Nothing Says Love Like Food and Ree

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With many of you celebrating Valentine’s Day today (Feb. 14th), I thought it would be a good time to share my thoughts on Ree Drummond’s latest cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks Dinnertime: Comfort Classics, Freezer Food, 16-Minute Meals, and Other Delicious Ways to Solve Supper! 

There’s just something about food and love that go together. An example, I’m sure many are planning a romantic meal for this special day of love. Need I say more? Yes, I do so here’s my thoughts on the cookbook.

THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS DINNERTIME by Ree Drummond

I find cookbooks by Ree Drummond to be so much more than just about ingredients and directions.

The author/blogger/photographer shares her life and her family through her cookbooks. Through the pages you will find beautiful color photographs of her husband, children, extended family, friends, pets, and livestock. In addition, she shares photos reflecting her family’s life on a ranch and day-to-day activities. She shares bits of nature, life, and humor.

Flipping through the latest cookbook is almost like thumbing through a family’s photo album and being a part of their life.

The icing on the cake, so to speak, is that the cookbook is jammed packed with delicious recipes that are easy to prepare. The dishes are divided into 11 categories along with a universal conversion chart, index and more. There are also helpful prep tips and suggestions for stocking a kitchen.

The recipes are broken down with an ingredient list and easy to follow instructions. The recipes are also accompanied by gorgeous color photos showing how the finished dish should look. In addition, there are vivid step-by-step photos you can follow along as you prepare the dish. The recipes include variations and suggestions of what to serve with them.

The cookbook covers a vast array of recipes. There’s ‘Frittata’ for when you want Breakfast for Dinner, a ‘Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad Wrap’ for dinner, ‘Ready-To-Go Freezer Meatballs,’ ‘Cajun Chicken Pasta,’ a ‘Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole,’ ‘Mini Blueberry Galettes’ and much, much more.

DINNERTIME covers comfort food, 16-minute meals and classic favorites. There’s something to please even the pickiest eater with more than 135 delicious recipes. This folksy downhome-style cookbook will quickly be a favorite go-to for scrumptious meals.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime: Comfort Classics, Freezer Food, 16-Minute Meals, and Other Delicious Ways to Solve Supper by Ree Drummond, William Morrow Cookbooks, @2015, ISBN: 978-0062225245, Hardcover, 400 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you collect cookbooks? Do you like cookbooks to share more than just recipes?

Wishing everyone a safe, happy and memorable VALENTINE’S DAY!!

The Cozy Cookbook {+ Giveaway}

I’m thrilled today to tell you about a new cookbook featuring numerous cozy murder mystery authors and recipes from their bestselling series that releases tomorrow (April 7).

In addition, thanks to the lovely Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a copy of the cookbook to giveaway to a lucky visitor. Please see the end of the post for more details. Now let me share my thoughts on this fun book.

THE COZY COOKBOOK: More Than 100 Recipes from Today’s Bestselling Mystery Writers

If you love good food and enjoy an intriguing murder mystery, then there’s a new cookbook perfect for you.

THE COZY COOKBOOK: More Than 100 Recipes from Today’s Bestselling Mystery Writers is filled with delicious recipes, as well as excerpts from New York Times bestselling authors and Berkley Prime Crime favorites.

The tasty recipes are from numerous cozy murder mystery series you love. The cookbook is divided into the following categories: Breakfast; Breads, Muffins, and Other Baked Goods; Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches; Drinks; Appetizers; Main Courses; Side Dishes; and Desserts. Sprinkled throughout the recipes are tasty morsels from these favorite series to whet your mystery taste buds.

THE COZY COOKBOOK also includes a list highlighting the series featured in the book with all the books in the series listed. There is also a section featuring the bios of all the authors participating in the cookbook. The authors include: Avery Aames/Daryl Wood Gerber, Ellery Adams, Connie Archer, Leslie Budewiz, Laura Childs, Cleo Coyle, Victoria Hamilton, B.B. Haywood, Julie Hyzy, Jenn McKinlay, and Paige Shelton.

This delightful cookbook will reunite you with some of your favorite mystery characters and hopefully introduce you to a few new ones. The delectable recipes are written in an easy-to-follow format making the preparing process more fun. The only downside to this charming book is there are no photos of the prepared dishes to drool over.

