Cookbook Reviews

On this page you will find reviews of the cookbooks I have in my collection. I will be adding more as I have time and as I get new cookbooks! I hope you enjoy the reviews and that you try some of these great books yourself.


Sheila Lukins USA Cookbook by Sheila Lukins, published by Workman Publishing in 1997 605 Pages

Sheila Lukins USA Cookbook is Duck and Caramelized Onion Quesadillas, crab cakes made sumptous with the addition of lobster meat, and a common all-time American favorite-the hamburger-stuffed with an uncommon all-American ingredient=Maytag Blue Cheese-for sublime eating. Sheila Lukins spent three years traveling between her kitchen and the open road to discover and then recreate the best flavors of the USA. She fished for halibut in Alaska, visited barbecue masters throughout the South, harvested wild rice with the Chippewa, and attended food festivals, fairs, cook offs and more. With personal anecdotes of each recipe and section the book offers something for everyone.


Emeril's TV Dinners by Emeril Lagasse, published by William Morrow, 1998, 268 Pages

Emeril's TV Dinners not only includes more than 150 recipes, it is jam packed with candid black and white photos of Emeril behind the scenes, in front of the cameras, on tour, and really live in his New Orleans restaurants. You can start with salads like Grilled Radicchio Salad, the move on to Andouille Stuffed Jalapenos, or Emerilized Chicken Cordon Bleu. Or if you prefer fish you can have Whole Sea Bass with Nicoise Tapenade. Then top it off with desserts like Praline Bread Pudding. The recipes from his popular Food Network TV Series are full of flavor and easy to prepare.


The Martha Stewart Cookbook, by Martha Stewart, published by Random House, 1995, 620 Page

More than 1600 recipes gathered from her other popular cookbooks. Chapters on entertaining a crowd and on wedding cakes offer a core of information for planning a large scale event. The everyday cook will find quick and easy recipes for meat and seafood, pasta and vegetables, eggs and poultry and more. Also you will find chapters on pies and tarts, cakes and cookies, ice cream and sorbets and other desserts. A great compilation of wonderful recipes for the everyday cook.


The Frugal Gourmet Cooks American by Jeff Smith, published by William Morrow, 1987, 477 Pages

In the Frugal Gourmet Cooks American Jeff celebrates corn, turkey, tomatoes squashes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, maple syrup, chocolate, cranberries and other ingredients that are stamped from their very beginning as strictly American. Add to this list the very special dishes from America's regional cuisines and you have a surprisingly rich and fascinating collection of eating experiences.


The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Italian by Jeff Smith, published by William Morrow, 1993, 543 Pages

In these pages you'll discover and unusual pasta soup made with a spaetzle press; the marriage of two great Italian specialties in artichokes stuffed with caponata, the Sicilian eggplant relish; more than a dozen for polenta, the delicious and versatile cornmeal dish; an elegant seafood risotto, and scores of vegetable recipes. The book also contains a glossary of cooking terms; an invaluable section on Italian wines; and informative essays on the ingredients essential to the Italian kitchen.


365 Great Soups and Stews, by Georgia Chan Downard and Jean Galton, published by HarperCollins, 1996, 282 Pages

Whether you want to spoon up your meal in a steaming bowl or ladle it over a mound of rice on a plate, here are a year's worth of possibilities. Nutritious vegetable soups lead the pack, then there is an entire chapter filled with chilies, gumbos, and curries. The stew chapter contains such favorites as Chicken Cacciatore, Beef Stew and Cider Pork Stew. Filling and flavorful these great recipes will satisfy any soup or stew craving.


Complete Book of Outdoor Cookery by Mel Marshall, published by Outdoor Life Books, 1987, 384 Pages

This book covers all aspects of outdoor cooking. From campground cooking to patios and picnics, to trail cooking, to cooking fish and game. If you spend any time outdoors or you like to grill on your own back deck, this is a great book to have. Filled with useful tips and tricks it is a great book for the outdoor cook.


Simple Italian Food by Mario Batali, published by Random House, 1998, 287 Pages

Mario draws inspiration for his distinctive dishes from two "villages" that have left their stamps on his cuisine: Borgo Capanne, the tiny hillside village in northern Italy where he lived and cooked for several years, and New York's Greenwich Village, where he has ready access to bountiful produce and outstanding artisan made products. Chapters covering antipasti, pasta and risotto, fish, meat and poultry, contorni(side dishes), and cheese and sweets. Wonderful Italian dishes for every cook to try out.


