With the "Two Blue Doors Series"--author Hillary Manton Lodge offers a time-spanning family saga--heirloom recipes, family secrets…and a chance for love (see my reviews)

A Table by the Window 

The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?

After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.

Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way?

MY REVIEW:  An irresistibly delicious blend of fabulous food and romance, "A Table by the Window: A Novel of Family Secrets and Heirloom Recipes" is a feast for fans of foodie fiction. Author Hillary Manton Lodge offers up delightful characters in an appealing and involving story line, topping off this treat of a tale with ravishing recipes scattered throughout the book. Juliette D'Alisa liked her job as a newspaper food writer in Portland, Oregon, but her dream had always been to run a restaurant. Having grown up in a French-Italian family of restauranteurs, her whole life had revolved around family, friends, and food. She knew food and the restaurant business inside out, and when her brother Nico asks her to manage the new eatery he plans to open, she must decide whether or not to make a bold move forward. Still mourning the recent passing of her beloved grandmother, Juliette discovers a mystery from her grandmother's past that will have her seeking resolutions to her own personal issues. Online dating leads to a promising relationship with a doctor based in Memphis, Tennessee, but while the miles between them prevent them from growing closer? "A Table by the Window" is a sweet and succulent blend of past and present and food and romance. You will be well-served by this thoughtful, tasteful tale of sweet romance and the temptation of food, glorious food. "A Table by the Window" is Book One in the "Two Blue Doors" series.

Book Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press Via Blogging For Books 


 

Reservations for Two

A culinary concoction of taking chances and finding love in the most delectable places

Food writer-turned-restaurateur Juliette D’Alisa has more than enough on her plate. While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother’s past, it’s also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can’t give up.

Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home presents a different set of challenges. Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle – how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into to her life?

As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can’t help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother’s letters from the 1940’s provide wisdom to guide her present? Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?  

MY REVIEW:  Author Hillary Manton Lodge once again offers up a fictional feast in "Reservations for Two: A Novel of Fresh Flavors and New Horizons", Book Two in the "Two Blue Doors" series. Peppered with recipes, seasoned with sentiment, and rich in romance, this sweetly poignant story spans both continents and generations. Juliette D'Alisa took a leap of faith when she gave up her job as a food writer and pursued her dream to run a restaurant with her brother. A photo found in a cookbook that had belonged to her much-loved grandmother will send her on a journey through Provence and Tuscany, seeking answers to past mysteries and clues to finding the key to her own personal happiness. Accompanying her on her taste-filled travels is Neil McLaren, the long-distance romance she can't resist. As letters from long ago lead to new revelations, questions about the future can't be ignored. Can Juliette's restaurant life in Portland somehow merge with Neil's medical career in Memphis? If not, is there a new love waiting to capture Juliette's heart? Love, family, friendship and a deep appreciation for great food, fine wine, and other treasures for the senses converge for foodie romance lover's treat of a read.

Book Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press via Blogging for Books 


 

Together at the Table

In this follow up to A Table By the Window, Juliette D'Alisa continues searching for the full story about her grandmother's past and for her own chance at lasting love.  

Juliette feels on top of the world when her and her brother, Nico's restaurant opens to rave reviews. But that feeling is short-lasted, when in a bittersweet series of events, her mother falls ill and her romance with Memphis immunologist Neil McLaren abruptly ends in anger and tears.

Three long months later, as autumn sweeps into the Pacific Northwest, Juliette feels that she’s finally on the cusp of equilibrium--the restaurant continues to thrive, and her family is closer than ever. She and sous-chef Adrien are seeing each other, both in and out of the kitchen. Just when she thinks her world might stop spinning, a trip to the waterfront brings a chance encounter with a familiar face from her past.

Rather than dwell on her personal life, Juliette throws herself into work and research. After reading her grandmother’s letters from war-torn Paris, she still wants to know the full story-- and she’ll travel across countries and oceans to find it. But even Juliette can’t outrun the man who stole her heart. As she finally uncovers the truth about her family history, what will it mean for her own search for love?

REVIEWS


“Juliette is beautiful, smart, talented, and comes from a rich culinary heritage. She’s also lost, confused, switching careers, and unlucky in love. A Table by the Window is a book for anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning a restaurant or becoming a chef or falling in love with a wonderful man. This is a story of hope and renewal, of love and understanding when it’s needed the most.”
—Suzanne Woods Fisher, award-winning, best-selling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series

“An endearing, smart, must-read novel! A Table by the Window is a delicious tale that had me slowing down so I could savor it longer. Major props to Hillary Manton Lodge not only for taking me on a beautiful journey alongside Juliette, but also for making a non-foodie like myself want to take up a new hobby.” —Katie Ganshert, award-winning author of A Broken Kind of Beautiful and The Art of Losing Yourself

“Lodge has created yet another sumptuous story—full of intrigue, humanity, tantalizing tastes, and true love, in its myriad forms. She gracefully leads us into kitchens, restaurants, and hearts, not to mention sensorial visits to France, Italy, and the tensions of WWII Paris. Poised on a knife’s edge, Lodge left me yearning for her next story and for time in the kitchen to test some of her tempting recipes.”—Katherine Reay, author of Dear Mr. Knightley and Lizzy and Jane

“With a palate of rich characters, vibrant flavors, and vintage-inspired romance, Hillary Manton Lodge’s Reservations for Two is a feast for the senses. From the fragrant lavender fields of Provence to Tuscany’s golden hills, Lodge takes the reader on a journey that is about both discovery and coming home. It’s très chic and enchanting—a recipe of amour for the reader’s heart!” —Kristy Cambron, author of The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin

“Endearing, witty, delectable. Hillary Manton Lodge’s second installment in the Two Blue Doors series is as delicious as her first—even for a non-foodie like me! I especially appreciated the seamless transition from Juliette’s current life and travels to her grand-mère’s WWII past, a captivating angle that added the perfect hint of mystery.” —Melissa Tagg, author of From the Start

“Food writer Juliette D’Alisa adores her temperamental trilingual family of restaurateurs, but she could do without their bossy skepticism of her online love interest who’s so unlike them. Rainy, windy Portland has never felt quite as warm as it does when Juliette navigates long-distance romance, career decisions, and a genealogical mystery. A delectable tale from Hillary Manton Lodge, A Table by the Window includes recipes that are like a warm welcome to the D’Alisa family table.” —Meg Moseley, author of Gone South and When Sparrows Fall

HILLARY MANTON LODGE

 

HILLARY MANTON LODGE is the author of six novels, including the critically acclaimed Two Blue Doors series and the Plain and Simple duet. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, graphic design, and finding new walking trails. She resides outside of Memphis, Tennessee with her husband and two pups.  She can be found online at www.hillarymantonlodge.com.

