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Home Cheese Making: Recipes for 75 Delicious Cheeses by Ricki Carroll

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love cheese! I am a died-in-the-wool, certified cheeseaholic. Needless to say, I was very excited to get a book about making cheese myself! You can find everything from the very simple with little or no equipment or special ingredients needed, to the more complex cheese that need special ingredients, equipment and even storage.

Whole Milk Ricotta is probably the easiest to start with. It’s fairly quick with no real special equipment needed other than cheesecloth. I have made this many times. There’s nothing like a nice lasagna or fresh cannoli filling made from ricotta cheese you have made yourself!!

Another good one if you don’t want to buy a lot of equipment is 30-Minute Mozzarella. You do have to have rennet, lipase powder and citric acid, but those are usually fairly easy to find whether online or in your local natural foods store. This is a fun one to get the kids involved with, though with lots of adult help and supervision. I can say from experience that you will be building great memories with your kids making fresh mozzarella. Use it on homemade pizzas for supper that night, and give them a memory of a lifetime!

Whether you just want to make your own cream cheese, creme fraiche or other soft cheeses or want to branch out, invest and get into cheese making seriously, you will find what you need in this book.

I received a copy of this book from Storey Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinons are my own.

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The Hoosier Mama Book of Pie: Recipes, Techniques, and Wisdom from the Hoosier Mama Pie Company by Paula Haney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There’s just something homey about a fresh-baked, homemade pie. It fills the air with delicious aromas and just cries out “Home!”. Well, for all you pie-lovers out there, this is the pièce de résistance of pie cookbooks. Oh. My. Word. You have to taste to believe!

As anyone who has read my blog for very long knows, I’m not a huge sugar person (though I do love a good dessert now and then), so I didn’t run to the sweet pies for my first foray into this book. I chose an old classic, Shepherd’s Pie. Best shepherd’s pie I have ever put in my mouth! The filling is utterly delectable, but the Garlic Mashed Potatoes used on top are just to die for and were the perfect finishing touch. My family raved over it–and not all of them are big lamb fans! Definitely our go to recipe for Shepherd’s Pie now!

I then moved on to the sweet pies. A sweet older man in our church shares the bounty from his garden with the church members often, and a few weeks ago brought probably 20-30 home grown pumpkins to give away. I somehow ended up with four of them! Let me tell you a little secret. I don’t really LIKE pumpkin very much!! However, I know my husband does as do a couple of my girls. I figured I’d cook them up and freeze them and have pumpkin for the next year….or two, or three. i thought it would be a nice gesture to make a pumpkin pie for our weekly Sunday potluck lunch at church so he could see that someone was actually using them. I figured I’d better make two so we could taste one the night before and make sure it was okay before we took it to share with others.

Now, I’ve made pie crust before, but it’s been awhile. Life is busy, and I usually end up cutting corners and using pre-made. I was initially shocked by the number of steps to the pie, and as I was running out of time, I didn’t really get to freeze the crust first. I think that’s why my flutes kind of melted away somewhat. It had been a crazy day where everything seemed to take much longer than it should, so here I was on Saturday night at nearly 8:00pm finally taking the first pie out of the oven! (I have a small oven, so could only bake one at a time.) I used the propped bowl method and low and behold–no cracks!! It smelled good. It looked good. But, wait! I don’t LIKE pumpkin pie! …or so I thought! Heavens to Betsy! That pie is AMAZING!! Yes, I am a convert, and I now love pumpkin pie–if it’s made from this recipe!

Hang, on! There’s much more to this book that just these. You HAVE to try the Vinegar Chess Pie!! I know, I know. It sounds horrible. Trust me here! I actually grew up on this pie. Other than the pie crust recipe, it’s pretty much exactly what I’ve been eating for…well, we won’t say how many years! I’ve never fed it to a person yet that wasn’t an instant convert!

There’s so many more pies to make! I can’t wait to try the Chicken Pot Pie with Thyme Crust, and there’s a multitude of sweet pies awaiting me. I’m trying to be sweet to my husband who is watching what he eats and losing weight, so I can only make one once in awhile, so this book will be cooked from for a long time!

Thanksgiving is coming, and Christmas will be here before you know it! Give everyone the gift of amazing pies at your holiday dinners this year! Yes, the crust can be a little time consuming, but it can be frozen ahead of time which will make baking day shorter! Give this book a try. You won’t be disappointed!

