Cooking Light Complete Cookbook

[hka]

I just wanted to tell everyone that I recently received the CL Complete Cookbook and have made a few thing out of it. Saturday night I made the Chicken Marsala and the Garlicky Brown Rice except I used white Basmati. It's what I had on hand plus it didn't take as long to cook. Anyhow, I just wanted to give it a thumbs up and encourage those of you who have purchased the book to try it. It was quite excellent. The only thing I'd do different is make double the sauce. Mine cooked down a lot so I think extra would definitely come in handy. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[alice*]

I love this book, too. Of course it is my only CL book and I just started subscribing... I love hearing others misc reviews and comments, here are some of mine:

Roasted pepper cheese dip: This is divine! Serve it at a party with fresh veggies
Buttermilk Pancakes: These are delicious, I added blueberries and red huckleberries picked this summer and served them with maple syrup
Jalapeno corn bread: This was good, but I think I like my regular corn bread better: it is huskier, sweeter and more flavorful. My dad loved it though, he raved on and on about it.
Italian spinach cheese swirls: This bread is SO good, I have made it twice and everyone who tastes it raves about it. It is also very easy and makes two loaves, so you can save one for the next night http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
German chocolate cake: Incredibly moist and "un light" tasting. The pecans in the frosting were delicious.
Tuscan cod: this was a nice, light, weekday fish recipe. Some commented that the flavours were more carribean than tuscan.
Maryland Crab Cakes: This are absolutely superb. I LOVE crab cakes and can't wait to try the thai ones, but, alas, they will have to wait (crab is SO expensive! 1 lb cost me over 25$!)
Greek Couscous: Yummy! This was so good! I made it with bulgur (like tabbouleh) instead and it worked fine. I also added less water and substituted some rice vinegar for some of the lemon juice. We had leftover tangy baby shrimp which we threw in too, but any number of things would be good in here...
Pasta with fresh tomatoes: I bought fresh red pepper linguine and made it with this fresh sauce. It was refreshing and good.
Grilled teriyaki prok chops: This got rave reviews from my family, but I don't really like pork, so I'm trying it with chicken next time. (I LOVE teriyaki chicken)
Chicken enchilada caserrole: This is delicious as many people on this BB have already stated.
Honey pecan crusted chicken: Yum yum, this was a good dish that I served with asian brocolli, sweet/sour sauce and a creamy cream of wheat baked dish that is not exactly light but cheesy and divine. ahh, memories
Chicken with 40cloves of garlic: tasty, easy weeknight dish.
Mexican black bean and citrus salad: yum yum: this salad has everything: beans, fruit, vegetables and a versatile, spicy dressing. A keeper (and a base for additions, I added mangoes last time)
Curried chicken salad with peas: This is a great refreshing chicken salad: I added cashews instead of peanuts and MORE curry!
Curried santa barbara shrimp salad: I had to use small shrimp for this one because the big ones were too expensive. Still, it was delicious and my guests loved it.
Garlic basil vinaigrette: This is a godsend! I usually can't get my family to eat low fat salad dressings, but they like this one and it satisfys my just fine.
Zesty coleslaw dressing: I also love love this, it is very good with just cabbage, carrots, and apples.
Spicy black bean and sausage soup: Delicious. I made this very thick and served it with rice and pineapples.
Senatorial bean soup: This is very good, but someone said it didn't taste like the senate bean soup they remembered http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Mulligatawny Soup: Very good and quick. Apples and chicken. Yum.
Hot and Sour Soup: I had never had hot and sour soup, but I wasn't too big on this. I found it too, well, sour, and I didn't like the taste of the mushrooms. My sister kindly put it ("this is the 1st CL recipe I don't like)
Roasted Peppers: Delicious, good with many things or by themselves.

I have also made the tex mex black bean dip, ooey gooey sticky buns and italian cream cake (love that cream cheese icing), but I figured those were so well known and loved that it goes without saying how delicious they are...
OK...so, that gives anyone more than enough to start on...Any exceptional dishes I should try? Hope this helps...

[Denise]

Double Chocolate Chews - Got the highest rating ever! Very easy and very chocolatey.

Mashed Potato Casserole - Creamy and delish. I've already made them twice.

Julienne Glazed Carrots - My boyfriend said "carrots are ok, but these are really good!"

[Lizz13.1]

I also just received the CL book. I made the Chocolate Chew and coconut cookies right before them. The coconut cookies were better when I popped in more liquid than required. I added a 1/4 c. of liquified apple sauce (it comes in a squeeze bottle). The cookies spread easier then the first time I made them. Also, my Supper club made the chicken with Mole sauce. It looks like a ton of ingredients, but it is worth it. I agree it is a gread book with SOOOO many hints

[hka]

Alice, if you like ceasar salad try the Creamy Ceasar salad. I just made it last night and it was soo good! You could add chicken and make a meal of it. The only thing I did different was that I used light mayo instead of fat free. I didn't have fat free plus I'm not a big fan of fat free mayo. It didn't taste low fat at all and my husband and mom loved it. We all had seconds! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I also made the Bowtie Pasta Carbonara which was easy and tasted wonderful. That one would probably be good with a little hot pepper flakes sprinkled on top and mixed in. In fact, there's a lot you could do with that recipe. Anyway, there's a couple more for you to try. I'll have to try making the cookies that were mentioned and some of the other ones you listed.