"THE DESERTER"--A taut, psychologically suspenseful military thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille—writing with his son, screenwriter Alex DeMille—about two army investigators on the hunt in Venezuela for an army deserter who might know too much about a secret Pentagon operation.

The Deserter

When Captain Kyle Mercer of the Army’s elite Delta Force disappeared from his post in Afghanistan, a video released by his Taliban captors made international headlines. But circumstances were murky: Did Mercer desert before he was captured? Then a second video sent to Mercer’s Army commanders leaves no doubt: the trained assassin and keeper of classified Army intelligence has willfully disappeared.

When Mercer is spotted a year later in Caracas, Venezuela by an old army buddy, top military brass task Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor of the Criminal Investigation Division to fly to Venezuela and bring Mercer back to America—dead or alive. Brodie knows this is a difficult mission, made more difficult by his new partner’s inexperience and by his suspicion that Maggie Taylor is reporting to the CIA.

With ripped-from-the-headlines appeal, an exotic and dangerous locale, and the hairpin twists and inimitable humor that are signature DeMille, The Deserter is the first in a timely and thrilling new series from an unbeatable team of True Masters: the #1 New York Times bestseller Nelson DeMille and his son, award-winning screenwriter Alex DeMille.

An “outstanding” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) blistering thriller featuring a brilliant and unorthodox Army investigator, his enigmatic female partner, and their hunt for the Army’s most notorious—and dangerous—deserter from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille.


Nelson DeMille

 

Nelson Richard DeMille was born in New York City on August 23, 1943 to Huron and Antonia (Panzera) DeMille, then moved with his parents to Long Island. He graduated from Elmont Memorial High School, where he played football and ran track.

DeMille spent three years at Hofstra University, then joined the Army where he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the United States Army (1966-69). He saw action in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division and was decorated with the Air Medal, Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

After his discharge, DeMille returned to Hofstra University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History. He has three children, Lauren, Alexander, and James, and resides on Long Island.

DeMille's first major novel was By the Rivers of Babylon, published in 1978, and is still in print as are all his succeeding novels. He is a member of American Mensa, The Authors Guild, and is past president of the Mystery Writers of America. He is also a member of International Thriller Writers and was chosen as ThrillerMaster of the Year 2015. He holds three honorary doctorates: Doctor of Humane Letters from Hofstra University, Doctor of Literature from Long Island University, and Doctor of Humane Letters from Dowling College.

Nelson DeMille is the author of: By the Rivers of Babylon, Cathedral, The Talbot Odyssey, Word of Honor, The Charm School, The Gold Coast, The General's Daughter, Spencerville, Plum Island, The Lion's Game, Up Country, Night Fall, Wild Fire, The Gate House, The Lion, The Panther, The Quest, Radiant Angel, The Cuban Affair and The Deserter. He also co-authored Mayday with Thomas Block and has contributed short stories to anthologies, and book reviews and articles to magazines and newspapers.

http://www.nelsondemille.net/ 

 

 

Alex DeMille

 

Alex DeMille is a writer, director, and film editor. He grew up on Long Island and received a BA from Yale University and an MFA in film directing from UCLA. His films and screenplays have won multiple awards and fellowships, including his film The Absence, which played at dozens of festivals around the country and was awarded Best Film at Comic-Con in 2012.

He has edited numerous commercials, shorts, and independent feature films, among them My Nephew Emmett, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short in 2018.

His debut novel The Deserter, co-written with his father, best-selling author Nelson DeMille, will be published by Simon & Schuster October 22, 2019. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and daughter. 

https://www.alexdemille.com/ 
 

THREE TERRIFIC TITLES: "BE STILL MY SOUL"--"COUNTRY FAITH"--"THEN SINGS MY SOUL"--each provides an illuminating look at the people and stories behind some of the world's most popular hymns and their favorite Bible passages

BE STILL MY SOUL  by Randy Petersen

"Be Still, My Soul" is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences--from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you'll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You'll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns' lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, "Be Still, My Soul" includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers. Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you'll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

MY REVIEW: With its beautifully textured and toned parchment, "Be Still, My Soul: The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns" immediately gives the reader a feeling of coming home to something wonderfully familiar. Author Randy Petersen has put together a richly rewarding hymnal and historical, offering an in-depth look at twelve composers and purveyors of inspirational music, and encompassing a wealth of information on how these hymns became popularized. As you read the text, and run your fingers over the lyrics and musical scores, you most likely will find yourself humming the tunes or singing out loud. This is a historical reference, songbook, and a source of inspiration for singers and soul-searchers. Many songs in popular culture, including holiday carols and more, have their roots in secular music. "The Index of First Lines" is a helpful resource at identifying songs for which you know the tune, but not the title. Even if you can't play a note or carry a tune, you will enjoy this entertaining and enlightening work from author Randy Petersen.

Book Copy Gratis Tyndale Blog Network

COUNTRY FAITH  by Deborah Evans Price

Pour yourself a fresh, cold glass of sweet tea and ease into your favorite chair with a copy of the Once-A-Day Country Faith. You'll enjoy a front row seat to an intimate look at your favorite country stars as they discuss the personal significance of their favorite Bible passage. With contributions from 56 of today's top country artists, the Once-A-Day Country Faith includes the Bible passage that tops each of their charts as well as the reasons why this part of scripture is so valuable to them. After reading Country Faith, you'll be inspired to identify the Bible passage that's most meaningful to you. You'll also listen to your favorite country artists in a whole new way.

MY REVIEW: "Once-A-Day Country Faith: 56 Reflections from Today's Leading Country Music Stars", by Deborah Evans Price, is a slim, beautifully-photographed volume of inspirational thoughts from a generation-crossing group of country music stars. Each of the featured artists has selected their favorite Bible passage, and in a brief, but insightful article, they explain why that verse has so much personal meaning. One of my favorite entertainers, Trisha Yearwood, has placed a Bible verse in the liner notes of every one of her albums since she began her recording career in 1991. It's one of the ways she expresses her faith and gratitude. Singer Billy Dean, another artist whose work I enjoy, chose one of my own favorite verses from CORINTHIANS. Country music favorites like Alan Jackson, Wynonna, Barbara Mandrell, Billy Ray Cyrus, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Charlie Daniels, Miranda Lambert, and many others also offer enlightening and thoughtful reflections. The book concludes by featuring THE GOSPEL OF MARK, a detailed accounting of the amazing ministry of JESUS--including the wisdom of his parables, the miracles he made possible, and the profound legacy of his death and resurrection. "Once-A-Day Country Faith" is a beautiful reminder of living faith and of how each of us experiences our own moments of spiritual inspiration in our everyday lives.

