No comments about The Saladmaster Guide to Healthy & Nutritious Cooking: From the Kitchen of Saladmaster.

2 comments about Best American Side Dishes (Best Recipe).

1. A passionate home cook that has been honing her cooking skills for the last 25 years, concentrating on Italian cooking for the last 10 years, writes this review. My favorite cookbooks are "The Professional Chef" by the Culinary Institute and "Culinary Artistry". With more than 500 cookbooks in my collection I am usually disappointed in my recent cookbook acquisitions. If you do not own "The New Best Recipes" by the same editor you will like this book, if you do, read on.
   
   The book is outlined as follows:
   1. Appetizers
   2. Salads
   3. Vegetables Sides and Casseroles
   4. Potato Sides and Casseroles
   5. Rice, Grain and Bean Sides and Casseroles
   
   The "Side Dishes" by the editors of Cooks Illustrated Magazine is a nice book provided that you do not own either "Italian Classics" or "Best Recipes" by the same editors. If you own either of these two books (as I do) you will find that this book contains many of the same recipes. The books are not entirely duplicative, but at least 50% of all the recipes are in either and sometimes both of the other two books.
   
   In the first chapter on Appetizers even the order of the recipes is the same as "The New Best Recipe" book. I stopped looking after the first five recipes were the same, and in the same order.
   
   Many of the recipes in this book have a strong Italian influence. Most of these recipes are Italian classics. The recipes themselves are very good, and authentically Italian when appropriate. There are also some Mexican and French recipes included as well.
   
   If you don't own either "Italian Classics" or "Best Recipes" this is a nice book. The recipes are strong and the dishes routinely turn out well. This book is written in the usual Cooks Illustrated Style. The writers tell you what they tried that did and did not work followed by the recipe. If you don't plan to purchase "The New Best Recipe" by the editors of Cooks Illustrated I recommend this book. However, I would suggest that you purchase "Best Recipe" instead since it covers many more recipes including most if not all of these.



2. I have used this cookbook over and over again, it's an excellent adjunct to my cookbook library. In fact, I've enjoyed it (and it's recipes) so much I purchased two copies as gifts for two "foodie" friends. They each had complimented a dish I prepared from the cookbook--I know they will like the gift! The recipes are sophisticated enough to satisfy their "foodiness" yet simple enough to accomplish fairly quickly.

No comments about Super Salads: More than 250 Super-Easy Recipes for Super Nutrition and Super Flavor.

1 comments about Healthy Snacks with Blue! (Blue's Clues (8x8)).

1. Her teacher, Miss Marigold, has assigned everyone in the class to bring a snack for "Healthy Snacks Day." There are no special qualifications, other than that it it has to be healthy. Blue's friends all seem to know exactly what to bring, but Blue isn't so sure.
   
   Blue thinks about the problem and gets help from Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper. Together, they work together to create a wonderful healthy snack. Blue also learns a little something about trying new foods.
   
   This is book #22 in the "Blue's Clues" series. It features an illustrated version of Joe, unlike some of the books which contain photographs of Donovan Patton as him. This book is pretty fun. You get to see Joe and Blue in chef's hats and it teaches a number of things related to healthy eating and cooking, as well as problem-solving.

5 comments about Soup's On!: 75 Soul-Satisfying Recipes from Your Favorite Chefs.

1. I was excited about this cookbook since I make soup once a week. However, of the three recipes I've tried, two had faulty instructions. Apparently the recipes were compiled as a benefit for a not-for-profit, and not tested. For example, the porcini and chicken chowder directs you to soak the porcini mushrooms and "set aside", and then they are never put into the soup. I tried to contact the publisher to get the complete, correct recipe, and was told that my request would be forwarded to the team that worked on the book, but a month later I still don't have the correct recipe. Another recipe directed you to start a step 15 minutes before the recipe was to be done, but then required 30 minutes of cooking. So was the idea to have the stew overcooked by 15 minutes? One recipe of the three I tried was complete and correct, and turned out fine. I won't be trying any more!



2. To me, cooking often involves reheating dinners from the prepared foods section at Whole Foods. I can make a stellar tortellini Alfredo, but that's just about it. I have to say, though, that I have made great friends with this book during the cold, rainy season.... when all I want to do is whip up something easy, warm and satisfying, Soup's On is my go-to. So far, I have found the recipes to be approachable and easy to follow, and each one is really terrific. Alice Waters' carrot soup is wonderful--a friend of mine even likes to puree it for her baby daughter. Georgeanne Brennan's mache and parmesan is light and lovely as a starter, and it is a total snap to make. I've also long been a fan of albondigas, and Traci Des Jardin's recipe is terrific. I bought half a dozen of these books to give as Christmas gifts... I've only heard rave reviews!



3. I love this cookbook and Next Course is an amazing program in the Bay Area. The book helped me get over my fear of making chicken stock and now I bring my friends soup at every opportunity. Thanks!



