2 comments about Semi-Homemade Fast Fix Family Favorites (Sandra Lee Semi Homemade).

1. I have all of her books and love them all..I couldn't wait to get this one.



2. This cookbook is 300 of Sandra Lee's favorite recipes that she considers worthy of being called "family meals." Typically that means they're kid friendly, and family and friends are welcome.
   
   The chapters included are "quick weekend meals," "one dish wonders," "all-american favorites," "grilling greats," and "holiday parties," just to name a few.
   
   If you have her other cookbooks then you have these recipes. This book is a compilation of her favorites in one book. These recipes are all geared for family-friendly meals. The BBQ sauce #7 is in this cookbook as well as her semi-homemade grilling 2 cookbook. It also includes the best of the slow cooker, desserts, and gatherings, etc. All great recipes grouped in one book.
   
   The pictures and display are just wonderful, typical Sandra Lee fare. She has a section devoted to Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. This makes a great menu for parties you know would suit children as well as adults. Drink recipes are included.
   
   This would make a great wedding gift for the new bride because it includes the "best" recipes from her many different genre of cookbooks. It's a well-rounded cookbook.

No comments about The Best of America's Test Kitchen 2009: The Year's Best Recipes, Equipment Reviews, and Tastings (The Best of America's Test Kitchen).

5 comments about Cakes to Inspire and Desire.

1. I love the cakes in the books they're gorgeous and creative, but the instructions are difficult to follow. They seen to leave parts out and the illustrations aren't always helpful. Overall it's a good book and the cakes are definitely worth trying.



2. This is a book that gives you the opportunity to create new shapes, sizes, technics, and I think pictures are great. It's a very good book.



3. This is another good book Lindy Smith book. She is a superbly talented cake decorator, and her books (this one is no exception) are jam packed with ideas for the 'inspirationally challenged' cake decorator!



4. I think the instructions in this book are fabulous and very helpful. I am an experienced decorator (30 years) and do cakes professionaly. I learned some important techniques. The designs are great and up-to-date with current requests from customers.



5. For those who are either professional bakers, or jest home bakers, this is another good reference.

5 comments about Power Juices, Super Drinks: Quick, Delicious Recipes to Prevent & Reverse Disease.

1. This book is a wonderful collection of healing
   drinks and energizing fuel for the body.
   It specifically outlines drinks for each particular
   ailment and juice recipes to remedy the problem.
   Why pop a pill you cannot digest like eating a rock
   when you can enjoy a fresh homemade juice drink to
   awaken your soul and tantalize your tastebuds.
   This is an excellent book which I have recommended
   to several people who juice for their health and
   enjoyment. Enjoy life....a pill is no fun.



2. This is unit is the ideal machine for really big and quick jobs. Its powerfull motor can handle just about anything you toss in there. A bit on the noisy side, but well worth it because of the speed.



3. This is one of the best juice books I've come across in my thirty years of juicing. The recipes are innovative, easy and delicious. If you are planning any kind of cleanse (fast) get this book first. It will make the process more enjoyable and productive.



4. The folksy advice and complicated concoctions in this book seem to be more fantasy than reality. They call for more ingredients than you'd find in any grocery store, and in order to make these juicy refreshments, you have to have a wide variety of juices on hand. Not to mention a dozen appliances for blending, chopping, squeezing and processing the ingredients they way the book describes.
   
   I was hoping for something that said "juice 2 apples, a stalk of celery and a bannana." But this book says something like, "blend 1.5 oz. apple juice, 3/4 oz. of celery juice, and 3/4 oz of banana juice." It doesn't suggest how much of each fruit you need on hand to make the desired amount. It doesn't even focus on Juicing, which is why I bought it.
   
   Looks cute on the bookshelf, and that's where it will stay. UN-USED.



5. I have to agree with an earlier review by Giancarlo Croce about this book's usefulness...it really has none. The dietary advice is way out of date and there are no real practical recipes. I will just toss this book.

5 comments about Eating Stella Style: Low-Carb Recipes for Healthy Living.

1. I am new to low-carb diets and Have lost 100 lbs in 5 months. I am approaching my goal and need recipes so I can maintain my weight loss. These recipes are easy.



2. This book had raving reviews so I bought it as a gift for my sister who is pregnant and has gestational diabetes. To avoid taking insulin she's had to go low-carb but it's getting monotinous. Hence, the loving sister ordered her a cookbook because she loves to cook. After I received it and looked through it I was surprised at the number of recipes that called for "Sugar substitute - recommended: Splenda." Yikes! THE SUGAR SUBSTITUTE/SPLENDA RECIPES ARE MOSTLY IN THE DESSERT SECTION. Splenda is an artificial chemical sweetner which contains chlorine (a carcinogen) and a host of other chemicals. Although it has been approved by the FDA as safe (in short term studies only.) After reading George's response to my comments I think there are less recipes than I though calling for a sugar substitute (about 20%) and if he's right (which he should be) they are mostly in the dessert section. So this low-carb cookbook is mostly good for prego's if you ignore the dessert section. Just know in advance what you're getting!



