Review: Modern Baking

Summary: Donna Hay, Australia's bestselling, favourite and most trusted cook, brings you one of her most beautiful books yet: Modern Baking, with over 250 mouthwatering recipes for cakes,biscuits and all kinds of divinely delicious sweet treats. I find there's something truly enchanting about baking. From the way ingredients change as they're whisked and whipped, to the joy that a warm slice of cake can bring - it's always been my first love in the kitchen. Even though I'm a classics girl at heart, I'm forever adding on-trend twists to my sweet recipes and I want to share them with you. This book is what I like to think of as my modern baking bible. Inside are more than 250 recipes - my all-time favourite essentials, plus some super-smart shortcuts for when life gets crazy busy. I've also included plenty of better-for-you treats, made with wholesome raw ingredients, for a touch of balance. Be it chewy cookies, the fudgiest brownies, dreamy meringue or creamy iced desserts, let these modern sweets bring a little magic into your kitchen. -- 4th Estate/Harper 360

It's that time of year when I love to bake cookies and other holiday treats! So it was perfect timing when the new cookbook MODERN BAKING: CAKES, COOKIES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN by Donna Hay arrived on my doorstep. Granted my arm almost fell off when I picked up this sturdy book. It's huge in the very best way, about 400 pages; and it looks like a coffee table book. This is one amazing cookbook for bakers!

MODERN BAKING is absolutely beautiful! The photographs are even swoon-worthy. I swear I gained a pound or two just drooling over them. Donna Hay, author of twenty cookbooks, has definitely outdone herself with this one. There are more than 250 recipes; and, as the author states, "this book is what I like to think of as my modern baking bible."

MODERN BAKING is even organized extremely well. The chapters are: Chocolate; Caramel, Toffee, and Coffee; Sugar and Spice; Fruit and Berries; and Milk and Cream. Now that I have your attention...! Just kidding, but I thought it was funny that she began this book with Chocolate! As someone who has less time than ever to bake this holiday season, I absolutely love that each chapter has a "Quick Fix" section. There is also a section in each chapter called "Fresh and Light" which definitely appeals to me too!

I could write pages just listing the incredible recipes... and I'd still be leaving some out. Suffice it to say, that I am not a huge chocolate lover, so the caramel and fruit sections were my favorites. What I really appreciated is that there are traditional favorites in this book, but there are also twists on classics and entirely new (and interesting) recipes.

I can't wait to add a few of these recipes to my routine Christmas baking. There is a Choc-Toffee Pretzel Bark that's screaming out to me as well as a Peanut Butter Fudge that looks amazing. And don't even get me started on the White Chocolate and Rhubarb Jam Drops! My husband grows rhubarb for me, and that recipe looks delicious.

There really is something for everyone in MODERN BAKING from the wide variety of recipes, to the quick ones, to the healthy ones. As a result, I think it's a perfect Christmas gift for the baker in your life!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this cookbook.

Review: Copycat Cooking

Summary: OVERVIEW The popular Six Sisters’ Stuff bloggers come to the rescue with a new collection of more than 100 easy-to-make recipes of popular restaurant dishes and takeout favorites for busy families.

With more than fifty recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less, this cookbook can help make meal planning a breeze as you mix-and-match side dishes from one restaurant with main courses from another and finish it off with a dessert from a third.

Save money while spending more time with your family. Change dining-out to dining-in for a memorable experience your whole family will enjoy.

Includes copycat recipes for Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom, Panda Express Orange Chicken, Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan, Disneyland Monte Cristo Sandwich, Chili’s Molten Hot Lave Cake, Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes, and Universal Studios Butterbeer. -- Shadow Mountain Publishing

When I received an email about the new cookbook SIX SISTERS' STUFF COPYCAT COOKING: 100+ POPULAR RESTAURANT MEALS YOU CAN MAKE AT HOME, I jumped at the opportunity to take a look at it. For one thing, I've saved (and made) quite a few recipes from the Six Sisters' blog over the years. But I also love the concept of a copycat cookbook based on some popular restaurants' most well-known dishes.

COPYCAT COOKING is fantastic! I absolutely love this cookbook. Not only do the recipes look terrific, but the cookbook itself is fun to look at. (I have a thing for browsing through cookbooks. I inherited it from my grandma!) There are plenty of full page color photographs of the finished product (which is a must in a cookbook, right?), and I was thrilled to see that over half the recipes are 30 minutes or less.

One great feature of this cookbook is that it makes eating some of the delicious meals actually affordable. I don't know about you, but I think it's expensive to take the entire family out of dinner. But what's equally great about COPYCAT COOKING is that you can eat these meals even if you don't live near the restaurants! For example, there is a recipe for Butterbeer from Harry Potter World at Universal Studios and a Monte Cristo Sandwich from Disneyland.

I can't wait to make a few of these recipes... especially since I don't live near a Cheesecake Factory or a P.F. Changs.  In addition to these popular restaurants, this cookbook also has recipes from Chili's, KFC, TGI Fridays, Outback, Chick-Fil-A, Sonic, Starbucks, and many more! There really is something for everyone in this cookbook!

COPYCAT COOKING is divided into normal chapters -- Copycat Appetizers & Side Dishes, Copycat Main Dishes, Copycat Desserts, and Copycat Drinks; and each section is chock full of recipes. Every single recipe has a full page photograph -- of course, my finished meals never look quite like theirs, but still....

As you might imagine, the recipes in this cookbook aren't for the individual who is dieting. Most of the recipes are exactly what you'd expect - lots of fat and calories, but I would argue that a low-fat copycat cookbook just wouldn't meet anyone's expectations! There isn't even nutritional information listed, but that's ok... Most of us aren't calorie-counting when ordering food like this in a restaurant either!

Before I finish this review, I thought I'd give you a little idea of the recipes in this cookbook. This is just scratching the surface, but here are a few that appealed to me: Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets, P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Applebee's Honey Grilled Salmon, Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta, and Starbucks' Lemon Poundcake. This list is far from complete, but it does give you an idea of the assortment.

I think COPYCAT COOKING is a great cookbook with 100+ delicious copycat recipes. Highly recommended to people who want to replicate popular restaurants' dishes anytime from their home and without breaking the bank.

Review: Most Requested Recipes

Summary: Take the guesswork out of cooking with Taste of Home Most Requested Recipes! Each of the 633 dishes in this mouthwatering collection is a Five-Star dish as rated on TasteofHome.com, won a recipe contest and/or received raves from Taste of Home readers! Whether whipping up a family favorite on a busy weeknight, creating an attention-getting dish for an office potluck, serving crowd-pleasing munchies for a weekend party or a planning a spread for a special occasion, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. After all, these are the foods today’s home cooks serve and share time and again. Each tried-and-true recipe has been tested and approved by the experts in the Taste of Home Test Kitchen, offers easy-to-follow instructions and calls for ingredients you likely have on hand! Serve your family nothing but the best! With Most Requested Recipes at your fingertips, it’s never been easier! -- T of H Books

Remember a few weeks ago, when I shared with you my review of TASTE OF HOME 365 DAYS OF COOKIES? I love this cookbook. Well Taste of Home has done it again! Their new cookbook is called TASTE OF HOME MOST REQUESTED RECIPES, and it's fantastic. This giant bound cookbook contains over 600 recipes (633 to be exact!) that have garnered five-star reviews. So basically, this cookbook is a great collection of "best of" recipes!

