5 comments about S'mores: Gourmet Treats For Every Occasion.

1. This is one of the worst "cookbooks" that I have ever seen! There are no recipes per se... merely suggestions on combinations for making faux s'mores. She seems to take different things that we already eat and add a marshmallow to it. An example of a "recipe" was to take a piece of the cake used for strawberry shortcake, put some strawberries on one half, put a marshmallow on the other half and put them together. That is honestly what every recipe is like. Many of the combinations are downright disgusting.
   
   I honestly do not know how a cookbook with as little imagination could be published. The pictures are actually quite nice to look at, and they are artfully done. However, I must reiterate that there are no true recipes where you will do any mixing or cooking. Every recipe is simply suggesting piling pre-made or fresh things on top of each other (to call it a "s'more"). If you are curious, check it out of your library where it's free, but please do not waste your money on this junk book.



2. This book is downright creative and fun. The pictures are just amazing, the photographer did a wonderful job capturing each image. The author gives you great ideas to create new, fun, and imaginative s'mores o entertain your friends and family. I look forward to creating some of these with my son.



3. I really like cookbooks that inspire the imagination. Get me thinking about a meal or a type of food product in a way that I hadn't thought of before. This book does just that. It's chock full of the most fun and inventive ideas on what is otherwise a simple concept. What a great and simple way to surprise dinner guests or family whether it's a casual meal or something more elegant. It's amazing that someone hadn't thought of this sooner!



4. If you have ever been sitting around the campfire and wondered what else you can do with a roasted marshmellow, then here you go. This book has some great ideas for changing up the s'mores tradition. It has some gorgous pictures that will make your mouth water. I really wish that each of the recipes had a picture to go with it. Eventhough the recipes are often easy, they include tips on the best way to construct your treats. This book is a must for any avid camper.



5. This book is incredible! I got it for my sister who is about to start college because they tell you how to make s'mores in the microwave. It's really easy and the recipes they give are out of this world. It's the best cook book I've ever seen!

5 comments about Jane Brody's Good Food Gourmet: Recipes and Menus for Delicious and Healthful Entertaining.

1. This book taught me to cook! I was bored with my other cookbooks, always looking for recipes but too timid to try ones with "scary" ingredients like eggplant, tofu, canned salmon, dried beans, etc. Then I discovered this book, and became inspired by Jane Brody's encouraging descriptions of various dishes ("Lovely to look at and lovely to savor!"), along with comforting recommendations from her tasters ("Every taster begged for the recipe..."). I decided to go for it!

   Before long, I was turning out some of the most delicious, interesting, healthful meals I've ever enjoyed! Without even trying, my husband and I both lost weight, eating more veggies & less meat-- with no loss of taste! It seems whenever I make a Jane Brody dish for someone, they always ask for the recipe...and they NEVER suspect they've eaten "health food."

   Best of all, I've learned so much about cooking! Jane's recipes showed me how to put together a healthy, exquisite meal using beans, rice or pasta as a base that's then fleshed out with veggies and flavored with former no-no's like red meat, sour cream, cheese, etc. If you're a creative cook who loves to explore new tastes & techniques, you'll love Jane Brody. Alternately, if you're a new cook who'd like to branch out to gourmet fare, Jane Brody's a great place to start.

   However, if you're looking for an easy cookbook to feed a family of finicky eaters simple American meals like meatloaf & mac 'n cheese, "The Good Food Gourmet" is probably a bit too intense for you. Come back when the kids get older!




2. This is an excellent cookbook! Out of the 25 or so cookbooks on my shelf I can honestly say that Jane Brody's book has been used the most. The recipes are low in fat and very tasty. Many may be prepared in advance. The only negative is that Brody does not provide the reader with number of calories or nutritional information for the recipes.



3. I am a tremendous fan of all Jane's cookbooks and this one is my all-time favorite. Not only are the recipes easy to follow and delicious, they also really do make enough to entertain friends and family. I have made many of the recipes in this cookbook and many have become family standards. Friends always ask me for the recipe when I cook from Jane's book, and many of these recipes are now standards for their families too! Last, I will add that its easy to be a good cook with Jane Brody!



4. I have used this cookbook for years. I also use her original cookbook,Jane Brody's Good Food Book. The recipes in both are easy and delicious. Many of us have forgotten how good all those healthy carbs can be. Brody reminds us. Whenever I don't know what to prepare for dinner, I pick up one of these two books. I always find something tasty and healthy. Morrison's Minestrone and Jane's Everyday Vinaigrette are two of my favorite recipes.



5. I have used this cookbook for years. It's recipes never get old. They are healthful but always tasty. The most used cookbook on my shelf. Don't miss her "Guacamole Grande", homemade stock and then Turkey soup, and Quick Eggplant casserole.