3. I am not a cook. I don't know how to throw a meal together for a family, since I am single. But this is a great book for people who are tired of eating the same old thing with the Atkins diet. The recipes are easy and with practice can add flair to your cooking. I particularly like the sections that teach you how to make sauces and spice mixtures



4. I ordered both of the George Stella cookbooks and am pleased with the selection of recipes and narrative of his story with the low carb lifestyle. I would recommend the purchase.



5. I love the recipes in this book--everything is incredibly delicious. I really like the muffin recipes--the banana nuffins and spice muffins are the best--and the key lime cheesecake recipe is fantastic as well. My favorite main dish recipe is the Meatloaf Rollatini, which I stuff with different ingredients every time. I love that the net carbs are listed for each serving and that the same ingredients are used for many of the recipes, so I can buy those in bulk to have them on hand. This book has made it very easy to eat low carb because the food is never boring.
   
   I'm giving this rating a 3 because I was very dissappointed in the book construction--the pages separated from the spine the first time I gently laid the book open to have it lay flat on my counter. At this point the pages are being held in the book by a clip until I glue it back in myself.

5 comments about Special Diets for Special Kids.

1. I recommend this book for the GF/CF recipes. My only problem with the book was there were typos, apparently not proofread very well for spelling. If you want more in depth reasoning behind the diet, I suggest the book Unraveling the Mystery of Autism... by Karyn Seroussi.



2. This was the first book I read before starting the GFCF diet. It gave a ton of information. Some easy to understand, some, I hate to admit, went over my head unless I really had the opportunity to concentrate! The one thing I strongly disagree with is the assertion that this diet is not much more expensive than what you're spending now in cow's milk, etc. It totally is- even if you bake from scratch. All the specialty flours, etc. really add up. The switch to rice milk is a bleep on the checkbook balance compared to the switch to gluten free cooking and eating.
   All in all, I'm very happy with this book. Some recipes are better than others, but the wealth of over all information in this book is great. I would definitely do a search for better prices, though! I found it for around $30.



3. I found this book to be extremely informative and would recommend it to anyone considering a special diet.



4. I bought several books/cookbooks re: going GF/CF and this is the one I find myself using the most. I especially like the author's comments/suggestions on how to make the recipes easier or get better results. My son is in the process of being diagnosed with ASD and in the two weeks we have been GFCF we are seeing exciting results.
   I also want to add that I made the Pearsauce bread recipe using applesauce and adding nutmeg and raisins and took it to a work potluck... nobody knew it was GFCF and they loved it!!!!! Several people wanted the recipe. Also a great resource for what to avoid and a sample letter to teachers/therapists that I found helpful! Can't wait to get her other book!



5. My husband ordered this book when we decided to put my son on a gluten-free diet. I was looking mainly for a gluten-free cookbook with some helpful hints included. Half the book is about the author's story and theories about why the diets in this book should be followed. For the most part I don't agree with her theories. The cookbook part is okay but so far has not really been the taste of my family. Also there are a lot of recipes for muffins and desserts which I don't really need because stores have a lot of gluten-free snacks. I am really looking for more meals I can cook my family.

5 comments about Fish Without a Doubt: The Cook's Essential Companion.

1. Everything I've tried from this book so far has been unbelievably delicious. The citrus roasted lobster and citrus lobster salad are a home run. I wasn't too sure about the marinade ingredients (combining citrus juices with fish sauce and mint leaves?) but I recalled that the kitchen testers from Gourmet Mag. said everything was amazing, so I gave it a try and I'm glad I did.
   
   As far as the indexing to recipes on others pages mentioned by a previous reviewer, I wasn't crazy about that, either. However, the end result more than compensates. Regarding the quantities, my husband came up with a perfect solution for the marinade: He decided to use the citrus marinade and make roasted shrimp, but he also chose to cook the marinade and then save it in the fridge. Then we decided to experiment and try some tilapia in the cooked marinade, grilling it afterward. It was the best tilapia I've ever had. I'm very glad to have this cookbook. Be aware that some of the recipes do make a lot of food, so you may want to try a half recipe or something, especially if you're cooking for two.



2. I don't always agree with 'Gourmet' but they were on the money with this book. Cleanly written, covered all the basic questions and then some, and also informed the reader of how overfishing can hurt the fish population. I will purchase this book for my library.



3. I have searched for a fairly easy to use fish cookbook for years. I am very good, male, home cook -- my wife supplies a meal 3 times a week while I cook 4 days a week -- who really likes this book.