I received a copy of this book from Agate Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Mezzogiorno: Francesco Mazzei Recipes from Southern Italy by Francesco Mazzei

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mamma mia! I was blown away by this cookbook!! Covering Southern Italian cuisine, this book is a treasure trove of amazing recipes that will delight your palate! Where shall I start? Frittata di Cipolle Rosse e Ricotta (Red Onion and Ricotta Frittata) just might blow your mind! I love a good frittata, and red onions were on sale, so it seemed meant to be. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how THAT many onions would work in a fritatta. I was really afraid they would overpower everything. My fears were in vain. The onions are cooked low and slow until they are sweet and rich and…amazing! The whole family loved it–well, except for the youngest who doesn’t care for eggs!

I like sweets, but I’m a sucker for good bread, so naturally I went looking for a bread recipe. There aren’t many in this book, but they all look amazing. I decided to give Focaccia Olive e Acciuge (Focaccia with Olives and Anchovies) a try. Well, sort of. My husband was on a diet and couldn’t have the bread and he’s the only one in the family that loves olives, and I’m the only one that likes anchovies, so I compromised and did the bread without either….this time! I do plan on making it again with both included! In short, it is one of the best focaccia breads I’ve ever had!! This recipe is amazing!

Now, I have not made the cannoli shells from scratch yet (it’s definitely on my to do list!), but the filling is lovely. I also have not made the Melanzane e Cioccolato (Aubergine–eggplant–and Chocolate Cake), but as soon as my eggplants are ready I’m going to give it a go!

There’s so much to love in this book! From the gorgeous photos to the delectable food, this book is an absolute delight! While I’ve list a couple of recipes I still want to try, believe me when I tell you that my book looks like a porcupine it has so many stickers of things I want to make!!

Take a trip to Southern Italy with a menu of their delightful food from a delightful cookbook. I highly recommend this book. I’m sure it won’t disappoint!

I received a copy of this book from Trafalgar Publishing through IPG for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Saison: A Year at the French Café by Simon Wright

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stunning!! There is no other word for the beyond gorgeous cookbook! It is like a work of art with the breathtaking photography, graphic design (the lattice pages are beautiful!) and layout, and all comes in its own, beautiful slipcase.

The book showcases a year at the renowned restaurant “The French Cafe” in Auckland, New Zealand. As such, it is divided into seasons where each season’s bounty is shown the love it deserves.

The recipes are amazing, even if some fall a little more to the pretentious side (potato foam, anyone?). Braised Beef Cheeks, Smoked Potato and Carrots–the Braised Beef Cheeks are a delight! Strawberries and Cream–what’s not to love? Even the kids can get involved with the Watermelon Ice Blocks!

This book may be nice to cook from, but it is just as good (or better!) as an amazing coffee table book. Either way, you’ll find a beautiful cookbook!

I received a copy of this book from Trafalgar Square Publishing through IPG for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Guillaume: Food for Family by Guillaume Brahimi

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is absolutely gorgeous, inside and out! It would honestly make a great coffee table book. As far as a cookbook I would use very often–not so much. With the title “Food for Family”, I was expecting much more down to earth, but delicious food cooked for family. The back of the book even says “relaxed, easy meals designed to satisfy a household of hungry children”. Instead you get Roast Chicken with Black Truffle and Baby Kipflers, Roasted Root Vegetables with Truffle, Truffle Sandwich, Field Mushroom Veloute with Chive Emulsion and more. I doubt there was more than half a dozen recipes that I would cook.

If you love fine dining and re-creating high class, expensive food at home, you’ll love this cookbook. If you’re looking for a gorgeous coffee-table cookbook, this is a great candidate. If you’re looking for “relaxed, easy meals” for family…you might want to keep looking.

I received a copy of this book through IPG for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A Lombardian Cookbook: From the Alps to the Lakes of Northern Italy by Alessandro Pavoni

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a gorgeous cookbook! From the gorgeous cover, to the quality binding and mouth-watering photos, A Lombardian Cookbook is a book to delight the senses!

First, what I loved about this book. As you can tell, I fell in love with the book itself. The recipes are amazing as well. Cotolette Milanese–Crumbed Veal Cutlets Milan-Style (delicious!), Amaretti (an absolute delight in the mouth!!), multiple fresh pasta recipes and so much more fill the pages of this cookbook. If you’re from Australia or that area, there are tweaks with local fare such as barramundi or Murray cod.

On the other hand, there are a lot of recipes with ingredients that just aren’t available to me. That really cuts down on the amount I can actually use this cookbook.

This is a gorgeous cookbook, and I’ve enjoyed it, I just wish I could use more of it than I can. I do highly recommend it for any readers in Australia as that is where the author lives and cooks, so you should have little problem finding what you need. Enjoy!