Book Copy Gratis Zondervan Press via Booksneeze

THEN SINGS MY SOUL  by Robert J. Morgan

Rob Morgan's inimitable style will help people reacquaint themselves with the hymns of the faithful. His goal is to keep these traditional hymns vital and meaningful to all generations.
Don't look for a dry recounting of boring stories. These devotional-style stories show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history -- the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs. Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to your soul and add depth and meaning as you worship God through song.

FEATURES:

• Includes words and music to each hymn
• Special softcover, french flap cover design
• Ivory paper with brown ink
• Jagged-edge paper, giving it a classic feel
• Complete with hymn index
• Use for devotionals, teaching illustrations, introductory remarks for song leaders and music ministers

MY REVIEW: "Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories #2", is a fascinating, faith-filled volume of music, lyrics, and the stories of the creators and popularizers of familiar inspirational songs. My mother was quite musical, and for many years she was the organist in the little country church attended by my family. Upon reading this history of hymns by author Robert J. Morgan, my mother and I realized that our favorites, "Take My Hand Precious Lord" (hers), and "Peace in the Valley" (mine), were both written by Thomas A. Dorsey. This is a wonderful, heart-stirring hymnal, full of history and sentiment. The ivory pages and sepia ink along with the rustic look and texture of the paper give it a homey feel. Very enjoyable and most certainly worth your time. A delight for the devout and for those still seeking, and a treasure for those whose trace their musical roots to their house of worship. "Then Sings My Soul" will stir your soul indeed.

FROM COOKBOOK AUTHOR PHYLLIS PELLMAN GOOD--two outstanding slow-cooker recipe collections by a New York Times bestselling author who has sold more than 14 million cookbooks! (with reviews)

 

Stock the Crock: 100 Must-Have Slow-Cooker Recipes, 200 Variations for Every Appetite

The ultimate resource for a new generation of slow-cooker fans from the New York Times bestselling author who has sold over 14 million cookbooks!

Stock the Crock brings together the expertise of America's most popular slow-cooker authority with a fresh collection of 100 essential, innovative, and easy-to-prepare recipes-each with variations allowing readers to customize the dish according to their dietary needs. You'll find beloved classics, as well as dishes you might be surprised can be done successfully in a slow cooker. (Hello, slow-cooker creme brulee!) Whether you are looking to accommodate gluten-free, paleo, or vegetarian diets, or prefer slow-cooker meals perfectly sized for one or two people, this cookbook provides smart ideas, more than 100 recipe photos, and cooking hacks that will change the way you use your favorite fuss-free cooking appliance. Learn simple make-ahead tricks, convenient baking tips, and how to make two recipes at once using the same cooker, so you can simplify cooking and spend more time enjoying your family and friends around a wonderful, delicious meal.

MY REVIEW:  “Stock the Crock: 100 Must-Have Slow-Cooker Recipes, 200 Variations for Every Appetite”, by Phyllis Good, is one of the most delicious cookbooks that I have ever had the pleasure to read. Yes, that’s right—I wanted to eat the whole book! The book is filled with 100 amazing recipes—with variations—plus fabulous food photos, helpful hints, and tempting tasty tidbits to tease and tantalize your appetite. Phyllis Good is a New York Times bestselling author who has sold more than 14 million cookbooks—this lady definitely knows her way around a slow cooker! Her food is fantastic, and her innovative techniques shine a modern spotlight on a time-proven cooking method. Her recipes are creative, colorful, and irresistible. Here are some standouts: “Butternut Squash Soup with Apples and Red Onions”; “Beef Noodle Soup”; “Creole-Style Red Beans”; “Chicken from Heaven”; “Creamy Chicken, Stuffing, and Green Beans”; “Swedish Meatballs from Grandma Brenneman”; “Shepherd’s Pie”; “Vera’s Famous Beef Roast”; “Holiday Ham with Apricot Glaze”; “Green Beans and Bacon”; “The Whole Deal Baked Beans!”; “Baked Potatoes—White & Sweet”; “Berry Wonderful Fruit Crisp”; “Coconut Rice Pudding”; “Pecan Squares”; “Raspberry Chocolate Cake”; “Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake with Sauce”; and “Homemade Honey Barbeque Sauce”. There is something here for everyone. Phyllis Good is also the author of the hugely popular “Fix It & Forget It” cookbook series.

Book Copy Gratis Oxmoor House via Shelf Awareness




 

Fix-It and Forget-It New Cookbook: 250 New Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes!

Welcome to Stage 2 of the Fix-It and Forget-It brand! After selling millions of copies of her beloved cookbooks, New York Times bestselling author Phyllis Good is launching her first full-color cookbook in the Fix-It and Forget-It series. All new recipes, fully tested and perfected for making in the slow cooker. Full color, cover to cover. But the same "I can do this" quality, the same quick and easy promise, and the same marvelous food which will please family and friends alike.

1. Phyllis shares her tricks and tips about how to get the most out of any slow cooker when you need it most—for weeknight suppers, during busy weekends, and when serving guests.

2. This book gives you choices—Each chapter includes Basic Recipes for when you have no time to think. And each chapter offers more Challenging Recipes for when you're in the mood to experiment. Choose the ingredients that work best for you. Either make the recipes with convenience foods—or if you steer clear of them, flip to the "Make Your Own Staples" chapter. Find recipes to prepare from-scratch cream soups; hash browns; cornbread mix; beef, chicken, and veggie stocks; dried beans; applesauce and apple butter.

3. This book gives "Good-to-Know Essentials." Answers to FAQs, such as: Which slow cooker is best for me? How hot and fast does my slow cooker cook? Can I keep foods from over-cooking? Does cooking on Low give better results than cooking on High? Simple tricks for cooking more delicate foods in a slow cooker—chicken, pasta, fish, and more. How to wow everyone with slow-cooker desserts. Side dish suggestions for Main Dish recipes. Chart of safe cooking temperatures for meats.