Rosa Mexicano by Josefina Howard, published by Viking, 1998, 292 Pages

Guests at Rosa Mexicano have long been grateful beneficiaries of Josefina's search for the rarest moles, the broadest variety of chiles, the most refined sauces, the most fabled dishes of home and restaurant cooks across Mexico. With this book, readers can share her journey or discovery, re-created here through dramatic reminiscences, her award winning photographs and recipes as colorful and varied as the culture that gave birth to them. With Josefina as your guide, you will encounter unusual herbs like hoja santa and epazote; a delicate soup made of strawberries; ice cream made of cuitlacoche, a mushroom that grows on corn; and even chorizo verde-green sausage, as this tantalizing memoir reveals the secrets of one of the most mythic and misunderstood cuisines in the world.


New York Times Cookbook by Craig Claiborne published by Harper and Row, 1990, 799 Pages

Craig Claiborne has included new recipes in this publishing of the timeless cookbook published since 1962. He has added more Chinese, Indian and foreign recipes and more recipes for pasta, rice and grains. Additional fish recipes, new salads and bread recipes, and an exceptional chili dish enhance this edition, which contains traditional American recipes and selected recipes from 20 different countries. There are countless old favorites and those wonderful deserts. Complete with essential cross-referencing, a table of equivalents and conversions, and an index, the revised edition is a superb new cookbook.


The Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum published by William Morrow, 1988, 556 Pages

The Cake Bible is your magic wand for baking the cakes of your dreams- the definitive work on cakes written by the country's top baker. Easy to follow recipes, all kinds of frostings, fillings, and toppings. Many recipes feature less sugar, low cholesterol and saturated fat. Countless tips that solve all the problems. Extensive decorating techniques for the beginning baker and the professional. Detailed information on ingredients and equipment. A special chapter devoted to the master baker. Pointers for success following the recipes. If you want to bake a pound cake or a 4 tier wedding cake, this book will help you do it and do it well.


A Little Coffee Cookbook by Janet Laurence published by Appletree Press, 1992,60 Pages

This delightful book of delicious coffee recipes also includes a brief history of coffee-where and how it is grown, the different kinds of coffee available, and various methods of brewing. Recipes for iced, spiced, and Irish coffees are included, as well as recipes for Coffee and Chestnut Pate, Lamb Roasted with Coffee, Coffee Cheesecake, along with many other favorites. Charming illustrations and brimming with information, it's the perfect companion for any coffee lover.


A Treasury of Classic Recipes by Michelle A. Preston, published by JBG Publishing, 1989, 4 books

The treasury includes 4 paperback books, Meats, Poultry, Seafood, and Appetizers, Soups, Salads and Deserts. The small books are filled with classic recipes for each category. Poultry includes recipes for chicken, turkey, and game birds such as duck, pheasant, goose and more. Meats includes beef, ham and pork recipes. Seafoods includes recipes for baked broiled, fried and roasted fish. Appetizers, soups, salads and desserts includes recipes for parties, first courses and desserts.


Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook 10th Edition published by Bantam Books, 1993, 1075 pages

From the Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen comes the newest edition of a treasured culinary classic. The new cookbook has been adapted to suit the busy schedules and health conscious attitudes of today's cooks. Wonderful appetizers, flavorful entrees, robust salads and luscious desserts. There are also popular ethnic and regional dishes. 1300 taste tested recipes, hundreds of preparation techniques, meal planning hints and cooking tips, complete microwave and crockery cooker instructions, home canning and freezing directions. An excellent basic cookbook to have on hand.


The Pillsbury Cookbook published by Bantam Books, 1996, 928 pages

The Pillsbury Cookbook features over 1200 recipes taste tested and evaluated, winning recipes from the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest, imaginative menus and entertaining ideas, complete nutritional information, handy cook's notes, and creative ideas for using your microwave or grill. Award winning recipes that you can prepare in minutes.


Coffee Cakes by Lou Pappas, published by Chronicle Books, 1998, 72 Pages

With Coffee Cakes, veteran cookbook author Lou Pappas shows how to enhance the daily pleasure we all look forward to, and delight friends and family with a special treat. Whether your drink is a creamy mocha, a skinny cappuccino, or a plain old cup of joe, you'll find the perfect complement in Coffee Cakes.


