itching to buy a new cookbook or two

[CindySoCal]

I have been browsing amazon.com and feel the need for a couple of new cookbooks.
Does anyone have:
New Sara Foster's Casual Cooking: More Fresh Simple Recipes from Foster's Market, or
Giada's Family Dinners by Giada De Laurentiis or
Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again

Thoughts on the books???
TIA :) :) :)

[mbrogier]

I have Giada's Family Dinners and the new Barefoot Contessa. I haven't used the second Giada as much as the first one because the recipes seem more set for larger crowds, and I just cook for Rob and me most of the time.

The Barefoot Contessa has more good recipes from Ina, but this one seemed to me to have more vegetables and decent side dishes or main courses that were less indulgent. I just got it in the past two months, and Rob just had surgery for his nerve damage, and I'm about to have a total hysterectomy, so neither of us have been doing much actual cooking. :rolleyes: I did put post it flags on about 1/3 of the book, though, so it would be a keeper for me.

[MissFood]

I have the new Sara Foster one (Casual Cooking), and I'm disappointed. And this is the first cookbook I've bought in a long while that I'm disappointed in. No soup section, no breakfast section and only a very barebones dessert section with few baked goods (those were my favorite sections in her first two books). On top of that, the recipes are "duh" recipes. My favorite "duh" recipe is the English muffin pizza. Spread with sauce, top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices. I am *not* known for my creativity in the kitchen, but did I really need a cookbook to tell me that? Some recipes and ingredient combinations will be worth having, but all in all a disappointment.

Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to check out the other two you mentioned yet.

[Ann1965]

I have the new Barefoot Contessa cookbook. I haven't made anything out of it yet, but like others, have several things flagged. I know this doesn't help much...

[gaja]

I have the new Sara Foster one (Casual Cooking), and I'm disappointed. And this is the first cookbook I've bought in a long while that I'm disappointed in. No soup section, no breakfast section and only a very barebones dessert section with few baked goods (those were my favorite sections in her first two books). On top of that, the recipes are "duh" recipes. My favorite "duh" recipe is the English muffin pizza. Spread with sauce, top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices. I am *not* known for my creativity in the kitchen, but did I really need a cookbook to tell me that? Some recipes and ingredient combinations will be worth having, but all in all a disappointment.

Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to check out the other two you mentioned yet.

I completely agree with your post. I was so looking forward to this cookbook because I loved Sara's first two books but my reaction to this one was mostly "duh" :(

[CindySoCal]

That's too bad about Sara's cookbook, when her others are so GREAT! :)

[semmens]

I am a shameless Amazon hussy.

Taunton Press (they publish Fine Cooking magazine) just put out "150 Things to Make witha Roast Chicken (and 50 ways to roast it)" yesterday. I have only skimmed it but it has loads of potential. the 50 "ways to roast" recipes contain ingredient measurements for either one or two birds(the idea is to do a spare to have leftovers). A few color pics but definitely a nice layout.

There isn't nutritional info included either, if that's a factor, but the serving sizes look normal (not RR-style, enough to choke a horse). I'm very excited!!

[kima]

I completely agree with your post. I was so looking forward to this cookbook because I loved Sara's first two books but my reaction to this one was mostly "duh" :(


Thanks for the heads up- a recipe for English Muffin pizzas? :eek: :eek:

Talk about dumbing down a book!

I just got the new Martha Stewart book "Great Food Fast" and it looks great- love the photos that go with every recipe. :cool:

[kcmo727]

Cindy:

I would agree with MissFood's review of Sara's new book. It is very similar to her old ones -- there is not much that is new in this one. Lots of salad dressings, marindes, sandwich ideas...things like that. And yes, the dessert chapter is awful, not even worth including in the book. No cakes or cookies. There are a few recipes that caught my eye and since I got my copy at the library I will just photocopy those pages and not bother buying a copy.

