I'm Back

Hello Everyone,

I took a bit of a hiatus from blogging about cookbooks. Then when I tried getting back in to blogger they would not let me in. So just a bit of an update not sure if I will continue this blog. I still love cookbooks but right now not into blogging about them. That may change and you may see me back at it. But right now I am into blogging about books. Fiction and non ficiton. Blessings to you. 

Once a week cooking?!

There are people out there who want to save money and time in the kitchen. So what they do is cook larger batches of stuff. Say cooking once a week or once a month I have even heard of someone who cooked once every 6 months. My husband and a friend we cooked for a day and had enough meals for a month. We did it right before my baby was due. I had a 16 month at home and with a new one on the way thought this would be great for us. It was very handy to have all those meals already in the freezer. Loved it. It was a lot of work cooking for that one day. Which for us to a bit longer. We finished a few things the next day. If you have the time and energy to do it it is a great thing. I was at a friends house the one day and checking out her cookbook collection. As you know I love cookbooks. She had this one that intrugued me. Called cook once a week, eat well every day. I borrowed it. I fell in love with this book. Every recipe I tried tasted great. I was dissappointed that there was not many pictures. But the tasty meals made up for it. You would make one meal the one day and it would make enough to make a different meal the next day. Check it out. If you are thinking of starting more of a bulk cooking once a week is a great way to start.

Yum Cookies!

So I was checking out this blog the other day, sweetopia. Great site. The blog interviewed the author of the cookbook called, cookie swap. I just love the look of the book. I love making cookies that  I can decorate with icing. This author has some very creative ideas. Check it out. I can't wait to make Easter cookies. What is your favourite cookie? Do you decorate cookies at all?

Pies and Cakes

My mother had a cookbook called Better Homes and Gardens Pies and Cakes. My mom always made the best pies and cakes. She is an amazing baker. I sure know where I got my gift from. This cookbooks first edition was 1966. My copy is 1973. My moms book is falling apart because she has had it so long and uses it so much. I got my copy one day as I was in the mall and they had an antique sale on. In the middle of the mall different antique dealers had tables set up. As I was looking at the different tables I spotted this book. I had to get it. Plus the price was only $5 CDN. So how could I pass that up. I can't recommend this book enough. I have made so many excellent things from here. Today I made Mothers Best Fudge Cake. Great chocolate cake recipe. Some of the pictures are dated looking. But the recipes are still good and you can decorate your cake or pies any way you want. Decorating with jello on top of cupcakes looks gross to me. So do check out this book if you like to bake. A must for all bakers cookbook collections.
Pies and Cakes

To Freeze or Not to Freeze

So that is the question to freeze or not to freeze. Do you  ever wonder can I freeze _______? Fill in the blank. There has been many times that I have thought hmm wonder would this freeze well? Well wonder no more. I have found 2 cookbooks on line that look like they would be great additions to anyone's cookbook collection. The first is How to Freeze by Carolyn Humphries. I found a review at flipkart.com "The complete A to Z guide for freezing almost any food. Includes tips on freezing management for maximum enjoyment from your frozen foods. Contains instruction on food preparation, packaging suggestions, storage times, defrosting techniques, hygiene, and food safety." The other book is Can I Freeze It. This one looks really good. Along with all the freezer tips. She has filled the book with recipes that are great for the freezer. So check out the link read the reviews. It really looks like a must have cookbook.

I have recently discovered how to make pie. I love it. Pie making is so fun! Oh and so tasty to. So since I have discovered this I now want a pie cookbook. Like this one. Pie and Pastry Bible. Which has about 700 pages. Wow the variety of pies that must be inside. I can't imagine all that they are but wouldn't it be fun to start baking on page one and go all the way through. That would be a great way to get proficient a pie making. I really want this cookbook. would be great for summer when all the fruit is fresh. Hmm would make me a great birthday gift. As I have a summer birthday. Hint hint!!

Another Fav Cookbook

You know a cookbook is your fav when the book looks worn, the pages are stained. I have a few of those. The one I want to talk about today is Cooking from Quilt Country. Hearty Recipes from Amish and Mennonite Kitchens. Fabulous cookbook. I love it. I make many things from here. The book is written by Marcia Adams. She had visited the Amish and Mennonite communities and studied there recipes. The Amish and Mennonites are great cooks. They make everything from scratch. Which I do not. I make some things. But not all. Like chicken stock. I often buy that. I know homemade tastes better but I don't always have the time to make it. I definately recommend that you check out this cookbook. You wont be disappointed. Here is a recipe from it.

Chicken Corn Soup

6 tbsp butter, or rendered chicken fat                                              3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped onion                                                           3/4 cup half and half
1 cup finely chopped celery                                                              2 tbsp shredded carrot
6 tbsp all-purpose flour                                                                    1 tbsp finely minced fresh parsley
2 cups chicken broth                                                                        1/4 tsp grated nutmeg, rounded
1 1-pound can cream-style corn                                                       1/8 tsp black pepper
11/2 cups very coarsely shredded cooked chicken

In a large saucepan, cook the butter, onion, and celery over medium heat for 3 minutes. stir in the flour, and cook 5 to 6 minutes longer, or until the mixture is golden. Add the broth, and whisk until smooth, raising the heat a bit. Add the remaining ingredients except chicken, and then lower heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Add chicken just before serving- allow soup to stand a few minutes to heat the chicken pieces.