I received a copy of this book through IPG for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Dishing Up® Minnesota: 150 Recipes from the Land of 10,000 Lakes by Teresa Marrone

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve only been to Minnesota once, and didn’t get to spend a lot of time there, but I did enjoy it. With Dishing Up Minnesota, I can make another visit in the comfort of my own home.

Chapters are divided by area and/or interest instead of course:

• The Land of 10,000 Lakes
• On the Wild Side
• Co-ops, CSAs, and Farmers’ Market Finds
• Orchards and Vines
• Pastures and Prairies
• Multicultural Specialties
• Fairs, Festivals, and Special Events
• Resources: Featured Organizations

I was surprised at the array of dishes listed here. Not having lived in Minnesota, I didn’t understand the vast diversity of culture and food Minnesota offers. From seafood (10,000 lakes, remember!) to foraging to farms, fairs, and a variety of multicultural influences, there is truly something for everyone here!

Not only is this a great cookbook with recipes from Traditional North Shore Fish Cakes, Maple-Cinnamon Apples, Morel Cream Sauce, Grilled Venison Loin, Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with Frico (delicious!), Rhubarb and Apple Cobbler, Home-Cured Maple Bacon, Sugar Beet Tea Bread, Gravlax and even Norwegian Lefse just to name a few, but is filled with information, history, story and tidbits along with delightful photos to showcase this beautiful state.

Dishing Up Minnesota is a lovely, fun cookbook that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend it to others. Try it for yourself and enjoy the flavors of Minnesota!

I received a copy of this book from Storey Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Tomato: A Fresh-from-the-Vine Cookbook by Lawrence Davis-Hollander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ah! There’s nothing like a tomato picked fresh from the garden in summertime! I have tomato plants upon tomato plants, so was looking for ideas for more than just salad or juice. This cookbook fulfills that easily.

I started with Marinara Sauce. I’ve made many different sauces in my time, and this one is right up there with them. Some may turn up their nose at the thought of anchovies, but you don’t really taste a heavy anchovy flavor, they just add an extra dimension to the flavor. I liked the Italian-Style Fresh Tomato Sauce recipe as well. Next, I want to try the Tomato and Meat Sauce for Pasta.

There are fun recipes to try such as Egg in a Tomato Nest, Tomato Couscous Salad, Tomato Basil Quiche (up next for me!), as well as classic favorites such as Eggplant Parmigiana, Fried Green Tomatoes, Cream of Tomato Soup and more. I’m especially excited to try the Heirloom Tomato and Toasted Garlic Gratin. I just have to wait for some more of my Cherokee Purples to ripen!

If you love tomatoes or are searching desperately for a way to use up the bounty of tomatoes from your garden, this would be a great cookbook for you! Easy to follow recipes, and an abundance of ideas pack this cookbook. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

I received a copy of this cookbook from Storey Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Baking with Mary Berry by Mary Berry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Here’s your classic British baked goods from Britain’s queen of baking, Mary Berry! From muffins, to scones, cakes, biscuits, tarts and more, you’ll find most, if not all, of the classics.

My garden is doing well this year, and I had an influx of zucchini I need to use up, so I started with the Zucchini Loaf. It was a definite hit with its rich, moist texture and delicate but delicious flavor. The Pecan & Chocolate Chip Cookies were also a hit. I loved the fact that the cookies themselves weren’t very sweet, relying more on the chocolate chips for the added punch of sugar. These might not be the best choice for sugar addicts, but I loved them!

I could bake out of this book for a while and not run out of recipes I want to try! From Best Ever Brownies, to meringue Fruit Baskets, Tarte au Citron (I love lemon desserts!!), Treacle Pudding and more, there is a lovely variety of recipes to delight. Planning a tea party? Get a great selection of baked in this book! Just want some delicious sweets? You’ll find them here. Give it a try! I’m sure you’ll find much to like.

I received a copy of this book from DK Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Eat Your History: Stories and Recipes from Australian Kitchens by Jacqui Newling

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun book!! Eat your history is a combination history book and cookbook, and is a complete delight!! Enjoy an entertaining history of Australia while trying culinary delights from over the years. From Simple Seafood Chowder to Wallaby Tail Stew, Tomato Chutney, Little Raised Pies (from an 1895 cookbook!), there is much to enjoy in this book.

I love all things lemon, so the Lemon Biscuits are right up my alley. I love that they not only have a recipe for Mulligatawny, but also include a recipe (from 1864!) for Curry Powder. In the mood for something older? Apple Snow has been around since the 17th century!

Eat Your History is a fascinating book that is as fun to read as it is to cook from. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommend it. Re-create a piece of Australian history in your own home tonight.

I received a copy of this book from IPG for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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