The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook

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

About the book-

UNOFFICIAL AND UNAUTHORIZED

Dine like Draper and Drink like Sterling with More Than 70 Recipes from the Kitchens, Bars, and Restaurants Seen on Mad Men
Ever wish you could mix an Old Fashioned just the way Don Draper likes it? Or prepare Oysters Rockefeller and a martini the way they did fifty years ago at one of Roger Sterling’s favorite haunts, The Grand Central Oyster Bar? Ever wonder how Joan Harris manages to prepare a perfect crown roast in her tiny apartment kitchen? Or about the connection between Jackie Kennedy’s 1962 White House tour and Betty Draper’s Valentine’s Day room service order?

The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook serves up more than 70 recipes to satisfy a Mad Men appetite! From the tables of Manhattan’s most legendary restaurants and bars to the Drapers’ Around the World dinner, this book is your entree to the culinary world of Man Men-era New York.

Packed with period detail, The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook provides invaluable historical and cultural context for the food and drink featured in the show, tips on throwing a successful ’60s cocktail party, and even a guide to favored Mad Men hangouts. Every recipe inside is authentic to the time.

Whether you’re planning a Mad Men-themed dinner party, need to mix up some authentic Mad Men cocktails, or just can’t get enough of the show itself, this is your essential resource, a guide to all foods and drinks Mad Men. So hang up your coat, pour yourself a cocktail, and get ready to dine like Draper and drink like Sterling with The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook.

Includes a color photo insert of 16 dishes, plus additional black and white photos and other images of bars, restaurants, and food advertisements from the 1960s.

Sample Recipes:

* Playboy Whiskey Sour
* Sardi’s Steak Tartar
* Connie’s Waldorf Salad
* Sal’s Spaghetti and Meatballs
* Pat Nixon’s Date Nut Bread
* Lindy’s Cherry Cheesecake

My thoughts- 

When Mad Men first aired, I was so excited that there was a show set in a really cool time period. I enjoy historical settings and the 50's and 60's are a little under-represented in contemporary television. Mad Men made a huge impact on people and i think that is part of the reason. Many of our grandparents grew up during this time period and, for me, that makes this cookbook even cooler. I could imagine my grandma making some of these recipes in her youth. The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook if full of great recipes that might have been mentioned on the show or that could have been consumed by the Draper family. There is also a great section at the beginning full of classic cocktails with tons of information on what kind of glasses you would need and how to mix drinks. This cookbook is full of everything you need to through a Mad Men themed party or even just a 50/60's themed dinner party. Even if you are not a fan of the show, if you have any interest in cooking or cocktail making or just the time period in general, you will enjoy The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook. 

The Apple Cookbook by Olwen Woodier (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-

Apple Cookbook features 140 recipes, sweet and savory, easy and delicious, featuring America's favorite fruit in dishes perfect for every meal. Try Apple Cheddar Crepes, Apple Ring Fritters, Apple Banana Bread, Iced Apple Tea, Curried Chicken Salad, Grilled Tuna with Apple Chutney, Cider-Braised Chicken, Pork Chops with Apple Cream Sauce, French Apple Tart, Apple Turnovers, Peach and Apple Pie, Apple Lemon Cake, Apple Blackberry Crisp, and Pumpkin-Apple Pie.

My thoughts-

One of my absolute favorite foods to bake with is apples. There is just something about an apple that is versatile and translates well to so many different dishes. I will admit that I haven't ventured far beyond the usual baking when using apples in my dishes, so the idea of an apple cookbook really intrigued me. The Apple Cookbook is full of 125 delicious recipes ranging breakfast to dinner to, of course, dessert. There are dishes in here I never would have thought of but absolutely work (spinach, with leek, bacon and apple as a side dish? Yes, please!). There really isn't a recipe in here that doesn't sound mouth watering to me. My family loved the curried chicken salad and enjoyed the homemade applesauce recipe.  I also can't wait to make the apple kabobs for a sweet summer treat for my kids very soon! If you enjoy cooking and want to add a healthy does of vitamins and fiber in your diet, this cookbook my be just the book for you!

Chowderland by Brooke Dojny (Cookbook Review)

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

About the book-

Creamy Clam Chowder. Portuguese Caldo Verde Chowder. Northwest Salmon Chowder with Leeks and Peas. Double Corn Summer Chowder. Brooke Dojny offers 57 recipes for chowders of all kinds -- some made with seafood, some with meat, and some with just veggies -- plus side dishes, salads, and desserts to round out the menu. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a cozy winter evening or a fresh gumbo perfect for a summer lunch, you’ll turn to this delicious collection again and again!

