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Jewish Cooking for All Seasons: Fresh, Flavorful Recipes for Holidays and Every Day by Laura Frankel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m not Jewish, but I was fascinated by the premise of this book. I like it…mostly. There’s much to like with recipes such as Leek and Onion Tart, Herb Roasted Chicken with Quinoa-Mushroom Pilaf (the pilaf can be used with many dishes or even as a light dish on its own!), Amaretti, Wild Mushroom Soup, Boeuf Bourguignon and more. While some recipes may be more complex, the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

On the other hand, there are NO photos in this book. I may not have to have a photo for every recipe, but in this day and age, it seems a bit ridiculous not to have ANY photos. I’m much more likely to try something completely new and outside my comfort zone if I have an idea of what it should look like when I’m done. Here you’re left with just the one photo on the cover, and it’s of a simple salad.

As I said, there are some great recipes in this book, and it would be great for people trying to eat kosher, yet wanting great food at the same time. If lots of great photos are your thing, you’ll want to keep looking.

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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Austrian Desserts and Pastries: Over 100 Classic Recipes by Dietmar Fercher

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really, really wanted to love this cookbook and, in a way, I do. Every delightful, amazing Austrian pastry you can imagine is found in this book and there are many gorgeous photos to tempt you. When you get to the actual cooking, however, there is a bit of a problem. Almost every recipe has its original name both on the recipe and in the index–no English translations to help you find anything! I’m sorry, but even if I could say some of these names, I certainly couldn’t spell them (Vienna Faschingskrapfen anyone?)

Once you get past the names, there’s the problem of pans. No sizes are given that I can find with many calling for a “buttered dish” or “baking pan”. Maybe things are different in Austria, but here in the States, that can mean nearly anything! The number of servings a recipe makes is given, but no hint as to size.

I know it seems like I’m railing on this book, but I promise I’m not. I review for classic home cooks, so I want to make sure they know going into this book that it’s not a walk in the park to use. That being said, if you are dying to re-create an amazing Austrian pastry, with some time and effort (and possibly a re-try or two to get things right) I’m sure you will be able to make something amazing. I recommend this for anyone really interested in and determined to make Austrian pastry. New cooks or faint of heart might want to look elsewhere.

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

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Feeding the Future: Clean Eating for Children & Families by Tali Shine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a mom, I want to feed my kids healthy foods. Sometimes I do good, while other times not so much. This book is great for good, healthy, clean eating for your kids. The recipes are easy to follow, and most are very kid friendly, though some of you may struggle getting a pickier eater to embrace.

Nana’s Chicken Soup is great for anything from those cold fall or winter nights to when your child is not feeling well. Full of flavor, it’s a great dish for young and old as is the equally flavorful Beef Stew recipe.

What kid doesn’t like a sweet snack? Great ideas abound here for healthy recipes such as Watermelon Ice Lolly, Baba’s Froyo (Blueberry Frozen Yogurt) or a trio of “Bites”. I decided on the Choco Ball Bites as, let’s face it, my family loves chocolate! With only three ingredients, it whips up quickly. Full disclosure, I don’t know if my dates were a tad dry or what, but it didn’t want to stick together in “balls”, so I added about 3 T of almond butter and it worked perfectly. I like the added hint of almond flavor, and they were a hit with all of the family.

Spiralized Zucchini Pasta is a great way to have a “pasta” meal without the pasta. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can just shave thin strips with a mandolin or vegetable peeler. It worked great for me.

There are so many delicious recipes in this book that you’re sure to find many great dishes for your kids–or just for yourself! There’s even a section with recipes to make your own clean versions of peanut or almond butter, mayonnaise, jam and more. Let’s get away from so much junk food and start feeding out kids a healthier diet. They’ll thank you for it…eventually!

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

http://www.teneues.com/shop-us/Feedin…

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New Prairie Kitchen: Stories and Seasonal Recipes from Chefs, Farmers, and Artisans of the Great Plains by Summer Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

New Prairie Kitchen is more than just a cookbook, it’s a biography of people, community and food. Beautiful photos nearly turn it into a coffee table book, but it’s much more than that. Recipes that are easy to follow and dance on your palate fill the pages of this delightful book.