4. I just finished a bowl of Charlie Trotter's "Lentil & Bacon" soup from the new "Soup's On" cookbook. I found the recipe easy to follow, quick to prepare and delicious to eat. This has become my new favorite cookbook. Living in the cold and snowy Northeast corridor, this book is the one I will rely on when I want something nourishing and comforting on a cold evening. I look forward to trying all of the recipes in this wonderful book.



5. This book has been a lifesaver this winter! The recipes are clear and easy-to-follow, but most of all they yield the most scrumptious soups! I've even ventured away from the store-bought stocks to make my own from scratch. Want to know a secret? The recipes are so simple that I pretend I have my own show on the Food Network and that I'm teaching everyone out there in TVLand how to make "my" famous soups. Last week I brought a pot of the albondigas soup to a pot luck last week and, well, I have to admit that the reviews were so wonderful that I fibbed and told them I made it up, with a little help from my 80 year old Mexican grandmother. Well, I ain't from that part of the world, and the recipe? It's actually Traci Des Jardin's. But that's our little secret...

3 comments about Salsa Lovers Cook Book: More Than 180 Sensational Salsa Recipes for Appetizers, Salads, Main Dishes and Desserts.

1. People have said powerful things come in small packages. Maybe that's why this "hot" book comes as a small thinner book. Salsa Lovers Cookbook comes with less than 130 pages, but is filled with "more than 180 sensational salsa recipes for appetizers, salads, main dishes & desserts!" Almost every page is filled with at least two recipes and I can't think of another salsa recipe that would possibly be missing from this collection.
   
   This book starts out with an Anatomy of the Chile section with history, cooking ideas, tips and suggestions. The recipes go from an All Canned Salsa to an All Purpose Salsa to recipes like: Cherry Red Salsa; Instant Fire Salsa; New England Salsa; Any Meat Salsa, Avocado Salsa for Fish, Black Bean Salsa; Chili Cheese Salsa; Cucumber & Radish Salsa; Dry Salsa for Seasoning Steaks; Fresh Vegetable Salsa; Holiday Salsa; Madera Salsa; Mango Salsa; Pico de Gallo I through V; Salsa Carne; Salsa por Scallops; Salsa with Bourbon; Sweet Spicy Salsa; Yellow Fruit Salsa; Avocado Salsa for Salads; Salsa for Fruit Salad; Salsa for Watercress Salad; Banana Salsa; Champagne Salsa; Chocolate Salsa I through VI; Coffee Salsa; Orange Peach Salsa; Pineapple Dessert Salsa; Raisin & Rum Salsa; and Wine Salsa for Fruit.
   
   Almost every recipe has ingredient readily available and can be made in only a few minutes. This is one of the only cookbooks that I can remember seeign that has each section in alphabetical order for very easy reference. Some of the recipes, in my opinion, have stretched the definition of Salsa, and some are a little-off-the-wall, however this is one of those fun books to add to your shelf.



2. The 180 salsa recipes in this book could be reduced to 12 or so good ones. Many are simply repeats of others in the book with only very slight variations and a different name. I'm glad I got the book, because I will use the 12 good recipes, but don't buy it for 180. You'll be disappointed if you do.



3. I enjoyed this book so much I had to purchase one for a friend! The book is inexpensive and I've had fun trying the various recipes to see which ones I liked the best. I also like the fact that some menus had canned items and some were for fresh items.

5 comments about The Mere Mortal's Guide to Fine Dining: From Salad Forks to Sommeliers, How to Eat and Drink in Style Without Fear of Faux Pas.

1. I eat out frequently, on a lot of business dinners. I read about this book in a magazine and ordered it. A fun, fast read with easy-to-digest information about tipping, wine, becoming a "regular" at a restaurant (how to score perks), and... table manners.
   
   This is where my doofus-ness comes in. My napkin is supposed to be folded to the left of my plate (not on my chair) if I get up to pee? Utensils can never touch the table (not even the handles) once you pick them up?? I was wincing over and over as I learned all the little habits I had wrong.
   
   On the upside, I've got it pretty much straight now. In fact, fun fact: I went to dinner after reading just the intro/first chapter, and scored a FREE glass of fancy wine... Already recouped the cost of the book!



2. This book made me feel more comfortable with all of the in's and out's of preparing, dining, and not looking like a schmuck in front of my friends. Having not tried hummus or even guacamole until I entered college, my culinary knowledge and skills were at a very basic level. Ms. Rush clearly explains "what to do" and "how to do it" without making me feel intimidated. In particular the wine section was extremely helpful when buying a bottle of wine either at a restaurant or for home entertainment. It expanded my knowledge of regions, tastes, and most importantly names of wines that I liked. In fact, friends now come to me for recommendations and I confidently share my knowledge. I would recommend the "Mere Mortals Guide to Fine Dining" to anyone and has made a great gift on many occasions.



3. This book is a fun gift for friends and family who aren't perfectly comfortable when they eat anywhere "fancier" than the Olive Garden. It's also helpful for young adults who are new to dinner-party planning and aspire to greatness as a host/hostess.