1 comments about Beyond Panini (Beyond Series) (Beyond).

1. el libro es pequeño, de 120 paginas, pero viene con fotos grandes a todo color y con recetas ricas y diferentes, me gusto mucho, tiene una buena clasificacion de recetas: tramezzini, crostini, bruschetta y panini.

5 comments about Grand Livre De Cuisine.

1. the best and most comprehensive to date from the ever sprawling alain ducasse library. very good, very heavy (like 11#) and every recipe is a jewel. use for any upscale event, or even just to show yourself how far you have to go to be world class. the subrecipes are great, if harder to access as they are not individually listed in the index or table of contents. the definitive master work, a must for any serious collector...



2. I think it's really helpful for professional chefs. Nice photos with detailed recipes. This book is really great, especially compared to the other book I bought, 'Pierre Gagnaire: Reflections on Culinary Artistry', which had nothing but photos (and worse, the photos are zoom shots of ingredients, giving no ideas on overall food presentation either) without any recipes. I strongly recommend this book!



3. This is a tremendous resource because it explains exactly how the dishes are prepared in Ducasse's very serious and perfectionist restaurants with professional equipment, sous-vide, salamanders, etc. If you read French the original is probably even more useful. However, the smaller format reprint recently published in English is actually much more useful than this huge volume because it is a reasonable size and can be flipped through and really used.



4. A must have book for any passionate Chef that takes their career serious.
   The book contains some of the most spectactular pecipes and th photos are truly picture perfect.



5. This is a brilliant reference for Professional Chefs, I say Professional chefs because of the basis knowledge one would need to really appreciate the valve of this superbly constructed piece of work.
   
   This book is more than a book it is an investment for Chefs, especially for the next generation of young chefs. For the amount of information one can extract and the quality of photos and recipes the price is not to heavy.

3 comments about The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Italian: Recipes from the New and Old Worlds, Simplified for the American Kitchen.

1. As an Italian tired of Olive Garden-fare Italian cuisine, I bought Smith's book with two ideas in mind: 1) I wanted to understand both the context of the dishes I hoped to prepare and the constituent ingredients (for instance, how is Parmesan-Reggiano made?) and 2) coming to the book with little previous cooking experience -- let alone Italian cooking -- I wanted to be able to prepare most of the dishes in the book. Smith's book excelled at both these. The book is well-written and easy to follow, but avoids pedantry. Some of my favorite recipes are: Italian peasant bread, Italian Rolled Chicken, Bracciole, and the Fresh Tomato Sauce Sicilian.



2. Most Americans think of Chicken Parmessan, Alfredo sauce or Italian salad dressing when they hear Italian cooking. As an American soldier stationed in Italy I've never seen either of the above. They are all American inventions.

   Italian cooking is very diversified. Venice is big on fish and seafood while the inland areas eat more meats. Jeff Smith's book is as close to authentic Italian cooking as one can get. The sheer number of recipes alone will give a person an insight of how Italian cuisine influenced modern American food.

   The amazing thing is that there is at least one recipe that I wanted to try that I couldn't find all the ingridients for. It called for a Sicilian wine and being stationed near Venice I couldn't find it in any of the local wine stores. Great book. I will continue to use it for years after I come back to the US. It will remind me of the years that I spent here.




3. The Frugal Gourmet' Jeff Smith does Italians proud with this authentic Italian cook book! My last name is Carbonara (like the famous dish) and I am a stickler for authentic Italian cuisine. I am glad I had the forethought to make sure I asked my 'Nana' for her delicious recipes before she passed away many years ago. Although I miss her dearly, I can still feel her presence when I make her wonderful dishes for my family and especially at family holiday functions! This is an excellent cook book for everyone, but especially for those who may not have been fortunate enough to have an Italian Nana to ask for those special recipes. Jeff Smith has another winner here! It's full of great recipes and stories by a very talented cook and writer. This one focuses on Italian cooking. I have used many of these recipes and found them to be very good. Being a home grown cook myself and having had many of my grandmother's classic recipes handed down to me, I found this book to be very helpful in expanding my culinary taste buds.
   
   Jeff Smith entertained us for years on his PBS program 'The Frugal Gourmet'. Not only did he teach us many savory dishes, he also educated us. Not satisfied with just cooking delicious meals for his viewers, he would give detailed history lessons about the origins of the dish and made it all a lot of fun!
   
   This may be Mr. Smiths best cook book and it is a worthy edition to everyone's cook book library. I own and have read many, if not all of his cook books, not only for the man's knowledge of cooking, but his incredible wit! This guy was funny and I would have loved to have hung out and throw a few beers down with him.
   
