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.

More Romantic Cookbooks

I stumbled upon this cookbook one day on line. I want this. Read this review from Amazon.ca

"From delectable Duck Breast Salad (Crush in Portland, Oregon) to sensuous Green Tea Crème Brûlée (Dragonfly Bistro in Leavenworth, Washington), this colorfully illustrated cookbook lets lovers experience at home the Northwest's most romantic restaurants, wineries, B&Bs, and inns. Covering breakfast, appetizers and small plates, salads, main courses, and desserts, the book includes engaging sketches of each recipe's source establishment, as well as cooking tips and reasons why these dishes are the perfect companion for that special tête-à-tête. Informative sidebars profile romantic dining, aphrodisiacs, wine pairings, and other Northwest epicurial excursions." I just love the sound of this cookbook. The reviews in Amazon on this book are really good too. Check out this book here.

Cookbooks for Valentines

Well I have been debating with myself when to talk about Valentines. But if you want to buy  yourself a new cookbook for Valentines you have to buy it in advance. So I will post some cookbooks that I think would be good. I know Valentines is only one day but love can be celebrated all year long. So I found this cookbook called Intercourses. I got to see it one day at the bookstore and thought what a great book. The photography was very tastefully and artfully done. The pictures are of naked people who have all there approprate body parts covered in food. So there is not much nakedness to see. If that would concern you. The recipes looked really good. It is an aphrodisiac cookbook. Aphrodisiac for those who don't know means, food, drug, potion, or other agent that arouses sexual desire. This is a book you could have a lot of fun with on Valentines or any other day of the year. I bought this book and can't wait till it comes in the mail. I am sure Ben can't wait either. :o)

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Chocolate for Breakfast

Does that sound wrong to you? Chocolate for Breakfast? Chocolate is heavenly should it not be eaten at any time of day? Well I got to look at this cookbook in my local bookstore. The pictures in side were amazing. I love a cookbook with pictures. The pictures alone sold me. Also I do love chocolate. Here is the review from Amazon.ca " "With over 100 detailed recipes and 260 full color photographs, this lavishly illustrated cookbook is the ultimate tribute to the world's favorite indulgence. Chocolate connoisseur and chef extraordinaire Barbara Passino is renowned for her sinfully decadent breakfasts, which she serves daily at the luxurious Oak Knoll Inn, situated in the heart of Napa Valley, California. "Chocolate for Breakfast" is a sumptuous collection of Barbara's passion-filled techniques, philosophies and anecdotes, all presented in easy-to-follow recipes and illustrated with the spectacular photography of renowned photographer Marc Hoberman. Menus with a chocolate twist inspired from cultures around the world are presented, including Italian, French, Asian, Moroccan, Spanish and American, as well as some fun surprises such as breakfast ideas for Valentines Day, the secret to making a perfect bed (who says breakfast has to be at the table?), a Chocolate-y proposal and a lot more." This book looks like a must have to anyone's cookbook collection. I know I sure want it. Now if I could just get that money tree in the back to grow. I could buy all the cookbooks I wanted.