5 comments about Canyon Ranch Cooks: More Than 200 Delicious, Innovative Recipes from America's Leading Health Resort.

1. This is a good additional source of recipes for those following a "no-whites" diet. The recipes are healthful, delicious and the foods are appetizing.



2. One of the best purchases I've ever made. The food is fantastic, the recipes easy to follow and best of all, everything is very healthy for you.



3. has become one of my favorite cookbooks. Love all the photos of the recipes and so far all had turned out good.



4. This cookbook is all that it represents--photos are attractive and inspiring. Recipes are innovative yet simple and easy to follow, logical preparation and healthy ingredients = delicious meals! LOVE the book!



5. Wow, if you want some really healthy and interesting meals, this is the book for you. The range of foods is awesome, the taste and presentation come out really good. It is so like being at the spa. Love this book!

5 comments about Creme De Colorado Cookbook (Celebrating Twenty Five Years of Culinary Artistry).

1. Likely you too have scanned or even invested in those recipe collections to fund a worthy effort, either not expecting to use the recipes or had to search through to find those that one even would want to attempt. Not the case with this collection of the Jr. League of Denver! And over half-a-million in print to date! You'll want one before it goes out of print!

   This is large, rich colleciton that is well thought out, organized and bursts forth with uniqueness, creativity and breadth.

   Some unique features are its individual sections on Colorado Wild, Mexican and HealthMark Modifications. For example, the game section using Colorado abundance of wildlife is buy a doctor who is in to this, who gives recommendations on preparing to remove gaminess and to improve flavor and maintain health.
   How about Wild Pheasant Stroganoff! Indicative of the stuff you'll love finding here and trying.

   Also a plus to this delight is notes which accompany most all of the recipes that tell about alternatives, serving suggestions, history where the dish came from, etc. Adds zest for us foodphiles!

   One can easily see why so many other reviewers have raved about this -- it enticed me to try it. I think you will enjoy using this collection too!




2. This was the first cookbook my parents bought me when I moved out. It's the cookbook I turn to when entertaining. Favorites include the mustard chicken in phyllo and maroon bell cheese spread. Guests always ask for the recipes.



3. I have purchased book for a cousin as I've had tremendous success with
   many recipes in this book and value it.



4. I've had this cookbook for years and still use it regularly. The recipes are fool-proof and always draw compliments! I've purchased many copies for presents and everyone that has received the cookbook raves about it. The gourmet nature of the book makes the recipes interesting, yet they are relatively easy to make, since I am no domestic godess! You will not be disappointed with this book, in fact, it is my all time favorite cookbook. Enjoy!!!



5. I absolutely LOVE this cookbook. I keep going back to try more recipes, because everything I have made so far has turned out perfectly! I purchased this on the advice of someone else, and now I can see why she recommended it.

5 comments about Simply Classic: A Collection of Recipes to Celebrate the Northwest.

1. This is a GREAT cookbook. I have had it for 5+ years, and I still use it all the time. I can vouch for the salads, soups, and entrees especially. I have not made many of the desserts, but I would not hesitate since everything else I have made from the cookbook has been so successful.



2. If there is a bad recipe in this book, I've yet to find it. You can always count on whatever you make being a hit. I've given this cookbook to several friends. They agree. The recipes are easy to follow with results you can depend on. This book should be a basic in every cook's kitchen. A perfect gift, too.



3. I grew up in the Northwest and live in Arizona. I love this cookbook and decided to share it with friends this year so I purchased 3 for gifts. Every recipe I have tried has been a hit with my family and friends. Simply Classic - The perfect title.



4. I've had this cookbook for years, and it remains at the very top of all the cookbooks I own for being used again and again. I can't even count all the recipes I make regularly from this book (we're talking weeknight meals!): Mount Rainier Chili, Harvest Bisque, Spinach Salad with Warmed Shallot Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese Potato Salad, (extensive salad section - all amazing), Tortellini Picnic Salad, Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Peanut Sauce, Salmon and Salmon Chowder, Salmon with Cilantro Pesto, Rosemary Walnut Chicken, Apple Blackberry Crisp... I could go on and on, and I just picked a few of the recipes we use all the time. Rarely is there a cookbook where you actually cook most of the recipes in it. The recipes are all sophisticated and unique and so yummy. They are not full of difficult ingredients, just good basic stuff with a better twist. This is pretty much my desert island cookbook - if I could only take one cookbook with me to a desert island, this would be it. The only problem is that around here, almost everyone I know owns and worships this cookbook. I once brought Tortellini Picnic Salad to a potluck lunch, and someone else brought it too!
   Bottom line: Amazing, amazing cookbook. You will never regret having it. I predict it will become your favorite!
   