   Unfortunately, this man had some very seriously bad press released about his personal life and well..... I am not one to spread rumors.....he seemed like a great guy and sadly he died before he was able to clear his name.
   
   R.I.P. Frugs!

5 comments about Easybake Oven Gourmet.

1. Having fond memories of my sister's Easy-Bake oven and being a fan of cooking shows, I enjoyed thumbing through the Easy-Bake Oven Gourmet. Being rather practical, I was glad that "Warm Memories" recipes from past Easy-Bake oven cookbooks were included; my kids and I are more likely to try those than the more complicated recipes created by the well-known chefs. I'd agree with an earlier reviewer that Kristen Joyal's Baking with Mommy Cookbook is a better choice for families who want delicious kid-sized oven recipes that are kid-friendly in terms of ease and taste.



2. Well I will have a blast with this book but my daughter asked me mommy whats a quail? I knew we were a bit out of our range with this book with the first recipe in being roasted hot mexican peppers. I was dissapointed that there was no recipe for pretzels, I remember making those as a kid? They needed more kid friendly feasts. We loved the old school photos in the book, history and the photo essay of changes through the ages with the oven.
   But...
   Then I saw the the Warm Kumquat-and-date Sticky Toffee Pudding? bleeech!



3. I recently saw the author interviewed on "Unwrapped", and knew I had to have this book. Yep, I was one of those who always wanted - but never got - an Easy-Bake Oven! The book is a blast. The trivia and facts are interesting, and I especially loved reading the chefs recollections of their first experiences cooking with one. Some of the recipes are quite complex (I'm not sure I'd even be capable of trying them in a regular oven!) but that's all part of the fun. Would love to see a show like this on TV, where chefs compete to create gourmet dishes using a not so gourmet (but hugely popular) item. Anyone at Food Network listening?!?



4. if you want a book to show you how to make your own easy bake mixes for the fraction on the cost, this is NOT the book for you. buy the Baking with Mommy Cookbook: Recipes for Kid-size oven. (highly recommended)
   
   this is a great book if you want to see the history of the oven and other really cool facts. the recipes are great for OLDER teens and adults. what kid really wants something with lobster in it? i got it for my kids when they get older. i thought it might be a neat thing to look through.
   ok...i also wanted to hit the $25 mark for the free shipping.



5. To all of you who got this book for your kids and were so dissapointed with it: The last word in the title of the book is "gourmet". Nothing about the word gourmet ever involves kids. Don't buy this book for kids. Buy it for adults, like I did. I got for someone who is a major "foodie" and loves the food network and never had an Easy Bake oven as a kid. Of course "Cooking with Mommy" is a great book for kids. But not a good book for my friend, he doesn't want to cook with mommy.

5 comments about The Hippy Gourmet's Quick and Simple Cookbook for Healthy Eating.

1. I like this cookbook because it's not just step by step instructions. The recipe's give you suggestions on things to add, subtract, substitutions. It really teaches more how to cook instead of how to follow a recipe. Plus, the food is really good!



2. No doubt: the recipes are varied, healthy, and some are very interesting! But the charm of this book is more than interesting recipes. It also provides a way to look into the author's wholesome lifestyle and philosophy, and it's a great guide to help you live a "greener" lifestyle.



3. I've seen his show several times and decided to buy the book. I've made two of the recipes so far, but they are great!! I have many other recipes bookmarked to try. His Bean Soup with Mango and Tempeh is unbelievably yummy - I doubled the recipe and am so glad I did. It was the first time I tried cooking tempeh and my daughter tells me she hates tempeh, so I proceeded with caution, but she loved the soup and requested it in her lunchbox today. (Even after I told her it contained tempeh, which I had cut into a fairly small dice to camouflage.)
   
   My kids also loved his "Aspargrass Salad", which is basically cooked asparagus (I steamed it) and dressed with an Asian style dressing - you let it sit to absorb the flavors. My kids actually fight over this one so I've made it twice.
   
   There are many other recipes I'm eager to try, such as the Curried Cauliflower and the Curried Sweet Potatoes. I do wish he'd leave out the fish recipes, as I am mostly vegan. It renders this rather slim volume less worthy to me, which is why I gave it 4 stars, instead of 5. If you love fish, it will be more useful for you.



4. As a vegetarian I was very disappointed to find that fish is on the menu, to me the word pescatarian is meaningless, it turns out to be just a euphemism for eater of dead animal, there is no warning about the euphemism, so be warned. If you like to eat dead animals please ignore this.



5. I got The Hippy Gourmet's for my birthday which appeared to be the best gift. I love this cookbook. Easy and delicious recipes make me fell like I am eating in 5 star restaurant. And it's such a pleasure that I actually can cook it myself. It's inspired me to buy some cookware and sharp my knives--so my kitchen is now like real house-wife room. It's so much fun! Totally 5 stars book! I am going to cook the asparagus soup today again--so yummy! Rock, yeee.

