Cookbook Review: The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook

I’ve been a fan of the blog Smitten Kitchen for a long time. Deb’s recipes are always fantastic. Her attention to detail and quest to find the perfect version of a meal means that any time I cook her food I’m floored with the fantastic results.

When I heard she was coming out with a cookbook, I waited and waited. And waited. It was released at the end of October this year, and I snatched it up immediately.

Let me start by saying, the photography is beautiful. The book is divided into seven sections: Breakfast; Sandwiches, Tarts, and Pizzas; The Main Dish: Vegetarian; The Main Dish: Seafood, Poultry, and Meat; Sweets; and Party Snacks and Drinks. I tried to make something from each, but missed a few.

I ended up made the following recipes:

• Fingerlings Vinaigrette with Sieved Eggs and Pickled Celery
• Kale Salad with Cherries and Pecans
• Slow-Cooker Black Bean Ragout
• Spaghetti Squash and Black Bean Tacos with Queso Fresco
• Harvest Roast Chicken with Grapes, Olives and Rosemary
• Buttered Popcorn Cookies
• Salted Brown Butter Crispy Treats

In particular, I liked the crispy treats, kale salad and bean ragout.

Happy Hour: Watermelon & Lime Cocktail

Miss Megan asked me to come up with a cocktail recipe for her blog, Crazybananas. She was thinking watermelon and lime, so I came up with a couple of options. We had a lot of fun testing both and discussing world issues. (Okay, we may have been gossiping.)

You’ll find our favorite recipe on her blog, a Vodka Limeade with Watermelon Ice Cubes, which is pretty delicious. The watermelon ice cubes are so fun and would be great in a non-alcoholic version if that’s your thing. I think kids would love them in lemonade.

Although the Vodka Limeade was our favorite drink, it didn’t seem right to keep the second recipe to ourselves, because it was also pretty tasty. This one uses the same ingredients, but in a different way. So, you could also try both this weekend and choose your own favorite. No judgement here.

Cookbook Review: Weeknights with Giada

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a book signing with Giada De Laurentiis. Hosted by Rainy Day Books, Giada was interviewed on stage at the Midland, and all attendees received a copy of her new cookbook. I’ve long been a fan of Giada and own nearly all of her cookbooks. Her basic risotto recipe is my go to, but for the most part, I don’t turn to her recipes regularly. In case you’re unfamiliar with Giada, I think you’ll get a feel for how charming she is. She’s one of those celebrities that I misguidedly think I could be friends with if we actually met.

As I flipped through her new cookbook at the event, I couldn’t wait to try it out. Weeknights with Giada has a different focus than her others. It focuses on simple dishes that come together quickly. In addition to Italian recipes, she also includes meals from other cultures. I think this cookbook is the perfect addition to the busy cook’s repertoire.