Cookbook Review: Holiday Cookies by Elisabet der Nederlanden

Ya’ll, Christmas, baking, and books are three of my very favorite things. When they all combine in the wonder of a fabulous cookbook, I’m a very happy person. 

Holiday Cookies: Showstopping Recipes to Sweeten the Season by Elisabet der Nederlanden is a TREAT of a cookbook. Its simple layout and photos are eye-catching to say the least, and the recipes are easy to follow and promise all sorts of yummy holiday times. I should know. I’ve tested FIVE recipes already!!! Just to make sure. Quality control and all.

Each recipe I have made has been perfect to a “T” — the measurements, baking times, and consistency of the results. I’m happily going into the Christmas season with this book in hand, planning to try the oatmeal crisps with chocolate next!

What I’ve tried so far, from top left: Italian Pignoli Cookies, Peanut Butter-Chocolate Crunch Squares, Espresso Thins, Chocolate-Peanut Butter Brownie Sandwich Cookies, Thumbprints with Spicy Plum Jam.

Thank you to Blogging for Books and Ten Speed Press for the complimentary review copy. This is my honest review.

Cookbook Review: Giada’s “Happy Cooking”

Today’s review is of the once-in-a-while kind: about a cookbook. I jumped at the chance to review Giada De Laurentiis’s latest cookbook because I generally like her recipes and ideas. I mean, who doesn’t love Italian food!?

The good news is, this is not just another Italian cookbook. Giada has included a great variety of healthy and indulgent recipes combining Italian roots and modern flavors.

My favorite thing I’ve tried from this cookbook so far is the recipe for Pumpkin Ginger Chocolate Muffins. With bits of candied ginger and a bittersweet chocolate glaze, they were a perfect snack when I was craving something sweet, with the added bonus of “healthy” ginger and pumpkin.

My finished Pumpkin Ginger Chocolate Muffins

 

I liked the recipe variations or possible substitutions included in some of the more complex recipes. For instance, there are 2 recipes for Chicken Parmesan: one a stuffed version, one a “skinny” version with less cheese and no breadcrumbs. Recipes that are gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan are noted with a small mark and are easy to spot.

The notes from Giada in the cookbook add a very personal touch. The layout and design has a vibrant feel with bright colors and easy-to-read text.

Thank you to Blogging for Books and Crown Publishing for the complimentary review copy.

Cookbook Review: “My Paris Kitchen” by David Lebovitz

This cookbook has been waaaay long on my to-review list. So, here goes:

My Paris Kitchen chronicles David Lebovitz’s time living in Paris and learning Parisian cuisine. With his personal stories and experiences shared with each recipe, it makes you feel as though you have experienced a bit of Paris through his eyes. The overall style and composition of each section of the cookbook is attractive and easy to read. (My pet (cookbook) peeve: font/text that’s too small or faint to understand. This DOES NOT happen here.) It is a well-rounded book featuring sections on appetizers, main courses, etc.

He has taken traditional French recipes and presented them colorfully, some with his own alterations or “twists”. Some of these variations understandably help us “here in America” because we don’t always have access to the same ingredients at the market. These come with fun explanations and suggestions for substitutes.;

My favorite recipe so far is the one for Israeli Couscous. It combines couscous with lemon, dried fruit, parsley, and spices. Yum! It’s a great side. Here’s a photo to make you hungry!

Thank you to Blogging for Books for the complimentary review copy in exchange for my honest review.