I'm not going to lie. MOST REQUESTED RECIPES is a little bit overwhelming. I mean that in the best way though. There are so many amazing-sounding recipes that I hardly know where to start... although the editors do make it easier given how they organized the book. It's divided into normal chapters by dish -- Appetizers, Snacks and Beverages, Breakfast & Brunch, Soups & Sandwiches, Side Dishes, Salads & More, Hearty Main Dishes, Casserole Entrees, Slow Cooker Dinners, Breaks & Rolls, Cakes, Pies & Desserts, Cookies & Candies, and Seasonal Specialties. However, the recipes are also noted with helpful hints like 5 Ingredients, Fast Fix, Freeze It, Slow Cooker, and more. That way, I can skim right over the more complex recipes when looking for quick weekday meals!

And what's not to love about the beautiful photos? One of my must-have requirements for cookbooks is color pictures, and MOST REQUESTED RECIPES doesn't disappoint. Of course, there aren't pictures for every recipes (because at 633 recipes, you wouldn't be able to lift the book), but there are hundreds of them. Just looking at this book makes me hungry!

Last but not least, this cookbook has detailed step-by-step instructions that are super user-friendly. It's perfect for cooks at any level, and you know every recipe is tested and approved by the Taste of Home test kitchen. In addition, there are reader reviews which often times give helpful hints like ingredient substitutions and serving suggestions. I especially like that the book is a lay-flat binding so I don't have to balance jars on the pages to keep them open.

TASTE OF HOME MOST REQUESTED RECIPES is amazing -- believe me! Highly recommended for gifts this holiday season, but make sure you pick up one for yourself too!

 Thanks to Dalyn Miller Public Relations for providing a review copy of this cookbook.

Review: 365 Days of Cookies

Summary: Make life a little sweeter with a cookie for every day of the year from Taste of Home 365 Days of Cookies!

When it comes to smile-fetching sweets you can’t go wrong with cookies! From soft and chewy to crisp and crunchy, the buttery sensations always get thumb-up approval. Now you can satisfy your sweet tooth all year with this brand-new, fun-loving collection, Taste of Home 365 Days of Cookies! Featuring hundreds of full-color photos, this must-see edition offers after-school snacks, coffee-break bites, classroom treats, bake-sale favorites and holiday delights that are perfect throughout the year. You’ll even find cookies that celebrate days such as National Potato Chip Day (March 14), Jelly Bean Day (April 22) and National French Toast Day (November 28). Best of all, a Christmas- Cookies Bonus Section makes this cookbook a home baker’s dream come true! -- T of H Books

Cue the music! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I think it's safe to say that it's officially the holiday season! I spend a lot of time decorating, shopping and wrapping gifts -- not exactly my favorite parts of Christmas. However, I also spend quite a few hours baking. And by baking, I mean hundreds and hundreds of Christmas cookies!

Of course, I have a few tried and true family favorites that I have to make, but I also try a few new recipes every year. To find my new cookies recipes for 2017, I have to look no further than TASTE OF HOME 365 DAYS OF COOKIES! I love anything and everything Taste of Home-related, and I truly think you can't go wrong when making their recipes.

365 DAYS OF COOKIES is just a terrific cookbook. I am in the holiday mood so my favorite section is the bonus one at the end of the cookbook that is specifically geared towards Christmas cookies, but this cookbook can be used year-round (hence the name of the cookbook!) There are cookie recipes for every occasion you can think of including bake-sale treats, after-school snacks, and more. There are also cookies that commemorate some pretty funny holidays include World Nutella Day and National Gumdrop Day.

I can't rave enough about 365 DAYS OF COOKIES! I'll admit it's a bit overwhelming because there are hundreds of cookie recipes (I mean that in the very best way), but Taste of Home has done a great job in presenting them in a clear way. There are chapters divided into seasons -- Cozy Bites, Celebrate Spring, Summer Fun, Fall Flavors, and the bonus holiday cookie section. Plus, there is a great explanation of cookie-baking basics as well as storage tips in the front of the cookbook. There is even a Short & Sweet icon to identify quick and easy cookie recipes.

One of my favorite things about 365 DAYS OF COOKIES is the full color photographs. Every cookie is pictured with such beautiful photos that it's hard not to get hungry while reading this book. I particularly like the pictures of the decorated cookies -- there are some terrific ideas. Of course, my cookies never look quite like the pro's, but at least I know what I'm aiming for!

I also really like the structure of the cookbook. You're probably thinking what the heck does she mean by "structure?" The cookbook is spiral bound inside of the cover, so it still looks nice on your bookshelf. In addition because it's spiral bound, the cookbook can lie flat while you're using it -- no need to balance a heavy jar to keep the pages open.

There are just so many little details about 365 DAYS OF COOKIES that make it special. I want to mention just a few things that bring this cookbook to the next level for me. There are step-by-step instructions so even rookie bakers can follow. In addition, there are baking tips and how-to's, shipping instructions, and ideas for gifting and displaying. And the index.... what can I say except that it's super friendly. Every cookie recipe is listing by type and major ingredients.

I wanted to share 365 DAYS OF COOKIES with you while you still have plenty of time to get that holiday baking done. When you're out shopping on Friday, remember to pick up a little something for yourself -- I highly recommend 365 DAYS OF COOKIES!

Thanks to Dalyn Miller Public Relations for providing a review copy of this cookbook.

Review: The Beach House Cookbook

Summary: You don’t have to own a beach house to enjoy Mary Kay Andrews’ recipes. All you need is an appetite for delicious, casual dishes, cooked with the best fresh, local ingredients and presented with the breezy flair that make Mary Kay Andrews’ novels a summertime favorite at the beach.

From an early spring dinner of cherry balsamic-glazed pork medallions and bacon-kissed Brussels sprouts to Fourth of July buttermilk-brined fried chicken, potato salad, and pudding parfaits to her New Year’s Day Open House menu of roast oysters, home-cured gravlax, grits 'n’ greens casserole, and lemon-cream cheese pound cake, this cookbook will supply ideas for menus and recipes designed to put you in a permanently carefree, coastal state of mind all year long. -- St. Martin's Press

Last September when I was in Savannah attending SIBA, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Mary Kay Andrews' beach house in Tybee Island. Many of us book lovers hopped on a trolley and took the half hour ride to Tybee Island to attend a party hosted by none other than Mary Kay Andrews herself. This woman is not only one of my favorite summertime authors, but she's also a positively delightful person... and she gives new meaning to the words "Southern Hospitality."

Those attending were lucky enough to get the inside scoop on her new cookbook THE BEACH HOUSE COOKBOOK by Mary Kay Andrews. There were loads of food and drink from the cookbook to sample and I spent hours in awe of this quaint "little" beach house. Needless to say, Ms. Andrews' could just as easily write a decorating book as a cookbook -- she's that special!

