Cherry Bombe by Kerry Diamond & Claudia Wu: A Cookbook Review

Title: Cherry Bombe
Author: Kerry Diamond, Claudia Wu
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Publish Date: October 10th 2017
Source: Blogging For Books
Buy It: Amazon

It's the first-ever cookbook from the team behind Cherry Bombe, the hit indie magazine about women and food, and the Radio Cherry Bombe podcast. Inside are 100+ recipes from some of the most interesting chefs, bakers, food stylists, pastry chefs, and creatives on the food scene today, including:

Mashama Bailey, chef of The Grey Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Melissa Clark, New York Times columnist and cookbook author Amanda Cohen, chef/owner of Dirt Candy Angela Dimayuga, executive chef of Mission Chinese Food Melissa & Emily Elsen, founders of Four & Twenty Blackbirds Karlie Kloss, supermodel and cookie entrepreneur Jessica Koslow, chef/owner of Sqirl Padma Lakshmi, star of Top Chef Elisabeth Prueitt, pastry chef and co-founder of Tartine and Tartine Manufactory Chrissy Teigen, supermodel and bestselling cookbook author Christina Tosi, chef and founder of Milk Bar Joy Wilson, of Joy the Baker Molly Yeh, of my name is yeh

The Cherry Bombe team asked these women and others for their most meaningful recipes. The result is a beautifully styled and photographed collection that you will turn to again and again in the kitchen.

In this cookbook you are taken through many different culinary recipes. Most of which weren't really for me. The photos were gorgeous and the recipes well laid out and descriptive. However, when we got down to it, nothing really jumped out at me as in saying "MAKE ME!". However, once I got to the desserts, there were a few things that stood out that I could see making in a everyday average american home. A few to name were the Best Friend Cheesecake and the Sweet Potato Pie. I, for one, may not have enjoyed the recipes in this book since they weren't really for me or my family, but I'm only one person, so these might just be for you. 

Ending Thoughts:

The cover was gorgeous and the photos add a great touch. I also liked how it tells you everything that you will need utensil and small appliance wise.

Editorial director of @cherrybombemag and host of Radio Cherry Bombe. Food + feminism. Currently on tour for Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook

Find Kerry: Twitter

CLAUDIA WU is the co-founder and creative director of Cherry Bombe, and runs a creative consulting and design studio. Previously, she was art director at V and Visionaire magazines, design director at Index Magazine, and founded and published Me Magazine.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

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Queso! by Lisa Fain: A Cookbook Review

Title: Queso!
Author: Lisa Fain
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Publish Date: September 26, 2017
Pages: 144
Source: Blogging For Books
Buy It: Amazon | B&N

Queso (aka chile con queso) is a spicy, cheesy, comforting cult favorite that has long been a delicious addition to any party, barbecue, or family gathering. This appealing and accessible book features a mix of down-home standards and contemporary updates, from historical, regional, and Mexican quesos to vegan and dessert quesos, including Chile Verde Con Queso, Squash Blossom Queso Fundido, Fajita Queso, Cactus and Corn Queso Poblano, Frito Salad with Queso Dressing, Pulled Pork Queso Blanco, and Sausage Queso Biscuits. Whether you’re relaxing with friends, having a few people over to watch the football game, or entertaining a hungry crowd, queso is the perfect party food for good times.

Queso? Did someone say queso? As in cheese?? Holy crap, this cookbook was full of TONS of yummy goodness. In my house, if someone says cheese, we all come running, especially my littles. And the youngest being only a year and a half now, you can hear his little feet just padding away on the hardwood floors right behind his big sister.

I have not tried all of these recipes yet, but have tried two. The Boudin Queso (since we are in Louisiana) and the Bean Dip Queso. Can I just say, WOW? These were so packed full of flavor that our taste buds were hankering for more. I mean, most people just do the tried and true Rotel queso and some have tried it with chili, but these will knock any of your old run-of-the-mill-queso right out of the ballpark. I think we are going to try the Chicken Fried Steak with Queso gravy next.

