All's Fair in Love

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kat Varland is more than just chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry! Think more along the lines of gourmet raspberry lemonade torte! But, at Sweetie Pies Bakery, owned by her Aunt Maggie' gourmet is considered weird...and Kat is feeling stifled...by her Aunt and her parents. When her best friend Lucas, signs them for a reality TV cupcake bake-off contest, Kat is ready to reach for her dream!

Humorous and inspirational, without being preachy, All's Fair in Love is a delightful confection...

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The Glass Kitchen

The Glass Kitchen by Linda Francis Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Portia Cuthcart was only seven years old when she got the knowing. Thoughts and scents of food would come to her, like magic, filling her with the urge to cook or bake like crazy. Living with her two sisters and Gram, Portia grew up learning the mechanics in her grandmother's cafe, The Glass Kitchen. But Portia also learned that her food could help heal, begin, or even end a journey. It was a single meal of cherry tomatoes stuffed with chile, cheese and bacon, pulled pork, endive slaw, and potato pancakes the foretold her Gram's death. And with that Portia promised herself she wouldn't cook again. Years later, after a nasty divorce and living in New York City, Portia again prepares to cook once again and bring back The Glass Kitchen to keep herself sane and financially afloat.

Such a great book about family, magic, interesting characters, and food - great summer read!

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Vegan Pie in the Sky: 75 Out-of-This-World Recipes for Pies, Tarts, Cobblers, Crumbles, and More by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Although so many of these looks absolutely yummy, I've narrowed it down to three that I'm definitely going to make - Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding, page 120; Apple Brown Betty on page 130 (my Mom always made the regular version of this)and French Toast Apple Cobbler, page 133. Hmmm, all apple! There are also great recipes for crusts (think vodka crust!)and doughs.



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200 Christmas Recipes: Hamlyn All Color

200 Christmas Recipes: Hamlyn All Color by Hamlyn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A delicious lil recipe book – a photo for each dish prepared! How about Roast Goose with Spiced Apples (page 36 ) or Moroccan Stuffed Lamb (page 34) or even Traditional Shortbread (page 210)? Even if you don’t plan on cooking any of the delicacies – it’s fun to drool over the full color photos!





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Chocolates and Confections

Chocolates and Confections at Home with the Culinary Institute of America by Peter P. Greweling

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a delicious, yummy book of chocolates, fudge, sponge candy, bark temptations - I could go on and on. Wonderful recipes with extra tips and techniques. My personal favs are Peanut Brittle, page 113; Sponge Candy, page 189, and Caramel Corn, page 229. Just looking at the photos will make you drool!



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