The food was delightful and I loved the mix of southern treats and party foods. In addition, the author swore to me that the recipes were all super-easy. Well, eight months later and after getting my hands on a copy of the cookbook, I can attest to that. These recipes are perfect for entertaining... and impressing your guests!

I could pretty much guarantee that I was going to enjoy this cookbook. I am a big fan of Ms. Andrews and I just love the way she makes everyone she encounters feel like a friend. THE BEACH HOUSE COOKBOOK captures the essence of her perfectly. The book begins with a little history about the author's beach houses and her family, and I swear you already feel like you know her. She talks about the importance of family and friends as well as the ways she comes up with her recipes and makes her parties extra-special with little details. However, she stresses that with the help of this book, everyone can entertain like she does!

THE BEACH HOUSE COOKBOOK isn't organized like your typical cookbook. Rather, it's separated into sections by type of dinner or party. For example, there is a section for a Low Country Boil, Christmas Brunch, a Full Moon Party, and (my favorite!) a Book Bash Cocktail Party. Within each chapter, there are both beverage and food recipes including appetizers, sides, and desserts! She really has made it easy to throw together a themed event!

One thing I absolutely adore about this cookbook is that Ms. Andrews writes personal anecdotes before every section and every recipe. Some are stories about the history of the recipe or her family, but she also gives helpful preparation and ingredient advice. The cookbook has a very warm look and feel to it that makes me think it's like a family cookbook... and given Ms. Andrews' hospitality, I tend to think that's exactly what she was going for!

I hate to admit that I haven't tried making any of the recipes yet from THE BEACH HOUSE COOKBOOK. That's more of a testament about my crazy life right now than lack of interest! There are truly so many recipes I want to try from the Low Country Boil to the Lemon Bars, to the Lemon Pecan Green Beans, to the Redneck Caviar, to the Peach and Berry Cobber, to the... well, you get the idea!

Another wonderful thing about THE BEACH HOUSE COOKBOOK (as if I haven't already convinced you it's a fantastic cookbook) is the photography. Unfortunately, I received an ARC of the book so my photographs weren't in color; however, I did receive some full color sample pages so I can attest to the beauty. The photos are big and on every page... which is kind of a must for me to like a cookbook; and I found my mouth watering as I went from one gorgeous page to another.

THE BEACH HOUSE COOKBOOK is an ideal gift for Mother's Day, but it's also the perfect present for a friend... or even yourself! It's a beautiful cookbook with some amazing entertaining ideas. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Tandem Literary for providing a review copy of this cookbook.

Review: Good Taste

Summary: A lush and gorgeous guide to all things food and entertaining from Jane Green, New York Times bestselling author of Jemima J, The Beach House, and Falling.

Jane Green’s life has always revolved around her kitchen…

… from inviting over friends for an impromptu brunch; to wowing guests with delicious new recipes; to making sure her ever-on-the-move family makes time to sit down together. For Jane, food is enjoyable because of the people surrounding it and the pleasures of hosting and nourishing those she cares about, body and soul.

Now, Jane opens wide the doors of her stunning home to share tips on entertaining, ideas for making any gathering a cozy yet classy affair, and some of her favorite dishes, ranging from tempting hors d’oeuvres like Sweet Corn and Chili Soup, to mouthwatering one-pot mains like Slow-Braised Onion Chicken, to sinfully satisfying desserts like Warm Chocolate and Banana Cake.

This book is Jane’s perfect recipe for making a wonderful life complete with friends, loving family, and moments filled with good food, good times, and, of course, Good Taste. -- New American Library

It's been awhile since I've featured any cookbooks on Booking Mama. Truth be told, it's not that I don't still enjoy sitting down and looking through a cookbook for new recipes. Rather, it's that I haven't been cooking all that much lately. And when I do, our family is so rushed for time that I'm usually throwing together a tried but true recipe.

Maybe it's because I haven't really been searching out new recipes, but I really enjoyed looking through Jane Green's new cookbook GOOD TASTE: SIMPLE, DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Yes -- that Jane Green, author of MR. MAYBE, JEMIMA J, and more! I am a huge fan of Ms. Green's, and I'm so not surprised that has written a cookbook about entertaining. I've always sensed thought her writing that she had a beautiful sense of style, and she's even included a few recipes in past books.

GOOD TASTE is a lovely cookbook that I'm certain fans of Ms. Green will enjoy. That's not to say that the cookbook won't appeal to other foodies, but I know I enjoyed "getting to know" Ms. Green through the stories she shared in this book. The recipes are eclectic and, for the most part, pretty healthy. There are a few vegan recipes and many low-carb ones, but the desserts are true treats -- none of that healthy, low-fat dessert talk.

The cookbook is divided into three sections -- Beginnings, Middles, and Endings; however, the Beginnings section isn't what you'd necessarily think. There aren't a ton of appetizer recipes because Ms. Green is from England and they just don't eat apps like Americans do. There is, however, a lot of soup recipes that sound amazing. Most are relatively simple to make, but they do have some unique ingredients and flavors. I was especially impressed with the Sweet Corn and Chili Soup. It is so easy and sounds amazing! My mouth was also watering with her recipe for a Spinach and Gruyere Crustless Tart.

The Middles chapter is full of mouth-watering recipes for main dishes. I thought her rib recipe sounded both easy and delicious, and there were a couple of chicken dishes that sounded tempting. I loved the idea behind her Slow-Braised Onion Chicken. It honestly couldn't be easier. I just might have to try that one this week!

Finally, the Endings section had a wonderful assortment of desserts. There were a few chocolate based recipes that will appeal to chocolate lovers (not me!), but I am eager to make her Pavlova and Chess Tart. All of the desserts were fairly simple and just a little different from normal dessert fare.

What made this cookbook so special, though, were the special touches. The color photographs of the recipes and Ms. Green's decorations were absolutely gorgeous. Seriously, you could look at this cookbook just for the pictures. And I loved Ms. Green's background stories that were included for each recipe. Sometimes, she explained the history of the recipe or even a charming story about a time she served the dish. Ever since I participated in a call with Ms. Green a few years ago, I've always sensed that I'd love just hanging out with her. GOOD TASTE definitely contributed to that feeling. Ms. Green seems like the hostess with the mostest, for sure!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this cookbook.

Review: LuLu's Kitchen

Summary: Updated with a new introduction and amazing photography, the bestselling, self-published cookbook by Lucy Buffett (chef sister of Jimmy Buffett) includes amazing recipes from her destination restaurant in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Like her brother, Jimmy, Lucy Buffett celebrates freedom, relaxation, and seaside decadence in her own art--cooking. This previously self-published book (formerly titled Crazy Sista Cooking) has sold over 70,000 copies without marketing or much trade distribution.

Packed with more than 120 signature recipes from Lucy's famous Gulf Coast restaurant, LuLu's, WITH LOVE FROM LULU'S KITCHEN is the next best thing to being there. Tucked inside are humorous stories, and plenty of wit and wisdom from Lucy's own kitchen. The book features party menus, Buffett Family favorites, and lots of telling it like it is. Renowned novelist Tom McGuane contributes engaging essays that blend smoothly with the spicy dishes and distinctive drinks.