The Best Slow Cooker Cookbook Ever by Natalie Haughton, published by HarperCollins, 1995, 218 Pages

The perfect way to cook for today's busy families. Most recipes just combine all the ingredients in the pot and let you simply walk away while the dinner simmers throughout the day-or overnight. Delicious family suppers are a snap. Spanish Chicken with Olives, Spicy Pineapple Pork Chili, and Apricot Glazed Chicken are just a few. There's a chapter that's Mainly Meatless and one that offers a variety of desserts and hot drinks. Busy families will love this one.


The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, by Marion Cunningham, published by Bantam Books, 1994, 1230 Pages

The traditional, all american cookbook expanded, updated and revised for the 1990's. Nearly 2000 recipes including traditional American favorites and contemporary classics, buying information, cooking instructions, and hundreds of food tips. All new chapters on microwave, outdoor and vegetarian cooking. Sample menus and over 200 how-to illustrations. A classic that's even better.


Chocolate by Nick Malgieri, published by HaperCollins, 1998, 464 Pages

In ten chapters, Nick offers a primer on the basics and every kind of chocolate from cocoa to chips and white chocolate to big dark slabs of the world's favorite luxury food. Information on storage, handling, and the fundamentals needed to create chocolate confections is clear and concise. Recipe sections include everything you need to know for cakes and cookies, creams and custards, ice creams, pies and pastries, sauces and beverages, truffles and pralines, dipped and molded chocolates, all adapted for the home cook. A true home companion for anyone who wants to cook with chocolate.


Better Homes and Gardens Dessert Cookbook, published by Meredith Publishing, 1960, 160 Pages

400 recipes that are taste tested in the Test Kitchen. The book includes long time favorites, everything from velvety chocolate cake to marvelous Bavarians. Desserts as easy as 1-2-3, spectaculars for special occasions, treats for weight-watchers, desserts to make ahead and much more. Chapters include fruit desserts, cakes, frostings, fillings and sauces, pastry and pies, puddings, cookies and candies, easy 1-2-3 desserts, dessert spectaculars and do ahead desserts. A great collector's book.


Time Life Old Fashioned Christmas Cookbook published by Time Life, 1996, 223 Pages

The cookbook features recipes perfect for a neighborhood skating party with lots of Hot Spiced Cider, a family Christmas eve dinner with Roast Goose and Plum Pudding, or New Year's Day snacks like Hot Crab Meat Appetizers. Make Rapsberry Vinegar or Hazelnut Liqueur to give as gifts, or cranberry and popcorn chains and cookie ornaments to hang on the tree. Menu planning suggestions for holiday entertaining and family activities ensure and old-fashioned Christmas full of glad tidings and good food.


McCall's Best Recipes 1990, published by Oxmoor House, 1990, 272 Pages

Recipes are arranged by months and include categories such as; company's coming cookbook, dessert lovers cookbooks, micro-way, lite eating, backyard barbecue, fruit cookbook, summer salads, quick and easy, side dishes cookbook, thanksgiving cookbook, and a Christmas cookbook. There are recipes for every day and every taste.


Betty Crocker's Good And Easy Cookbook, published by Golden Press, 1971, 154 Pages

Quick and Easy recipes that are fast and good for you. Recipes include meats and main dishes, side dishes, breakfasts, lunches and brunches, desserts and a chapter on good and easy guidelines for freezing and planning your meals. Another collectors book.


Better Homes and Gardens Cookie Classics, published by Meredith Books, 1998, 120 Pages

The Ultimate Cookies to serve to family and friends. It even gets the kids into the action. More than 80 kitchen tested recipes, tips on how to make sure your cookies are perfect and delicious every time, sliced, dropped, cutout, bar, no bake, holiday and company best cookies. There are cookies for every taste in this collection.


All Time Family Favorites Country Baking, published by Publications International, 1995, 128 Pages

Discover muffins, scones, biscuits and more in this mouth watering collection. Whether you're longing for an easy, energy packed breakfast on the go or a savory side for a family feast, you'll find it in Country Baking. Choose from a variety of oven loving recipes including Cinnamon Buns, White Chocolate Chunk Muffins and Parmesan Garlic Twists. There's even a low fat chapter featuring shaped-up versions of all time favorites. Fresh from the oven, these are sure to please.


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Page last updated on March 2, 2003 By Deborah