   (By the way, it is much better than Celebrate the Rain, the Seattle JL's next cookbook - which is good, but I don't think anything could live up to Simply Classic.)



5. This is a really wonderful cookbook which I have owned for years. I often go back to it to discover new recipes, as well as my tried-and-true favorites. Add it to your cookbook library! A+

5 comments about Wine Country Cooking.

1. A toast to Joanne for creating her wonderful Mediterranean style recipes with wonderful wine pairings! My absolute favorite recipe is the Wine Country Flatbread with Grapes and Toasted Walnuts - so unique and a reflection of Joanne's style of using a few quality ingredients to create delicious, simple yet elegant recipes. Just cooked & baked Joanne's recipes for a dinner party and received rave reviews, especially for the Farmer's Market Risotto and the Pizza with Cherry Tomato and Basil Salad. Whether you wish to learn basic Mediterranean style recipes, or expand your culinary repertoire with some unique twists, Wine Country Cooking is sure to please your palette!



2. A note on the difference between this marvelous title and Joanne's earlier book entitled Weir Cooking: Recipes from the Wine Country (found at Joanne's web site):
   
   "My new cookbook focuses on the fabulous ingredients found in the California wine country and uses some of my most favorite ingredients: olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, figs, lemons and herbs. My first TV companion book, Weir Cooking: Recipes from the Wine Country has been out of print for years, and this book includes those original recipes plus 50 brand new recipes, new headnotes, cooking tips, and of course fantastic wine pairings. Even the beautiful photos have taken on a new life! You will absolutely love cooking from this book!"



3. Joanne Weir's latest book is a treasure of wonderful recipes, and a must for any serious cook.



4. Joanne Weir is a James Beard award-winning cookbook author. She has a cooking program on PBS and does cooking tours in France and Italy, and now has a new cookbook focusing on the ingredients found in the California Napa/Sonoma wine country. /Wine Country Cooking/ has the recipes from her 1999 /Weir Cooking: Recipes From the Wine Country/, but also includes fifty new recipes, cooking tips, and highly useful wine pairings for each dish. The dishes focus on fresh ingredients, Mediterranean flavors, and mostly easy to follow recipes. In today's trend of five-ingredient, 30-minute-or-less cookbooks, /Wine Country Cooking/ is swimming upstream, but the end result is well worth your time and energy. Easily a book you will pull out, mark up, and use repeatedly, especially this summer when the farmer's markets burst with fresh tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and more.



5. The product was good but it wasn't what I ordered...... I had requested Country Cooking by Williams Sonoma but when I was at the home of the recipient (it was a Christmas gift), I found Wine Country Cooking had arrived instead, which was too bad since the recipes in CC were the ones my brother-in-law really wanted. Now I will have to give him MY cookbook and try to find another copy of CC for myself. Sigh! So much for ordering by mail, even through Amazon.

5 comments about 101 Things to Do with a Cake Mix.

1. I like to cook, but I've never been much of a baker. 101 Things To Do With A Cake Mix changed all that! Even with a cheap box of supermarket Brand-X cake mix, I can whip up something that delights the company and absolutely amazes me!
   
   Trust me, please... You will actually turn out baked goods that will make you wonder how you ever managed to do it.
   
   Folks, believe ALL the good reviews, and plunk (very little) money down for a little book that will make you the star baker of your circle. No one will ever think of throwing a barbeque, dinner party or luncheon without you ever, ever again!
   
   Go for it!



2. Gee, I feel like a bully being critical of this book that so many others have praised, but. . .
   
   Many of the recipes are almost identical but have different names or the most insignificant ingredient change. For example, the old favorite "Gooey Bars/Cake/Brownies" recipe appears many times, albeit with different names, sometimes with nuts, sometimes without, sometimes with chocolate chips, sometimes with white chips, etc.
   
   Same thing with cookies. There is a basic recipe for making cookies out of a cake mix, and most of us have enough imagination to substitue M&M's for Reese's pieces, or a chocolate cake mix for a yellow for a lemon.
   
   And there are probably inadvertent ommissions such as the oven temperature.
   