My thoughts-

I live in the south, so coming across chowder is a rarity, but earlier this year while my family and I were at Costco, we came across a sample of clam chowder. My 7 year old daughter fell in love, so I bought a couple of containers of it for her and soon had to by another couple of containers. Then one day, a few months later, the chowder was gone! I have never seen it at Costco again. Ever since then, I have been on a mission to find a good clam chowder recipe so I can satisfy my daughter's hunger for this northern staple. Chowderland not only has a recipe for clam chowder but so many other chowders that I had no idea even existed. My extent of chowder knowledge begins and ends with  clam chowder and corn chowder so this is an exciting cookbook for me since I am always looking for new things to try! I love that there are many different types of chowder, and also some side dishes, salads and desserts to go along with them. There are so many good recipes waiting to be made, I absolutely can't wait to try so many of them!

Cooking Allergy-Free by Jenna Short (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-

Jenna Short is on a mission--to help home cooks create meals that are safe--and delicious--for anyone who suffers from food allergies or who follows a special diet. As a caterer who specializes in events suitable for those who choose a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or kosher lifestyle, Jenna knows it's not easy to meet these different needs at the same time. In Cooking Allergy-Free, Jenna comes to the rescue, with 150 recipes that are suitable for weeknight cooking as well as entertaining. Each recipe is free of one or more of the most popular food allergens--wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, shellfish, fish, soy and corn--easily identified by colorful icons, and includes substitutions to convert the recipe for other allergens. Icons also indicate recipes appropriate for those who follow a gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diet.

Jenna's collection of recipes include starters, soups, salads, main dishes, sides, desserts, and breads. Sample the Mustard Raisin Marmalade on Toasted Crostini, Moroccan Stuffed Tomatoes, Rosemary Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Potatoes, Sloppy Joes, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Blackened Fish Tacos with Guacamole and Cilantro-Lime Slaw, Blueberry Lemon Crumble Pie, Mini Fudge Brownie Bites, Granola Bars, and more. With Cooking Allergy-Free in hand, you'll discover flavorful, easy-to-make dishes that aren't off limits.

Menu suggestions for setting up a kitchen to be allergen-friendly, and essentials for stocking your pantry will make Cooking Allergy-Free your most trusted source for delicious cooking.

My thoughts-

There are so many people with food allergies or sensitivities these days (including me and my daughter) that I am always on the lookout for books like this that I can pull out on the occasion that I have someone on a special diet visiting and since I love to entertain, it does happen every once and a while. I also like to add as many meat free recipes to my family's rotation of meals, so I love books like this that have clearly marked these kinds of recipes for easy reference. Cooking Allergy-Free offers up allergy-friendly versions of tried and true favorites, as well as some new and inventive recipes that are sure to join the ranks of your favorite go-to dinner recipes. I would recommend  this book to anyone who needs an allergy friendly cookbook or even just someone who is open to knew recipes.

How to Make Ice Cream: 50 Recipes for Classic and Contemporary Flavors by Nicole Weston

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

About the book-

Making ice cream at home is fun and easy! Nicole Weston shows you exactly how to achieve delectable results with these 50 exciting recipes ranging from classic vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and strawberry to innovative creations like blackberry cobbler, toasted coconut, lemon curd, brown sugar and cinnamon, fresh ginger, salted caramel, maple bacon, matcha, chocolate hazelnut, and goat cheese and honey. She even includes flavors especially for the holidays -- gingerbread cookie, pumpkin pie, eggnog, peppermint mocha, and more.

My thoughts-

A few years ago on a whim, my husband decided to buy me a birthday gift from Crate & Barrel- an ice cream maker. It remains one of my most beloved kitchen appliances! I had never seen an ice cream maker that you didn't have to hand churn, I was beyond excited to own an ice cream maker that would create delicious ice cream without the hard hand churning. The ice cream maker came with a little booklet of recipes, but it is mostly the basic flavors- vanilla, chocolate chip,  butter pecan, ect. so when I saw that there was a book with FIFTY ONE ice cream flavors, I was intrigued. I love traditional chocolate and vanilla, but I am a big fan of inventive gourmet flavors. How to Make Ice Cream has great traditional flavors, but also had some great combinations that i have never seen elsewhere and would have never thought of on my own. I am excited to go through pretty much every flavor in the book that I can this summer. In addition to the ice cream recipes, there is also an extensive section at the beginning on how to make ice cream (whether it be in an ice cream maker or without) and what ingredients are needed.  It also discusses American vs. French ice cream. There is great information in the first few chapters for the ice cream making novice. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys ice cream and making homemade treats.

