Review: The Nightmare Before Dinner by Zach Neil

October 29, 2018April 4, 201910 Comments

Title: The Nightmare Before Dinner: Recipes to Die For: Recipes and Drinks from The Beetle House
Author: Zach Neil
Publisher: Race Point Publishing
Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

Some like it goth! If you love movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, or The Evil Dead, then you’ll love the official cookbook of The Beetle House, the Tim Burton-inspired restaurant with locations in New York, Los Angeles, and more. Featuring chef and owner Zach Neil’s signature recipes like “Edward Burger Hands,” a juicy burger stuffed with smoked bacon, fried egg, pepper jack cheese, avocado, with a sriracha cream sauce and “Wonka Wings,” chicken wings with a custom Fanta orange soda glaze, and so many more. Plus you’ll get an array of craft cocktails from the Coco Skellington to the Beetle’s Juice. Featuring more than 50 recipes plus a section on how to host your very own Burton-themed party with crafts, costume, decorations, and more this is the perfect book for the goth, the movie buff, and Halloween lover all the world round.

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃

The Nightmare Before Dinner by Zach Neil is a recipe book that is sure to spark some creativity into your kitchen. This whimsical Tim Burton themed cookbook has so many fun and tasty ideas that can be created for any occasion. However, those seeking inspiration for a Halloween party will find everything they need to set the stage for a bash suitable for the King of Halloween himself. Continue reading →

Review: The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook by Olivia Hops

September 4, 2018April 4, 201922 Comments

Title: The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook
Author: Olivia Hops
Publisher: Harvard Common Press
Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook brings you 75 creative, colorful, and completely safe to eat cookie dough recipes from the owner of Unbaked, the famous LA cookie dough bar.

Looking for a sure-to-please dessert, birthday party treat, or potluck bring-along that can be ready in 10 minutes with minimal clean up? Edible cookie dough is what you need, and dough expert and LA cookie dough bar owner, Olivia Hops, has exactly what you're looking for.

The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook is the first cookbook to focus exclusively on this hotly growing dessert. With step-by-step instructions, Olivia serves up 55 scrumptious doughs, each one completely safe to eat raw—right off the spoon, from a bowl, or out of a cup.

Just a few of the sweet-tooth-satisfying cookie doughs you'll find here:
Gingerbread Snickerdoodle Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chunk Lemon Cookie White Chocolate Chai Pina Colada Salted Caramel Edible Mud Pie and Brownie Batters If that's not enough for you, Olivia also serves up 20 recipes for special treats you can make with cookie dough, from a chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake to cookie dough sandwiches, which are like an ice cream sandwich, but better.

With tips and tricks for how to serve edible cookie dough—mixed into an ice cream cone, anyone?—and how to create your own signature cookie dough recipes, The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook will keep your sweet tooth satisfied.

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃

Somehow I had not heard of this edible cookie dough phenomenon until I came across Olivia Hops’ The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook. If you are like me and eat more batter than actual cookies, this book will change your life. The recipes in this cookbook are simple, safe to eat, and so much fun for those looking to make something different in the kitchen. Continue reading →

Review: Food52 Genius Desserts

September 3, 2018February 8, 201910 Comments

Title: Food52 Genius Desserts: 100 Recipes That Will Change the Way You Bake
Author: Kristen Miglore
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

In this follow-up to the IACP award-winning, New York Times best-selling cookbook Genius Recipes, Food52 is back with the most beloved and talked-about desserts of our time (and the under-the-radar gems that will soon join their ranks)--in a collection that will make you a local legend, and a smarter baker to boot.

Drawing from her James Beard Award-nominated Genius Recipes column and powered by the cooking wisdom and generosity of the Food52 community, creative director Kristen Miglore set out to unearth the most game-changing dessert recipes from beloved cookbook authors, chefs, and bakers--and collect them all in one indispensable guide.

This led her to iconic desserts spanning the last century: Maida Heatter's East 62nd Street Lemon Cake, Francois Payard's Flourless Chocolate-Walnut Cookies, and Nancy Silverton's Butterscotch Budino. But it also turned up little-known gems: a comforting Peach Cobbler with Hot Sugar Crust from Renee Erickson and an imaginative Parsnip Cake with Blood Orange Buttercream from Lucky Peach, along with genius tips, riffs, and mini-recipes, and the lively stories behind each one.