THE COZY COOKBOOK is a perfect addition to the mystery/food lovers’ kitchen collection.

The Cozy Cookbook: More Than 100 Recipes from Today’s Bestselling Mystery Writers, Berkley, @2015, ISBN: 978-0425277867, Paperback, 384 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one print copy of THE COZY COOKBOOK. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. on Monday, April 13. 

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient. The winner from this giveaway will have 72 hours to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. The email will have ‘Thoughts in Progress Cozy Cookbook’ in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you collect recipes? Have you jotted down or made note of recipes from mystery series you follow? Do you have a favorite recipes from a series?

*This post contains affiliate links.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Tour With Allison Waggoner’s In The Kitchen

I’m delighted to be participating in the Cedar Fort Publishing & Media blog tour for author Allison Waggoner’s latest release, IN THE KITCHEN: A Collection of Home and Family Memories, and sharing my thoughts.

Finding recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, as well as delicious, is always fun. National television host, chef, and author Allison Waggoner has just such recipes in her first cookbook, IN THE KITCHEN: A Collection of Home and Family Memories,

The stylish hardcover cookbook covers a vast array of recipes. It’s divided into five categories, along with an index and a section on the author and photographer. The categories include: Breakfast to Brunch, Entrees, Desserts, Pressure Cooking, and Gathering Cocktails. In addition, there is a short notes section at the back of the book where you can include your own thoughts about the dishes.

Some of the tasty recipes include: German Pancakes, Homestyle Pot Roast, Roasted Butternut Squash, Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, Fallen Chocolate Cake, and Lemon Drop Martini.

Many of the recipes are short and simple with as few as three to four ingredients, while others are a bit more time consuming with 15 or more ingredients. Each recipe is laid out in an easy-to-read format with the ingredients highlighted for quick reference. There are brief antidotes with the majority of the recipes giving background tidbits about the dish.

Not all the recipes include a photograph of the finished dish. But those that do feature beautiful, full-page vibrant photos by Alma Delia Guzman. There are even a few two-page layouts depicting the appetizing dishes.

IN THE KITCHEN would make a great addition to any cook’s library whether they are a novice preparing meals or a gourmet chef. This is a delightful cookbook.

In the Kitchen: A Collection of Home and Family Memories by Allison Waggoner, Front Table Books, @2014, ISBN: 978-1462116799, Hardcover, 160 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher as part of the author’s virtual blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Growing up in the chocolate industry inspired a journey filled with delicious and innovate cuisine for Allison Waggoner. Allison began her career developing her family’s gourmet chocolates, creating some of the finest, award-winning confections in the world. Her culinary designs have been featured in Crate & Barrel, Culinary Product Magazine, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Godiva Chocolatier, Walt Disney World, Fancy Food Magazine, Sally Foster Magazine, Target, Universal Studios, William-Sonoma and The Food Network. 

As a classically trained chef, Allison’s culinary and marketing career brought her to the attention of television executives. She first appeared as a guest host, bringing her confections and family history to the home shopping industry. Allison is presently seen in more than 80 million homes as a host on ShopHQ, a leader in retail broadcasting.

Now, Allison brings her love of food and favorite recipes to you in her first cookbook. A nostalgic collection of recipes accumulated through the course of her life and career, IN THE KITCHEN is filled with simple, delicious dishes for every day of the week.

For more on Allison, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Do you enjoy finding new recipes? Do you or someone you know collect cookbooks? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a great Wednesday and the weather is treating you well. Don’t forget to check out IN THE KITCHEN.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Sugar-Free Mom On Tour

I’m delighted to be participating in author Brenda Bennett and Cedar Fort Publishing’s virtual blog tour for Brenda’s latest release, SUGAR-FREE MOM: NATURALLY SWEET AND SUGAR-FREE RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

With the holidays comes parties and family gatherings with loads of food and lots of sweet treats. It’s always difficult to find ways to prepare healthy food that your family will enjoy.

Author and food blogger Brenda Bennett has created helpful tips and delicious recipes in SUGAR-FREE MOM: NATURALLY SWEET AND SUGAR-FREE RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY that will help when trying to lead a healthier lifestyle.