Sunsella Silicone Baking Cups Review

Disclosure of material connection- I received the product via Tomoson in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own.

I have been making the switch to silicone and porcelain bakeware in my kitchen on my continual journey to make sure we surround ourselves with the healthiest foods and products we can. I was excited to come across these cute little baking cups. They come in a cute little box that clearly indicates all of the important things about the product- they are lead, bpa, and phthalate free and are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. I used the baking cups for the first time tonight to make some cupcakes for my upcoming book club meeting. I just set them on a cookie sheet and stuck them in the oven (they also fit inside of a traditional cupcake pan . The cupcakes came out beautifully. In the above picture, I made sure to have one of the cups after I took the cupcake out. It left very little in the cup and it was super easy to clean out. I love that these are silicone and can be reused. That is great for the environment which is an added bonus to using these silicone baking cups! I also plan to use these in my kids' lunches to separate the food and make their lunches a little brighter! Check out the Sunsella website for several great cupcake recipes and to check out their other awesome products (like the silicone ice pop molds!)

You can purchase Sunsella Silicone Baking Cups on Amazon.com.

Better Homes & Gardens Baking (Cookbook Review)

*Disclosure- I received a complimentary copy of the book from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 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:

This all-new and gorgeous edition of Better Homes and Gardens Baking (the first major all-purpose BH&G baking title published since 1998) is a compendium of irresistible cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, cobblers, pastries, and breads—from everyday sweets to special-occasion show-stoppers. It has everything you need to bake fuss-free and with delicious results for bake sales, cookie swaps, birthday parties, holiday tables, or just because you’re in the mood to bake. You'll find:
More than 400 recipes for luscious baked goods such as Cinnamon Rolls (with four fun shape variations), Raspberry French Silk Pie Bars, and Herbed Boule More than 250 photos showcase the recipes and clarify techniques Chapter-opener features with classic recipes that teach secrets to baking success Make-It-Mine recipes with choices to help you adapt to your taste, convenience, and occasion Make-It-Mini guides to help bakers turn out scrumptious sweets in smaller sizes This will surely be the go-to baking reference and inspiration for years to come.

My thoughts:

There is pretty much nothing I would rather be doing in my free time than baking, so an entire book from Better Homes & Gardens devoted to just that was right up my alley. I love to bake anything- cookies, pies, cakes, breads or whatever else- I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and this book is full of any kind of baking recipe you could possibly think of. Not only does it contain endless recipes for desserts and other baked goods, there are also tips and techniques offered to help you make the best of your time baking. I am sure we have all been there- a sheet of cookies are flat when they are supposed to be round and chewy or something didn't rise the way it should have- Better Homes & Gardens Baking offers advice on why you need to do what with each ingredient needed and how to bake at your very best. I love that the very first chapter breaks down everything about baking and how to get the results you want with what you've set out to accomplish in the kitchen. The following chapters are very well organized with fourteen different chapters included everything from your run of the mill cookies, cakes, and cupcakes to down home favorites like pies and tarts and specialty categories such as breads and holiday baking. Something I always find helpful in cookbooks is pictures so I know what the final product should look like and this cookbook definitely does not disappoint in that arena. Not only are their pictures of the final products of the recipes, but there are pictures in the techniques chapter to break down exactly what you need to do and how.





Standout recipes include (but are certainly not limited to):

• Make-it-mine Oatmeal Cookies
• Salted-Chocolate Caramel Rounds
• Lime Zingers
• Coconut Macaroons
• Dulce de Leche Fluff Brownies
• Fudge Ripple Pecan Brownies
• Cherry Kuchen Bars
• Classic Pumpkin Pie
• Key Lime Tart
• Saucy Apple Dumplings
• Make-it-mine Cobbler
• Opera Cake
• Butterscotch Marble Cake
• Make-it-mine Whoopie Pies

I can not sing the praises of this cookbook enough. This would make a perfect addition to anyone's kitchen- from the beginning baker to the more advanced experimentalist. This is one I will definitely get a hard copy of for my own cookbook collection.