[Lynn B]

Excellent cookbook! I LOVE mine, too!

Thanks for all the great reviews above. I haven't tried one thing yet out of it that we didn't just love.

Now I have to get that 5-Star... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Lynn

[alice*]

Just to update my reviews... I made the
Thai coconut noodles tonight and served them with chicken satay and peanut sauce. They were very tasty. I added beansprouts and more spices to the recipe, however, and some dry, flaked coconut along with the coconut milk. Oh yeah, hka, I LOVE caesar salad, but haven't tried the creamy caesar yet. Will definately try soon http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Thanks

[This message has been edited by alice* (edited 02-06-2001).]

[kima]

May I ask you Alice if you got the Complete CL locally? I have not been able to find it. I can special order it but I am anxious to get it after reading about all the great recipes! The library does not have it either. By the way you sound like a great cook- do you have a large family to cook for. I have my husband sand 2 girls- ages 18 and 20. Hope I am not being too nosy!!!!

[SandyM]

How timely! I just received an order form to buy the book through the mail - for $20.00 plus shipping! It's in the mail as we speak.......

[alice*]

Hey Kima, yes I had a very hard time finding the CL complete cookbook, but I finally did, in Chapters. (I know, I know, it is so much nicer to support the locals, but...) I think Bolen Books said the were "getting it soon." However, there were only 2 copies @chapters and I got the last one. They might have more now (this was xmas). I do have a big family (5 people, fairly big), I am actually only 18 and have 2 sisters (12 and 16). I cook a lot because my mum works full time, and, well, if I left it up to my dad we would have huge hunks of meat and potatoes every night. I am going to college in the fall and taking this year off. Where do you teach? Ok, I am getting nervous because I don't want to use up board space with info that might not be of use to anyone else. You can email me the replys if you want, I'm not sure what the BB policy is on this...

[lsdesign]

Is this a different one than the one that came out last year? I have one that has the very same cover.Hmmmm...

[SusieO]

Alice,
Wow. When I was 18, I could pretty much boil water and measure the milk for Kraft macaroni and cheese. I am amazed at your ability. Your parents and sisters are very lucky people!

[kima]

Alice you are amazing To be hanest I pictured you being about my age (I am 43) with older children! My interest in cooking began when I got married at 22 and I devored every cookbook I could get my hands on. Laurel's Kitchen provided my first inspiration. I urge you to read the read the preface (in the old edition) sometime. It sounds a little old fashion in todays carrer focused world but the core message is very inspiring. I think you are a real inspiration. I have an 18 year old daughter and she TALKS about cooking but doesn't do it.
I'd love to meet you sometime but I'm afraid you might find me a bore. I do know alot about the music and culture of your age as my own daughter is a real individual . She shuns alot of the materialism and conformity of many teens. By the way I am a substitute teacher in private schools here.
I look forward to more of your posts- What a fortunate family you have!

[lanie]

Kima - I ordered the CL Complete through this site - I, too live in Canada (Toronto) and paid I think $50.52 - something like that - with the shipping, etc. Haven't seen it at Chapters here. Very speedy delivery as well.

Elaine

[alice*]

Hi everyone. Wow I am so flattered. I never really thought about it being amazing that I cook, but I do see cooking as an art (I'm an artist) and I like to do the best job possible. That includes presentation, taste, and, of course, nutritional value. I really love to do it so I don't consider it a chore. I love this board because it helps me get ideas, share recipes etc. Like people have said before, it is very addictive! Kima I would love to meet you, I'm sure it would NOT be a bore. We could even get together for cooking sometime. I have a HUGE kitchen and a very nice family. (okra perhaps...?) Anyway, I am going to Honduras tomorrow with my grandparents on a Habitat for Humanity type housebuilding, but when I get back maybe http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Can't wait to see more reviews...

[laden]

alice-

You sound so cool! I am very impressed with your interest in cooking. I have always loved cooking and am also interested in the presentation as much as the health and taste.

Keep up the good work.

Lisa

[Grace]

alice*, I am thoroughly impressed! Your parents must be very proud of you. To be so young and still spend so much time contributing to your family (and in such a wonderful way!) is admirable and inspiring. It's also refreshing to see young people interested in food and cooking (especially healthy!). It seems to me that young people (at least the ones I know) have no interest in any of that, and eat fast food and other junk. I'd be happy to adopt you if you want to move to Chicago!! (ha ha). You're family would probably hunt you down and take you straight back home - they'd be demanding their great meals again!

