Sunday, September 25, 2016

How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Eglington (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Sweet sixteen and never been kissed—and that’s the way Aurora Skye wants it to be. She’s too busy finding guys for her two best friends, counseling her sensitive New Age dad (the NAD), and dealing with the unexpected return of her long-absent mom.
But always in the background there’s Hayden Paris, the boy next door, the bane of Aurora’s existence. Smart, funny, and always around to see her at her worst, he ‘gets’ her like no-one else... and that’s what makes him so infuriating.
When Aurora and Hayden are coerced into the lead roles in the school production of Much Ado About Nothing, things can only get worse. How is Aurora going to save her first kiss for the secret admirer who wooed her with poetry and a spectacular bunch of flowers on Valentine’s Day if she doesn’t know who he is and she’s obligated to lock lips with Hayden in the play’s final dramatic clinch?
From talented debut YA author Tara Eglington, How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is a page-turning, funny and delicious romp of a book.

My thoughts-

This book was so cute! It reminded me of a relationship I had in high school, even down to the theater part of it, although we were building sets instead of portraying the main characters in a Shakespeare play. I think Hayden may be my new book crush! He does so many swoonworthy things! Hayden seems to be the type of guy any girl would want to be with, it just takes Aurora ages to come to that conclusion. I feel bad for Hayden throughout most of the book, but he does a great job navigating the crazy Aurora waters. I found that I really disliked some of the other characters in the book, but I am sure that is what the author was going for. I always think a sign of great writing is strong feelings for a character, whether positive or negative.  Throughout the book I wanted to scream at Aurora to open her eyes to Hayden's feelings and his obvious hints at them, but her oblivion did lead to an epic final scene. I absolutely loved the way the book ended and was thrilled to see that there is a second book because I would really love to see what's next in Aurora's story! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA or who is a romantic at heart that loves a good love story. 

How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You will be available on October 25, 2016. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com

Friday, September 23, 2016

175 Best Instant Pot Recipes by Marylyn Haugen (Cookbook Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from Robert Rose Publishing in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.


Back in January, my mom bought me an electric pressure cooker for my birthday. It isn't an Instant Pot, so I did have to make some adjustments while making the recipes in the 175 Best Instant Pot Recipes, but it was pretty easy to accommodate my needs. This may be the best cooking method since slow cooking. It is the exact opposite really, an instant pot cooks food rather quickly. This is a great way to cook fabulous and healthy meals, even on a busy day when you don't feel like cooking. Every busy family should have electric pressure cooker! I love that the cookbook has a section at the beginning explaining what an instant pot is and some cooking basics. There are recipes for every meal of the day, as well as appetizers and desserts. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great home cooked meals, but wants to cut down on meal prep and cooking time. 

Here are just a few recipes from 175 Best Instant Pot Recipes-

Credit:
Courtesy of 175 Best Instant Pot Recipes by Marilyn Haugen © 2016 www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission. Available where books are sold.



Chuck Wagon Beef Stew, stews, potluck/parties, sauté + slow cook
This hearty and savory stew is an all-time classic — the perfect crowd-pleasing dish. It’s perfect for lazy days when everyone just wants to grab a bowl at their leisure, and for potlucks or any time you are asked to bring a dish.
2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour, divided 150 mL
Kosher salt
2 tsp Hungarian paprika, divided 10 mL
Freshly ground black pepper
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces 1 kg

Virgin olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste 30 mL
3 fresh thyme sprigs 3
1 cup dry red wine 250 mL
2 cups ready-to-use beef broth 500 mL
3 carrots, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces 3

1 lb small white potatoes, cut in half 500 g
1. In a medium bowl, combine 1⁄3 cup (75 mL) flour, 2 tsp (10 mL) salt, 1 tsp (5 mL) paprika and 1⁄2 tsp (2 mL) pepper, mixing well. Add beef, tossing to coat and shaking off any excess flour. Reserve excess flour mixture.
2. Press Sauté; the indicator will read “Normal.” When the display says “Hot,” add 2 tsp (10 mL) oil and heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add beef and cook, stirring, for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned on all sides, adding more oil as needed. Transfer beef to a plate.
3. Add 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil to the pot and heat until shimmering. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until dark red. Add the remaining flour and flour mixture, whisking until combined. Add thyme, wine and broth; cook, whisking, for 4 to 5 minutes or until gravy is smooth and thickened. Press Cancel. Return beef and any accumulated juices to the pot and add carrots and potatoes, stirring well.
4. Close and lock the lid and turn the steam release handle to Venting. Press Slow Cook; the indicator will read “Normal.” Press Adjust twice to change the heat level to “Less.” Use the  button to increase the time on the display to 7:00.
5. When the timer beeps, remove the lid and check to make sure the beef and vegetables are tender. (If more cooking is needed, reset the slow cooker to “Less” for 30 minutes.) Discard thyme sprigs. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Ladle stew into serving bowls and serve garnished with the remaining paprika.