Better Homes & Gardens Baking is now available on Amazon.com

Choosing Sides by Tara Mataraza Desmond (Cookbook Review)

*Disclosure- I recieved an e-ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

Advanced praise for the book-

“Here’s a cookbook you’ll pull from the shelf every time you ask yourself, ‘What should I serve with this?’ Tara Mataraza Desmond has written an inspired and creative cookbook dedicated entirely to side dishes. Accessorizing the main element of the meal, whether for a weeknight dinner, family get-together, or holiday feast, needs to be artful, nourishing, and practical. Choosing Sides brings excitement to every meal with these innovative and contemporary side dishes.” 
–Diane Morgan, author of Roots: The Definitive Compendium

“Oh, to be an entrée surrounded by Tara Mataraza Desmond’s flavorful, colorful, vibrant sides! In Choosing Sides, Tara offers a modern spin on the humble, oft-neglected accompaniment. Her Chorizo Chard; Blood Orange Wild Rice; and Persimmon, Pomegranate, and Pistachio Salad are but three examples for how to turn supporting players into shining culinary stars. Tara can fill my plate any day.” 
-Cheryl Sternman Rule, author of Ripe: A Fresh, Colorful Approach to Fruits and Vegetables

My thoughts-

 When I talk to other moms that I know about cooking, the most common thing that seems to be a struggle is coming up with sides. Everyone has their go-to main dishes for breakfast. lunch and dinner and maybe even for dessert, but side dishes are often neglected. Many times, they are almost an afterthought. There are only so many times you can eat a simple salad or mashed potatoes. That is why I was beyond thrilled to discover Choosing Sides on NetGalley. I knew I needed to read it because I often struggle with coming up with side dishes and my husband and I and our kids enjoy having a variety of foods, so I was excited to find this book devoted to the lesser focused on side dish. I was even happier when I saw the vast array of recipes. Meals will never get boring with just this one book. Besides the fact that I have never seen another book devoted to side dishes on the market, Choosing Sides is probably the most well organized cookbook I have ever peaked into.  The side dishes are divided into sections by the type of meal they are meant to accompany and the coolest feature of the book is that at the end of each recipe there are suggestions for what kind of meals would best be suited to serve the particular side with. There are recipes for pretty much anything you can think of- flavored butters, zucchini melts, veggie pies, breads, salads, dressings, tarts, quiches and much more. There are sections for sides that you can make for backyard barbeques or intimate gatherings. There are easy recipes and recipes that are meant to impress. This book really covers everything you could possibly want to know about when it comes to side dishes. This is definitely a book that everyone should have in their cookbook collection, I guarantee you will be grabbing for it often!

Choosing Sides will be available for purchase September 2013. You can pre-order the book on Amazon.com

Taste of Home Recipes Across America Cookbook Review

*Disclosure- I received a free e-ARC of the book from the publishers via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book:
 
 Whether sinking your teeth into crispy Southern Fried Chicken, enjoying a Philly Cheese Steak or sampling a slice of Ozark Mountain Berry Pie, you simply can’t beat the comfort of iconic American foods. Now, it’s easier than ever to sample the flavors of the country with Taste of Home Recipes Across America.

This keepsake collection offers 735 recipes that deliver regional flair from all 50 states. Grill up a fiery Southwestern barbecue, stir together a little Texas Caviar, host a New England clam bake or share a Chicago deep dish pizza! You’ll find everything from no-fuss snacks and quick supper ideas to weekend menu items and impressive desserts…each of which left a delicious mark on its part of the country!

Divided into five regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, Southwest and West), Recipes Across America offers all the mouthwatering specialties enjoyed by locals, including unforgettable dishes featuring regional produce. You’ll even discover ethnic favorites passed-down through generations of cultures who established roots in various cities throughout the nation.

As a bonus, you’ll enjoy fun food facts and folklore sprinkled throughout the pages. (For example, did you know that Chef George Crum of Saratoga, NY is rumored to have created the potato chip after a customer complained about the chef’s fried potatoes?) There are even colorful photos and notes regarding regional landmarks, infamous restaurants and more.

With so many recipes, photos and kitchen tidbits, Taste of Home Recipes Across America makes it a snap to take your senses on a culinary vacation you’ll cherish for years to come.
 
