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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated New Vegetarian in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I was very disappointed with this cookbook of so-called "simple" vegetarian recipes. While there is good information in the introduction of the book such as 'How to Get Your Protein' and a source guide for getting unusual ingredients online, most of the recipes required some ingredients that are either not stocked in my pantry or not available at all in stores where I live.
I don't consider these recipes simple when:
1) Ingredients aren't normally on hand
2) They can't be purchased locally or
3) They must be purchased online, therefore having to wait to even try most recipes. Not to mention the extra money spent on them.
I thought simple means easy! This was the deciding factor that made me choose to get this book.
The book is attractive enough, although the font is small, but had I known the recipes were more for someone that is either a chef or has enough time and energy to cook for a while, I would never have gotten it. Had I picked this up when I first became a vegetarian twelve years ago, it might just have turned me off the whole thing. Also, it would have been nice to include a glossary for the unusual ingredients and a substitute chart for more easily found items to replace them. I shouldn't have to go online to research so much just for a cookbook. I do appreciate having vegan desserts included, as I am trying to eat less dairy.
I'd advise anyone interested in buying this cookbook to either get it from the library first or browse through it at a bookstore. I have a feeling this will be one that gathers dust more often than not.
I don't consider these recipes simple when:
1) Ingredients aren't normally on hand
2) They can't be purchased locally or
3) They must be purchased online, therefore having to wait to even try most recipes. Not to mention the extra money spent on them.
I thought simple means easy! This was the deciding factor that made me choose to get this book.
The book is attractive enough, although the font is small, but had I known the recipes were more for someone that is either a chef or has enough time and energy to cook for a while, I would never have gotten it. Had I picked this up when I first became a vegetarian twelve years ago, it might just have turned me off the whole thing. Also, it would have been nice to include a glossary for the unusual ingredients and a substitute chart for more easily found items to replace them. I shouldn't have to go online to research so much just for a cookbook. I do appreciate having vegan desserts included, as I am trying to eat less dairy.
I'd advise anyone interested in buying this cookbook to either get it from the library first or browse through it at a bookstore. I have a feeling this will be one that gathers dust more often than not.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Queso!: Regional Recipes for the World's Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip in Books
Jun 14, 2018
QUESO!: Regional Recipes for the World's Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip by Lisa Fain a cookbook dedicated queso. This book has a wide variety of different versions of one of our favorite game-time dips. Most do rely on processed cheese, but several use natural cheeses.
The book explains the modern origin of Chile Con Queso, and tracks the history and regional differences of the dish. The recipes provided range from early appearances in magazines and Woman's clubs cooking publications, to restaurant versions that popularized the dish, and ending with modern vegan varieties.
It is a fun cookbook. Queso is incredibly comforting, delicious, and easy to make. Each recipe is presented with an explanation of the geographical origin of the version, and / or some tips on how to incorporate it into a meal. The recipes are straightforward, and easy to follow. The delicious entrees included prove that Queso is not merely a side or dip. I did not know that I needed a book completely about Chile Con Queso until I read this book.
I received this ARC from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book explains the modern origin of Chile Con Queso, and tracks the history and regional differences of the dish. The recipes provided range from early appearances in magazines and Woman's clubs cooking publications, to restaurant versions that popularized the dish, and ending with modern vegan varieties.
It is a fun cookbook. Queso is incredibly comforting, delicious, and easy to make. Each recipe is presented with an explanation of the geographical origin of the version, and / or some tips on how to incorporate it into a meal. The recipes are straightforward, and easy to follow. The delicious entrees included prove that Queso is not merely a side or dip. I did not know that I needed a book completely about Chile Con Queso until I read this book.
I received this ARC from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sue (5 KP) rated Hungry Girl 1-2-3: The Easiest, Most Delicious, Guilt-Free Recipes on the Planet in Books
Aug 13, 2018
HG 1-2-3 is one of the easiest cooking cookbooks around. Simply delicious recipes that are low in calories, high in fiber, and Weight Watcher friendly. This is a great companion to other HG cookbooks and HG newsletter recipes. Add this to your cookbook collection and you won't regret it. It will become one of the most used and well-worn cookbooks in your collection. You are going to love the pizza-fied chicken, stuffed chick cordon bleu (my favorite), bacon ranch broccoli slaw, and greek chicken salad.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Inherit the Word (Cookbook Nook Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The Cookbook Nook is hosting the town's annual grill competition, but things turn sour when the reigning champion is murdered before the first round even starts. When a friend of Jenna's becomes the prime suspect, she starts nosing around to find the killer.
I love this small touristy beach town, and I have already grown to love these characters. The plot was great with lots of good suspects and plenty of red herrings, too. I can't wait to visit again.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/04/book-review-inherit-word-by-daryl-wood.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I love this small touristy beach town, and I have already grown to love these characters. The plot was great with lots of good suspects and plenty of red herrings, too. I can't wait to visit again.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/04/book-review-inherit-word-by-daryl-wood.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Samin Nosrat recommended Edna Lewis: At The Table with an American Original in Books (curated)
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
As someone new to Matcha, but who has been interested in trying recipes, I was thrilled for the chance to review this cookbook. It offers a selection of recipes, from breakfast and smoothies, to main dishes, to desserts, and even to cocktails. In addition to step by step instructions, the author also offered substitutions in some of the recipes (specifically notes where regular milk can be used, versus where it should not be).
