste of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, and the heritage of rural America are all elegantly captured in Jack Daniel's The Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook. Included are more than 350 recipes, stunning full-color photographs, and stories of the people, places, and traditions of Middle Tennessee. Illustrated and indexed.


A special thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me this book to review.  One lucky commenter will receive my review copy (My copy is paperback with Jack Daniel's Logo on the cover). Just leave me a comment to enter (make sure your email address is tied to your comment). Contest ends Thursday, Nov. 8th.

XOXO-

You can buy Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook Volume 1 from Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.