4. Phyllis Good's abiding commitment is on every page of this Fix-It and Forget-It NEW Cookbook: "To offer delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes, so that each day you can gather your family and friends together around a table of food. "You can do this, even if your lives are crowded and chaotic and your cooking skills are minimal!"

MY REVIEW:  I still have my family's original avocado green Crock-Pot, and it still works just fine. Nothing fancy, but very reliable. A lot of great meals have been prepared in that slow cooker through the years, most notably Sunday Pot Roast with Vegetables. A lesser expensive chuck roast, seasoned well, cooked with potatoes and chunks of carrots, celery, and onions, becomes a superb supper under the quiet cooking care of the Crock-Pot. I have newer slow cookers in various sizes and functionality, but my heart will always belong to the "green machine". However, there's much more to this type of cooking than tenderizing tougher cuts of meat, and the "Fix-It and Forget-It New Cookbook: 250 New Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes!" amps up the slow cooker to the next level. Cookbook author Phyllis Pellman Good is an expert on slow cooker cooking, and she provides invaluable preparation tips along with hundreds of outstanding recipes. The recipes are divided into two categories: "Quick & Easy" and "A Little More Challenging". Some of the helpful hints: 1) slow cookers work best when they are 2/3 full; 2) cut hard veggies like potatoes and carrots into chunks of equal size for more even cooking; raw vegetables are tough--placing them over the bottom and around the sides of the cooker brings them into direct contact with the heat; 3) the fuller and more densely packed the cooker, and the larger the chunks of meat and veggies, the longer the cooking time will be; 4) don't use frozen, uncooked food in the cooker along with fresh or thawed uncooked food--the time to reach a safe cooking temperature is different. Almost every recipe includes a full-color photo of the prepared dish--always a bonus when deciding what to cook. The recipes are fabulous--ranging from main dishes to breads, sweets, and desserts. It's hard to resist dishes like this: "Sunny Chicken"; "Cranberry Pork Roast"; "Stuffed Acorn Squash"; "Seven-Layer Casserole"; "Garden Vegetable Bake"; "Corn and Shrimp Chowder"; "Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole"; "Best-in-the-West Beans"; "Healthy Pumpkin Bread"; "Special Banana Bread"; "Hot Buttered Lemonade"; "Fudgy Chocolate Cake"; "Pumpkin Pecan Pie"; and so much more. Slow-cooker cooking is an easy and convenient way to prepare and serve delicious, home-cooked meals that will allow you to spend more time with your family and allow you to take some time for yourself.

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

Reviews

 

"Good’s books have sold more copies in the United States than the combined works of popular Food Network hosts Ina Garten, Giada De Laurentiis, and Jamie Oliver."(New York Times)

"Her first new cookbook in three years, The 'Fix-It and Forget-It' Queen has moved beyond her famous tagline, if not her favorite kitchen appliance. [Stock the Crock], while still championing the benefits of cooking with a Crock-Pot, offers variations for the way people eat today, from gluten-free to vegan."

(Judith Rosen Publishers Weekly)

"For her new book, she did a bit of crowd-sourcing, gathering recipes from her fan base (and then testing them thoroughly, of course). When the recipe was mastered, Good went one step further, creating variations to make the recipe gluten-free, paleo—or simply palatable to picky eaters."

(David Tamarkin and Adina Steiman Epicurious.com)

"Phyllis Good...has done more for the popularity of slow cookers than any other person on the planet...I wonder how many slow cookers she owns."

(Jennie Geisler Erie Times-News)

"The new cookbook Stock the Crock...is filled with 100 tried-and-true slow cooker recipes for classic fall favorites that virtually cook themselves."(Closer magazine)

"Featuring an updated design and glossy photography, [Stock the Crock] will satisfy Good’s many fans and attract new ones."(Library Journal)

Phyllis Pellman Good 

 

Phyllis Pellman Good is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold more than 14 million copies.

Her book "Stock the Crock", is a beautiful slow-cooker cookbook, published by Time Inc. Books/Oxmoor House. Stock the Crock offers "the ultimate resource for the new generation of slow-cooker fans."

Stock the Crock brings together the "100 Must-Have Slow-Cooker Recipes," along with 200 Variations for Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Paleo-Friendly appetites.

"My commitment is to make it possible for everyone to cook, even if you have too little time or too little confidence," Phyllis says. "Eating together with other persons is essential for strengthening human communities. This is especially true for children. My goal is to help that happen."

Earlier, Phyllis was the creator and author of the mega-bestselling Fix-It and Forget-It cookbook series. She is also well-known for a series of Central Market cookbooks, The Best of Amish Cooking, a number of small gift cookbooks, as well as the pictorial-essay book, Amish Children.

In fact, 20 of Phyllis' books have each sold more than 50,000 copies, for a grand total exceeding 14 million copies.

In addition to her work with Time Inc. Books/Oxmoor House, Phyllis Good serves as Executive Editor for Walnut Street Books. Phyllis received her B.A. and M.A. in English from New York University.

Phyllis lives in Lancaster, PA, with Merle, her husband of 48 years. They have two adult daughters and delight in their two grandsons.
  
http://fix-itandforget-it.com/blog/about-phyllis/

THE SECRET WIFE OF AARON BURR"-- Inspired by a woman and events forgotten by history, bestselling author Susan Holloway Scott weaves together carefully researched fact and fiction to tell the story of Mary Emmons, and the place she held in the life--and the heart--of the notorious Aaron Burr.

The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr

He was a hero of the Revolution, a brilliant politician, lawyer, and very nearly president; a skillful survivor in a raw new country filled with constantly shifting loyalties. Today Aaron Burr is remembered more for the fatal duel that killed rival Alexander Hamilton. But long before that single shot destroyed Burr's political career, there were other dark whispers about him: that he was untrustworthy, a libertine, a man unafraid of claiming whatever he believed should be his.

Sold into slavery as a child in India, Mary Emmons was brought to an America torn by war. Toughened by the experiences of her young life, Mary is intelligent, resourceful, and strong. She quickly gains the trust of her new mistress, Theodosia Prevost, and becomes indispensable in a complicated household filled with intrigue--especially when the now-widowed Theodosia marries Colonel Aaron Burr. As Theodosia sickens with the fatal disease that will finally kill her, Mary and Burr are drawn together into a private world of power and passion, and a secret, tangled union that would have shocked the nation . . .