What do you think you are going to try? Oh, you haven't gotten your copy yet? Well what are you waiting for? RUN and get you one.

LISA FAIN is a seventh-generation Texan. When she’s not on the hunt for chile peppers, she writes and photographs the popular food blog Homesick Texan. Author of The Homesick Texan’s Family Table and The Homesick Texan Cookbook, Lisa is recognized as a queso authority by Food + Wine, Saveur, and The Dallas Morning News.

Find Lisa: Website | Twitter 

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. 

***Author photo obtained through author website.

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Holiday Cookies: A Cookbook Review

Title: Holiday Cookies: Showstopping Recipes to Sweeten the Season
Author: Elisabet der Nederlanden
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genre: Baking, How-To
Release Date: September 5th 2017
Source: Blogging For Books
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

From Icebox Pinwheel Cookies to Red-and-White Meringue Kisses to Apple Cider Caramels, find new inspiration for the best of seasonal baking with Holiday Cookies.

This instant holiday classic is packed with 50 recipes, each gorgeously photographed and meticulously tested, along with dozens of decorating and packaging ideas. Filled with reimagined favorites like Giant Molasses Spice Cookies and Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies; confections like Peppermint Bark, Smoked Almond and Cacao Nib Brittle, and Dark Chocolate-Hazelnut Fudge; and detailed instructions for gorgeous gingerbread houses, cookie place cards, and edible ornaments, this is a cookie book like no other. Because the recipes are easy to scale up or down, Holiday Cookies is perfect for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, and just enjoying throughout the season. From a veteran baker and recipe developer, each cookie in this collection is guaranteed to be a stand-out, and destined to become your new Christmas classic.

Oh. My. Goodness! Can we say YUM?!! I am a complete fanatic of all things cookies. Cookies are just the ultimate sweet treat and the easiest and quickest thing to grab on the go when you have that sugar craving. I have recently been making all things cookies and found that you can even freeze most cookie dough and save for up to 3 months in your freezer. How handy is that!?

This book definitely did not let me down. So many yummy recipes and so little time. Even though this says holiday cookies you can bake these little awesome sweet treats any time of the year. Maybe even add different flavoring to some to make it more festive for any time of the year. 

I am anxiously awaiting my paycheck so I can go buy ingredients to get started on at least 4 of these little bad boys. Will definitely be making plenty for the holidays and even give as little gift baskets. Nothing says the holidays like something baked with love!

ELISABET DER NEDERLANDEN is a passionate professional baker and a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. She has worked as a food stylist and professional recipe developer/tester for commercial, advertising, and packaging projects. In addition, she has managed recipe testing and food styling for more than 30 cookbooks.

Find Elisabet: Website

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Cookbook Review: Cuba! by Dan Goldberg, Andrea Kuhn & Jody Eddy #cookbook #bookreview #5star

Title: Cuba!
Author: Dan Goldberg, Andrea Kuhn, Jody Eddy
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genre: Cooking, ethnic, how-to
Release Date: September 20th 2016
Source: Blogging for Books
Purchase: Amazon

Packed with 75 approachable and delectable recipes for classic Cuban dishes; essays on Cuba's culture, history, and politics, and hundreds of breathtaking photos, ¡Cuba! offers readers a unique opportunity to dive into the food and culture of this vibrant country.

As the borders of Cuba continue to relax, more and more tourists are flooding in and finding a country rich in history and steeped in tradition. Award-winning photographer Dan Goldberg has been visiting and photographing Cuba for almost a decade. Fascinated by its people, their kitchens, and the endlessly delicious food they create, Dan has managed to capture passion and vibrancy of this incredible country. Along with his co-authors, food writer Jody Eddy and stylist Andrea Kuhn, Dan brings the best of Cuban food to home kitchens with over 75 meticulously tested recipes. ¡Cuba! will set taste buds on fire and open eyes to a culture that has remained resilient and festive across generations. From Cuban-Style Fried Chicken and Tostones Stuffed with Lobster and Conch, to Squid-ink Empanadas and Mojito Cake with Rum-Infused Whipped Cream and Lime Zest, this book offers a unique opportunity to bring a little slice of Cuba home.