My thoughts:

I am always up for checking out a new cookbook. Taste of Home always has some wonderful cookbooks, I own a few of them myself. Taste of Home Recipes Across America is divided into U.S. regions and offers several different types of food from each region. It is interesting to see the differences in recipes between the north, south and everything in between. It is truly interesting how different regions tend to cook different things, but it makes sense because before the industrialization of food, everyone would have had to cook with what they had local to them. I think it is pretty cool to learn about recipes that I may not otherwise have come across. There are over 700 hundred recipes in this book, so there are plenty of recipes to keep you coming back for more. You could literally make 2 recipes per day for an entire year and there would still be a few you didn't get to. Now that is an awesome cookbook! Besides the fact that there are tons of amazing recipes in this cookbook (I can not even tell you how many I have marked to give a try) there is a pretty cool feature running throughout the book. Throughout the different sections on the regions there are facts and tidbits about different cities and sometimes about the foods rumored to have come from them. I love to travel and learn about new places, so this feature is really interesting to me and I think it is a great addition to an already enticing book.

Some of the recipes I have tried or have marked to try are:

Orange Julius
Toasted Cheese Ravioli
Crumble Top Coffee Cake
Glazed Cinnamon Apples
Tacoritos
Cheesy Beans & Rice
Rosemary Garlic Roast Beef
Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake
Amish Breakfast Casserole
Maple Pancakes
Lemon Filled Coconut Cake
Double Cheese Eggs Benedict

This is just a taste of the many interesting recipes in this book.

Taste of Home Recipes Across America will be available on September 12, 2013. You can pre-order it on Amazon.com. I would recommend Taste of Home Recipes Across America to anyone who likes to cook. This is the type of cookbook that everyone should really have in their collection!

The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter Book Review

Thanks to Barbour Publishing for the advanced copy of the book through Netgalley. All opinions are 100% my own. 

What's another week without reviewing an Amish cookbook? If you've been a reader of this blog for long, you know I am fascinated by the Amish and really enjoy their recipes, so I am always on the lookout for new Amish cookbooks. The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection is great because it is full of wonderful homemade recipes in all of the usual categories plus a few fun extras: Breakfast Foods, Snacks, Breads & Rolls, Jams & Jellies, Pickles & Relish, Side Dishes, Main Dishes, Desserts, Beverages and Miscellaneous. As you can tell, there is plenty to keep a home cook occupied. I love that throughout the book interwoven with the recipes are little facts about Amish life. Something that I really love about Amish recipes is that for the most part, they use ingredients that make homemade foods, I think that is really important in this time when there is so much processed food and so many people that are sick or have food allergies, I believe from the over-processing of food. With that said, every now and then there are a few convenience foods used, but I don't see a problem with using them minimally. Everyone has days when they don't want to put a huge effort into cooking because they just don't have the energy! Some of the more intriguing recipes include: Honey French Toast, Apple Pancakes, Overnight Breakfast Casserole, Granola Bars, Easy Dinner Rolls, Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread, German Style Green Beans, BBQ Sauce, Potato Soup, Chicken Dumplings, Lazy Wife's Dinner, Lemon Pudding Cake, Funny Cake and Easy Strawberry Shortcake.I can not stress how many fantastic recipes there are in this book. There are some that might take longer than others, but there are plenty of simple recipes for an inexperienced cook.

Throughout the book, you will learn little tidbits about Amish life ranging from Florida to Pennsylvania and many places in between. There are facts about Amish weddings, the hobby of quilting and how the Amish attend church. For someone who already is pretty immersed into learning about the Amish culture, these things won't come as a surprise, but for a newbie just learning about this culture, these are interesting facts about interesting people. I would still encourage people that already know a great deal about Amish culture to pick up this book for the fabulous recipes. Not only are there great food recipes, there are even some recipes in the miscellaneous section for homemade cleaners: laundry detergent, homemade air freshener and even fly spray! I think anybody who loves to cook or loves Amish culture (or both!) will be a fan of this book. I certainly am!


Connect with Wanda Brunstetter on Facebook
Connect with Wanda Brunstetter on Goodreads
Learn more about the author at WandaBrunstetter.com.