5 comments about Slow Cooker Cooking.

1. I have never written a review before but just saw that this book (which I am buying for my mum and friends for Christmas) was only rated 3 stars and I couldn't understand why. As far as I am concerned this is the best crock pot cook book out there - the recipes are simple to follow, always turn out exactly as shown and are delicious. The sole recipe I have served at several dinner parties to much acclaim as with the 'lamb you can eat with a spoon'. I cannot recommend this book more highly and I looked at several crock pot cookbooks that were really boring.



2. This is a cookbook for people that REALLY know how to cook -- I can handle pretty much anything in the kitchen and get dinner on the table on time but these are challenging recipes for me, and many of them are just too fancy to attempt. I've got two little kids to feed, not a few gourmet food type friends I'm making dinner for.
   
   On the positive side, the book is very well-written. I may try some of the easier recipes, but not when I'm on a deadline. More than a couple of the ingredients are not exactly things I ordinarily stock in the kitchen. I do admire Lora Brody's approach to cooking and I will keep and reread this cookbook, though it's not the everyday Joe Lunchbucket type of book I really needed -- try "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook," which so far is the best of the four slow cooker cook books I've ordered through amazon.com



3. I really like my slow cooker after trying recipes from Lora Brody (and also the Better Homes & Gardens slow cooker book). I used to have a Fix-It and Forget-It but I always got lost in all the different variations. I have tried several recipes in this book, mostly soups and entrees. I have not tried any of the desserts, bread or dips.
   
   Brody's recipes are unique and very tasty - I get lots of compliments on them. My husband and 3 year old ate every one that I have made so far. One bit of critisim - there are several recipes for uncommon meat such as rabbit or pheasant - but I have easily substituted for chicken or beef of about the same thickness and cut. I have wondered why she just does not come out and say that in the recipe introductions so that it is not so intimidating.
   
   Additionally, I find the recipes fairly simple and economical. They contain ingredients and spices that I usually have on hand. Most of the meal/entree type recipes do not call for a lot of ingredents to be prepared outside of the slow cooker. Highly recommended.



4. This slow cooker cookbook is like none other I had found. Unique and delicious recipes that I prepare not only for the family but to entertain guests. I haven't tried any of the desert or bread recipes yet. The entrees have been the most useful to me for entertaining. Using the slow cooker allows me to get much of the meal ready early and spend more time visiting when guests arrive :).
   Every recipe I have tried has turned out great and I look forward to trying more selections from this book.



5. I found this cookbook while house sitting and I had to order a copy for myself. I've made four of the soups so far and they were all fabulous! Also the carmelized garlic and the garlic oil were a real treat. My friends are asking me for these recipes. Everything I have tried so far has been wonderful and easy.

3 comments about The One-Pan Galley Gourmet : Simple Cooking on Boats.

1. Haven't has much opportunity to review in depth, but the book seems to contain the information as expected and is presented OK.



2. .
   I bought this book to get some ideas about setting up a galley for camping and RV trips with my ex and her boys. And we used to try out the recipes at home....actually, we never did try any of these on the road. Hmmm.
   
   Well, I am sure they would work...
   
   Anyway, this is a great book for setting up small galley and throwing down some serious chow. The recipes and the prep recommendations work for asphalt sailors as well as the deep-water folks....except you get to stop and pickup anything you forgot.
   
   If you need a recommendation for your "ONE-PAN". I like:Lodge Logic 3-Quart Pre-Seasoned Chicken Fryer. Ya' just ca't beat cast iron cookware.



3. This is an excellent book. It not only contains fantastic recipes, but also has excellent information for every galley -- on your boat, rv, or in the home!

5 comments about Naked Chef Takes Off, The.

1. This book shows you the way to cook fusion food, mixing english, spanish, tai and italian food in a special way.



2. This cookbook is just The Return of the Naked Chef with a new title. I already owned The Return of the Naked Chef, so now I have two. I really dislike publishers who mislead us by changing titles or changing covers just to get us to buy that which we already own.



3. Of all the Jamie Oliver cookbooks, this is my favorite. Its full of recipes that make you feel like a grown-up, but are wonderfully simple. His enthusiasm makes the recipes a fun read and the pictures will make your tummy talk. An added bonus is that my kids will eat anything that I make from this book. They love Jamie as much as I do. Naked Chef Takes Off is an essential primer for the inexperienced and the seasoned cook alike.



4. This book is a great addition to both our cooking library and our gardening library... Jamie's recipes are fabulously simple and delicious... We highly recommend this book.



5. I like this cookbook a lot. It is better that most others I own. Pictures give one a good sense of how the food should turn out.