Praise for The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr:


"Scott’s deeply empathetic heroine is sure to keep readers hooked; both her inner strength and the strength of her relationships...elevate and anchor the story....A moving and vivid work of historical fiction." —Publishers Weekly

"Impressive research, details and an unforgettable cast of characters lead by a woman of courage and spirit spark a story infused with heart. Highly recommended." —Eileen Charbonneau, The Historical Novels Review

“Scott has created a memorable protagonist whose persistence and courage are often inspiring.” --Library Journal


ALSO BY SUSAN HOLLOWAY SCOTT




I, Eliza Hamilton

In this beautifully written novel of historical fiction, bestselling author Susan Holloway Scott tells the story of Alexander Hamilton’s wife, Eliza—a fascinating, strong-willed heroine in her own right and a key figure in one of the most gripping periods in American history.

“Love is not easy with a man chosen by Fate for greatness . . .”

As the daughter of a respected general, Elizabeth Schuyler is accustomed to socializing with dignitaries and soldiers. But no visitor to her parents’ home has affected her so strongly as Alexander Hamilton, a charismatic, ambitious aide to George Washington. They marry quickly, and despite the tumult of the American Revolution, Eliza is confident in her brilliant husband and in her role as his helpmate. But it is in the aftermath of war, as Hamilton becomes one of the country’s most important figures, that she truly comes into her own.

In the new capital, Eliza becomes an adored member of society, respected for her fierce devotion to Hamilton as well as her grace. Behind closed doors, she astutely manages their expanding household, and assists her husband with his political writings. Yet some challenges are impossible to prepare for. Through public scandal, betrayal, personal heartbreak, and tragedy, she is tested again and again. In the end, it will be Eliza’s indomitable strength that makes her not only Hamilton’s most crucial ally in life, but his most loyal advocate after his death, determined to preserve his legacy while pursuing her own extraordinary path through the nation they helped shape together.


Praise for Susan Holloway Scott's I, Eliza Hamilton:


“Scott’s devotion to research is evident . . . a rewarding take on a fascinating historical couple.”  —Library Journal 

“Readers will be captivated.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Packed with political and historical as well as domestic details.” —Booklist

“I, Eliza Hamilton is going to be your next Hamilton obsession.” —Bustle

“With the recent popularity of Alexander Hamilton comes the much-deserved interest in his wife, Eliza. . . . This piece of historical fiction tells the true story of Eliza Hamilton in a narrative that captures both her kindness and strength.”
—Gillian Pensavalle, The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast

“While you’re waiting for Hamilton tickets, or if you’re obsessed with American history, this is the book to read. Scott . . . brings a fascinating woman and tumultuous era to full-fledged life.” —RT Book Reviews 

Susan Holloway Scott

 

Susan Holloway Scott is the author of over fifty historical novels and historical romances. Writing under several pen names, she has received numerous awards and honors for her bestselling books. With more than three million copies of her books in print, she has been published in nineteen foreign countries around the world and translated into fourteen different languages.

Susan has also written as half of the Two Nerdy History Girls (twonerdyhistorygirls.com), a popular book & history blog with a worldwide following. Follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/susan_hollo...) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/2nerdyhistgirls). She is a graduate of Brown University, and lives with her family outside of Philadelphia, PA.

http://www.susanhollowayscott.com/

PRIZE-WINNING COOKBOOK AUTHOR FRANCINE BRYSON--Bodacious Blue-Ribbon Recipes from a Redneck Country Kitchen--down-home delicious! (see my reviews)

Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen by Francine Bryson, Jeff Foxworthy (Foreword)

A pie champion and down-home Southern baker reveals her winning recipes for pies, cakes, cookies, and more in this proudly American baking book.

A mom, homemaker, and self-proclaimed redneck, Francine Bryson and her award-winning desserts were thrust into the national eye when she was chosen for The American Baking Competition and went on to become a finalist on the show. Now she shares her recipes and baking tips with everyone, always staying true to her Southern roots, which means pairing chocolate and peanut butter with bacon, turning an apple pie upside down, using cherry pop in a cake, and always making use of seasonal fresh fruit-and plenty of cream cheese.

MY REVIEW:  A heartfelt foreword from comedian and TV personality Jeff Foxworthy perfectly matches the down-home tone set by cookbook author Francine Bryson in "Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen". Foxworthy and Bryson became acquainted when she was a contestant on the "American Baking Competition" hosted by Foxworthy. While Francine didn't win the top prize, she did go on to fulfill her dream of producing her own cookbook. Her many years of baking championships combined with her family's Southern kitchen legacy resulted in "Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen". Filled with fantastic recipes, funny anecdotes, and poignant memories, this delightful book is delicious from beginning to end. While it may be short on food photos of the finished recipes, that won't stop you from preparing the many irresistible treats and temptations found between the covers. I was impressed with the number and variety of pie crusts included, and the first recipe in the book, "Purdy's Peppermint Pie", is made with a rolled chocolate crust. While pies are her prize-winning specialty, there are also fabulous recipes for cakes, cookies, biscuits, cheesecakes, breads, candy, and much more. Here are some of my favorite featured recipes: "White Chocolate-Banana Cream Pie"; "Winter Fruit Pie"; "Texas-Sized Gingersnaps"; "Eggnog Cookies"; "Granny's Queen Cake"; "Cinnamon-Chocolate Cake"; "Apple-Caramel Cheesecake"; "Blueberry-Lemon Streusel Bars"; "Upside-Down Apple-Pecan Pie"; and "Biscuits Like Nana Made". With expert baking tips scattered throughout the book, along with funny family stories and touching memories, this is one cookbook that you will enjoy reading again and again.

Book Copy Gratis Clarkson Potter Publishers via Blogging for Books

Country Cooking from a Redneck Kitchen by Francine Bryson, Ann Volkwein

Few people know that national pie champion Francine Bryson got her start on the cooking contest circuit at age sixteen with a savory stuffed pork loin—that won first place. In Country Cooking from a Redneck Kitchen, Francine invites you into her home to share recipes for everything that graces her Southern table: chicken dinners, savory pies, Sunday suppers to serve the preacher, make-and-take casseroles, dips and other redneck what-nots, backyard barbecue favorites—and, of course, three chapters devoted to her celebrated baked goods, including her most-requested holiday sweets. Feeding people is what Francine loves to do, and here are simple instructions for 125 dishes with 60 color photographs to help you to bring her Southern charm to your table.