I decided to try out some Cuban recipes. I knew the flavor would be amazing from what some friends had told me. So when I was offered this book to review, I jumped on the opportunity. Glad that I did.

My daughter isn't one to be adventurous with her food, so I had to wait for her to go visit her dad before I could try any of these recipes. So far the only one that we tried in the book was the Lobster Roll. The taste was just simply amazing! And it was very easy to make. I wasn't able to get the fresh lobster for this recipe however, so I had bought from my grocers frozen section, but the flavor was still there. There are so many more recipes in here that I can't wait to try.

This cookbook offers many beautiful pictures and wonder stories that I feel as if that I learned some more of this culture. I highly recommend this for anyone feeling a bit adventurous.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Find the authors at their website to learn more about them.

Jody Eddy

Andrea Kuhn

Dan Goldberg

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Cookbook Review: Home Cooked by Anya Fernald & Jessica Battilana #cookbookreview @anyafernald @jbattilana

Title: Home Cooked
Author: Anya Fernald & Jessica Battilana
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genre: Cooking, How-To
Release Date: April 5th, 2016
Source: Blogging for Books

A recipe collection and how-to guide for preparing base ingredients that can be used to make simple, weeknight meals, while also teaching skills like building and cooking over a fire, and preserving meat and produce, written by a sustainable food expert and founder of Belcampo Meat Co.

Anya Fernald’s approach to cooking is anything but timid; rich sauces, meaty ragus, perfectly charred vegetables. And her execution is unfussy, with the singular goal of making delicious, exuberantly flavored, unpretentious food with the best ingredients. Inspired by the humble traditions of cucina povera, the frugal cooking of Italian peasants, Anya brings a forgotten pragmatism to home cooking; making use of seasonal bounty by canning and preserving fruits and vegetables, salt curing fish, simmering flavorful broths with leftover bones, and transforming tough cuts of meat into supple stews and sauces with long cooking. These building blocks become the basis for a kitchen repertoire that is inspired, thrifty, environmentally sound, and most importantly, bursting with flavor. Recipes like Red Pepper and Walnut Crema, Green Tomato and Caper Salad, Chickpea Torte, Cracked Crab with Lemon-Chile Vinaigrette, Veal Meatballs, Anise-Seed Breakfast Cookies, and Ligurian Sangria will add dimension and excitement to both weeknight meals and parties.

We all want to be better, more intuitive, more relaxed cooks—not just for the occasional dinner party, but every day. Punctuated by essays on the author’s approach to entertaining, cooking with cast-iron, and a primer on buying and cooking steak, Home Cooked is an antidote to the chef and restaurant books that leave you no roadmap for tonight’s dinner. With Home Cooked, Anya gives you the confidence, and the recipes, to love cooking again.

For me, this just was not the book for me. I had had such high hopes for this one, thinking that it would be like things grandma had made, but this definitely was not anything like grandma made. With recipes containing hearts, tongue and squid, I must say that I have to pass on this one. However, the photos in this book were amazing and detailed the food wonderfully. The recipes were written wonderfully as well.

While this book may not be for me, it just may be up your alley. Why not give it a try?

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Anya Fernald is a sustainable food expert and the co-founder and CEO of Belcampo. She has appeared as a judge on the Food Network's Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef.                                                                                                                                                                                                       Find Anya: Website | Twitter

Jessica Battilana writes about food and the people who make it. A former cheesemonger, caterer and private chef (and East coast transplant), she now lives in San Francisco and spends her days chronicling chefs and restaurants, developing and testing recipes and otherwise messing around in the world of food. Potatoes are her desert island food, and she always chooses chocolate over vanilla.                                                                                                                                                                    Find Jessica: Website | Twitter

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Cookbook Review: The Chili Cookbook by Robb Walsh #5Star @robbwalsh #cooking #bookreview

Title: The Chili Cookbook
Author: Robb Walsh
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genre: Cooking, How-To
Release Date: September 29th 2015
Source: Blogging for Books
Purchase: Amazon

A cookbook devoted to the family friendly, tailgate party classic–featuring more than 60 tried-and-true recipes–from veteran cookbook author and Americana expert Robb Walsh.