Makes 8 servings
Instant Pot Functions
Sauté • • Slow Cook
Tips
If serving this stew for a party or taking it to a potluck, keep it in the pot on the Keep Warm setting. It can be kept warm for up to 2 hours.
Serve with cornbread or bread sticks for a warming, comforting meal.

Thai Crazy Meatballs, page 162, entertaining, steam + sauté + slow cook
Take a package of prepared meatballs, drop them in your slow cooker with Thai-inspired flavorings, and you will have a crazy-fun appetizer bursting with umami to serve to your guests. Serve with toothpicks or bamboo spears for spearing the meatballs.
Instant Pot steam rack
Steamer basket
2 tsp packed brown sugar 10 mL
1⁄2 cup coconut milk 125 mL
1⁄4 cup ready-to-use chicken broth 60 mL
2 tsp mirin (optional) 10 mL
1 tsp fish sauce 5 mL
1 tsp Thai red curry paste 5 mL
1 bag (3 lbs/1.5 kg) frozen fully cooked meatballs, thawed 1
1 tbsp virgin olive oil 15 mL
2 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice 10 mL
1 tbsp cornstarch 15 mL
2 tbsp cold water 30 mL
1. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, coconut milk, broth, mirin (if using), fish sauce and curry paste, mixing well. Set aside.
2. Add 1 cup (250 mL) water to the inner pot and place the steam rack in the pot. Add meatballs to the steamer basket and place the basket on the rack. Close and lock the lid and turn the steam release handle to Sealing. Press Steam; the indicator will read “High Pressure.” Use the  button to decrease the time on the display to 5 minutes.
3. When the timer beeps, press Cancel and turn the steam release handle to Venting. When the float valve drops down, remove the lid. The meatballs should be heated through. (If more cooking is needed, reset the steamer to “High Pressure” for 2 minutes.) Carefully remove the steamer basket and rack. Discard water.
4. Press Sauté; the indicator will read “Normal.” When the display says “Hot,” add oil and heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add meatballs and cook, turning, for 2 to 3 minutes or until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate. Press Cancel.
5. Return meatballs and any accumulated juices to the pot and add the coconut milk mixture. Close and lock the lid and turn the steam release handle to Venting. Press Slow Cook; the indicator will read “Normal.” Press Adjust once to change the heat level to “More.” Use the  button to decrease the time on the display to 3:30.
6. When the timer beeps, remove the lid and check to make sure the meatballs are heated through. (If more cooking is needed, reset the slow cooker to “Less” for 30 minutes.) Press Cancel. Stir in lime juice.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water. Press Sauté. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened.

Tips
You can press Keep Warm instead of Cancel in step 6 to keep the meatballs warm for up to 2 hours, until about 15 minutes before you are ready to serve. Complete step 7 just before serving.
As an appetizer, this recipe allows for about 3 meatballs per person.
Makes 12 servings

Lemon Mousse with Mixed Berries, page 195, desserts, manual pressure
This creamy mousse is made with a delightful pairing of lemon curd and yogurt and then topped with fresh berries and a hint of chocolate for a sweet and tart dessert. You will need to plan ahead, because the lemon curd needs to chill for 8 hours, but it can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Food processor
Two 8-oz (250 mL) canning jars with two-piece lids
Instant Pot steam rack
Eight 6-oz (175 mL) stemmed glasses or ramekins
Lemon Curd
1⁄2 cup sugar 125 mL
3 tbsp unsalted butter 45 mL
1 large egg 1
1 large egg yolk 1
Grated zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 2 lemons (about 
 1⁄4 cup/60 mL)
Mousse
3⁄4 cup plain Greek yogurt (store-bought) 175 mL

