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My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ration Book Diet is a fascinating book! I love history, and have always especially enjoyed history of the era around WWII. This book is packed with interesting facts and tidbits along with neat recipes to try. I’ll admit, some of them do not sound remotely appetizing (Sardine, Horseradish and Chive Pate anyone?), but many are not only appetizing but downright delicious.

Crisp and Crunchy Summer Salad is a quick, easy side dish–perfect for grilling season! There are British classics such as Toad-in-the-Hole and Mixed Berry Trifle. Next time you want to whip up a batch of scones, why not try the Oatmeal Scones? My husband loves to hunt, so Irish Stew made with Venison is perfect for us as is the Venison Hot-Pot.

Whether you are a history buff, a bibliophile or anglophile, or just someone who wants to try something new to lose a few pounds, this could be the book for you. Great history and some delicious recipes. It’s a winner for me!

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

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Italian food. I love it’s focus on quality ingredients, simply prepared and this cookbook showcases that.

After a rough week of multiple disasters that had necessitated more quick meals than good meals, I wanted to make a great meal for my family, so I turned to Crispy Roast Chicken with Lemon, Sage & Pancetta with Balsamic Parsnips. Okay, in full disclosure, I wasn’t able to lay my hands on parsnips in time, and I didn’t use the stuffing. However, the chicken was amazing!! Since I hadn’t made the stuffing, I stuffed the lemon wedges and some more sage inside the chicken instead of just throwing them in the pan. The chicken was juicy and delicious with a lovely citrus tang. I would definitely make this again!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Radicchio, Walnut & Pecorino Salad though my children weren’t quite the fans I was. It is light, earthy and a nice side dish. The Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, however were not quite a hit. If you like chickpeas, you’ll probably love this recipe, but I’m the only one in my family that enjoys them, and I only enjoy them occasionally and that also depends on how they’re prepared.

I’m definitely not done with this book, though! Next on my list is the Neapolitan Semolina Cake. We’re celebrating my daughter’s birthday this weekend, and she’s requested that we try this cake. On top of that, there’s still Italian Sponge Cake with Balsamic Roasted Strawberries, Homemade Fruit Jellies, Wholemeal Slow-Fermented Pizzas and so much more.

There are lots of gluten-free recipes in this book which I like. We aren’t remotely gluten-free, but I have friends with celiac disease so it’s great to have delicious options to feed them when they come for a visit.

All in all, this is a great cookbook full of healthy, nutritious Italian recipes. I am happy to recommend it!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Decadent. Delicious. Easy. All great words to describe this delightful cookbook! The recipes are very easy to follow, and the results are exceptional!

I started with Torta Caprese, a flourless chocolate cake that I’ve heard of for years, but never actually made. I was surprised at how easy it was to make, and absolutely blown away by the results. I made this for a church potluck, and let me just say there weren’t even crumbs left!! It is rich, moist, dark and absolutely, mind-blowingly amazing!! This is definitely my new favorite dessert ever!

Palle d’Inverno (Winter Snowball Cookies) are another recipe that is easy to make and delicious to eat, and the Meringhe Brutte ma Buone alle Nocciole (Ugly-But-Good Hazelnut Meringues) are so easy to make that my 14-year-old daughter whipped them up. They dance on the tongue with the lovely crispy outside, soft inside with chunks of roasted hazelnuts–buonissimo!

Bottom line? Run, don’t walk (or let your fingers do the walking online!) to your nearest bookstore and grab a copy of this top-notch cookbook and you’ll be whipping up these delights for yourself in no time. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

I received a copy of this book from Hardie Grant Publishing through Chronicle Books for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is definitely a book for coconut lovers! I love that it’s not just about shredded or fresh coconut, but uses coconut oil, flour, water, milk, cream, sugar, dried and shredded. Just about anything coconut you can find in this book!

Want perfect Jasmine Rice? This book has you covered. Want to mix up your bbq this summer? Why not try Coconut Spareribs, a version of traditional Chinese spareribs? My family is not a fan of the jeweled couscous, but that’s more because they don’t care for the raisins or the Israeli-style couscous it calls for, not because it’s a bad recipe.