Recipes include soul-satisfying Southern delights like West Indies Salad, Perfect Fried Shrimp, Blackened Grouper Sandwich, Garlic Cheese Grits, Silver Queen Succotash, and Heavenly Fried Crab Claws. And there's a whole chapter on 25 specialty drinks, including "Bama Breeze" and "LuLu's Painkiller." -- Grand Central Life and Style

It's been a long time since I've reviewed a cookbook here at Booking Mama! Life is crazy and, while I do cook most nights, it's the same old recipes because they are quick and easy... and my family seems to like them. So it took a special cookbook (with a special author) for me to start looking for new recipes. That cookbook is LULU'S KITCHEN: A TASTE OF THE GULF COAST GOOD LIFE by Lucy Buffett.

LULU'S KITCHEN is a wonderful cookbook written by Lucy Buffett. The recipes come from her restaurants in Destin and Gulf Shores and is full of Gulf Coast cooking ideas. It was previously self- published ten years ago as CRAZY SISTA COOKING and sold over 70,000 copies. I consider that a success given that Ms. Buffett didn't have a powerful marketing campaign behind her! The foreward in the new book is written by none other than her brother, Jimmy Buffett.

The author is quick to note at the beginning of LULU'S KITCHEN that this is not your basic "how to" cookbook. She wants the reader to feel as if they are visiting her kitchen with stories, music, and laughter. I think she definitely captured the look and feel in this fun cookbook. Plus there are over 120 recipes!

The very first chapter of recipes in LULU'S KITCHEN is titled "How to Lulu," and it's filled with LuLu essentials including recipes for stocks, seasonings, marinades and more. I actually love this chapter! Not only does Ms. Buffett give step by step instructions for preparing these items, but she also gives a list of ten things she absolutely knows about cooking and ten ingredients for a healthy life. See what I mean about feeling like you "know" Lulu?

The next chapter is titled Cocktail Hour, and I definitely think this section alone is worth the cost of the cookbook. There are 25 different cocktail recipes and they include more than a few of Lulu's specialities. Margarita fans will not want to miss this chapter!

The next chapter, titled In the Beginning, is another winner. It includes some pretty fantastic-sounding Gulf Coast appetizers like Famous Fried Green Tomatoes, dips, and quesadillas. I am dying to try Lulu's Perfect Peel and Eat Shrimp along with the Crispy Coconut Fried Shrimp.  This chapter is followed by one called Gumbo Love that includes five recipes for gumbo and other southern soup recipes.

Sassy Salads, Sandwiches & Such, and Perfect Sauces & Salad Dressings round out the main courses sections of LULU'S KITCHEN. And then there's the dessert chapter titled Sweet Things. It's exactly what you'd expect -- Key Lime pie, banana pudding, and assorted chocolate cake recipes.

It's the last few sections of LULU'S KITCHEN that make it truly special. There is a chapter for kids' meals that I have to admit looks awfully good to this adult. In addition, there is a chapter devoted to the southern favorite -- grits. And last but not least are Favorite Dinner Party Menus. There are meal plans and recipes for some great theme parties including a New Orleans Jazz Fest Thursday Dinner Party, a Montana Rodeo Picnic, and even a Traditional Unchristmas Dinner!

LULU'S KITCHEN is a fantastic cookbook. I think Ms. Buffett captured the essence of a southern cookbook -- great recipes, traditions, and fun! Highly recommended for fans of southern/Gulf Coast specialities.

Thanks to FSB Media for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: Slow Cooker Magic

Summary: The beloved Fix-It and Forget-It series has sold nearly 11 million copies, giving home cooks around the world exactly what they crave—recipes for delicious, satisfying meals that anyone can make with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time. Who doesn’t love being able to serve their family a wholesome dinner (and dessert!) without spending hours in the kitchen—or a fortune on groceries? Now, New York Times bestselling author Phyllis Good presents a collection that gives cooks even more!

Featuring 600 new, mouthwatering recipes, cooks will be amazed at the “magic” their slow cookers can perform. In addition to delicious soups, stews, and chilis, cooks will also find pizza, cheesecake, bar cookies, quick breads, and dozens of other surprising treats!

There are reasons why the Fix-It and Forget-It series is so popular, and this latest book is no exception.

Each page is packed with easy-to-follow, carefully tested recipes.
No one has enough time these days—with a slow cooker, anyone can prepare a fantastic meal in minutes!
The recipes use ingredients most people already have in their cupboards—no searching high and low for exotic foods that will break the bank.

With 16 pages of full-color photographs and a price that’s tough to beat, this is destined to become a staple on home cooks’ shelves everywhere. -- Good Books

Like many busy families, we have a hard time eating dinner together on school nights. Wednesdays are particularly difficult because my husband travels to Delaware, my son has karate, and my daughter has dance. None of us eat at the same time so a "together" dinner is impossible! Eating out is even difficult given the timing. I decided that the best solution would be to make Wednesdays our crockpot dinner night. Everyone can just get their dinner as they get home!

The problem is my family isn't big on slow cooker meals. It's the rare meal outside of pulled pork or ribs that they will eat. But I was determined to find a some crockpot dinners that everyone would enjoy. And that's where FIX-IT AND FORGET-IT SLOW COOKER MAGIC: 550 AMAZING EVERYDAY RECIPES by Phyllis Good came into play!

SLOW COOKER MAGIC is a wonderful cookbook consisting of 550 slow cooker recipes. Ms. Good compiles recipes from her legions of fans and tested by a select group of home cooks known as “Team Fix-It." As a result, there is a huge variety of recipes in here. I can guarantee that there is something for everyone.

The cookbook has tons of recipes which overall is good although it does mean that there aren't a ton of color pictures. It is divided into the following chapters -- Appetizers, Snacks, Spreads, and Beverages; Breakfasts and Breads; Soups, Stews, and Chilis; Main Dishes (Chicken and Turkey; Beef; Pork; Pasta, Grain Meatless, and Seafood); Vegetables and Side Dishes; Sweets and Desserts; and Everyday From-Scratch Basics. The cookbook also include an index and a "Quick and Easy" Recipe index along with hints for using the cookbook and your slow cooker.

What I loved the most about this cookbook is the variety of recipes. There are recipes from many different ethnicities as well as good old American comfort food. There are also tons of soups, main dishes, appetizers, and even desserts. It's a tad bit overwhelming when you realize how much you can do with your slow cooker. I honestly think you could cook for months with just recipes from this cookbook!

Even given my son's food allergies, I was able to find many recipes to try. Last night, I made the Mexican Chicken Bake. I liked that it was super quick to prepare and pretty healthy. Basically, you take brown rice, canned tomatoes, corn, canned black beans, boneless chicken thighs, and spices and let it cook for 4 hours. The last hour you add peppers and right before serving, you cut the chicken into pieces and add cheese. My daughter and I really liked it and my husband said it was okay (that's the best I'm going to get from a crockpot recipe!) Even though the recipe included a little bit of rice, I knew my family would prefer more, so I ended up making a batch of brown rice. It still ended up being a really quick and healthy dinner.

