Saturday, November 4, 2017

Kristen Kish Cooking: A Review

I already knew Kristen Kish was a marvelous chef. After all, she's one of the 75 featured chefs in my own new cookbook, Chefs & Company. But when I found out she was also coming out with her own eponymous cookbook, Kristen Kish Cooking, let's just say I was more than just a little excited. I was over the moon, actually! And when I finally had it in my hands, to put it mildly, I was more than thrilled with it.




Kristen's recipes are as elegant and unique as she is. For instance, she features Salmon with English Pea, Artichoke, and Pancetta...Seared Lobster with Foie Gras Sauce, Turnip, and Pickled Radish...Ravioli con Uovo, Delice de Bourgogne, Wheat Berry, and Brodo...Veal with Escargot Ragout, Wasabi, and Sweetbreads...I mean really, must I go on?

And the photography. Oh, the photography! In a word, it's brilliant. Simply brilliant.

So, if you're looking to up your game in the kitchen, on guest nights, or just because, this is the book for you.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

The Cottage Kitchen: A Review

If you're looking for a gem of a cookbook that's full of feel-good comfort recipes, warmly authentic life stories, and richly hued photography, The Cottage Kitchen by Marte Marie Forsberg is made for you!



Broken down by season (which I always love and is extremely helpful), Marie's recipes lure you into her world across the pond in the English countryside.

For winter, I really want to try Warming Lamb and Cabbage Stew. For spring, I have to try Jansons' Potato Casserole with Quail Eggs. For summer, I'm dying to try Limoncello Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit. And for autumn, I'm definitely trying the Mulled Cider.

Marie even throws in a bonus chapter covering afternoon tea, for which I'm going to try her Orange Cinnamon Knots. 'Nuff said.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for my review.


Sunday, October 8, 2017

Cherry Bombe: A Review

A bubblegum-pink cover. A huge, bright red cherry illustration smack dab in the middle. And a title like Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook would be enough to entice anyone to pick up this beautiful tome, which just happens to include "recipes and stories from 100 of the most creative and inspiring women in food today."



Authors Kerry Diamond and Claudia Wu are co-founders of Cherry Bombe, the hit indie magazine about women and food. They scoped out many different talents, from pastry chefs and food stylists, to editors, bloggers, and farmers. And they asked them for recipes they treasured. The result is this delightful book.

Names like Heidi Swanson, Chrissy Teigen, Padma Lakshmi, Nilou Motamed, Gail Simmons, and Naomi Pomeroy contributed fantastic recipes that range from appetizers, mains, soups, salads, and sides, to snacks, cookies, cakes, and pies. I'm eager to try the Purple Grain Roasted Beet & Barley Salad, Sinuglaw (Filipino Grilled Pork Belly & Tuna Ceviche), San Bei Ji (Taiwanese Three-Cup Chicken), Goat Cheese Souffle, and Bubbie Smigel Cake. All recipes are accompanied by retro-stylized, full-color photographs.

If you're interested in what today's accomplished female foodies are up to, you'll be tickled pink with this book.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for my review.

Friday, September 8, 2017

Holiday Cookies: A Review

I'll be totally honest. I simply could. not. wait. to get my hands on Holiday Cookies by the very talented Elisabet der Nederlanden. And to put it mildly, it was even so much better than I imagined!



It is chock-full of the most beautiful, mouthwatering cookies you've ever seen in your life. From traditional classics, to spiced confections, to international favorites, to decorated beauties, there's a recipe for every cookie fantasy you've ever had.

Elisabet also includes extremely helpful tips on how to decorate, package, and store cookies.

Honestly, I can't wait to get started. The problem is, I can't decide which cookie to make first. The Chocolate-Stenciled Shortbread Rounds? The Glazed Eggnog Madeleines? The Austrian Linzer Augen? Or the Matcha Chocolate Bark with Berries and Coconut? Heck, I'll just make them all!

If you're looking for cookie recipes that are anything but ordinary, this is the book for you!

* I received this book from Blogging for Books for my review.

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Hot to Set a Table: A Review

Funny how a book doesn't have to be big, thick, glossy, or fancy to be great. And that's exactly what How to Set a Table by Potter Style turned out to be: a small, unassuming book that's chock-full of useful and interesting information, helpful tips, and super-creative ideas!


 


It includes some things I already knew (how to place silverware and the difference between wine glasses). But it also taught me a lot of things I didn't know, like how each person should be given about 24 inches of table space. The different sizes of napkins according to use. And how place cards are typically only used for parties of eight or more.

There are also many other fun extras, such as sample settings for a cookout, potluck dinner, birthday picnic, breakfast in bed, and even overnight guests. 

All in all, I know I'll be turning to this little gem many times over during my future entertaining. And I'll really have fun doing so.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for my review.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Mighty Salads: A Review

Ever since my husband and I decided to lighten up our meals, salads have shifted their place of honor from being a side dish to taking center stage as the main course--which is why I was thrilled to finally receive my copy of the brand new cookbook called Mighty Salads by the popular editors of Food52.





As soon as I started flipping through the pages, I could quickly see that these were not just any typical dinner salads. The ingredients were fabulous. The dressings were exciting. And the combinations were more than just a little tantalizing.

For instance, take a look at some of the featured recipes: Carrot & Radicchio Salad with Fig-Balsamic Vinaigrette, Charred Broccoli & Lentil Salad, Grilled Ratatouille & Bulgar Salad, Farro & Golden Beet Salad with Chive-Sage Dressing, Roasted Chickpea Salad with Za'atar, and Chicken & Rice Salad with Poached Radishes and Nuoc Cham. Need I go on?

As you can clearly see, these are not your mother's salads. Rather, they are novel salads that will elevate any meal to a whole new dimension. I can't wait to get started!

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.



Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Dinner, Changing the Game: A Review

Upon the arrival in my mailbox of the much-anticipated newest cookbook by the venerable Melissa Clark, coyly entitled Dinner: Changing the Game, I must say I was doing the happy dance. And I haven't stopped since.


You see, this book is all about recipes for dinner (you probably already guessed that!)...but in a most refreshing and unique way. As the inside book cover says, "Dinner showcases the inventive yet unfussy approach to cooking that will make anyone a better and more confident cook."

To be more specific, Dinner features recipes that are "meant to be dinner--one fantastic dish that is so satisfying and flavor forward it can stand alone--maybe with a little salad or some bread on the side. This is what Melissa Clark means by changing the game."

Whoa! What an awesome concept! Forget making a main entree with two sides. These dishes complete the meal all on their own. And boy do they look fabulous.

Frankly, I can't wait to try the Chicken & Grapes with Sherry Vinegar; Georgian Lamb Kebabs with Dill Sauce; Stovetop Fusilli with Spinach, Peas, and Gruyere; and Skillet Brown-butter Cornbread. With more than 200 recipes, this is a comprehensive resource that will serve me well for years to come.

But don't take my word for it. See for yourself. You won't be disappointed...I guarantee it!

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

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