   If you're an experienced cook, you will probably find this too simplistic. If you're not experienced, or not very imaginative, then you'll probably enjoy it.



3. I love the 101 Things To Do With a Cake Mix cookbook. I've already
   made one cake and we loved it. This book makes having wonderful desserts very affordable, because they all start with a cake mix, and I love seeing just what kind of cake mixes are used with other different ingredients. I love to put cream cheese in cakes and this book allows me to do that. I enjoying making cakes to take to work and this book is just what I need. I've already shared with a couple of friends about the cookbook and in fact, took it camping last weekend and shared it with one of my best friends. She loved it so I am thinking it would make a wonderful Christmas present for her. I'll probably get my daughter and daughter-in-law one also. As a matter of fact, as I am typing these comments I can think of about 5 or 6 other ladies I will give it to them as Christmas gifts. How soon do I need to order for Christmas gifts? Thanks for such a wonderful cookbook.



4. This book has some great recipes that are fun and easy to do. I also noticed, a lot of the recipes are cost affective too! :)



5. So many wonderful, fast recipes. People will think you have spent all day in the kitchen when you have baked something in little time. My husband's favorite cookbook and what a time saver. No fuss and you will get raves about your baking.

5 comments about L.A.'s Original Farmers Market Cookbook: Meet Me at 3rd and Fairfax.

1. It has been many years since I have been to Farmers Market but it will be my first stop on my next trip to Los Angeles thanks to this beautiful book. It has evocative photos and informative text. The recipes are clear and really well written. Can't wait to make the Chilaquiles Verdes. And the Leg of Lamb - my mouth is watering!



2. We loved the book! The way this beautiful book is written and presented, it captures the experience of being at The Farmers Market! Our family used to live in LA, and often my kids and I would go to The Farmers Market for a quick lunch. The perfect spot for different appetites. Our whole family enjoyed pouring over this book, reminiscing with the vendors' stories, pictures and recipes. It made us feel like we were there again!



3. Having visited The Market 5 years ago from the east coast, I immediately fell in love with the place. There's no other like it! This book brought me back again, but in a more exciting way. The recipes are terrific. Visually, it's a treat for the eyes. More than anything though, Cianciulli captures the flavor, history & significance of LA's original farmers market. Expect great things from this author! At this price, not only a feast; it's a steal. Brava!



4. How wonderful to have a cookbook that's not just a cookbook. The stories urge you to try the receipes. Somehow whenever I tried a receipe in any cookbook, it didn't always turn out the way it looked in the picture, moreover didn't taste like I thought it would. This is by far the best cookbook I have ever had. The Farmer's Market is a place that's not to be overlooked when visiting LA. My first time there and it's everything the book says it is.



5. This book is a fun read with all the great stories of the stalls of the Farmer's Market. After reading this, I was so motivated to revisit the market and it brought me renewed delight. As a native Californian and a visitor of the Farmer's Market over the years, I found so many hidden treasures. Thank you!

5 comments about The Little House Cookbook: Frontier Foods from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Classic Stories.

1. Even if you never cook any of these foods, this is fun reading for Little House fans. The book is crafted so excerpts from the books which mention the foods are included with the recipes. I haven't tried cooking any of these, but most recipes seem doable. Good for LHOTP collections.



2. Book arrived quickly and in shape described. I am very satisfied with the seller. Thanks.



3. This Scholastic book will introduce children to essential American cooking, while explaining how food was produced and prepared in the days before refrigeration and supermarkets. a real eye-opener for city kids! Each recipe is linked to a quotation from the text and a short explanation of traditional customs and methods. Kids can make most of these recipes themselves with some supervision, and possibly collect some of the ingredients. Sample recipes: parched corn, baked beans, buckwheat pancakes, strawberry jam, fried fish, roast wild turkey, chicken pie, molasses on snow.



4. This is a lovely cookbook for anyone who wants to try recipes that taste as those cooked during the time period the TV series "Little House on the Prarie" was set. Granted they aren't really from the series but interesting just the same.



5. Don't expect this book to be JUST recipes. For my purposes, home schooling, that is a plus. It's loaded with background information about food ways on the American frontier. Very interesting stuff in its own right. The recipes are adapted for the modern kitchen, and, as the author makes clear, the modern food supply. Things have changed a LOT since the late 1800s.

5 comments about The Zuni Cafe Cookbook: A Compendium of Recipes and Cooking Lessons from San Francisco's Beloved Restaurant.