I definitely intend to use SLOW COOKER MAGIC for my Wednesday night meals! With 550 recipes, it should keep us in dinners for many weeks to come! If you need quick crockpot meals, then I highly recommend SLOW COOKER MAGIC.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

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Review: Dinner Solved!

Summary: Katie Workman is a gifted cook, a best friend in the kitchen, and a brilliant problem solver. Her Mom 100 Cookbook was named one of the Five Best Weeknight Cookbooks of the past 25 years by Cooking Light and earned praise from chefs like Ina Garten (“I love the recipes!”) and Bobby Flay (“Perfect . . . to help moms everywhere get delicious meals on the table.”). Now Katie turns her attention to the biggest problem that every family cook faces: how to make everyone at the table happy without turning into a short-order cook.

Expanding on one of the most popular features of the first cookbook, her ingenious “Fork in the Road” recipe solution, which makes it so easy to turn one dish into two or more, Katie shows you how Asian Spareribs can start mild and sweet for less adventurous eaters—and then, in no time, become a zesty second version for spice lovers. She shakes up the usual chicken for dinner with Chicken Tikka Masala-ish—and feeds vegetarians, too, by offering a fork where cauliflower is used in place of the chicken. Fettuccine with Shrimp and Asparagus is a blueprint for seven other easy mix-and-match pasta dinner combinations. Crostini for breakfast—truly an aha! idea—can go sweet or savory, pleasing both types of morning eaters. Have all the ingredients on hand? Make the insanely delicious Chocolate Carrot Cake. Missing chocolate? Don’t run out to the store—the basic Carrot Cake is just as satisfying.

Katie’s voice is funny and wry, and completely reassuring. Stunning full-color photographs show every dish. The result: no more cranky eaters, no more dinner table strife, no more unsure or stressed-out cook. -- Workman

I love Katie Workman! I met her a few years ago at BEA when her last cookbook THE MOM 100 COOKBOOK was coming out -- you can read my review here. I have followed her on Twitter and Facebook, and I loved the unique (and easy) recipes that she shares.

Her new cookbook is called DINNER SOLVED! and it's fantastic. It includes 100 recipes that should keep everyone in the family happy... even the cook. I have an extremely picky family that makes cooking meals a challenge. When you add to that the food allergies that my son has to eggs, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy protein, and sesame, it's not always fun to come up with meal ideas. I basically feel like I'm cooking the same five or six meals every few days.

DINNER SOLVED! will help busy moms keep their families happy. Ms. Workman offers tons of recipes that are both simple and healthy. And then she includes what she calls a "Fork in the Road." A "Fork in the Road" shows very simple changes you can do to make the recipe more tailored to individual audiences. For example, many times she offers vegetarian options or different spice/heat options.

Katie is a busy mom and knows what comes with cooking for a family. If kids can feel like they are helping the parents cook the meal, then they are more likely to eat it and try new things. In DINNER SOLVED!, Ms. Workman provides some help with what the children can do to help prepare the recipe. I'm horrible with letting the kids help in the kitchen because of the additional time and mess, but I know many moms will love this aspect of the cookbook.

DINNER SOLVED! has a huge variety of recipes. There are twenty chapters and they pretty much cover almost anything you can think of. There are morning foods, appetizers, salads, soups and stews, various meats, pastas, one-dish meals, and even a variety of desserts. I truly believe that there is something for everyone in this cookbook.

The cookbook has gorgeous color photographs for every recipe which is a must as far as I'm concerned for cookbooks. In addition, Ms. Workman does a wonderful job explaining the background of the recipes along with special food prep instructions. She even breaks the recipes into what you can do ahead of time and what has to be done last minute.

I found many meals that I want to make over the next few weeks. While most of the recipes aren't exactly allergy-friendly for my son's allergies, I still managed to find quite a few to try. The first recipe that I tried was actually an appetizer for my book club. It's called Lemony Parmesan Artichoke Dip and it just happened to be vegetarian. I love hot artichoke dip but this recipe had a twist -- the lemon juice and lemon zest. It was easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. In fact, I had multiple people ask me for the recipe. It tasted so fresh and it was actually relatively low-fat because I used low fat cream cheese.

DINNER SOLVED! is my new go-to cookbook. I love the healthy and simple recipes as well as the flexible options. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

Giveaway: The Cake Therapist & Bake Happy

Summary: A fiction debut that will leave you wanting seconds, from an award-winning cookbook author.

Claire “Neely” O’Neil is a pastry chef of extraordinary talent. Every great chef can taste shimmering, elusive flavors that most of us miss, but Neely can “taste” feelings—cinnamon makes you remember; plum is pleased with itself; orange is a wake-up call. When flavor and feeling give Neely a glimpse of someone’s inner self, she can customize her creations to help that person celebrate love, overcome fear, even mourn a devastating loss.

Maybe that’s why she feels the need to go home to Millcreek Valley at a time when her life seems about to fall apart. The bakery she opens in her hometown is perfect, intimate, just what she’s always dreamed of—and yet, as she meets her new customers, Neely has a sense of secrets, some dark, some perhaps with tempting possibilities. A recurring flavor of alarming intensity signals to her perfect palate a long-ago story that must be told.

Neely has always been able to help everyone else. Getting to the end of this story may be just what she needs to help herself. --- Berkley

Summary: Colorful, flavorful home-baked treats just say “happy,” and Bake Happy is all about adding a bit of joy back into your kitchen. A sweet baking book that will bring a smile to the dessert table, Bake Happy includes 100 recipes for cheerful cupcakes and cookies, bars and brownies, tarts and turnovers, and delicious cakes that are speckled, marbled, and striped.

This cookbook can be used year-round and will satisfy your sweet tooth and your soul. Whether you’re in the mood for creamy chocolate, colorful cake layers, tasty cake batter, or special occasion desserts, you’ll find recipes for Citrus Glazed Sunset Cake, Rustic Cherry Pudding, Secret Filling Devil’s Food Cupcakes, and more. There are also various options for color and flavor combinations, and 30+ full-color photos throughout. -- Running Press

I am so excited to share this amazing giveaway opportunity with you! It's for two gorgeous books --
THE CAKE THERAPIST and BAKE HAPPY by Judith Fertig. Could these covers be any more beautiful?

I am heading to the Outer Banks tomorrow and THE CAKE THERAPIST is already packed! I can't wait to read it. It tells the story of a pastry chef who can "taste" feelings. And BAKE HAPPY looks positively terrific. There are 100 recipes for all types of baked goods including cupcakes, cakes, tarts, and brownies. Based on the cover, I bet the photographs of these goodies are beautiful too!

To enter, just fill out the form below before June 25th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Review: The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook

Summary: The Mystery Writers of America have joined forces to deliver this superb collection of more than 100 wickedly good recipes.