The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection will be available on July 1, 2013.
You can pre-order the book on Amazon.com

Amish Cooks Across America by Kevin Williams and Lovina Eicher Book Review

*Disclosure- Thanks to NetGalley & Andrews McMeel Publishing for the Advanced Reader's Copy. I was not required to render a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

There is just something about the Amish culture that fascinates me. Sometimes I think I was born into the wrong era in time and I long for less electronic addiction surrounding me (and including me), more walking and less car riding, more time with family and friends and more of a feeling of community. On the other hand, I couldn't be writing this blog without technology, still had I not known it existed surely I could live without it. The Amish have continually lived a simple life even in these modern times and I think we can learn a lot from them about community, family and...of course...great cooking.

I have been reading Amish fiction for quite a long time and I have been in search of a great Amish cookbook for a while because I love creating recipes at home from scratch. This is one area that I guess a few Amish have given in to modern conveniences because several of the cook books I have looked through use ingredients like Velveeta or cream of whatever soup, which was disappointing to me. Amish Cooks Across America by Kevin Williams and Lovina Eicher is exactly what I have been searching for in an Amish cookbook. It is full of the from scratch recipes my heart so desires. Not only that, I was kind of schooled in the Amish culture. Naively, I thought that most Amish people settled in Pennsylvania and that they all shared the same types of recipes. Not so on either account. Amish Cooks Across America is not only full of great recipes, it is full of wonderful insight about many different Amish settlements, all the way from Maine, to the deep south of Texas (I mean deep, like almost Mexico deep) and even in places outside of the US like Canada & Central America.. It ties together the places of settlement to the types of food that are popular with the Amish in each different region. This book points out that the Amish are the original Locavores, as evidenced by their menus reflecting where they live. In addition to the wonderful insight the book provides, there are also some beautiful pictures.  If you are interested in Amish culture or love to get in the kitchen and create some wonderful recipes, this is definitely the book for you!

This book points out that the Amish are the original Locavores, as evidenced by their menus reflecting where they live.

Some recipes highlights:

• Blueberry-Lemon Buttermilk Muffins
• Potato Chowder
• Homemade Baking Mix
• Apple Bread
• Hot Fudge Sundae Cake
• Delicious Green Beans
• Fresh Green Chili Salsa
• Breakfast Casserole
• South Texas Rice
• Homemade Yogurt
• Sweet Potato Surprise Cake
• Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Amish Cooks Across America will be available for purchase on May 28th, but can be pre-ordered now at Amazon.com. Fellow home cooks, this is a must have for your cookbook library!

Hosting With Style by Beretta Fleur Review

I've always wanted to be one of those people who throws parties and backyard barbecues and other fun get togethers for friends in my home. I am decent at party planning, but maybe not creative as I could be. That's where Beretta Fleur comes in. She has a new book called Hosting With Style. Not only is it all about creating wonderful parties, but it also gives tips for efficient homemaking. While I didn't get to read the entire book, I was offered a glimpse inside and I like what I saw. There are recipes for homemade cleaners that every stay at home person should have in their arsenal  Not only do they save you tons of money, they are better for the environment and for you to be breathing in.

I was more excited for the party ideas. I love that the book includes recipes for everyone, including the most traditional meat eating kind of person all the way to gluten free vegan options. I really enjoyed the drink recipes and can't wait to try of few of them out. My absolute favorite section of the book that I read was the different idea for party themes. I found myself thinking, "yup, I definitely need to throw a party like that!" several different times!

You can explore Beretta Fleur's website, which is also full of great party ideas, recipes and tips. There are sections devoted to party menus and holidays, as well as other fun things like weddings & showers and even a section devoted to diy and crafts. And of course there are recipes galore. Anyone who likes to entertain in their home or even someone who just enjoys being crafty would love Beretta's website and her new book.

Connect with Beretta Fleur on Twitter
Connect with Beretta Fleur on Facebook
Buy Hosting With Style at Lulu.com

*Disclosure- I received a complimentary sample copy of the book. I was not requried to render a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

I Love My Slow Cooker by Beverly LeBlanc

I don't think it  is possible for me to ever have too many recipes or too many cookbooks. I have a habit of collecting them and my pantry is getting mighty full of them. I like being able to offer my family a variety of meals and like to have plenty of recipes at my disposal. I love slow cooker recipes quite a bit, since I have three pre-school aged children and a very busy husband- it makes me a very busy mom and wife. That makes it great for me when I find ways to cut back time in the kitchen on rather busy days. I think almost every mother and wife has a love affair with her slow cooker and if she doesn't- well- she probably doesn't own a slow cooker, so she doesn't know what she's missing.

