The Cookbook Junkies

I have had the privilege of writing a series of gift guides for TasteBook in addition to my regular Monday column. My first guide was on baking books (link will take you to that guide).

My second guide was dedicated to the brunch lover and my suggestions can be found here. Other guides for the restaurant obsessed, serious cook and super entertainer will be coming in the next week.

Meanwhile, I’d like to offer one of you a chance to win these three titles:

Brunch @ Bobby’s by Bobby Flay

Biscuits by Jackie Garvin

Happy Cooking by Giada DeLaurentis

A wonderful friend picked up an autographed copy of Bobby’s book for me – so I have an extra of that title and the publishers sent an extra copy of Biscuits and Happy Cooking to me.

 

GIVEAWAY: For a chance to win this set – Brunch @ Bobby’s, Biscuits and Happy Cooking – leave a comment here telling me which book sounds the best to you from either guide article on TasteBook  (links above). For a second chance share this giveaway and leave a second comment telling me you did. The giveaway is open to US addresses only and will run until December 27th. Random Number Generator will pick a winner on that date. Good luck!

Check back later in the week for another post on Made in India – review, recipe and giveaway.

Random Number Generator Picked #43 – Corey Meyer!

Southern Heat by Anthony Lamas and Gwen Pratesi just hit the shelves and it’s a glorious combination of Southern cooking meets Latin flavors.

Not only is this book chock full of great recipes which I will get to in a moment – but it is a great read. Beginning with Lamas’ “Flavors of My Life” to the wonderful introductions to each chapter about food artisans, the book tells the  story of Lamas’ path to becoming a chef.

The recipes are varied and full of flavor – Fried Green Tomatoes with Lemon – Habanero Mississippi Comeback Sauce, Pickled Jalapeno Pimento Cheese and Chipotle Potato-Cheddar Bisque are just recipes in the first few pages alone that I want to make.

Thanks to Taunton Press for sharing a delicious recipe with us the Nuevo Latino Shrimp and Grits With Bourbon Red-Eye Gravy pictured below as well as recipe for Vidalia Onion Pudding, which might make a great Thanksgiving day offering — the file for those recipes can be downloaded at this link: Southern Heat.

 

Every dish in this book is packed with powerful flavor combinations, the photos are amazing and the Chef’s Tips shared with the recipes are helpful. The Nashville-Style Habanero Hot Chicken, Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter, Manchego, Pine Nuts, and Lemon and Banana-Rum Pudding with Toasted Coconut have me wanting to abandon that turkey in the fridge and serve up a Southern Latin dinner!

Random Number Generator chose #37 — Kathleen! Congratulations!

GIVEAWAY: I have an additional copy of this book for one of you. Trust me, you want this book in your collection. Leave a comment on this post telling me anything you like for a chance to win. A random winner will be chosen on December 5th. Giveaway is open to US addresses only.

 

This Thanksgiving I’m making a few desserts – a Pecan Pie, a Peanut Butter Pie, a Cheesecake and a Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Cake. Here are a few links to other favorites including the ones mentioned above. The photos are credited and will be switched out with my photos on Wednesday when I make all these desserts again.

Nancy Fuller made this Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Cake on her show and it looked easy and impressive. Andrew is excited about this one!

 

We love pecan pie. I always make the Famous Dave’s Pecan Pie Recipe but I’m open to your favorite pecan pie recipes – please share a link in the comments.

Peanut Butter Pie is another favorite here and Jennie’s is our favorite. This video from White On Rice Couple is wonderful – this tribute video was shared when the food blogging community participated in Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey.  Mikey was Jennie’s husband who passed away far too soon. When Jennie asked us all to make pie – I created an event on Facebook and we had about over 2,000 join — it was a beautiful tribute.

My friend Lisa is an inspiration with her cooking and kindness. She recently went through a serious health issue and I’m so happy she is getting back to cooking and baking again.  Her Pumpkin Pie Squares are a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Pam’s Traditional Dutch Apple Pie is a great twist on a classic. I seldom make apple or pumpkin desserts because Jim is not a fan…darn him. But for those of you who have the freedom – I recommend this dessert!

One of Andrew’s favorite cookies is Katrina’s Peanut Butter Overload Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are sure to be gobbled up if you place them on your dessert table.

 

I am going to make the first three desserts and for the cheesecake, I would like to make Melanie’s Praline Pecan Cheesecake – but I might want to avoid the pecans for those who might not enjoy nuts. Wednesday will be decision time!

Whatever you are, whatever you are making – I hope your Thanksgiving is full of good food, family, friends and love.