So far have only gotten to try a few recipes, but am thrilled with the results.
As someone new to Matcha, but who has been interested in trying recipes, I was thrilled for the chance to review this cookbook. It offers a selection of recipes, from breakfast and smoothies, to main dishes, to desserts, and even to cocktails. In addition to step by step instructions, the author also offered substitutions in some of the recipes (specifically notes where regular milk can be used, versus where it should not be).
So far have only gotten to try a few recipes, but am thrilled with the results.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Sweet Revenge: Passive-Aggressive Desserts for Your Exes & Enemies in Books
Jul 12, 2018
So, it is always really had to write a review of a cookbook for me. One, I cannot consider it read without thinking that it is kind of cheating if I haven't made all of the recipes. So... I'm not marking this as fully read nor will I have it as a book read in 2017.
I really enjoyed the author of this book and her narration. It was quirky and fun. Honestly, I was laughing through the descriptions and her random graphics thrown in.
I loved the concept of this book but I have to wonder if the author knew her stuff when it comes to creating recipes. I cooked "You're a Total Monster" cookies and they were okay. The addition of Nacho Cheese Doritos was weird yet fun. My one complaint though was the fact that the cooking time was completely wrong and I mean completely wrong. Luckily, I was able to figure out that it should be 5 minutes and then turn for 5 more minutes. This reduced the cooking time by 8 minutes. My first batches were burnt to a crisp which annoyed me.
All in all, if you're looking for a cookbook with attitude, this is a fun one. The recipes are weird and will surely be the talk of the gathering you bring them too. Just make sure that you change cooking times if they come out burnt.
I received this book from Bookish First in Exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the author of this book and her narration. It was quirky and fun. Honestly, I was laughing through the descriptions and her random graphics thrown in.
I loved the concept of this book but I have to wonder if the author knew her stuff when it comes to creating recipes. I cooked "You're a Total Monster" cookies and they were okay. The addition of Nacho Cheese Doritos was weird yet fun. My one complaint though was the fact that the cooking time was completely wrong and I mean completely wrong. Luckily, I was able to figure out that it should be 5 minutes and then turn for 5 more minutes. This reduced the cooking time by 8 minutes. My first batches were burnt to a crisp which annoyed me.
All in all, if you're looking for a cookbook with attitude, this is a fun one. The recipes are weird and will surely be the talk of the gathering you bring them too. Just make sure that you change cooking times if they come out burnt.
I received this book from Bookish First in Exchange for an honest review.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Sweet Chic: Stylish Treats to Dress Up for Any Occasion in Books
Feb 11, 2019
There are few pastimes that can compete with my love of books, but baking is one of them. The premise of this cookbook seemed rather unique, as it attempted to combine baking with fashion. There is even a delightful foreword by Isaac Mizrahi to further the theme. The author, Rachel Schifter Thebault, runs her own bakery, Tribeca Treats, out of New York City, and this is her debut cookbook.
The book opens with an explanation of Rachel's philosophy of baking. In the same way that a woman uses a little black dress as the foundation of her wardrobe, using accessories to dress it up or down, so too can a baker take a basic recipe for the base of a dessert and use simple alterations to create a complete "wardrobe" of desserts for any occasion. Chocolate chip cookie dough becomes white chocolate coconut cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, snickerdoodles, or anything else a cook can dream up with a change in mix-ins. I used the oatmeal raisin cookie recipe and substituted in chocolate chips, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and they came out perfect!
The book is divided into three sections: Cookies, Cakes, and Confections. Each chapter in the three sections feature a basic recipe to build on, with names such as "The Crisp Oxford Shirt," "The A-Line Skirt," and "The Leather Jacket." Following the basic recipe of each chapter are several more example recipes of how to alter the base recipe to fit your needs. Vanilla Cake becomes Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes, and Basic Tempered Chocolate becomes Cranberry Almond Bark.
The detail that Rachel goes into is also quite impressive. The beginning of the book teaches the basics of baked goods by reviewing all of the major ingredients used in baking - things like eggs, cocoa powder, and extracts - as well as essential equipment used, like a cake turntable. She then goes into the basic techniques of baking, simplifying them for even the most amateur of novices, and provides a pictorial guide for icing a cake and dipping things in chocolate. Each recipe is provided with very specific details on how to perform each step, as well as ideas at the end on how to dress it up further.
I loved this cookbook, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in baking, from the amateur to the experienced baker.
The book opens with an explanation of Rachel's philosophy of baking. In the same way that a woman uses a little black dress as the foundation of her wardrobe, using accessories to dress it up or down, so too can a baker take a basic recipe for the base of a dessert and use simple alterations to create a complete "wardrobe" of desserts for any occasion. Chocolate chip cookie dough becomes white chocolate coconut cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, snickerdoodles, or anything else a cook can dream up with a change in mix-ins. I used the oatmeal raisin cookie recipe and substituted in chocolate chips, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and they came out perfect!