4. My mother gave me this book after I had gone to dinner at Gibson's Steak House in Chicago, IL. I had felt like a fish out of water, and quite unworthy of the experience. After reading this book, I agree with Colleen's statement in the opening chapters--it will not make you a snob, but will certainly put you at ease! My viewing of menus have changed completely since reading this book, and I'm noticing small nuisances while dining that make the experience far more enjoyable, and far less uncomfortable! Even in my home cooking, when I go to the grocery store, I'm looking for the freshest and most seasonal ingredients, and branching out and trying things I never thought I'd like (which isn't much, being a foodie and all...) I lent this book to my boyfriend, who could burn toast by looking at it, and he too is experiencing food and dining on an entirely new level! This book is an absolute MUST across the board! Give it to a friend, keep a copy for yourself, it doesn't matter, just spread this book!



5. I expected more from this book. The author provides some generic information and some of what I would call "fillers" (useless information to fill the pages) such as how to say something in different languages. In addition some information she provided especially about wine was not correct. In general the information was somewhat shallow and not anything new. It also appears that she underestimates the readers. I did not learn anything reading this book.
   I would not recommend this book.

No comments about Betty Crocker's Country Favorites: More Than 350 Best-Loved Recipes.

4 comments about Joy of Cooking: All About Salads & Dressings.

1. Cooking in the summer is drag. It can make your whole house hot. I recently found a great new book I fell in love with. This book on salads and dressing is produced by the Joy of Cooking folks. So you know they will provide excellent recipes. I have always had a hard time creating salad dressings, and original salads. Guess what? This book does it will ease. This book is well organized, and easy to read. I love all of the extra tips and extra material that they add to the book. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I have.



2. This book has a great variety of classical and new salads. They all are not only delicious, but the recipies are well-written and thorough. The book also contains other cooking tips that help make your salads better. What a great resource for summer cooking.



3. I highly recommend this book. The book has 8 chapters dedicated to different kinds of salads and they're:
   1. About salads
   2 About green salads.
   3. About vegetable and savory fruit salads
   4. About fruit and molded salads
   5. About Bean & Grain salads
   6. About fish and shellfish salads
   7. About meat and poultry salads
   8. About salad dressings.
   
   I've tried several salad & salad dressing recipes and they were tasty and delicious. They have become instant hits at the family and friends gatherings. The recipes are quick and easy to apply. I'm new to cooking and I found the explanations and steps are so easy. The book is definitely worth the money I paid for.



4. All of these specialty cookbooks by Joy of Cooking hit their mark by providing need to know information and easy but elegant recipes. If you love salads -- a must have for your cookbook collection.

5 comments about The Soup Mix Gourmet: 375 Short-Cut Recipes Using Dry and Canned Soups to Create Everything from Delicious Dips and Sumptuous Salads to Hearty Pot Roasts and Homey Casseroles.

1. This cookbook is one of the best I have come across. I love cookbooks and I'm always trying different recipes. But this cookbook has really got me trying one recipe after the other.
   If you like to cook and like tasty and delicous food and most of the recipes are pretty easy to prepare you should purchase The Soup Mix Gourmet.



2. This cookbook is one of the best I have come across. I love cookbooks and I'm always trying different recipes. But this cookbook has really got me trying one recipe after the other.
   If you like to cook and like tasty and delicous food and most of the recipes are pretty easy to prepare you should purchase The Soup Mix Gourmet.



3. "The Soup Mix Gourmet" puts Rachael Ray&her 30 minute meals to shame. Do you want something simple&delicious? This cookbook is perfect! I've worn out my copy to the point that pages are on the verge of falling out. I've never had the misfortune of making a flop recipe from this book. It's foolproof.
   
   "Ballpark Sausage and Peppers" combines Italian sausages with Lipton Garlic Soup Mix to make recipe magic. It's great for a tailgate/Super Bowl party...or just to enjoy at home. "Hot Browns" are delicious grilled turkey sandwiches,like Welsh Rarebit,topped with Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup. I'm not a fan of French cooking,but "Friday Night Bistro Chicken" is tastefully simple with its combination of chicken with condensed French Onion soup. The Pasta with Tomato Basil Salsa&Quickie Farfalle with Mushroom Ragout are yummy quickies to make in the kitchen! I've made almost every soup in the soup section,and they're simply marvelous in their simplicity!
   
   "The Soup Mix Gourmet" makes gourmet everyday,even if you've never gone to the Cordon Bleu for cooking lessons. It shows that homecooking can be as fine as any restaurant.



4. There is a recipe for a hambuger with hamburger meat, onion soup mix and cream cheese as the ingredients, and it is the best hamburger I have ever had. This is a great cookbook, and she even has little notes off to the side where she makes comments on the recipes - like "I double this recipe because it is so popular," or "this is my son's favorite." Highly recommended if you like good and easy recipes.



5. This cookbook has a variety of recipes that use both dry and wet soup mixes, and there are easy to hard recipes and fancy to simple meals in it. This is one of my more favorite cookbooks and it is so splattered with ingredients you can easily find the most frequently used recipes in my copy. It really is handy. You could be making your famous mashed potatoes and say I'm missing whatever the ingredient and you can get some great ideas from the Soup Mix Gourmet.