MY REVIEW:  Country cook Francine Bryson may have made her name as a championship baker, but she’s nothing less than a down-home diva when it comes to serving up delicious dishes for every course and occasion. “Country Cooking from a Redneck Kitchen” is loaded with beautiful, uncluttered color photos that suggest a breath of fresh country air carrying the mouthwatering aromas of these awesome recipes. At age sixteen, Francine began her competitive cooking career with “Blue Ribbon Stuffed Pork Loin” (see page 74). Check out this recipe for yourself, and you’ll see why it was a first-place winner. Like many Southern women, Francine comes from a long line of amazing cooks, and she carries on their traditions and blends them with her own innovative ideas. All great Southern cooks know how to “make something from nothing”. Growing your own food, using what’s seasonal and fresh, preserving and “putting up” food, and hunting and fishing are all time-honored ways of sustainable food management. No matter what you’ve got a “hankering for”, Francine has you covered, and you will also enjoy her family memories and food insights. Here’s a sampler of the real good redneck recipes you’ll find inside: “Deviled Ham Dip”; “Watergate Salad”; “Green ‘Mater Chow Chow”; “Hot Fried Chicken”; “Chicken and Dumplings Like Mama Made”; “Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Burgers”; “Pork Chop Casserole”; “Southern Fried Catfish”; “Shrimp and Grits”; “Corn Fritters”; “Beans Cooked with Ham Hocks”; “Green Beans from Nana’s Kitchen”; “Fried Cabbage”; “Brown Sugar Pie”; “Schoolyard Peanut Butter Bars”; “Sweet Potato Spice Cake”; and “Buttermilk Rolls”. Y’all come. Eat until you have to loosen your belts, and sit a spell. Come back real soon. FRANCINE BRYSON is the author of the bestselling Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen, a Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Book Award finalist and Okra Pick. She has won more than 200 local and national baking competitions and was the runner-up and crowd favorite on CBS’s The American Baking Competition. Bryson, a member of the American Pie Council, lives with her husband in Pickens, South Carolina.

Book Copy Gratis Clarkson Potter Publishers via Blogging for Books 

Francine Bryson

www.francinebryson.com

"THE BIG FINISH"--In a funny, insightful, and life-affirming debut, BROOKE FOSSEY delivers an unflinching look at growing old, living large, and loving big, as told by a wise-cracking man who didn’t see any of it coming.

The Big Finish

Meet Duffy, an old curmudgeon who lives in an assisted living home.

Meet Josie, a desperate young woman who climbs through his window.

Together, they’re going to learn it’s never too late—or too early—to change your ways.

For Duffy Sinclair, life boils down to one simple thing: maintaining his residence at the idyllic Centennial Assisted Living. Without it, he’s destined for the roach-infested nursing home down the road—and after wasting the first eighty-eight years of his life, he refuses to waste away for the rest. So, he keeps his shenanigans to the bare minimum with the help of his straight-laced best friend and roommate, Carl Upton.

But when Carl’s granddaughter Josie climbs through their bedroom window with booze on her breath and a black eye, Duffy’s faced with trouble that’s sticking around and hard to hide—from Centennial’s management and Josie’s toxic boyfriend. Before he knows it, he’s running a covert operation that includes hitchhiking and barhopping.

He might as well write himself a one-way ticket to the nursing home…or the morgue. Yet Duffy’s all in. Because thanks to an unlikely friendship that becomes fast family—his life doesn’t boil down the same anymore. Not when he finally has a chance to leave a legacy.

Brooke Fossey

 

Brooke Fossey was once an aerospace engineer with a secret clearance before she traded it all in for motherhood and writing. She’s a past president and an honorary lifetime member of DFW Writers' Workshop. Her work can be found in numerous publications, including Ruminate Magazine and SmokeLong Quarterly. When she’s not writing, you can find her in Dallas, Texas with her husband, four kids, and their dog Rufus. She still occasionally does math.

https://www.facebook.com/BAFossey/

Neil Diamond September Morn

"BEHIND EVERY LIE"--from CHRISTINA MCDONALD, the author of "The Night Olivia Fell"—an “emotionally charged mystery” (Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author)—comes a thrilling new suspense novel about the insidious nature of family secrets…and their deadly potential.

Behind Every Lie

If you can’t remember it, how do you prove you didn’t do it?

Eva Hansen wakes in the hospital after being struck by lightning and discovers her mother, Kat, has been murdered. Eva was found unconscious down the street. She can’t remember what happened but the police are highly suspicious of her.

Determined to clear her name, Eva heads from Seattle to London—Kat’s former home—for answers. But as she unravels her mother’s carefully held secrets, Eva soon realizes that someone doesn’t want her to know the truth. And with violent memories beginning to emerge, Eva doesn’t know who to trust. Least of all herself.

Told in alternating perspectives from Eva’s search for answers and Kat’s mysterious past, Christina McDonald has crafted another “complex, emotionally intense” (Publishers Weekly) domestic thriller. Behind Every Lie explores the complicated nature of mother-daughter relationships, family trauma, and the danger behind long-held secrets.


ALSO BY CHRISTINA MCDONALD 


 

The Night Olivia Fell

In the vein of Big Little Lies and Reconstructing Amelia comes an emotionally charged domestic suspense novel about a mother unraveling the truth behind how her daughter became brain dead. And pregnant.

A search for the truth. A lifetime of lies.

In the small hours of the morning, Abi Knight is startled awake by the phone call no mother ever wants to get: her teenage daughter Olivia has fallen off a bridge. Not only is Olivia brain dead, she’s pregnant and must remain on life support to keep her baby alive. And then Abi sees the angry bruises circling Olivia’s wrists.

When the police unexpectedly rule Olivia’s fall an accident, Abi decides to find out what really happened that night. Heartbroken and grieving, she unravels the threads of her daughter’s life. Was Olivia’s fall an accident? Or something far more sinister?

Christina McDonald weaves a suspenseful and heart-wrenching tale of hidden relationships, devastating lies, and the power of a mother’s love. With flashbacks of Olivia’s own resolve to uncover family secrets, this taut and emotional novel asks: how well do you know your children? And how well do they know you? 