4. This book was described to me as being for people who are very uncertain of cooking fish at home, so I wasn't sure how useful it would be for a family that already cooks fish relatively frequently. The answer: it's a great cookbook regardless of your comfort level with fish because of the varied recipes and how tasty the results are. The sauces, marinades, and spice combinations are different than I've seen elsewhere and the results have made us go back for more. Our favorite so far is a bizarre-sounding ceviche with Asian ingredients like fish sauce and hoisin sauce. My husband, who loves Mexican-style ceviche, said, "We're making that?" and afterwards said, "We're making that again!" One feature we like is how the recipes call for a particular fish but have a section labeled "Accept Substitutes" that suggests other fish or shellfish that will work equally well. That gives us latitude when shopping. As another reviewer mentioned, some of the best recipes are for things that go *with* the fish. We loved a tomatillo salsa that we made along with some grilled shrimp and squid.



5. Wonderful cookbook! The contents include cooking methods and recipes, but I find the sections such as how to buy fish, detailed descriptions of various fishes, and which fish to avoid, equally useful. Somehow this author had taken the mystery out of cooking fish, and the results of his recipes are very good. I've owned hundreds of cookbooks, many of which are no longer on my shelves. This one is a keeper.

3 comments about The 30-Day Diabetes Miracle Cookbook: Stop Diabetes with an Easy-to-Follow Plant-Based, Carb-Counting Diet.

1. A cookbook with quick-and-easy vegetarian meals that really satisfy and keep me healthy!
   Spectacular, delicious recipes with easy to follow instructions. So well-written, it's as if it was made just for me.
   
   Also try
   The 30-Day Diabetes Miracle: Lifestyle Center of America's Complete Program to Stop Diabetes, Restore Health,and Build Natural Vitality



2. I have tried many of the recipes in this book, and they are fantastic. They are not only delicous, but make a beautiful presentation when served. Since adopting this dietary concept, I have changed my health status from pre-diabetic back to normal. I heartily recommend this way of eating.



3. At first I couldn't imagine following the Vegan lifestyle but this book offers healthy, sugar free and healthy recipes.

5 comments about Cookwise: The Secrets of Cooking Revealed.

1. Little I didn't know.
   Lots of info on subjects I'm not interested in.
   
   Andy



2. I enjoy reading this book bits at a time. Usually, I have to re-read the same section just to make sure I've understood the science Shirley is laying out.
   
   I haven't tried any of the recipes. I bought it because I always like how Shirley explains things to us when she pops in on Alton Brown's show, Good Eats.
   
   It's a very enjoyable and interesting book. If you like learning the science behind cooking, but you're not a scientist. This book may be for you.



3. This book is often rated tops in terms of well presented, thorough information on the basics of how cooking and baking work.



4. This book is an absolute gem! I have learned so much from "Cookwise" and am constantly referring to it for information (and inspiration). Ms. Corriher excels in explaining the science of cooking in an easy-to-understand format that does not patronize. She is knowledgeable and passionate about her subject and seems to have a sincere interest in helping her readers become better cooks. From learning the differences between flours and in which instances to use them for successful results to making a lemon meringue pie with meringue that doesn't weep, it's all in here.
   
   I've read this book from cover to cover and seven chapters discuss bread and breadmaking techniques; how to bake successful pie crusts, cookies and cakes; the role of eggs in cooking and baking; sauces; cooking methods for fruits and vegetables; meat and seafood cookery; and last but by no means least, desserts.
   
   If you love cooking and indeed want to become wiser, get this book! You'll be very pleased you did.



5. "Cookwise" is the science of cooking- the how and why ingredients react, and the different results of making minor adjustments with cooking methods or ingredients. I have used many of the recipes in this book, and I have been able to tweak some of my own recipes, making them so much better. I am SO GLAD I ordered this book. I would highly recommend it.

5 comments about Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill Cookbook: Explosive Flavors from the Southwestern Kitchen.

1. I watched Bobby Flay's biography on television and his cooking seemed so interesting I thought I would purchase one of his books and and give it a try.
   
   First, the recipes are easy to follow - though several steps are required during preparation the end result is well worth the effort. The results are fantastic. Before viewing his biography my mind set was that most of the food would be too spicy. Not so. The recipes include some heat but it seems the heat is nicely complimented with sweet and citrus flavors. The combination is indescribable. The prickly pear margarita is especially delicious and so are the salads.
   
   If you are looking to create unforgettable dishes with lots of fresh flavor this is the book to use.



2. I am a big Bobby Flay fan and I absolutely love this cookbook! I would have given it 5 stars but do to having to order special spices, that are not available anywhere near me, I could only give it 4. I find almost all of his recipes pretty simple and soooo delicious!



3. This is the first Bobby Flay cookbook I have purchased. I was so taken by the uniqueness of the recipes and the photos were outstanding. I have tried several of the recipes - one was a total improv on my part because I didn't have all the listed ingredients - and in each instance - excellent results (even the improv).
   
   Mesa Cookbook is not your everyday cookbook, but is perfect for the pull out the stops or I want something really special meal.



4. He brings his passion for great food with a true southwestern flair. A class act all the way.



5. book is great so happy with my purchase. if you love the restaurant you will love the book.