1. I was eager to purchase this book after tasting the best "Roasted Rosemary Potatoes" I have ever eaten in my life at a friends house. I am a simple cook, but love good food. This book is beautifully written, and does not intimidate me. I feel as if I can make every recipe and make it successful because Judy Rodgers will walk you through each step. I have not tried a recipe yet, but will soon. I am just enjoying reading it right now. You really want to savour this book as you read it.



2. Summary: With these recipes and techniques you can almost magically turn relatively few items into unimaginable dishes that highlight the main ingredient. While some recipes can be complicated as written, you can take shortcuts and still enjoy amazing results.
   
   This books lets you precisely duplicate the amazing dishes at Zuni Cafe. However, you can decide whether (for example) you'll follow the beef stock recipe or buy beef stock pre-made. Whatever you do, don't deprive yourself of such delicious food only for lack of time to follow each recipe to the letter. Take whatever shortcuts you need.
   
   This book not only provides amazing recipes, but also has great suggestions and techniques that will make you a better cook. Within each recipe are suggestions on how you may want to improvise, to make the dish your own. I simply have not found another cookbook like this.



3. I like to cook, but this book is entirely too esoteric. I have never made a recipe from it.



4. This is a revolutionary and amazing cookbook. Is it for everyone? I would say NO. This cookbook is for those who value extraordinary culinary experiences. If you want a cookbook that will give you weekday 30 minute recipes, this is not for you. If you want a cookbook that produces memorable and extraordinary culinary experiences (at the expense of some effort, time, getting top-notch ingredients, attention to detail, and some practice) that you and your dinner guests will remember forever, this is your book.
   
   This cookbook is extremely detailed, with both the "how" as well as the "why". The section on pre-salting meats alone is worth the price of the cookbook.
   
   While I consider myself to be a medium-to-advanced cook, I will proudly say that the Zuni Roast Chicken with Bread Salad is one of the best dishes I have ever made. Does it require pre-salting the chicken 72 hours in advance? Yes. Is finding a 3 pound chicken challenging? Yes. Is the technique hard? No. The reviewers who find Judi's recipes esoteric, in my opinion, are off base.
   
   The Pasta Alla Carbonara, while requiring fresh sheep's milk ricotta which was a pain to find, was eye-opening,magical, and unlike any Carbonara I have had here in the States.
   
   The Rosemary Roasted Potatoes was, in my wife's words, "the most potatoe-y potatoes I have ever tasted."
   
   I have a laundry list or recipes I cannot wait to try, including the Braised Fennel, Mock Porchetta, Brasato, Citrus Risotto, Madeleine's Omelette, Pasta with Preserved Tuna, Zuni Gnocchi, Braised Fennel, and Pot Au Feu.
   
   In addition to eye-opening cooking techniques, Judi is a very good writer, and you will love reading her stories even if you never attempt a single recipe from this book.
   
   I own many cookbooks, and this one is definitely in the top 3. Highly recommended.



5. This book covers a selection of Italian (and a few French) dishes served in the author's Californian restaurant. The recipes comes across as quite Italian, but there might be some very slight Californian modifications. This is a recipe collection but there is also a fair bit of background material explaining the dishes. This is actually interesting. In many cases writers add anecdotes that are just fake or totally trivial. Not so this author, who tells us that she observes a lot and and takes copious notes when travelling to taste food, starting as a teenager. These notes were probably very handy in picking the recipes (they are very varied) and sprinkling the text with tidbits of useful information. The books is a pleasure to read and the author comes across as a likeable person (not really that important, but anyway).

2 comments about The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook: A Year in the Life of a Restaurant.

1. I have been a passionate reader of cookbooks most of my adult life. This cookbook tops them all. The recipes are within reach of the average kitchen cook, and they are amazingly tasty. But the reason this books stands out is not just because it's a great cookbook. It is really a fresh, compellingly honest story of what it takes and the personalities involved in owning and running a premier, slow food restaurant in Big Sur. Most importantly, it updates us on what Big Sur really is today through the lives of each of the folks involved in making this the best place to eat on Highway One.