Praise for Behind Every Lie

“Christina McDonald’s Behind Every Lie is a cleverly plotted and emotionally charged page-turner about memory, trusting yourself, grieving, and letting go. Family secrets run deep in this compelling exploration of how far a mother will go to protect her child. Full of twists and turns, this is domestic suspense at its best!” (Karen Katchur, bestselling author of River Bodies )

"Behind Every Lie is a deep, suspenseful novel packed with family secrets. Christina McDonald has a true gift for creating characters that are so well-developed, it feels like you know them. An outstanding achievement!" (Samantha Downing, author of the #1 International Bestseller My Lovely Wife )


Praise for The Night Olivia Fell

"The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald is a stunning thriller that instantly grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go until the final, poignant sentence. McDonald artfully brings to the page the emotionally fraught, complex relationship between mother and daughter in this atmospheric, absorbing page-turner. The Night Olivia Fell cracked my heart into a million pieces and then slowly pieced it back together again."  (Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence and Not a Sound )

"In Christina McDonald’s The Night Olivia Fell, Abi gets the call every mother fears: her daughter has fallen from a bridge and is brain dead...but was it an accident or a crime? McDonald reveals the answer in steady, page-turning increments, a gradual unfolding of truths and long-held secrets that culminates in a heart-wrenching resolution. A suspenseful debut that packs an emotional punch."  (Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of Three Days Missing and The Marriage Lie )

"I was absolutely hooked, it was such an emotional read that I was broken by the end. Heartbreaking and thrilling at the same time." (Jenny Blackhurst, bestselling author of How I Lost You )

"Beautifully written and moving with characters I felt I knew, The Night Olivia Fell is a stunning debut that kept me guessing right until the final, heartbreaking twist."  (Claire Douglas, bestselling author The Sisters, Local Girl Missing and Last Seen )

"Christina McDonald's The Night Olivia Fell takes a mother's worst nightmare to a whole new level. This is an intense, twisting, heartbreaking thriller that explores in painful detail the consequences of family secrets. The reader will be riveted until the final page...and may even feel a bit of hope when all is said and done. Don't miss this one!" (David Bell, bestselling author of Somebody's Daughter )

"Christina McDonald has crafted an emotionally-charged mystery that will leave readers equally gut-wretched and gripped. The Night Olivia Fell welcomes a talented new addition to the world of domestic suspense." (Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Girl and When The Lights Go Out )

“[A] complex, emotionally intense first novel…Fans of twisty domestic suspense novels will be rewarded.” (Publishers Weekly)

"McDonald ratchets up the suspense with every chapter, including plenty of gasp-worthy twists and turns as Abi and Olivia’s story pushes towards its devastating conclusion. The suspense is supplemented by relationships of surprising depth and tenderness, providing balance and nuance to the story. A worthy debut from an up-and-coming domestic-suspense author; readers who enjoy mother-daughter stories in the genre should line up for this one.” (Booklist (Starred Review))


Christina McDonald



Christina McDonald is the USA Today bestselling author of The Night Olivia Fell (Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books), which has been optioned for TV by a major Hollywood studio. Her next book, Behind Every Lie, is out Feb 2020. Her writing has been featured in The Sunday Times, Dublin, USAToday.com, and Expedia. Originally from Seattle, WA, she has an MA in Journalism from the National University of Ireland Galway, and now lives in London, England with her husband, two sons, and their dog, Tango. 

http://christina-mcdonald.com/ 

With "The Soup Club Cookbook: Feed Your Friends, Feed Your Family, Feed Yourself"--Foods are healthy, happy, and homemade--"soul-satisfyingly good"

The Soup Club Cookbook: Feed Your Friends, Feed Your Family, Feed Yourself
 
by Courtney Allison, Tina Carr, Caroline Laskow, Julie Peacock

Food-sharing is the hot new thing in the "getting dinner on the table" conversation, and in The Soup Club Cookbook, four busy moms share not only their formula for starting a soup club--which gives you at least three meals every month when you don't have to worry about dinner--but also 150 fantastic recipes for soups and sides and storing tips for stretching those meals across the week.

The Soup Club began when four friends (who, between them, have four husbands and ten hungry kids and several jobs) realized that they didn’t actually have to cook at home every night to take pleasure in a home-cooked meal. They simply had to join forces and share meals, even if they weren’t actually eating them together. Caroline, Courtney, Julie, and Tina happen to be neighbors, but a soup club is for anyone: colleagues, a group of workout buddies, a book club. All you need are a few people who simply want to have more home-cooked food in their lives.

In a soup club each person takes a turn making soup—and sometimes other dishes for sides or for when everyone needs a break from soup, so if a club has four people, in a month each person will have dinner delivered three times—a dish that can start as a full meal and stretch into more dinners or lunches or even morph into a sauce. Soup is forgiving, versatile, and perfect for sharing; it can be spiced to taste, topped elaborately or not at all, and dressed up or down. It travels well and reheats beautifully.  The Soup Club Cookbook also has dozens of tips for cooking in quantity and for tailoring soup to individual tastes and needs. Here, too, are simple guidelines for starting your own soup club, anecdotes, and a few cautionary tales  that will inspire anyone to share food and eat well.

Recipes include quick and easies, classics, twist on favorites, and dozens of flavor-rich new crowd pleasers:

   • Carrot Coconut and Chicken Chili,
   • Senegalese Peanut Soup
   • Faux Ramen
   • Red Lentil Curry Soup
   • Potato Cheddar Soup
   • Sun Dried Tomato Soup
   • Jeweled Rice Salad
   • Cheddar Cornbread,
   • Summer Corn Hash
   • Soy Simmered Chicken Wings

MY REVIEW:  What a lovely idea--"The Soup Club"--made even more appreciable by the theme "Feed Your Friends. Feed Your Family. Feed Yourself.". Authors Courtney Allison, Tana Carr, Caroline Laskow, and Julie Peacock have taken a philosophy dear to my own heart--I believe in "The Kitchen Table"--and given it a modern, mobile twist. One day a week, each of the club members will prepare and distribute an edible blessing, and then they will be repaid in turn. The ideal of nurturing your family in body and soul, providing healthy, home-cooked food, and giving them the blessing of personal time spent together is often in great conflict with the pressures found in our contemporary society. Why not share your heartfelt goals with like-minded family and friends? "The Soup Club Cookbook" is filled with fabulous food, beautifully photographed in vivid color, and it offers ideas on how you can start your own "Soup Club". The recipes include sensational soups and sides, delectable desserts, super salads, bodacious breads, and a marvelous mix of old favorites with a new attitude. Foods are healthy, happy, and homemade--"soul-satisfyingly good". Hard-to-resist recipes include: "Potato Cheddar Soup"; "Borscht"; "Sun-Dried Tomato Soup"; "Winter Minestrone"; "Chicken Tortilla Soup"; "Cheese Crisps"; "Red Cabbage Salad"; "Quick Pickles"; "Maple Butter Carrots"; "Cheddar Cornbread"; "Jeweled Rice"; "Spinach and Onion Quiche"; "Garlic Herbed Cheese"; and "Cinnamon-Sugar Walnuts". This is one club where "lifetime membership" takes on a whole new meaning, and you will enjoy paying your dues.