I found this book very informative and straight forward in that the author stresses this isn’t a diet book of low-calorie or even low-fat recipes. The mission of the cookbook, she explains, is cooking and baking without processed sugars. She incorporates natural sweeteners such as honey and coconut sugar in her recipes. She goes on to explain how her obsession/addiction to sugar created a roller coaster ride for her life for many years before she changed the way she approached cooking.

There are sections on what items the author has in her pantry, her kitchen essentials, sugar-free alternatives and avoiding refined flour products. All the recipes in SUGAR-FREE MOM include a nutritional information section that is calculated per serving. In addition, beautiful color photographs accompany the recipes depicting the delicious results.

The book is divided into the following categories: breakfast; light bites, salads, sides and more; main dishes; condiments; beverages; and sweet treats. Some of the yummy recipes include: Baked French Toast Sticks, Mock Tater Tots, Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers, Quick Ketchup, Mocha Protein Coffee Frappe, and Chocolate Macaroons. 

This cookbook will give you delicious recipes to prepare for your family and friends, while also helping you make healthier choices for your lifestyle. Removing process sugar from one’s diet can’t be done overnight, but SUGAR-FREE MOM provides techniques and tips for making the transition easier with tasty results.

Sugar-Free Mom: Naturally Sweet and Sugar-Free Recipes for the Whole Family by Brenda Bennett, Front Table Books, @2014, ISBN: 978-1462114498, Paperback, 224 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brenda Bennett’s passion for cooking began at the age of 5 kneeling on a chair by her grandmother’s side helping roll homemade gnocchi’s on a flour covered butcher block table. Her love affair with cooking was a mere hobby while teaching as a special educator and earning a Master’s Degree in Education. After the birth of her second child, she had to give up sugar.  

With sear determination and a deep desire to still enjoy chocolate, her love affair with food embarked on a new journey learning to develop recipes free of refined sugars and flours. After discovering peanut, tree nut and soy allergies in 2 of her 3 children making homemade healthier versions of the treats they loved became a necessity. She transitioned to the position of homeschooling mom of 3, recipe developer, food writer, photographer and blogger. She focuses on wholesome delicious food free of processed flours and sugars to feed her family and share with friends and fans on www.sugarfreemom.com. 

Brenda lives in RI with her husband, 3 children and their dog, Ruby. When she isn’t cooking, blogging or writing she can be found at spin class, camping, volunteering in cub scouts, or in the position of transportation engineer shuttling her children to karate, dance, boy scouts, soccer or softball.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a great Friday. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar in your recipes, be sure to check out SUGAR-FREE MOM. It’s a very informative cookbook. Do you use natural sugar in your cooking?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Gourmet Cooking For Two

I’m happy to be participating in the Cedar Fort virtual blog tour for author Christi Silbaugh’s latest release, GOURMET COOKING FOR TWO.

Here are my thoughts.

Finding the perfect recipe for a couple’s only meal can sometimes be difficult. You find the meal you want to prepare, but it’s designed for a group of six or more.

Author Christi Silbaugh has crafted the perfect cookbook for a ‘couple’s only’ meal. Each recipe is designed to feed only two with simple and easy ingredients and instructions.

The cookbook is divided into six categories – appetizers, salads, soups, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Adult Tater Tots, Parmesan Dill Sea Bass and Chocolate Mousse are just a few of the delicious recipes included. Many of the yummy recipes are accompanied by beautiful full page, color photographs. To add to the dreamy flavor of the cookbook, the author shares a romantic tip with each of the more than 100 recipes.

GOURMET COOKING FOR TWO is a fascinating cookbook for couples just dating or those married for years looking to add a little romance back into their lives. This cookbook will add some savory to your cooking and your relationship.

Gourmet Cooking For Two by Christi Silbaugh, Cedar Fort, @2014, ISBN: 978-1462114405, Paperback, 240 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christi Silbaugh is the self-educated chef and author of three cooking blogs including: Mom, What’s For Dinner, Gourmet Cooking For Two and Zero Calorie Life. 