Now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time for Heirloom Tomato Panzanella, and summertime salad that focuses on the rich flavors of quality ingredients. Make your own ricotta cheese and enjoy Toast with Homemade Ricotta and Fresh Strawberry Jam. Oh, my! If bread is your thing (it is mine!), try the amazing Honey-Oat Bread or Mushroom Focaccia with Shallots, Savory and Olive Oil.

Fall is coming and I have several butternut squash plants. Butternut Squash Pie with Cinnamon Whole-Grain Crust will be the perfect way to enjoy the bounty, or I can make the Potato and Squash Gratin. My mouth is watering and I can’t wait for them to ripen!

New Prairie Kitchen is a gorgeous cookbook full of recipes to love. Bring back that family time around the kitchen table and cook up a Midwestern feast tonight!

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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Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul by Rick Stein

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rick Stein’s new book is a feast for the senses. From the beautiful hardcover (just as gorgeous without the dust jacket as it is with it!), to the glorious photos and amazing recipes, From Venice to Istanbul is an absolute delight!

From Moussaka to Kofte, Hummus to Baklava, all you need to cook the delightful cuisine of the Eastern Mediterranean is found within these pages. Make your own Pide Bread to eat with your homemade Lamb and Pistachio Kofte or Cilbir.

Most of us are familiar with some of the Mediterranean cuisines from places like Italy and Greece, but this book takes you to further, to places like Turkey, Albania and Croatia. Try Rozata, a creme caramel flavored with rose water from Croatia, or Gozleme from Turkey or Chicken Yufka from Albania.

Put a little spice in your life, and travel outside your comfort zone to sample these delightful cuisines from far flung places. I think you’ll be glad you did!

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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Dinner at Home: 140 Recipes to Enjoy with Family and Friends by JeanMarie Brownson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dinner at Home is exactly what it sounds like–great meals to cook for family and friends, or just a quiet night in. The recipes are classic home cooking with an occasional twist or update. Roasted Pumpkin (because roasted makes everything better, right?!), Grilled Turkey Burgers with Kalamata Olives and Herbs (delicious!), Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sauteed Mushrooms and more fill the pages of this lovely cookbook.

Looking for a new twist on an old dish? Try adding sage and garlic for Sage and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. I’ve used basil many times and loved it, but this was a great new twist for a simple side dish. Mix it up in the bread department with Herbed Breakfast Biscuits or Easy Cheesy Popovers.

We love breakfast for dinner around here, so the Irish Boxty (potato pancakes) are a great addition to our repertoire.

Overall, this is a great cookbook with delightful recipes that are easy to follow. Gather the family and have a great Dinner at Home tonight!

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

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Grandbaby Cakes: Modern Recipes, Vintage Charm, Soulful Memories by Jocelyn Delk Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Soooooo, I think I gained five pounds just reading this book!! This is definitely a book for people with a serious sweet tooth, but I love that it also includes healthy-ish options such as Zucchini Cupcakes with Lemon-Cinnamon Buttercream or a Lighter Lemon Pound Cake. Let’s just be honest, I love nearly any dessert with lemon!

There are so many great options in this book! What kid wouldn’t be delighted with Rainbow Sherbert Cupcakes for their next birthday? How about a ‘Nana Pudding Tiramisu Cake for that Southerner with Italian roots? You can’t go wrong with a classic like Mama’s 7UP Pound Cake!

Whatever kind of cake you’re looking for, you stand a great chance of finding it here along with some you may never have heard of. Give this book a shot. It’s worth it!

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

My rating: 4 of 5 spoons

I have heard of the Basque region, but knew very little about their cuisine until I got this book. It’s a fascinating read, and delicious to eat from! There is a wide range of recipes here, from the simple but sublime, to the more complicated and delectable.

Summer Tomatoes with Sweet Onion is a great example of the simple, yet sublime. Perfect, vine-ripened tomatoes paired with sweet onion and not much else is just summer dancing on your palate.

Classic Spanish Tortilla is a slightly more complicated with multiple flip and turns (which sounds easier than it is!), yet worth the effort. Lentils with Chorizo is just a match made in heaven, and don’t even get me started on the desserts!

Let’s face it. Most of us will never get the opportunity to explore this amazing region in person, but you can get a little taste of it in your own home with this delightful book.

I received a copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have a new website!!  I have finally made the plunge and created a traditional .com website.  Please feel free to visit and let me know what you think.  Sandra’s Kitchen Nook  My latest review is on the cookbook review page there.

Happy Cooking!!