Book Copy Gratis Clarkson Potter Publishers via Blogging for Books


THE SOUP CLUB

"We grew up in other places and settled in New York City. We are an educator, an ecologist, a filmmaker, a nutritionist, a yogi, a traveler, a feminist, a mother, a runner, a Dane, a Jew, a Yankee, a Christian, a vegetarian, a gardener, and a coffee drinker. We make sure each other’s glasses are filled with seltzer or wine, as the case may be. We pick up, hang on to, feed, and hug each other’s kids with abandon. We try to be honest and kind and sometimes succeed at doing both. We are four friends who cook and we are Soup Club."

http://thesoupclubcookbook.com/

From TV Chef Alex Guarnaschell--"Old-School Comfort Food"--The Way I Learned to Cook"--lovely memoir plus delicious dishes makes a wonderful cookbook read (see my review)

Old-School Comfort Food: The Way I Learned to Cook

How does one become an Iron Chef and a Chopped judge on Food Network—and what does she really cook at home?

Alex Guarnaschelli grew up in a home suffused with a love of cooking, where soufflés and cheeseburgers were equally revered. The daughter of a respected cookbook editor and a Chinese cooking enthusiast, Alex developed a passion for food at a young age, sealing her professional fate. Old-School Comfort Food shares her journey from waist-high taste-tester to trained chef who now adores spending time in the kitchen with her daughter, along with the 100 recipes for how she learned to cook—and the way she still loves to eat.
 
Here are Alex’s secrets to great home cooking, where humble ingredients and familiar preparations combine with excellent technique and care to create memorable meals. Alex brings her recipes to life with reminiscences of everything from stealing tomatoes from her aunt’s garden and her first bite of her mother’s pâté to being one of the few women in the kitchen of a renowned Parisian restaurant and serving celebrity clientele in her own successful New York City establishments. With 75 color photographs and ephemera, Old-School Comfort Food is Alex’s love letter to deliciousness.

MY REVIEW:  Our concept of "comfort food" is influenced by the family kitchen of our childhood and our encounters with food from outside the home. If you are a true "foodie", then you have a fascination with all the things that combine to complete your food and make it into the finished dish which you consume. "Old-School Comfort Food: The Way I Learned to Cook", by accomplished chef and TV personality Alex Guarnaschelli, is a perfect example of how our differences in heritage and life experiences shape our idea of what is our comfort zone, and that includes our favorite foods and beverages. Written with dry humor, and a refreshing, down-to-earth tone, this cookbook almost makes you feel as though you and Alex are having a conversation about food. Even if your idea of comfort food is much different than hers, you will appreciate her amazing "journey in food". Her earliest food impressions were provided by her esteemed cookbook-editor mother, and by her father, whose Italian heritage was blended with a love for cooking Chinese food. Once grown, and out on her own, Alex traveled the globe, cooking and learning from some of the most highly-renowned chefs in a number of the most prestigious restaurants in the world. Her eventual return to her home turf of New York added further layers to her adventures in food, as she worked in a Madison Square Garden steakhouse, taught at the Institute of Culinary Education, and even held a job as private chef for a family on Park Avenue. Now an executive chef at more than one top New York City establishment, Alex is also a veteran star of numerous TV food and cooking programs. In addition to sharing her recipes, Alex also shares cooking techniques and essential kitchen tools, and she is not afraid to specify her favorite brand names for ingredients. She also provides a "sources" pages featuring some of her personal picks for places and products. Here are some of her recipes which I found most appealing: "Overnight Garlic Bread"; "Chilled Iceberg Wedge with Blue Cheese and Leeks"; "Shrimp and Cucumber Salad"; "Mom's Meatloaf"; "Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops with Apple and Brussels Sprouts"; "Broiled Bluefish with Corn and Bacon"; "Mashed Potatoes Chantilly"; "Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Caramel Top"; and "Evil Cheese Biscuits". Also included is a "Make it from Scratch" chapter which provides recipes for such kitchen staples as butter, pickles, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce. You will enjoy this view of "comfort food" from an author whose love of subject and considerable skills and knowledge shine through from page to page.

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

 

Reviews

“I can only think of one thing better than enjoying Alex Guarnaschelli's food in one of her restaurants . . . cooking Alex Guarnaschelli's food in your own kitchen, preferably while wearing pajamas.”--Alton Brown

“Some of my best recipes are from Alex, who has taught me a lot about cooking just by being my friend. Reading her book is just like hanging out with your best friend in the kitchen.”--Isaac Mizrahi

“I really have had a good time watching Alex graduate from a young line cook at my restaurant to the soulful and successful chef she is today. Her book’s approach to simple home recipes has many restaurant tricks that I am sure inspired cooks will be happy to discover.”--Daniel Boulud

“Alex Guarnaschelli, who rightfully won her chops working with the great names in cuisine on both sides of the Atlantic, brings her skills to real-world food. This is where most of us live with our tight schedules, hungry families, and a yen for something really good at the end of the day. Alex lives there, too, but she has the solutions. This is one of those books destined to become very messy.”
--Lynne Rossetto Kasper, Host of The Splendid Table® from American Public Media

“Alex Guarnaschelli is a brilliantly talented cook and this book makes me want to throw on my apron on a Sunday afternoon and start cooking for my family!”
--Anne Burrell

Alex Guarnaschelli
 

ALEX GUARNASCHELLI is the executive chef of the New York City restaurants Butter and The Darby. A graduate of Barnard College and La Varenne cooking school, she trained with acclaimed chefs Guy Savoy in Paris and Daniel Boulud in New York. An Iron Chef on Iron Chef America and a judge on Chopped, she has hosted and appeared on numerous Food Network shows, including Alex’s Day Off and The Cooking Loft, and writes a blog on foodnetwork.com. She makes her home in New York City with her daughter.

https://alexguarnaschelli.com/