From Mary Higgins Clark’s Game Night Chili and Harlan Coben’s Crab Meat Dip to Scott Turow’s Innocent Frittata and Kathy Reich’s Shrimp Scampi, this cookbook offers one tasty treat after another.

Complete with a glamorous art-deco design and intriguing sidebars on the surprising—and sometimes deadly—links between food and foul play, this is the ultimate cookbook for crime aficionados. -- Quirk

As many of you know, I love mysteries! So much so that I try to feature a different one every Monday. I also love cookbooks and trying new recipes... even though I haven't exactly been writing many reviews for them lately.  THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA COOKBOOK: WICKEDLY GOOD RECIPES FROM LEE CHILD, MARY HIGGINS CLARK, HARLAN COBEN, NELSON DEMILLE, GILLIAN FLYNN, SUE GRAFTON, CHARLAINE HARRIS, JAMES PATTERSON, LOUISE PENNY, SCOTT TUROW AND OTHER ACCLAIMED PLOT STIRRERS is a newly released cookbook that is ideal for mystery and food lovers like me. I'm sure many of you will feel the same way!

The Mystery Writers of America is the "premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime-writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those devoted to the genre." They also have one of my favorite booths at BEA each year. Over the past few years, I've met so many incredible authors and received so many wonderful mysteries and thrillers. If you attend BEA, you have to stop by. You can meet up to four authors at any given time!

But back to the cookbook.... THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA COOKBOOK is absolutely gorgeous. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but this cookbook is almost too pretty to use -- it looks like a coffee table book with the textured cover and gold text. And that's only the beginning! The inside of the book is a stunning too with full color photographs of the recipes.

I was pleasantly surprised by how many mystery authors contributed to this book. First of all, one of my favorites, Kate White, edited the book. (She has a new book coming up which I will be reviewing shortly!) In addition, there are over 100 recipes submitted by so many great writers -- all of them are listed alphabetically in the front of the book.  I don't know about you, but I always appreciate recipe compilations because each person submits their very favorite or most special recipe. It's like a "best of" cookbook! I also enjoyed reading the various mystery writers bios -- I even found a new author or two to try!

I don't want to make it sound like I wasn't expecting much of this cookbook because I was told it's a beauty; however, the recipes are amazing! The very first recipe is from Alafair Burke for Ellie Hatcher's Run-Soaked Nutella French Toast -- the very first one! As soon as I started reading this book, I knew I was in for a treat. Most of the recipes have tie-ins to the author's books or famous characters too, so it's a fun read for fans. I especially got a kick out of Sue Grafton's submission for Kinsey Millhone's Famous Peanut Butter & Pickle Sandwich.

The cookbook is divided into the following sections -- Breakfast, Appetizers, Soups and Salads, Entrees, Side Dishes, Desserts, and Drinks -- much like a regular cookbook. I wondered if THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA COOKBOOK would be a little too gimmicky, but it's so well done -- far from gimmicky. It has some amazing recipes and I honestly think it's a great cookbook with recipes that I can make on a regular basis... that just happen to be submitted by famous mystery writers!

THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA COOKBOOK is a great gift for mystery and/or cookbook lovers. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher and Saichek Publicity for providing a review copy of this book.

Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

Review: Eat the Year

Summary: Everyone loves food.

But did you know that every day is a national food or drink holiday? It’s true! There’s National Bloody Mary Day, National Cheese Lover’s Day, and even National Blueberry Pancake Day—just to name a few.

Based on the popular blog Almanac of Eats, Eat the Year is a tribute to food-lovers everywhere that introduces a national food or drink holiday for every day of the year. From National Martini Day to National Chip and Dip Day, this book includes tasty recipes, food history, and a variety of food holidays that are as diverse as they are delicious! -- Running Press

I guess I'm really getting in the holiday spirit... albeit a little early for some of you! I am now in the mode of looking for gift ideas for the holidays, and I'm so happy to say that I have found a great one for the food lover in your life. It's a new calendar/cookbook titled EAT THE YEAR: 366 FUN AND FABULOUS FOOD HOLIDAYS TO CELEBRATE EVERY DAY by Steff Deschenes, and I think it's terrific!

EAT THE YEAR is perfect for foodies who love celebrating food holidays. This 400+ page book is chockfull of national food and drink holidays. In fact, there is one for every day of the year. Naturally, I had to see what the food holiday is for my birthday, April 20th. It's National Pineapple Upside Down Cake! It's also National Lima Bean Respect Day, but that's not as fun. (I guess that's why we "need" a National Lima Bean Respect Day.)

The book is set up by date so it's very easy to reference. There are fun quotations for each day as well as an explanation of the holiday and what it means to the author. In addition, there are fun trivia-like facts thrown in. Finally, there are recipes included for many of the food holidays. I'm telling you... EAT THE YEAR is so much fun!

I swear that there is a food holiday for pretty much everything and anything I could ever think of! Of course, some are more appealing than others like National Lobster Day, National Grilled Cheese Day, and National Drink Beer Day. The list could go on! However, there are some pretty strange ones too like National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day, National Cabbage Day, and National Grape Popsicle Day. I can pretty much guarantee that there is a little something in this book for everyone!

EAT THE YEAR is based on the popular blog Almanac of Eats. I probably shouldn't say this, but I wasn't familiar with this blog until recently; and it's a really fun and interesting site. You should definitely check it out. I am really enjoying all of the interesting tidbits about official (and not-so-official) state foods.

I highly recommend EAT THE YEAR for foodies!

Thanks to the publisher and author for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: Taste of the Town

Summary: College football culture is captured through the food, small town characters, and college life that makes Saturdays in autumn something fans look forward to every year. 

 In TASTE OF THE TOWN, Todd Blackledge, host of the enormously popular ESPN segment "Taste of the Town," focuses on popular college towns by telling you where to eat, what to eat, and great stories about college football traditions across America. With over 100 recipes from the chefs of the featured restaurants and the coach (or wife) of the hometown team you will be left hungry and excited to try out the popular football food for yourselves! 

Behind-the-scenes photos, shot on location, enhance the energy of the fun and food featured in each town. This book about football, food, and college culture showcases the coaches, players, chefs, and rabid fans who regularly join together to talk about their common passion. - Center Street

I was so excited to receive a copy of TASTE OF THE TOWN: A GUIDED TOUR OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S BEST PLACES TO EAT by Todd Blackledge and J.R. Rosenthal. I have been a huge fan of Mr. Blackledge's for quite some time. It began when I was in middle school and he was the starting quarterback for Penn State. After he led PSU to their first national championship, I continued to follow his time in the pros and then his career in broadcasting. Recently, I respected Mr. Blackledge even more when he spoke out about the Sandusky scandal and how Penn State handled it. So combine Mr. Blackledge and a cookbook and I'm definitely in!

College football fans probably know Mr. Blackledge for his ESPN feature called "Taste of the Town." This segment which showcases famous eateries in college football towns has become very popular. Not only does he taste some of the specialties, but he also shares some of the amazing college football traditions in each location. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing quite like college football, and Mr. Blackledge does a darn good job of sharing his love for the sport.. and food in TASTE OF THE TOWN.