Americans love chili. Whether served as a hearty family dinner, at a potluck with friends, or as the main dish at a football-watching party, chili is a crowd-pleaser. It’s slathered over tamales in San Antonio, hot dogs in Detroit, and hamburgers in Los Angeles. It’s ladled over spaghetti in Cincinnati, hash browns in St. Louis, and Fritos corn chips in Santa Fe.

In The Chili Cookbook, award-winning author Robb Walsh digs deep into the fascinating history of this quintessential American dish. Who knew the cooking technique traces its history to the ancient Aztecs, or that Hungarian goulash inspired the invention of chili powder?

Fans in every region of the country boast the “one true recipe,” and Robb Walsh recreates them all—60 mouth-watering chilis from easy slow-cooker suppers to stunning braised meat creations. There are beef, venison, pork, lamb, turkey, chicken, and shrimp chilis to choose from—there is even an entire chapter on vegetarian chili. The Chili Cookbook is sure to satisfy all your chili cravings.

Chili is a staple in our house. My daughter is always asking me to make my meaty pinto bean chili, a family recipe from my dad. She is a bit on the picky side, so some of these might not be for her in this book, but most of them are something that my husband and I will enjoy. I might even find one or two in here that she might enjoy, as picky as she is.

There are recipes in here that help you make homemade Chorizo, sauces, tortillas, cornbread, and con queso. With recipes for lobster chili, coney dog chili sauce and even a recipe for venison chili, this cookbook is a must have for everyone who loves chili.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

A three-time James Beard award winner, ROBB WALSH is the author of five previous Texas cookbooks. A former restaurant reviewer for the Houston Press and the Austin Chronicle, Walsh currently co-owns a Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston with chef Bryan Caswell. Walsh is a cofounder and board member of Foodways Texas.  

The mission of Foodways Texas is to preserve, promote, and celebrate the diverse food cultures of Texas. For more information, visit www.foodwaystexas.com.

Find Robb: Twitter | Website | Facebook

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Cookbook Review: Treat by Stephanie Banyas #5Star #cooking #bookreview

Title: Treat
Author: Stephanie Banyas
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Genre: Cooking, How-To
Release Date: August 11th 2015
Source: Blogging for Books
Purchase: Amazon

The best dump-and-stir dessert just got better.

With creative mix-ins, homemade marshmallows in 10 fun flavors, and toppings galore, Crispy Treats takes this tried-and-true, easy-peasy snack-time favorite to the next level. Without fancy equipment—or even an oven—you can mix and match candies, chocolates, and more to make 40 irresistible goodies, including such flavors as:


• Salted Caramel & Pretzel
• Chocolate-Hazelnut
• Peanut Butter Cup
• Berry Cobbler
• Gingerbread
• Key Lime Pie
• Peanut Butter Cup
• White Chocolate–Cranberry
• Cookies & Cream

I honestly love Rice Krispie treats. But to be honest, I have only been a little creative by swapping out regular marshmallows for either chocolate or strawberry. This book just took everything to a whole new level. With recipes for homemade marshmallows in 10 different flavor variations! Plus, add-ins to make your treats just even better than ever. 

I know that I can't wait to try these. The one that I am wanting to try the most is the Oreo Krispie treats. Can we say YUMMY!

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Stephanie Banyas has been Bobby Flay’s business assistant since 1996. She has co-authored eight of his cookbooks, including the upcoming Brunch with Bobby, and appeared as his co-host on Throwdown! with Bobby Flay on Food Network. She divides her time between her NYC apartment and her weekend getaway in the Catskill Mountains, where she spends time with her beloved cat Fred and bakes to her heart’s content.

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5 Star Review: Salsas and Moles by Deborah Schneider #Review #cooking

Title: Salsas and Moles
Author: Deborah Schneider
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genre: Cooking, How-To
Release Date: April 14th 2015
Source: Blogging for Books
Purchase: Amazon

A collection of 60 authentic salsa and mole recipes from acclaimed chef/restaurateur Deborah Schneider, adapted for US kitchens. 