She writes for foodie media giants Glam Media and Federated Media and works for Fast Forward Events, covering food and wine events in San Diego. Since 2009, she has created and posted over 1,000 gluten-free recipes. She lives with her family in California.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have you realized that today is 12/13/14? Just think that won’t happen again for 100 years. Now, do you plan romantic meals with your loved one? Do you have any tips for a couple’s only meal you’d like to share?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Paleo Meal Planning on a Budget

It’s a pleasure today to be participating in the Cedar Fort Publishing virtual blog tour for author Elizabeth McGaw’s recent release, PALEO MEAL PLANNING ON A BUDGET.

Here are my thoughts.

Not knowing anything about Paleo cooking, I’m amazed at the wealth of information PALEO MEAL PLANNING ON A BUDGET by Elizabeth McGaw offers.

The cookbook offers an introduction to meal planning and Paleo 101. There’s information on prep strategy, coupon and store deals, and a quick reference guide, not to mention numerous others tips and tricks to help any cook. The author also includes a few tips on cutting cost in other areas of the household to help during difficult times.

The recipes are divided into breakfast, lunch, dinner + side dishes, and desserts + snacks. The recipes are for such tasty dishes as Banana Pancakes, Tomato Soup, Broccoli Salad, Rosemary Lime Pork Chops, and Raspberry Mug Cake. Each of the delicious recipes, written in simple instructions, are accompanied by a bold, beautiful color photo showing how the finished dish should look.

A Paleo diet refers to eating mainly lean meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, assorted nuts and seeds much like the hunter/gathers of our ancestors did. The author encourages readers to try the diet at their own pace and to determine to what extent they want to follow the suggestions. She explains what it means to eat the Paleo way, the non-Paleo way and a few items that are “maybe-sorta-kinda” on the Paleo diet depending on the person’s goals for their body.

I found this book to be both informative and entertaining. The author has a way of conveying the information so the reader feels they’re discussing the topic with a friend. The conversational style writing makes the reader feel at ease and not quite so stressful about following the diet to the letter.

PALEO MEAL PLANNING ON A BUDGET provides helpful information for those wanting to change their way of eating to a healthier one, whether all at once or a little at a time.

Paleo Meal Planning On A Budget by Elizabeth McGaw, Front Table Books imprint of Cedar Fort, @2014, ISBN: 978-1462115068, Paperback, 200 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Elizabeth McGaw

Elizabeth McGaw is the blogger for Paleo On A Budget, a website dedicated to those that are following the Paleo lifestyle on a tight budget. 

She currently resides in Concord, NH and works alongside her husband, as both a Wedding Photographer and Web Designer. 
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you tried a Paleo diet? Did you know anything about the Paleo diet before today?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Around The Table by Martina McBride

When a celebrity comes out with a cookbook, you can’t help but wonder just how good it will be.

Country music megastar Martina McBride does an excellent job bringing delicious recipes and entertaining ideas together in her first book release, AROUND THE TABLE: Recipes and Inspiration for Gathers, Throughout the Year.

This delightful cookbook is chalked full of practical menu planning tidbits, appetizing recipes, and helpful advice for entertaining guests year-round. This attractive book is divided into 10 sections such as: Family Pizza Night, Mistletoe and Martins – A Holiday Open House, Spring Brunch Outdoors, Bruschetta Bash, and much more. There’s also a conversion chart, and a party log with guest book included.

There are beautiful, rich color photographs accompanying many of the recipes, as well as photos of McBride and her family enjoying numerous gatherings. McBride also includes a playlist for each of the gatherings, as well as personal anecdotes throughout giving the book a warm, friendly feel.

The recipes are written in easy to follow instructions with additional tips and notes added.

AROUND THE TABLE offers more than just recipes. It’s a fun way to incorporate delicious meals and fun entertaining while reducing the stress level. You don’t have to be a country music fan to enjoy this fascinating cookbook, just enjoy scrumptious dishes.

Around the Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year by Martina McBride, William Morrow Cookbooks, @2014, ISBN: 978-0062323910, Hardcover, 320 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

I do so appreciate you stopping by today. Do you have a favorite cookbook that you use for special occasions? Do you find yourself collecting cookbooks? I seem to be collecting more lately and enjoying experimenting with the wonderful recipes.