11⁄2 cups heavy or whipping (35%) cream 375 mL
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 10 mL
 (optional)
Fresh mixed berries
Cacao nibs
1. Lemon Curd: In food processor, process sugar and butter for 2 minutes or until combined. With the motor running, add egg and egg yolk through the feed tube and process for 1 minute. Add lemon juice and pulse to combine. (The mixture will look slightly curdled.)
2. Divide the curd mixture evenly between the jars, cover with the flat lids and twist on the screwbands until they just catch.
3. Add 1 cup (250 mL) water to the inner pot and place the steam rack in the pot. Place the jars on the rack. Close and lock the lid and turn the steam release handle to Sealing. Press Manual; the indicator will read “High Pressure.” Use the  button to decrease the time on the display to 10 minutes.
4. When the timer beeps, press Cancel and let the pot stand, covered, for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn the steam release handle to Venting and remove the lid. Remove the jars from the pot and open carefully. Divide lemon zest evenly between the jars, stirring well. Replace lids and let stand for 20 minutes or until cool. Refrigerate for 8 hours.
5. Mousse: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon curd and yogurt.
6. In another bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat cream until stiff peaks form.
7. Fold whipped cream into curd mixture. Fold in lemon zest and lemon juice (if using). Divide mousse evenly among stemmed glasses, cover and freeze for at least 1 hour, until set, or for up to 2 days (if freezing for more than 1 hour, let thaw slightly in the refrigerator before serving).
8. When ready to serve, let mousse stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Garnish with berries and cacao nibs.

Makes 8 servings

Instant Pot Function
Manual Pressure





Saturday, September 17, 2016

Cuba! By Dan Goldberg, Andrea Kuhn, and Jody Eddy (Cookbook Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

Cuba continues to captivate visitors with its vibrant culture, colorful cities, and incredible cuisine. Cuba! explores the magic of this country through recipes and stories that will set taste buds on fire and delight even the most well-seasoned traveler. 
 
Brazen, bold, and colorful, Cuba is a country that pulses with life. Fascinated by its people and their endlessly delicious home-cooked cuisine, friends Dan Goldberg and Andrea Kuhn have been visiting this magnetic country, capturing its passion and vibrancy, for the past five years. Dan, an award-winning photographer and Andrea, an acclaimed prop stylist and art director, along with renowned food writer Jody Eddy, bring the best of Cuban food to home kitchens with more than 75 meticulously tested recipes. From Cuban-Style Fried Chicken and Tostones Stuffed with Lobster and Conch, to Squid-ink Empanadas and Mojito Cake with Rum-Infused Whipped Cream, this book offers a unique opportunity to bring a little slice of Cuba into your home and onto your plate.


My thoughts-

I love eating foods from different cultures. It opens up your palate to many different tastes that you may have never come across otherwise. The spanish has so many different regions and with all of those regions come different variations of food. The Cubans have a flavor all their own. There are recipes for all of the popular Cuban foods you would expect- cubanos, paella, empanadas- and so many other delicious foods and desserts. One of the best things about the book are the candid shots of the Cuban people. It adds a touch of culture to the book. Cuba! is a cookbook worth exploring whether you are a novice to Cuban food or you already love it and want to re-create the amazing flavor of cuisines at home.














Friday, September 16, 2016

Danielle Walker's Against All Grain Celebrations (Book Review)

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

My family and I have only recently made the transition to a gluten free lifestyle to support my daughter in the way she needs to eat. I find that I have been feeling better and on the off chance that I am bad and eat food that does contain gluten I have noticed I feel awful afterwards. It is pretty easy to stay gluten free at home, but I have been dreading the upcoming holidays because I wasn't sure where to even start as far as holiday cooking. I am pretty sure Against All Grain Celebrations is the holy grail of gluten free cooking. There are menus for every holiday and special occasion you can possibly think of. The book is set up to be "a year of celebrations" so it starts with New Year's Eve and ends with Christmas. It includes every holiday in between, as well as birthday parties and baby showers and other get togethers where you need to have food. Although these recipes are meant for special occasions and holidays, I can see myself making them throughout the year just on a regular night because they sound fantastic. There doesn't seem to be a bad recipe in the book! There are tons of great cake, frosting, pie, and cookie recipes for the holidays I can't wait to try and also many great drinks and food recipes that even someone not used to eating gluten free would be impressed by. This will definitely be a go-to cookbook for me, holidays or not. I highly recommend it to anyone wanted to impress with great recipes!

Saturday, September 10, 2016

To Have and to Hold: Three Autumn Love Stories (Book Review)

Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-
To Have and to Hold: Three Autumn Love Stories.Love Takes the Cake: A September Wedding Story by Betsy St. Amant
Charlotte Cantrell is always the baker; never the bride. When Will, a regular at Charlotte's bakery, catches her attention, she can only hope that he is the reliable man this single mother has always hoped to find. The problem is that he's regularly stopping in to buy cookies for another girl. But when Charlotte is hired to bake a host of wedding goodies for a difficult bride and finds out Will is the best man, she has the perfect opportunity to get to know him better—and find out how serious Will is about this other girl in his life.