America has a new favorite condiment: salsa
And with good reason—a great salsa makes a big impression with just a little bite. In Salsas and Moles, award-winning chef Deborah Schneider explores a wide variety of favorites, from classic table salsas to mole and enchilada sauces, plus chunky salsas and snacks. While some people think salsa is all about heat, Schneider teases out fresh flavors from chiles, fruits, and herbs, creating authentic recipes that showcase the unique flavors of Mexico.

With serving suggestions for each salsa, and recipes for popular sauces such as Salsa Verde, Enchilada Sauce, and Mango-Habanero Salsa, any salsa lover will be able to find their perfect match.

Salsas & Moles is a fresh take on your everyday salsas, guacamole's and mole's. From the simplest to more advanced sauces, you are sure to find something you like.

In our house, we love trying new things, and I am always wanting to make guacamole and salsa, but never thought that I would have the time. It always seems so time consuming. But in this book, she shows you that it's really not that difficult. And, there is fresh takes on salsas, such as Mango-Habanero, Pineapple-Cucumber, Green Apple & Jicama and Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salsa.

The only thing that I found that I didn't care for was the fact that a lot of the peppers used in these I would have to buy at specialty store or grow in my own backyard, since the stores in my area don't carry a majority of these. But other than that, I can't wait to try some of these wonderful sauces.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

DEBORAH SCHNEIDER is the executive chef/partner of SOL Cocina in Newport Beach, CA, and was dubbed “the reigning queen of San Diego chefs” by Bon Appétit. She is the author of the James Beard-nominated Cooking with the Seasons at Rancho La Puerta; Amor y Tacos; ¡Baja! Cooking on the Edge, which was one of Food & Wine’s Best of the Best of 2006; and is the co-author of Williams-Sonoma’s Essentials of Latin Cooking.

Find Deborah: Website

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5 Star Review: Milk Bar Life by Christina Tosi #Cookbook @momomilkbar

Title: Milk Bar Life
Author: Christina Tosi
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Genre: Cooking, How-To
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Source: Blogging for Books
Purchase: Amazon

Go off the clock with Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar as she bakes one-bowl treats, grills with skills, and embraces simple, nostalgic—and often savory—recipes made from supermarket ingredients.

For anyone addicted to crack pie®, compost cookies®, and cake truffles, here are their savory counterparts—such as Kimcheezits with Blue Cheese Dip, Burnt Honey–Butter Kale with Sesame Seeds, and Choose Your Own Adventure Chorizo Burgers—along with enough make-at-home sweets to satisfy a cookie-a-day habit. Join Christina and friends as they cook their way through “weaknights,” sleepovers, and late-night snack attacks to make mind-blowingly delicious meals with whatever is in the pantry.

This was simply an amazing cookbook. I have said time and time again that cookbooks need to be more recipes than back story and biographies. This one takes you on a small back story of about 60 some pages, then it goes straight into the recipes. Each recipe has a little story behind it and the author tells you about it before she gets into the recipes. This is what I like, because we all know that our recipes, whether they are family hand-me-downs or brand new have a back story. 

This book is jammed-packed with simple, easy and pocketbook friendly recipes. From desserts to main dishes and even 1 serving dishes (such as a sandwich with Spaghetti-O's, sausage links and chips). You are bound to find something you like and even some recipes you never thought you would like.

Family rating: 2 delicious thumps up!

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Christina Tosi is the chef, owner and founder of Milk Bar, called “one of the most exciting bakeries in the country” by Bon Appetit Magazine. As founder of the dessert program at Momofuku, Christina got her start helping Momofuku Ko earn two stars from the Michelin Guide and Momofuku Ssäm jump onto restaurant magazine’s top 100 restaurants in the world list. She is the 2012 recipient of the James Beard Rising Star Chef award and a finalist for the 2014 James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award. Christina lives in Brooklyn, NY with her two dogs and eats an unconscionable amount of raw cookie dough every day.

Find Christina: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Instagram

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