Desserts, well, they’re delightful!! Australian Lamingtons are fun for kids and taste great, too! Try Mexican Wedding Cookies with Coconut in place of some of the nuts or try a traditional coconut cake–there are three recipes!

From curry’s to sorbets, drinks to snacks, breakfasts and so much more, this book has a delectable array of dishes to please any coconut lover! Grab a copy of this book and some coconut and see what tasty treats you can whip up!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love fish. Actually, I love seafood. Most kinds of seafood–I’m on board. Not all of my family is quite so sold on it, but I couldn’t wait to try some great recipes from this book. For my healthy-eating husband and shellfish hating daughter, I made Sole en Papillote. Full disclosure, I used flounder instead of sole, but that is one of the suggested substitutes. We really enjoyed this dish, and my family would be quite happy for me to make it again.

I, on the other hand, was in the mood for a full-on seafood feast, so I went to Bourride with Homemade Garlic Aioli–a delightful fish stew from Provence. Life was somewhat hectic at that moment, so the garlic aioli didn’t get made, but trust me when I tell you that this is an amazing stew even without it! Oh, my! Talk about a party in your mouth!! The flavors were full on with a depth that some of the fish stews I’ve made haven’t achieved. To make it even better, it’s really an easy stew to make!

If you love seafood, or just want to learn to cook it, this is a great book for you. The recipes are clear and easy to follow, and the flavors are wonderful. Grab some seafood and fix a feast at home!

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

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a cute book and perfect for people who like to host themed tea parties. There is a different theme for each month of the year; from January’s Twelfth Night, Mother’s Day in May, Bridal Shower in June, Children’s Tea in October to December’s Holiday Open House. There are ideas, menus and, of course, recipes.

The recipes are classics that have stood the test of time. Cheese Puffs, Cucumber Sandwiches, Scotch Eggs, Scones, Banbury Tarts, Cornish Pasties, Sausage Rolls and so many more fill the pages. Cornish Pasties are a favorite of my daughters, and the Scotch Eggs went over very well. Scones are always a big hit.

You’re sure to find something for your next tea party in the pages of this delightful book. Give it a try…I’m sure you won’t be sorry!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stunning! That is the word that comes to mind to perfectly describe this book. A gorgeous cover, delectable recipes and fascinating history, this book is a love affair with Venice.

The book starts with a letter, rules for eating in Venice, and then we dive into the recipes. She starts with Essentials–those recipes that she considers a must have to cook Venetian food. From Polenta (both the fast and the slow method) to Bussolai (Bread Bangles), Mostarda di Frutta (Quince Mustard) and a few drinks. I don’t drink, so half of that section I skipped completely.

From Essentials she moves on to Cicchetti (Small Bites), Antipasti, Zuppa/Pasta/Gnocchi, Risotto, Secondi, Contorni (Sides) and Dolci (Sweets). There is definitely something for everyone! You can find everything from Intruglio, a delightful appetizer consisting of different olives, sun dried tomatoes, cheeses, oil and herbs to the quintessential classics such as Fritto Misto di Pesce, Bollito di Carne, Spaghetti Nero di Seppie (Spaghetti with Squid Ink) and Tiramisu.

My husband is very careful with his diet, and I was looking for a new way to cook the ever present chicken breasts so I tried Pollo con Pomodoro in Tecia–Chicken in Tomato. I substituted chicken breasts for a cut up chicken, but it was a definite hit. It made a nice change and the flavors were lovely.

If you like seafood, you’ll love this book!! Many of the recipes include some sort of seafood, and are an absolute delight. The desserts are classic Italian and to die for!

Venice is calling your name! Take a tour of the fascinating place and cook some delectable Venetian food for supper. You won’t regret it!