Anyhow, don't worry about going a little off topic on this board. All those reviews you posted (in my mind) earns you the right to post pretty much whatever you like! And keep the reviews coming - it's my favorite part of the board, and it always inspires me to make something new and different! Thanks again, and happy cooking!!

[browneye]

I got this book a little over a month ago and thought I would add some reviews on some of the things I have made over the last few weeks.

Creamy Four-Cheese Macaroni: this was really a treat for the boys since I hadn't made M&C for a while due to the high fat content. This one is a hit and nobody would've guessed that it is lighter. The only thing I did different was substitute White American cheese from the deli instead of the Velveeta light, then added about 1/4 cup milk to add moisture.

Goat Cheese quesadillas with Green Chile salsa:
These are really yummy. They whip together very quickly for a week-nite supper or snack or lunch and they were a huge hit. I used purchased salsa that I doctored up a little bit.

Linguine with two sauces: Excellent!! I added extra basil as always, this was a big hit too.

Creamy Ceasar Dressing: Very very good salad dressing, and I usually don't like lowfat or nonfat salad dressings...

Creamy Chicken, Leek and Mushroom soup: we like this but thought the amount of chicken in it was too much. Next time more mushrooms less chicken... although since then we have switched to mostly meatless.. This soup also benefits from the addition of fresh chopped thyme...

Green beans with bacon -balsamic vinaigrette: these are really nice, I had some ultra fresh and crispy beans to use. Really nice side dish..crunchy almonds were yummy.

Chicken Parmesan.. a very good, basic Chicken parmesan recipe. I added extra spices. I also had to bake the chicken in the oven to cook it all the way through. I guess I didn't pound them flat enough...

Creamy Chicken-and-Rice casserole. This was devoured by my family. It isn't real sophisticated by any means, but a great weeknite supper for the hungry. It's been requested as a repeat..

Shrimp Scampi: Yum... Yum.. what else needs to be said?


I think that's it for now. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by browneye (edited 04-07-2001).]

[Jewel]

If anyone is still looking for this wonderful cookbook, I see them all the time on Ebay! Great prices too!

My favorite recipe so far is the Honey Pecan Crusted Chicken . YUM! Hubby thinks it's too sweet on chicken and likes it better with Pork Chops. That's good too! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[MrsReber]

I have to put in my vote for the beef brisket in beer! I made this last night for dinner and it was excellent. I would definitely make it again! Someone had posted a review not too long ago so I thought I'd try it.

[Meg O'C]

Ok. I think I need to cave and go buy this book. I really don't need it (so many untested recipes in other books I already own and back orders of CL) but I have a credit at Barnes and Noble so it wouldn't really be like spending $$ on it, right???? Just trying to make myself feel better!

Seriously, if it's the one I'm thinking it is, the cover has the blueberry cake on it and I always hear about great recipes people have tried from it! Maybe it can be an Easter present to myself . . .

[chefbec]

Yes, I think I'm caving, too. I saw it on eBay (there are four on the auction block) and I looked it over at Barnes & Noble today (I don't have a credit there and won't be paying that price!) Jessica's Biscuit had it for $24.46. I might be going back to eBay....... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[greta]

after much searching, i am still unable to locate the linguine with two sauces recipe. would someone mind posting it?? THANKS bunches!

[Mousie29]

Have you tried half.com or the used ones on amazon, if there are any?

[Wendy w]

Two weeks ago, I saw 4 of them at one of my favorite book booths at the swapmeet for $10.00! Yes, $10.00!! The only thing is that the front covers weren't very pretty, as they were faded or had a little scar on them. Basically, who cares, it is the content that counts and I consider it among my favorites!

I received one from my sister for my last birthday and bought one for a friend through Oxmoor House http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif and I am in the midst of a fight right now about them charging me for a "free" gift for reviewing the book.

Griping aside, alice*, you are awesome!

[Pasha Luber]

Just thought that I would add on a couple of recipe comments -
The Raspberry Balsamic Chicken is dee-licious! My husband tasted it and said "Wow, I would pay a lot of money in a restaurant for this!" What a sweetie! Also the Orzo with Portabello is tasty, but a lot of prep (with varied ingredients) and lots left over. I also love the Linguine with Two Sauces, don't substitute button mushrooms - the taste will suffer.

[Angela]

My mom just found the CL Complete Cookbook and 5 Ingredients in 5 Mins. books at a book outlet store. The Complete was only $10 and the 5 Ingredients was only $8!! She called me on her cell phone to tell me she was getting them for herself and asked if I would like them also. I jumped at that offer!! They are in good condition too, just a little knicked on the outside corner.
Keep this in mind--you might want to find a book outlet near you and check it out, you never know.