The thing that drew me to I Love My Slow Cooker by Beverly LeBlanc was that there was an entire section devoted to vegetarian fare. As the lone vegetarian in a house full of meat lovers, it is great that there is a  book that offers both meat and vegetarian options. I am lucky that my kids will eat both! After I looked into the book, I saw that there were many ethnic recipes, which is a good thing for me because my family really enjoys flavors from around the world. And of course, there is a great chapter on desserts- everyone's favorite! For the beginner who is knew to slow cooking there is an entire section at the beginning devoted to all things slow cooker related. I think this is a great book for a busy mom, a novice cook or even someone who really enjoys cooking and different flavors.

I Love My Slow Cooker on Amazon.com.

*Disclosure- I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinons stated are 100% my own.

Add New Flavor to Desserts with Torani Syrups

Last year when I joined the SheSpeaks community the very first campaign I got to participate in was for Torani syrups and I fell in love immediately! So when I saw that SheSpeaks would once again be offering up Torani syrups for review, I did not hesitate to sign up.

This time I got a fun fall flavor- pumpkin pie and a classic flavor- vanilla bean. I have been expirementing almost daily to come up with great recipes for both and I think I have come up with some pretty fantastic ideas!

For the Vanilla Bean Torani, I made a cinnamon-vanilla glaze to drizzle over pumpkin pancakes for a decadent fall treat. The recipe is as follows:

Cinnamon-Vanilla Glaze

1 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of Vanilla Bean Torani syrup
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (or to taste)
3-4 tablespoons of milk

Mix and enjoy over your favorite pancakes!!


Since pumpkin is pretty much my favorite flavor of all time, I knew I would have to do something a little more special with the Pumpkin Pie Torani. I tried several things and enjoyed almost all of them (the only major fail was when I tried to make pumpkin pie marshmallows, the flavor was just too strong.) I enjoyed drizzling a bit of the Pumpkin Pie Torani over my ice cream and even adding a tad to the milk in my cereal for a little change of pace. I also added a little pumpkin pie syrup to some milk and Irish cream liquor and it was fantastic, but the recipe I am going to share with you I am REALLY excited about! Over the past year, I have been really into the whole trend of using wonton wrappers to create appetizers, mini foods and desserts. The instant my Torani syrups arrived on my doorstep, I had this idea that I *HAD* to make pumpkin cream cheese wontons and that's what I did. The results were amazing.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Wonton Triangles-

1 package of cream cheese
2 cups of powdered sugar
3/4-teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Torani
3 tablespoons of milk
48 wonton wrappers (there are an abundance in each package, much more than 48!)

Mix together all of the wet ingredients. Then spoon a bit of the mixture on to each wonton and seal the edges with water, a fork and your fingers. I deep fried mine on medium in batches of 4-5, but I have a small deep fryer, you may be able to fit more in yours. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are golden brown. Drizzle chocolate syrup over them for a finishing touch.

If you are a pumpkin fan, you will love this dessert. It was pretty easy too, just took a few minutes!

Torani has many, many more syrup flavors to choose from. Not only can you make coffee shop quality drinks at home, now you can take your desserts to a whole new level!

Love creating recipes? Enter the Torani Cheers contest! This is the last week and you could win fantastic prizes from Mr. Coffee!

*Disclosure- I received one or more of the above mentioned products for free from SheSpeaks & Torani. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Filippo Berio Olive Oil Review

I was pretty excited to be invited to the Filippo Berio Olive Oil campaign through Bzzagent. As I have mentioned on this blog a few times (okay- more than a few!) I started really trying to cook and eat healthy in 2007 after I became pregnant with my first baby. One of the very first things I did, was start using olive oil as my main oil.

I really liked the taste and quality of Filippo Berio. I love that it comes in a glass bottle. Being in glass seems to preserve the full flavor of the oil, at least to me, as opposed to using a plastic bottle. On top of that, you don't have to worry about BPA (bisphenol a) with glass. And it's more environmentally friendly.

Olive oil is very versatile. You can use it for everything- from sauteing to oven frying chicken to using it as a drizzle for veggies or a base for a salad dressing. You can even use it as a substitute for butter!

I would absolutely recommend Filippo Berio to anyone who uses olive oil or who is interested in starting.  You can get more information at FilippoBerio.com. There is even a great section full of awesome recipes!

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Disclaimer- I received free Filippo Berio olive oil through Bzzagent in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review.