As the cold weather blankets much of the US this week, I hope you’re safe and secure and if snow has come to visit, it leaves as quickly as you wish for it to. Have a wonderful Friday.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Christmas Desserts: Sweets of the Season

I’m delighted to be participating in author Laura Powell’s Cedar Fort Publishing virtual book tour for her release, CHRISTMAS DESSERTS: Sweets of the Season.

Here are my thoughts on this delightful book.

Desserts are always a favorite during the holidays and author Laura Powell has some yummy treats to try in her cookbook, CHRISTMAS DESSERTS: Sweets of the Season.

This charming cookbook is small enough to be a great stocking stuffer, but big on taste and easy to prepare. The recipes are easy to follow with step-by-step instructions. There are numerous beautiful color photographs throughout the book showing the finished desserts that add to the process.

From Chocolate Peppermint Twist Cupcakes to Eggnog Cookies to Gingerbread Cheesecake Squares and many more, CHRISTMAS DESSERTS offers delicious recipes for the holidays and throughout the year.

Christmas Desserts: Sweets of the Season by Laura Powell, Cedar Fort Publishing & Media, @2014, ISBN: 978-1462114733, Paperback, 32 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher as part of the author’s virtual book tour. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Powell grew up in the Salt Lake Valley. She gained a passion for cooking from her mother and created her own recipe book as a young girl along with participating in a summer cooking program through the Deseret News. 

She began her blog, realmomkitchen.com, in April of 2008 as a way to showcase her passion for cooking. Since then realmomkitchen.com has turned into her own small business. Laura continues to reside in Utah with her husband and 3 children.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday. Do you have a favorite holiday dessert?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Decorating Cookies Party and Where Slow Food and Whole Food Meet

With the holidays fast approaching thoughts naturally turn to food and what we can share with family and friends. Now is the perfect time for some fantastic cookbooks that offer delicious recipes (and tips) for just about any event you have planned.

DECORATING COOKIES PARTY by Bridget Edwards

When it comes to desserts, cookies are the hardest to resist. Blogger turned author Bridget Edwards makes it even harder to resist with her latest cookbook, DECORATING COOKIES PARTY: 10 Celebratory Themes/50 Designs.

Cookies can be as simple as you want or as beautiful as works of art, but still fairly easy to make. Edwards shares her years of experience in tried and true techniques to create cookies for all occasions.

This charming cookbook features cookies decorating basics that include such elements as what equipment is needed, techniques that help make baking cookies easier, and cookie care. Edwards also includes a resource guide and templates for a number of her unique recipes.

The projects section showcases 10 themes for parties using cookies. This includes everything from the normal birthday party to a monster mash-up and a book club party.

The recipes are given in easy to follow steps with tips and techniques to make the baking less complicated. There are gorgeous color photographs throughout the book detailing the step-by-step instructions and featuring the resulting yummy cookies. The author also explains how to host a cookie decorating party for adults and youngsters.

There are no plain cookies featured in this cookbook, but the unique and whimsical designs are not as difficult as you might image thanks to the author’s comprehensive instructions and helpful techniques.

From the cover to the last page, you can’t help but smile as you check out the numerous cookies in DECORATING COOKIES PARTY. Whether you’re a novice or a pro in the kitchen, this cookbook will have you baking cookies just for the sheer pleasure of it.

Author Bridget Edwards blogs at Bake at 350.

Decorating Cookies Party: 10 Celebratory Themes/50 Designs by Bridget Edwards, Lark Crafts, @2014, ISBN: 978-1454708681, Paperback, 144 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. I requested it after winning a fabulous yellow KitchenAid stand mixer from the author during her release day celebration giveaway on her blog, Bake at 350. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

WHERE SLOW FOOD AND WHOLE FOOD MEET by Slow Cook Food Bloggers

Even without the extra pressure of the holiday season, it’s sometimes hard to prepare healthy meals for families with hectic schedules. WHERE SLOW FOOD AND WHOLE FOOD MEET: Healthy Slow Cooker Dinners From Our Kitchens to Yours offers tasty solutions. 

