Now You're CookingDivine recipes and much more

Many times over the last few years, people have mentioned that they wish they had their grandmother’s, or their mother’s recipe for a certain favorite dish. The relative in question has since passed away and the favorite recipe went with her, they suppose, so that is how this idea was formulated in my head. Why not enter my families’ favorite recipes in a blank recipe book so it can be passed on to future generations? I don’t put just any recipe in this special book, just the ones that get the highest rave reviews. Turns out that one book is not going to be enough; I need to get one with many more pages next time.

I bought a new cookbook in December 2008 and tried a few cookie and bar recipes. My taste-tester, (aka my husband), tasted the peanut butter cookies and could not believe his taste buds. He reported excitedly, “These taste exactly like my grma’s cookies, I can’t believe it!” His grandmother passed away in the mid 1980’s and this is the first time he has tasted her peanut butter cookies since then. No doubt about it, that recipe will go into the Family Cookbook.

Giving cookbooks for gifts should have some forethought. Does the recipient spend much time in the kitchen, and if so, what types of dishes do they generally prepare? Here are some guidlelines that may be of help:

The Williams-Sonoma exclusive 4 Volume set features classic recipes that are easy to prepare, and includes appetizers, chicken recipes, vegetables and desserts with photos of the final product. They also give suggestions for the proper type of wine to serve with the meals.

A Passion for Flavor has great, healthy recipes that focus on cooking with infused vinegars and oil.

The ring bound Pillsbury Complete Cookbook has close to 1,000 up-to-date recipes along with 300 color photos and would be a great addition to any cook’s kitchen.

The Hollywood Cookbook features recipes from 20 celebrities. There are appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, desserts and beverages in more than 250 pages, as well as a hundred plus photos of the recipes. Good Looking Cooking donates $5.00 to the 20 celebrity charities through a special fund that is managed by the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

Kids with Diabetes features over 100 tasty recipes suitable for children with diabetes and has meal planning ideas as well.

Delicious Designs Cookbook features edible fruit bouguets which can be used for a centerpiece, or given as a gift. Its combination of photos and instructions make it easy to create a masterpiece.

W.I.N.O.S.,(Women In Need of Sanity), Cookbook is all about cooking with wine. It has many wonderful, easy dishes for your personal dining pleasure, or to share with family or friends. Cheers!

Emeril’s Delmonico Cookbook features the restaurant by the same name, located in New Orleans, Louisiana and its creole and hearty recipes that are influenced by New Orleans cuisine. As an experienced celebrity chef, Emeril adds his own touches to these recipes and simplifies them for the average cook at home.

Gifts In A Jar Cookbook – Bars and Brownies allows you or the recipient to create your own homemade gifts. Along with each recipe, a gift tag is enclosed.

All Recipes 30 Minutes to Cook Cookbook features tasty top-notch recipes that are fast to prepare, as the title implies. Some recipes can be prepared in advance and some have five ingredients or less in its over 360 pages. It also features at least 60 color photographs.

Good Housekeeping’s Best-Loved Desserts Cookbook features their best 250 dessert recipes which have been tested three times prior to adding to this cookbook. You’ll think you’re back in your grandmother’s kitchen when you taste the sensational recipes in this nearly 400 page Cookbook.

The Recipes Journal is the perfect place to immortalize your family recipes for future generations. In addition to the recipes, a brief story can be added that relates to each recipe, making it even more special. Ask extended family to share current or past recipes that are family favorites and give to a special couple as a wedding gift.

Explore the world of cooking and the wonderful array of cookbooks available. Swap recipes with friends, co-workers and family to amass a collection of wonderful recipes that are tried and true. As with anything else in life, “perfect” practice makes perfect. The more you practice your cooking techniques, the less stressed out you’ll be in the kitchen. Now go forth and conquer those recipes.

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