The book is divided into three sections: Cookies, Cakes, and Confections. Each chapter in the three sections feature a basic recipe to build on, with names such as "The Crisp Oxford Shirt," "The A-Line Skirt," and "The Leather Jacket." Following the basic recipe of each chapter are several more example recipes of how to alter the base recipe to fit your needs. Vanilla Cake becomes Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes, and Basic Tempered Chocolate becomes Cranberry Almond Bark.
The detail that Rachel goes into is also quite impressive. The beginning of the book teaches the basics of baked goods by reviewing all of the major ingredients used in baking - things like eggs, cocoa powder, and extracts - as well as essential equipment used, like a cake turntable. She then goes into the basic techniques of baking, simplifying them for even the most amateur of novices, and provides a pictorial guide for icing a cake and dipping things in chocolate. Each recipe is provided with very specific details on how to perform each step, as well as ideas at the end on how to dress it up further.
I loved this cookbook, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in baking, from the amateur to the experienced baker.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated Beginners Cookbook in Books
Jan 9, 2020
Beginners Cookbook by K. Mortimer is a book full of fairly quick and easy recipes. While the cooking time on some of these can be a bit long, none of the recipes. in this book take very long to put together. Some readers that are not from the United Kingdom may not recognize some of the names of some ingredients but a quick google search should fix that.
This cookbook walks beginner cooks through common breakfast foods, main meal dishes, and even snacks. It has recipes. for common foods such as macaroni and cheese to things a little more uncommon (yet still simple) like prawn cocktails. The dessert selection offers some delicious recipes such as rice pudding or an apple and blackberry crumble. The cookbook also ends on a sweet note with the cakes and pastries section containing items such as fruit scones and jam jars.
One of the best things about this book is how simple all the recipes are. The chocolate brownies probably have one of the largest ingredient lists in the entire book. Also, many of the meat-based recipes gives a vegetarian option in the instructions as well. What I did not really care for was that some of the recipes seem to be in the wrong chapter. Flapjacks, for example, are labeled as a cake and not a breakfast food (this may be a UK vs. US thing I am not sure). There were also ingredients such as sultanas and salad cream that I have never heard of, along with a few unknown !!br0ken!!
This book was created directly for those who have never cooked before or who have just started cooking. It is perfect for (supervised) children who are gaining confidence in the kitchen. Adults and teens who find themselves suddenly on their own for food will also benefit from this book. It would make a good gift for a new college student as well. I give this book a rating of 3 out of 4. The recipes themselves are very beginner-friendly although there are a few things that would make it even more so. It would have been nice to see examples of less common items such as flan pans in an index-like area. Also, a list of common substitutions for things like eggs and butter would have been nice along with a conversions chart.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
This cookbook walks beginner cooks through common breakfast foods, main meal dishes, and even snacks. It has recipes. for common foods such as macaroni and cheese to things a little more uncommon (yet still simple) like prawn cocktails. The dessert selection offers some delicious recipes such as rice pudding or an apple and blackberry crumble. The cookbook also ends on a sweet note with the cakes and pastries section containing items such as fruit scones and jam jars.
One of the best things about this book is how simple all the recipes are. The chocolate brownies probably have one of the largest ingredient lists in the entire book. Also, many of the meat-based recipes gives a vegetarian option in the instructions as well. What I did not really care for was that some of the recipes seem to be in the wrong chapter. Flapjacks, for example, are labeled as a cake and not a breakfast food (this may be a UK vs. US thing I am not sure). There were also ingredients such as sultanas and salad cream that I have never heard of, along with a few unknown !!br0ken!!
This book was created directly for those who have never cooked before or who have just started cooking. It is perfect for (supervised) children who are gaining confidence in the kitchen. Adults and teens who find themselves suddenly on their own for food will also benefit from this book. It would make a good gift for a new college student as well. I give this book a rating of 3 out of 4. The recipes themselves are very beginner-friendly although there are a few things that would make it even more so. It would have been nice to see examples of less common items such as flan pans in an index-like area. Also, a list of common substitutions for things like eggs and butter would have been nice along with a conversions chart.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
Sue (5 KP) rated Healthy Meal Prep: Time-Saving Plans to Prep and Portion Your Weekly Meals in Books
Apr 23, 2018
Meal prepping is the “in” thing for anyone that has a busy lifestyle. You take one day to shop and prep so that you don’t have to take the time later on.
What I like most about this cookbook is that the meal selections were not only easy to prepare but used wholesome and nutritious ingredients. You could easily swap for veggies that your family enjoy or even add more to fill up your plate and give you more fiber. But what do you expect from a book written by a dietician?!
This book is filled with not only meal plans and recipes, but tips, shopping lists, and great storage solutions. The only thing missing for this foodie were pictures.
What I like most about this cookbook is that the meal selections were not only easy to prepare but used wholesome and nutritious ingredients. You could easily swap for veggies that your family enjoy or even add more to fill up your plate and give you more fiber. But what do you expect from a book written by a dietician?!
This book is filled with not only meal plans and recipes, but tips, shopping lists, and great storage solutions. The only thing missing for this foodie were pictures.