The genius of this collection is that Kristen has scouted out and rigorously tested recipes from the most trusted dessert experts, finding over 100 of their standouts. Each recipe shines in a different way and teaches you something new, whether it's how to use unconventional ingredients (like Sunset's whole orange cake), how to make the most of brilliant methods (roasted sugar from Stella Parks), or how to embrace stunning simplicity (Dorie Greenspan's three-ingredient cookies). With photographer James Ransom's riveting images throughout, Genius Desserts is destined to become every baker's go-to reference for the very best desserts from the smartest teachers of our time--for all the dinner parties, potlucks, bake sales, and late-night snacks in between.

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃

When I saw that Food 52 Genius Desserts was available to review, it took me all of one second to decide. I have always enjoyed the Food52 recipes, as they seem to always work out and provide fantastic results. This recipe book is one that should be a staple in any kitchen that strives to make an easy, yummy dessert. Continue reading →

Review: Mastering Pizza by Marc Vetri

August 20, 2018February 8, 201917 Comments

Title: Mastering Pizza
Author: Marc Vetri
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Publication Date: August 28, 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

A revolutionary guide to making delicious pizza at home, offering a variety of base doughs so that your pizza will turn out perfect no matter what kind of oven or equipment you have.

Pizza remains America's favorite food, but one that many people hesitate to make at home. In Mastering Pizza, award-winning chef Marc Vetri tackles the topic with his trademark precision, making perfect pizza available to anyone. The recipes--gleaned from years spent researching recipes in Italy and perfecting them in America--have a variety of base doughs of different hydration levels, which allow home cooks to achieve the same results with a regular kitchen oven as they would with a professional pizza oven. The book covers popular standards like Margherita and Carbonara while also featuring unexpected toppings such as mussels and truffles--and even a dessert pizza made with Nutella. With transporting imagery from Italy and hardworking step-by-step photos to demystify the process, Mastering Pizza will help you make pizza as delicious as you find in Italy.

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃

If there is one food that I have to say is my absolute favourite, it would definitely be pizza. After reading Marc Vetri’s Mastering Pizza, my eyes have been opened to a whole new way of experiencing this versatile food. This cookbook is both educational and eye-opening, while providing home cooks with some techniques and recipes to try themselves. Continue reading →

Review: Ciderhouse Cookbook by Jonathan Carr & Nicole Blum

July 30, 2018July 30, 201810 Comments

Title: Ciderhouse Recipes
Author: Jonathan Carr & Nicole Blum
Publisher: Storey Publishing LLC
Publication Date: August 7, 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

Inspired by the full flavors emanating from their idyllic ciderhouse located in the heart of a rustic New England apple orchard, Jonathan Carr and Nicole Blum’s recipes, developed in collaboration with chef Andrea Blum, celebrate the versatility of fresh cider in all its forms.

Ciderhouse Cookbook teaches home cooks how to make a full array of traditional cider products, including cider syrups, molasses, vinegars, shrubs, and switchels, as well as apple preserves. The 127 cider-enriched recipes that follow are simple yet elegant, ranging from Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Garlicky Apple Vinaigrette to Braised Lamb Stew with Apples, Switchel, and Yogurt Mint Sauce; Cider Mimosas; Apple Pommeau Cake; and Crêpes with Fried Apples and Cider Caramel Sauce. With beautiful photography that captures the ambiance of the ciderhouse, this book is a deliciously loving tribute to America’s favorite fruit.

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃

Review

Ciderhouse Cookbook by Jonathan Carr and Nicole Blum is a recipe book that really took me by surprise. There is quite a bit of history and backstory about the authors and their approach for a sustainable orchard. Admittedly, I did find this aspect to be a little to lengthy, but it is nice to understand the authors behind the recipes. Most of these recipes will require some special cider ingredients that you can either make yourself or purchase. If you are looking for traditional recipes on how to make things with apple cider, this book may be a bit more than expected. Continue reading →