It will come as no surprise that I loved TASTE OF THE TOWN. It's a terrific resource for fans who follow their college teams to away games, but it also has some wonderful recipes. I am pretty sure that any fan of the ESPN segment or college football will find a few things to like about this book.

The book is set up by college divisions with the SEC at the beginning, then Texas and the South, to The Best of the Rest. A total of twenty different colleges/college towns are featured including University of Alabama, Ohio State University, and Florida State University. The last two chapters are titled "Coaches Can Cook" and "The Blackledge Family Culinary Tradition;" and I thought these were fun sections too.

Naturally, Mr. Blackledge featured Penn State; and of course, it was my very favorite chapter. I had a feeling that I already knew which restaurants he would feature, and I can tell you that I've spent quite a bit of time and consumed many calories in a few of them.

To give you an idea of what's included for each school, I thought I'd use the Penn State chapter as an example. It begins with The Berkey Creamery, the on-campus dairy store which has the most amazing ice cream. He provides a little history on the Creamery and then describes some of the most popular flavors. (Penn State is one of my very favorite places in the entire world, and the Creamery is a place I HAVE to visit every time we go to State College.)

Mr. Blackledge lists a few more of the popular restaurants in State College with a description of the must-have dishes! Then, he provides recipes from some of the restaurants including the Berkey Creamery's Penn State Ice Cream Mix. There are also photos of the various restaurants as well as some of Penn State.

Finally, Mr. Blackledge gives some fun information about the football traditions at Penn State -- Riding the Blue Buses, The Uniform, We Are... Penn State, and Success with Honor. Mr. Blackledge played for three years under Joe Paterno and he remained friends with the Paterno family; and I absolutely love how he addressed the scandal that has rocked our university. It actually made me cry!

Joe Paterno established "Success with Honor" as the Penn State football mission statement during his illustrious career as the head coach. Penn State teams were made up of men who competed just as hard int he classroom as on the football field. We won games, went to bowls, and competed for championships, while at the same time annually graduating one of the highest percentages of players in the nation. Doing things the right way, not occasionally but all of the time, was the Penn State credo. That is success with honor, and despite what some uninformed outsiders have said in the past couple of years, the phrase defines the true football culture at Penn State. That mantra was always adhered to during Joe Paterno's forty-six-year tenure as head football coach, and will continue to be upheld under Bill O'Brien's watch.
*Quoted from ARC

Overall, I enjoyed TASTE OF THE TOWN, but I especially loved how it focused on the amazing traditions of college football! Of course, the food and recipes didn't hurt either!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

Review: Taste of Home Recipes Across America

Summary: Sink your teeth into 735 all-American dishes, from crispy Southern Fried Chicken and tasty Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches to sweet Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie. This ALL-NEW Recipes Across America cookbook is our BIGGEST-EVER collection of regional favorites and a must-have for home cooks coast to coast! Take a look at the dishes below for a taste of what's inside, then order your own copy of Recipes Across America today! -- Taste of Home Books

I am a HUGE fan of Taste of Home's recipes, so when I saw that they had a new cookbook out, I knew I wanted to get my hands on a copy. Their latest addition to their cookbook line is called TASTE OF HOME: RECIPES ACROSS AMERICA, and what a cookbook it is!

RECIPES ACROSS AMERICA is quite a thick cookbook (over 500 pages) and offers a huge variety of recipes. If you are familiar with Taste of Home's cookbooks, then you know that's not unusual. However, what makes RECIPES ACROSS AMERICA so special is that it features recipes from all five regions of the United States -- the Northeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, and West.

RECIPES ACROSS AMERICA definitely appealed to me and I think all cookbook fans will enjoy the 700+ recipes. I've lived in both the Northeast and the South, so I appreciate seeing all of the foods that I have eaten all of my life. But, I also loved seeing recipes from the Southwest because I love Tex Mex food. I found it extremely interesting to see many of the foods I've come to think of as part of a particular area, and I also discovered a thing or two about some new-to-me variations of popular foods.

The cookbook is divided into five sections based on the regions of America. Then it is subdivided into Main Dishes, Sides & More, and Sweets. Needless to say, there is a little something for everyone. In addition to the recipes, this cookbook also has loads of color photographs. Not every recipes has a featured picture, but most of them do. I don't know about you, but that's pretty darn important (and impressive) to me!

Another special feature in RECIPES ACROSS AMERICA is that almost every page has a "Dishing about Food" section in the sidebar. I found this information to be particularly interesting because it gives little bits of trivia about the various region's food. For example, did you know that "fried chicken" in Maryland means pan-fried chicken that is browned and then steamed rather than a crunchy coating?

Any time I have a cookbook this large, I admit I feel a little overwhelmed when deciding what to try first. Since I was hosting book club this week, I decided to make a dessert to share with my friends. I was in the mood for a lemon pound cake so I made the Golden Pound Cake recipe from the South region -- Mechanicsville, Virginia to be exact. The recipe was really simple -- basically a doctored cake mix recipe, and it had one secret ingredient, Mountain Dew. We all agreed that the cake was tasty and extremely moist, although I wish it had risen just a tad bit more.

RECIPES ACROSS AMERICA has some amazing recipes but also some very interesting tidbits about food in America. Highly recommended.

Thanks to FSB Associates for providing a review copy of this book.

Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

Kid Konnection: Kids in the Kitchen Cookbook

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a fantastic cookbook geared especially towards kids!

Summary: TIME For Kids Kids in the Kitchen Cookbook, Fun Recipes for Kids to Make! features over 80 tasty recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and more that kids and adults will love to make and eat together.

These homemade meals focus on utilizing fresh ingredients while encouraging the understanding of nutrition and kitchen safety. New twists and alternate recipes are included to enhance simple recipes into new favorites.

Filled with full-color photos and some illustrations, this book features step-by-step, easy-to-follow recipes. Kids will practice measuring ingredients, reading nutritional labels, and learn the basics of cooking.

All of the recipes were chosen from myRecipes.com. Recipes include:

• Applesauce Muffins
• Chocolate Chip Waffles
• Fruit Smoothies
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Fish and Chips
• Sloppy Joe Sliders
• Creamy Berry Fruit Pops
• And more...

Even the most picky eaters will find foods they will love inside this cookbook. -- Time

I am the first to admit that I'm not the best mom when it comes to letting my kids test out recipes in the kitchen. I am kind of a control freak and I'm never quite satisfied with how they clean up their messes. (And yes, I do realize I'm not doing them any favors by not teaching them to cook much beyond toast and pasta!) However, I thought that maybe the new cookbook TIME FOR KIDS: KIDS IN THE KITCHEN COOKBOOK: FUN RECIPES FOR KIDS TO MAKE! might change my mind. This cookbook which is geared towards kids (and their parents) is so much fun with its yummy recipes, colorful photos, and detailed directions.

I'm sure what I'm going to say next is going to tell you a lot about my cooking skills... I think KIDS IN THE KITCHEN is a fantastic cookbook. Of course, the entire cookbook has recipes easy enough for kids to make, but I actually like that feature too. I need quick and easy recipes given our schedule. If a recipe is too complicated, I don't even pretend that I'll make is someday.