This cookbook, edited by Jennifer Dempsey and Christine Pittman, features delicious and healthy meals made in a slow cooker. The recipes are compiled from over 30 talented food bloggers and the proceeds from the book benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.

This book covers a vast array of meals from Chicken Dinners to Comfort in a Bowl to Take Out Night and much more. In addition, there are tips on affordable cooking, as well as advice for busy families using slow cookers.

There are recipes for all types of dishes such as Macaroni and Cheese with Sugar Snap Peas by Pamela Reed (@ Brooklyn Farm Girl), Harvest Chili by Nicole Harris (@ Wonky Wonderful), Balsamic Orange Roast Beef by Brenda Score (@ A Farmgirl’s Dabbles), and Whole Tuscan Chicken by Julie Deily (@ The Little Kitchen) just to name a few.

These recipes are simple and easy to follow. Each recipe is accompanied by a beautiful, vivid color photograph showing how the dish will look.

WHERE SLOW FOOD AND WHOLE FOOD MEET is a great cookbook for delicious, easy to prepare meals. A must have for families on the go or just looking for a healthy, comfort meal.

Where Slow Food and Whole Food Meet: Healthy Slow Cooker Dinners from Our Kitchens to Yours by Slow Cook Food Bloggers, Edited by Jennifer Dempsey and Christine Pittman, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, @2014, ISBN: 978-1501023415, Paperback, 116 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – I won a copy of this book from a giveaway hosted by Pamela Reed @ Brooklyn Farm Girl, along with a wonderful 6-quart Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker. No review of this book was requested, required, recommended or suggested as part of the win. In addition, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Holidays and no holidays, food is always a source of comfort and sharing food with friends and family makes it even better. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out these wonderful cookbooks today. Remember, they also make excellent gifts.

Hope you’re having a wonderful Saturday. See ya soon.

* This post contains affiliate links.

Afternoon Coffee and Crêpes {+ Giveaway}

Note: The winner of the giveaway is Dezmond. Congratulations Dez and thanks to all who entered.
 
I’m thrilled to be participating in author Holly Sinclair’s Foodie Blog Tour and Blog hop this week. 

I had the honor of reviewing her Afternoon Coffee and Crêpes cookbook. To celebrate her tour, Holly has a special giveaway for visitors to Thoughts. 

Here’s what the cookbooks is all about:

        An afternoon with stuffed crêpes and a rich cup of coffee makes for a superb get together. This book features seasonal theme entree and dessert crêpes and a recommendation for the right coffee brew for each month. On a chilly autumn afternoon have a nice pot of Brazilian coffee served with Spicy Shrimp Crêpes and Candied Acorn Squash, or Caramel Apple Crêpes. On a hot summer day, treat yourself to an exotic menu with Kona coffee, Tropical Shrimp Crêpes, Salad Greens with Sesame-Ginger Dressing, and Lava Flow Crêpes.

Now, let me share my thoughts on this fun book ……

I am far from an expert cook, but I do enjoy trying different dishes and styles. For that reason, I’m drawn to cookbooks. Author Holly Sinclair’s Afternoon Coffee and Crêpes enticed me just by the title.

Being a coffee junkie, this cookbook had to be made for me. As I started going through it, I realized I had missed the last word - Crêpes. Just the word crêpes brought visions of hours in the kitchen and difficult techniques.

Boy was I wrong. Sinclair gives simple step-by-step instructions on not only how to make the crêpes, but the various ways to serve them. She also gives delicious pairings for wonderful menus for each month of the year. In addition, Sinclair describes the different roast types of coffee and the perfect brew to go with each meal.

Preparing the batter was quick and simple. After I let it rest in the refrigerator as recommended, I held my breath and decided to give it a try. As the crêpe began to form, I couldn’t believe it. I discovered crêpes aren’t hard to make at all, in fact, they’re fun to prepare.

Afternoon Coffee and Crêpes is a fun cookbook that will assist you in making delicious meals throughout the year.

Afternoon Coffee and Crêpes by Holly Sinclair, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, @2014, ISBN: 978-1500718541, Paperback, 66 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author as part of her virtual blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Due to family matters, I haven’t had a chance to prepare a complete meal from Holly’s book. However, I have the crêpes I made in the freezer and look forward to preparing many of the yummy meals. Crêpes no longer scare me.