The latest Barefoot Contessa is better than Sara's new one but seems like a re-tread if you have her earlier books.

I like Giada's second book but did you know she has a new one coming out next month?

My fave new cookbook is Magnolia at Home by Alyssa Torey, owner of the Magnolia Bakery. It is a beautiful book filled with great recipes, none of them very complicated. Her style is similar to Ina Garten's. And the dessert chapter is fantastic!!! I have only had it a couple of weeks so don't have many reviews to share but the chicken dish I made a few nights ago came out great.

MBrogier: best of luck to you as you recover. Take good care of yourself!

[misskitty100]

You might want to check out Weber's Big Book of Grilling - if you are into grilling.

The recipes look amazing and has everything in from appetizers to desserts.

I cannot wait for summer although we are grilling now!

[SDMomChef]

I agree somewhat with the postings on the new Sarah Foster cookbook - I was shocked that her publisher not only included an english muffin pizza and it was one of the pictures. I'm not a big dessert person, so I don't really care that the dessert section was smaller. I did like the section on the different marinades, and there are quite a few recipes that I also will try - like the quesadilla recipe that uses smashed chickpeas - I would never have otherwise made that. So, I don't regret my purchase - but I'm also not sure whether or not I will use this cookbook as much as her first two books.

[weebeemommy]

I'm definitely in the cookbook shopping mood too!

Has anyone tried Ellie Krieger's book? I guess it's more healthy lifestyle than just cooking. I love her TV show - but it wasn't in our bookstore so I could page through it. Also, I have read so many reviews of great recipes from Moosewood;s Lowfat Cookbook - I think I will get the pair to qualify for free shipping.

[mrswaz]

I have Giada's Family Dinners, and have yet to make something out of it. Nothing really jumps out at me, plus they are nothing new. Almost all the recipes from Family Dinners can be found on FoodTv.

That's a bummer about Sara's new one. Fresh Every Day has become my go-to cookbook for everything.

Do you have any of Michael Chiarello's cookbooks? I have his Casual Entertaining and I love it. His Fennel Spice Rub was worth it for the price of the cookbook alone.

[cookieee]

Do you have any of Michael Chiarello's cookbooks? I have his Casual Entertaining and I love it. His Fennel Spice Rub was worth it for the price of the cookbook alone.

Hi, would you mind posting the recipe for the rub or show me a link? Thanks

[mrswaz]

Here you go cookieee. I use this most often for roasted chicken. I rub it into the chicken skin and then drizzle with a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice. From the book: "This simple spice mixture complements a wide range of foods, from pork ribs and chicken breasts to a bowl of lentil soup or a plate of grilled eggplant. At holiday time, make a big batch, pack it into small jars and give as gifts."

1 cup fennel seeds
3 Tablespoons coriander seeds
2 Tablespoons white peppercorns
3 Tablespoons sea salt (preferrably grey) ** I tend to agree, grey salt is a great splurge.

In a saucepan over med-low heat, toast the fennel, coriander, and peppercorns. Toss them frequently, and toast until golden brown and fragrant. Pour onto a plate to cool completely.

Combine toasted seeds with sea salt in a blender and grind. If making a half recipe, you can use a spice grinder. When using the blender, make sure to pause and shake the jar a few times to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Fennel spice rub will keep for about 6 months tightly sealed in a spice jar. (But I bet it won't last that long)

[erinlovesmarc]

Bad badddd thread! You people are tempting me into buying some more cookbooks...DH is going to kick my butt! :rolleyes: :D

[cookieee]

Here you go cookieee. I use this most often for roasted chicken. I rub it into the chicken skin and then drizzle with a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice. From the book: "This simple spice mixture complements a wide range of foods, from pork ribs and chicken breasts to a bowl of lentil soup or a plate of grilled eggplant. At holiday time, make a big batch, pack it into small jars and give as gifts."