But I also really liked that the recipes were kid-friendly. And by that I mean, the foods in this cookbook were ones that even picky eaters would like. They didn't use fancy ingredients, but there were plenty of healthy ones including lots of fruits and veggies. I actually found lots of recipes, including meal ideas, that sounded delicious.

I wanted Booking Son to look through this cookbook knowing that he probably wouldn't find many (if any) recipes that he could eat given his food allergies. (He's allergic to eggs, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.) Fortunately we marked quite a few recipes that we didn't need to modify at all and a few more that we could make if we substituted ingredients. We decided to try the Roasted Sweet Potato Fries first.

I almost hate to admit this, but I bought pre-cut sweet potatoes at Wegmans. They cost a fortune, but it did make the recipe so much easier to prepare. We added some olive oil and other seasonings (including fresh rosemary from our garden), and threw them in the oven. I am pretty sure that the wedges we used were thinner than the recipe called for, so I just adjusted the cooking time. Within 20 minutes we had very delicious sweet potato fries. Booking Son even ate them and declared them pretty good!

But KIDS IN THE KITCHEN is about more than just recipes. There are also instructions which will teach kids to measure ingredients, read nutritional labels and learn the basics of cooking. Additionally, this cookbook features: Kitchen Basics and The Young Chef’s Toolbox;  Smart Food Choices Mean Good Eats (Stay-Fit Tips and Goals for Good Health);  How to Avoid Kitchen Disaster; You Can Measure (Metric Equivalents);  Glossary;  A Word Search Puzzle;  Facts, World Records and Articles from TIME For Kids; and much more!

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN is a fantastic resource for kids and parents alike! Personally, I will be keeping this cookbook in mind as a future gift idea for budding chefs!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads and is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.  

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: My Year in Meals

Summary: Ever wonder what Rachael Ray cooks when the cameras aren’t rolling? Here she gives you an inside look into her kitchen for one full year. My Year in Meals offers intimate access to tasty dishes that will take you from breakfast to dinner. From the meals she whips up at a moment’s notice to family feasts, and dishes inspired by her travels around the world, you can now enjoy twelve incredible months of Rachael’s homemade favorites.

Need something to get you out of bed in the morning? Try the Almond Custard Brioche Toast or Eastern Egg Sandwiches with Bacon. Looking to fire up that backyard barbecue? Try the Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon BBQ sauce. For something simple that will knock your guests’ socks off, try Rachael’s Egg Tagliatelle with Truffle Butter and Butternut Squash Risotto. Rachael even shares her husband John Cusimano’s amazing cocktail recipes, guaranteeing that you’ll never reach for store-bought Margarita mix again. To top it off, Rachael includes personal stories behind many of the dishes and her own never-before-seen photos of these culinary creations. In no time at all, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into her home for a change!

A year of delicious food is only enhanced by a selection of equally tasty cocktails, and Rachael’s husband, John Cusimano, is no stranger to the cocktail shaker. Now he’s sharing his secrets with you. Whether shaken or stirred, straight up or on the rocks, with a cherry or a twist, John’s creations—like his Strawberry Velvet featuring honey liqueur, strawberries, and lime—are always fresh, fun, and certain to make any gathering more memorable. With plenty of options for every occasion and season, such as the Pomegranate Margarita, the Halloween Fizz, and the Nod to Nog, these fabulous concoctions are the perfect complement to Rachael’s year of great eating. -- Atria

In the past, I haven't always had a lot of luck with Rachael Ray's cookbooks. In theory, the recipes should be perfect for me. They are usually fairly quick and use easy-to-find ingredients; however, there have been only a few that I've really considered "keepers." For whatever reason, every single time Ms. Ray comes out with a new cookbook, I want to check it out. Her latest MY YEAR IN MEALS was no different.

The premise behind MY YEAR IN MEALS is fairly obvious from the title. This cookbook chronicles Ms. Ray's actual meal plan for a year. I've often wondered if celebrity chefs really cook the way they do on television, and this cookbook proves that Ms. Ray does. The recipes are very similar to her other cookbooks, and I even recognized one or two that I've seen her make on television.

MY YEAR IN MEALS has over 500 recipes including breakfasts, lunches and dinners. I'm not sure I'm head over heels in love with all of the recipes because Ms. Ray tends to use a little too many condiments for my family's tastes. (We are a mayo, mustard, and ketchup-free home!) However, I did find quite a few that I want to try when my life calms down a bit after the holidays.

As far as the format for MY YEAR IN MEALS, I thought it was positively adorable and very user-friendly. There are small photos for every recipe which really helps cooks like me who need to see a photo before making something. In addition, the book is set up by month (beginning in April) with a calendar showing, by day, the various recipes Ms. Ray made; and then follows with the individual recipes along with Ms. Ray's personal notes about the meals. Some of the text looks like actual handwriting so that's makes it cute too.

MY YEAR IN MEALS is also a "Smart Book." That means that there are tags throughout the book. When you use your smart phone, you can access enhanced digital content about the various recipes. The Simon and Schuster website also has this content available.

Another really neat (and surprise-to-me) feature of this cookbook occurs when you turn the entire cookbook upside-down and then over. The "back" of the cookbook is another mini cookbook put together by Ms. Ray's husband John Cusimano titled MY YEAR IN COCKTAILS. This cookbook is actually terrific (and perfect for this time of year) since it includes more than 100 recipes for adult beverages. I'm not a big drinker, but I can tell you that many of these recipes looked fantastic, and I've already given my bartender (I mean husband!) a list of a few that I'd like to sample.

When it came time to pick on recipe to sample, I decided to make the Five-Minute Fudge Wreath. I had seen Ms. Ray make this on her show year's ago and thought it looked adorable. It didn't hurt that it was very simple (note "five-minute" in the title). I'm not a huge fudge fan, but I thought it looked cute to set out at a holiday party or share with a neighbor. The ingredients are fairly simple -- chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, walnuts and dried currants; and you just melt the chips, milk, and vanilla and then stir in the nuts and fruit. I am not a currant fan so I substituted dried cranberries. You pour it all in an 8-inch round cake pan (with the leftover sweetened condensed milk can in the middle) and let it set for a few hours in the refrigerator. You can also decorate with candied cherries or a bow. Easy peasy!

I was pleasantly surprised by the fudge -- it was actually pretty good, but I wouldn't  go so far as to say it was great. But I'm not a huge fudge fan, so I might not be the best judge. (I was happy that the fudge didn't have too strong of a butterscotch flavor because I'm not the biggest butterscotch fan either.) I do think the nuts and dried cranberries definitely added to the overall taste though! This recipe makes about two pounds of fudge and the wreath ended up looking pretty cute. I think it would be a hit at a party.

Check out this video to get a better idea about the MY YEAR IN MEALS:



I'm sure fans of Rachel Ray's will enjoy this cookbook, and there are some very good recipes in it. I'm just not sure it would be one of my go-to cookbooks.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

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