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

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love chocolate. Deep, dark and delectable, it’s one sweet that I adore. I was so excited to receive this book and dive into the deliciousness it held. Unfortunately, I was less than amazed. I decided to cook a classic–Chocolate Chip Cookies. Easy to nail, I figured they had to be amazing. I’ve made chocolate chip cookies from a multitude of recipes and rarely had a bad one, so I was very excited to make these. I used quality chocolate and cocoa and…well, they were not very good. I have four kids who adore chocolate chip cookies, and probably half the batch went into the garbage as they were less than impressed as well.

There are better offerings in this book such as Chocolate Truffles, Chocolate Truffle Squares and more. I don’t not recommend this book, but rather recommend it with the caveat that you might should try a chocolate chip cookie recipe from elsewhere.

If you have a gluten intolerance, there are many gluten free offerings in this book.

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

View all my reviews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fascinating book! Not a cookbook per se–it only has a handful of recipes at best–it is a charming book of all things food related. The book is divided into sections titled:

• Food for Thought
• Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
• A Grain of Truth
• The Meat of the Matter
• Dairy Queens
• Street Food
• Season to Taste
• Drink Up!
• Sweet Tooth

This is not a dictionary of food terms or an encyclopedia of food types, but an engaging book of all things food. From Short Order Egg Lingo to Sandwiches Around the World, How to Braid a Challah or even Fruit Facts, it’s sure to keep you entertained and informed. For instance, did you know that technically, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, string beans, corn, okra and unhulled sunflower seeds are all technically fruit, but the Tariff Act in 1883 legally classified cucumbers, tomatoes, beans and peas as vegetables and a 1947 ruling made rhubarb a fruit?

Having a fancy dinner party and want to make sure you have the place settings correct? This book has got you covered, even if you want to throw a Japanese, Chinese, Korean or Indian themed party!

Discover the different dumplings around the world, or learn how to tie sausages. Learn how to fillet a fish, or the correct way to cut different shaped and textured cheeses. Make your own spice blends, and learn about the different types of espresso or tea.

Food Anatomy is an enchanting book that is a delight to read! I definitely recommend it!

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

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun book! My husband used to be a police officer, so there’s a special place in my heart for all emergency services workers. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book!

For some reason, the past few cookbooks that I’ve cooked from, the first recipe I pick doesn’t knock my socks off, and this one was no exception. I chose the Green Curry Chicken Satay. As a family, we try to cook from other countries to expand our girls’ horizons (and palates!). I’ve not really cooked Thai myself, but loved the idea of a personal connection to encourage the interest of my youngest–who also happens to be my pickiest eater. She loves my sister who lived in Thailand for a year, so that encouraged her to want to like it. While the flavor was pretty good, there was NO spice/heat. I have eaten Thai, and it’s my sister’s favorite cuisine, so I know green curry is supposed to be spicy. Nope. Zilch. Could it just be the brand of green curry paste I bought? Possibly, but you need to be aware and taste and be willing to add if you want spicy.

All is not lost, however, as there is so much more to love in this delightful book. Mexican Grilled Corn–yum! I first had this in South Dakota of all places, made by someone who had lived in Mexico and we loved it! Grilled Sourdough and Chorizo Panzanella Salad gives a spicy twist to an old classic. Cucumbers and I don’t get along, but other than that this salad is gorgeous!

Somehow, of all my family, only one daughter got my love for seafood, so I won’t be making it often, but East Coast Seafood Chowder is lovely! It brings back memories of time spent in New England, and I would eat it at least once a week if I could!

You’ll find sides and sauces towards the back with jewels like Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, Walnuts and Parmesan, Coconut Saffron Rice Pilaf, Pommes Aligot, Pico de Gallo, Lemon Caper Aioli, Simple Tomato Sauce, and even a couple of bread recipes!

These guys like their sweets as well, though I would have to do some judicious editing on some as they obviously like their alcohol as well! However, there’s delights such as Maple Cinnamon Monkey Bread, Oreo Ice Cream Cake, Winter Berry Crisp and more to please that sweet tooth!

This is a fun book full of great recipes, and I am happy to recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from Whitecap through Fitzhenry & Whiteside for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.