1 cup fennel seeds
3 Tablespoons coriander seeds
2 Tablespoons white peppercorns
3 Tablespoons sea salt (preferrably grey) ** I tend to agree, grey salt is a great splurge.

In a saucepan over med-low heat, toast the fennel, coriander, and peppercorns. Toss them frequently, and toast until golden brown and fragrant. Pour onto a plate to cool completely.

Combine toasted seeds with sea salt in a blender and grind. If making a half recipe, you can use a spice grinder. When using the blender, make sure to pause and shake the jar a few times to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Fennel spice rub will keep for about 6 months tightly sealed in a spice jar. (But I bet it won't last that long)

This sounds great. Can't wait to try it. I love making my own spice blends. Thanks so much.

[cookieee]

Bad badddd thread! You people are tempting me into buying some more cookbooks...DH is going to kick my butt! :rolleyes: :D

Erin, what usually happens when people start playing SGOTW, the husbands are so grateful for the delicious meals that are coming from the cookbooks, they usually don't mind when you add more cookbooks. That's my story and I am sticking to it. :D

[carmor]

You might want to check out Weber's Big Book of Grilling - if you are into grilling.

The recipes look amazing and has everything in from appetizers to desserts.

I cannot wait for summer although we are grilling now!

DH got this book last year for Father's Day and we love it. It was the first time ever that he sat down and picked out new recipes that he wanted to try.

[SueK]

So, I don't regret my purchase - but I'm also not sure whether or not I will use this cookbook as much as her first two books.

My feelings exactly about this book. I've been very good recently about getting cookbooks from the library first, and if I like them, then I might but it. (To DH's shock (and relief!) , none have deemed worthy enough for me to buy. :) )

Anyway, I bought this one right away, because based on how much I've used her other books, I figured this would be another winner. It's just so-so for me.

Giada's book is due out on 4/6 and I'm going to give it a thorough go through at B & N before I buy it. I really have enjoyed her other books, though, so I have a feeling I'll end up with it.

[testkitchen45]

Erin, what usually happens when people start playing SGOTW, the husbands are so grateful for the delicious meals that are coming from the cookbooks, they usually don't mind when you add more cookbooks. That's my story and I am sticking to it. :D

I even got my DH to say "you need a rice cooker!" when I made rice-flavored glop in the crockpot! (High-fives all around the BB :D ).

We oughta have a thread about the # of cookbooks we have. Maybe a toaster or something for the winner.

[katydid]

Okay, maybe I'm behing here in the cookbook world, but....

I just got Rachael Ray's Express Lane meals. So far I've tried at least 5 recipes . 4 out of 5 were great! Very easy, quick and all the ingredients are things I have on hand in the pantry 95% of the time.
this is a great book for be being a new Mom who still wants to cook new things,but now I just don't have the time to make really involved meals.

[CindySoCal]

I'm definitely in the cookbook shopping mood too!

Has anyone tried Ellie Krieger's book? I guess it's more healthy lifestyle than just cooking. I love her TV show - but it wasn't in our bookstore so I could page through it. Also, I have read so many reviews of great recipes from Moosewood;s Lowfat Cookbook - I think I will get the pair to qualify for free shipping.

HAHAHA :D :D :D I have to laugh, I ALWAYS buy 2 cookbooks so I qualify for the "free shipping" too! I'm glad I'm not the only one :)

[gabbyh]

You might want to check out Weber's Big Book of Grilling - if you are into grilling.

The recipes look amazing and has everything in from appetizers to desserts.

I cannot wait for summer although we are grilling now!

This is one of our favorites!

~Gail

[Sami]

I have the BC at Home, and I made the Salmon recipe which was excellent. I also tagged the buttermilk mashed potatoes but haven't made them yet.

A book I bougt yesterday at Daedelus is Jran Anderson's process This, for the Food processor. Everything in there looks good, She is long on appetizers and breads, and shorter on main dish, sides and desserts.

Sami