2. I rushed to buy Big Sur Bakery's new cookbook because I've been a fan of theirs since they opened and was eager to get my hands on their recipes, but this book is so much more than I expected. It truly blew me away!
   The recipes are simple, delicious, irresistible and often unique; the photography of their food, friends, and landscape is outstanding; and their story is captivating, inspiring and mesmerizing. Big Sur comes gloriously to life with all its quirks, adventure and beauty. The cookbook progresses month by month, cooking with the seasons (beginning in March), taking us through a year in the life of the bakery. Every recipe looks great, but my family is most eager to try their breakfast pizza, topped with bacon and eggs. YUM!

5 comments about America's Best BBQ: 100 Recipes from America's Best Smokehouses, Pits, Shacks, Rib Joints, Roadhouses, and Restaurants.

1. This book features mouth-watering photos and recipes from famous and semi-famous restaurants across the country. Featuring various styles from Carolina, Texas, and the deep south it is a culinary travel across the various styles and restaurants and their fare.
   
   Though the recipes are well laid out and easy to follow, may feature odd ingredients like alligator and snake. Things that most of us don't have access to, though if you do, this book will be a godsend.
   
   Also the book relies heavily on the "special spice combinations" for each restaurant in the recipes.
   
   Overall a pretty good book. Not great, but a good book for any true BBQphile out there.



2. "America's Best BBQ: 100 Recipes from America's Best Smokehouses, Pits, Shacks, Rib Joints, Roadhouses, and Restaurants" is a tour guide and reference book in one. Beautifully photographed this book is the one cookbook men would enjoy and use. Perfect gift for every father, backyard chief, and amateur barbecuer out there. Frankly, this is the only cookbook I've every immediately used and read cover to cover. You cannot go wrong if you like to eat barbecue, cook and travel.
   
   Every topic is covered: from appetizers to deserts, all from the number one barbeque restaurants throughout the United States. Luscious photography, great writing, and interesting graphics make reading and perusing this book a treat. You'll map out your vacations by the restaurants this book recommends. Mouth watering dishes all described, photographed and delivered for you to cook and serve up.
   
   "America's Best BBQ" has human interest stories in it. It includes not only recipes from top restaurants, but barbecue techniques, rubs, meat information and on and on and on. Comprehensive doesn't begin to cover it. There is even a section on how to become a professional barbecue and open a catering or restaurant. Words can't do justice to the photography and beautiful presentation of this book either.
   
   Do you have someone who has everything and is hard to shop for? Do they barbecue? Get this book. Only down side is that you may have to upgrade your equipment - I actually went out and bought a better outdoor grill. The ribs I serve now are wonderful. We've saved tons of money not eating out but enjoying really good food because of this book. And when I hit the road I will be visiting the places "America's Best BBQ" describes.



3. I'm a HUGE BBQ fan. I love ribs like no other. I've discovered that I enjoy dry rub ribs to those that are basted in sauce at the last minute. I enjoy reading about other BBQ places, seeing as how the area I live in mainly consists of chains, while there are some good smaller venues. This book is perfect for fans of TV shows such as Diners Drive Ins and Dives as it's a road trip for a BBQ foodie. There are lots of drool worthy pictures as well as great descriptions of the food and restaurants.
   
   My fiance was thrilled to see a restaurant from his hometown area, Ridgewood Barbecue featured as well as a recipe for their bleu cheese bowl. Their family has eaten there for years and were excited to discover they can now remake that creation in their house.
   
   If there's anything that could be improved on, I would have to say visit more locations. Most of the book was focused on certain states like Texas. While I know barbecue is huge there, it'd be nice to discover places in surprise locations where one wouldn't think BBQ was a popular menu item. Also some of the recipes weren't very barbecue-ish. Side dishes aren't really why people visit the places, but I guess you can't expect prize winners to give up their secrets to the public.
   
   Overall it's a great travel guide and a mouth water adventure. Please pass the ribs.



4. I'm no BBQ expert and that's what makes this book so perfect for me. The layout was perfect going from appetizers, to main courses, to side dishes, breads and desserts. The format was great - including anecdotal stories, real pics of the food and restaurant owners, and wonderful (and easy to understand) recipes. I'm going to use it this 4th of July and I know it's going to be a success. I didn't give it 5 stars because the index wasn't the greatest - I looked for baked beans and didn't find it under the B's instead I found it in the S's for side dishes. Also some of the recipes I wasn't sure if they came from the featured restaurant or not. Other than those two minor complaints I have no problem recommending this book and it is going to be a staple in my home.



5. Liked the stories of the many BBQ businesses but found the recipes less than helpful. My favorite was, "Salt and Pepper then grill". That revelation sent me to heaven:>)