Afternoon Coffee and Crêpes
Cost: $10.00 print | $2.00 eBook If you buy the print version of the book from Amazon, you get the digital version free.
Where to get it: Amazon (print)
Kindle
Smashwords
iBooks
Barnes & Nobles

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Holly Sinclair, who goes by Southpaw on the Interwebs, finds cooking cathartic. The recipes she's created and collected grew into cookbooks. Holly's trying her hand at fiction and food seems to creep into most of her books.

Holly Sinclair Cookbooks, the website
HR Sinclair, the blog

Join Holly on the rest of her Blog Tour, each stop features a different cookbook and a chance for a free eBook!

You can join in the fun by signing up for the End of Tour Foodie Blog Hop! 

Talk about a fond food memory, describe your disasters in the kitchen, post your favorite recipe or pictures of food, or do anything food related. Sign up HERE.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

One commenter on this post will win a free digital copy of this cookbook. To enter, just leave a comment. If you want to leave a comment but don't want to enter, add "I hate food" to your comment. The winner will be announced on October 31st (tomorrow) on Holly's blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy crêpes? If so, what’s your favorite? Have you tried your hand at making crêpes before or does the thought terrify you?

On Tour: The Secrets of Gluten-Free Baking

I’m delighted today to be participating in author Jillayne Clements’ virtual book tour for her recent cookbook release, THE SECRETS OF GLUTEN-FREE BAKING: Delicious Whole Food Recipes.

We aren’t gluten-free in our household, but I’ve been wondering about the benefits of it. This was a great opportunity to learn more about it. Here are my thoughts on this unique and helpful cookbook …

THE SECRETS OF GLUTEN-FREE BAKING: Delicious Whole Food Recipes by Jillayne Clements

With the ever-growing awareness of gluten-free lifestyles, a cookbook on the subject sounded intriguing.

THE SECRETS OF GLUTEN-FREE BAKING by Jillayne Clements turned out to be so much more than just a cookbook. This is an in-depth guide to maintaining a gluten-free diet without gluten substitutes.

The cookbook is divided into five sections with a bonus section. Clements explains why she had to give up gluten and how the cookbook came about. She explains the secrets of making gluten-free products taste like wheat. She also tells about the items in her gluten-free pantry. In addition, she gives step-by-step instructions on sprouting and souring grains and how to make different types of flours and nut milks.

The recipe section is done in an easy-to-follow format with beautiful color photos featuring the dishes. The ingredients are listed separate from the instructions and the prep time is included in each recipe.

The bonus section highlights items usually not found in cookbooks – the bloopers of the recipe attempts. The bloopers include photos and explains what went wrong with the recipe. There is also a resource and reference guide included.

While this cookbook can be a bit overwhelming for someone just beginning a gluten-free diet, it would be a valuable resource guide to have on hand for those planning a gluten-free lifestyle. Clements uses whole foods to create healthy, tasty recipes for those who want or need a gluten-free diet. She has learned to bake gluten-free without losing the delicious flavor associated with these dishes.

The Secrets of Gluten-Free Baking: Delicious Whole Food Recipes by Jillayne Clements, Cedar Fort Inc., @2013, ISBN: 978-1462112869, Paperback, 192 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jillayne Clements holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development from Utah State University and is an author of both fiction and non-fiction books, including Deadly Treasure: A Novel, The Diet Rebel’s Cookbook: Eating Clean and Green, co-authored with Michelle Stewart, as well as an upcoming novel. 

After being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, she studied the importance of whole foods cooking and began creating her own recipes. She has taught classes in her community and at the Young Living Farm, including their yearly Lavender Days events, as well as catered for some of their essential oil conventions. She has also made whole foods desserts on both Good Things Utah and on Studio 5.

Jillayne resides with her husband and children in the shadows of Mt. Nebo, where she enjoys writing fiction, four-wheeling up mountain trails, and growing a lot of her own produce. 

For more on Jillayne and her writing, visit her website and blog, as well as connecting with her on Twitter.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Jillayne’s tour. Is gluten-free a way of life in your household? Have you ever tried sprouting and souring grains for gluten-free dishes?

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