Cookerati

There are three books that I recommend you buy for your friend, spouse, loved one who cooks.

They are:

• The Old Farmer’s Everyday Cookbook Almanac
• 1000 Gluten Free Recipes by Carol Fenster PHD
• The Christmas Table by Diane Morgan Photos by E.J. Armstrong

These are such great books and would make such great gifts. 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Everyday Cookbook - This is a recipe book for good old fashioned comfort and everyday foods.  I made the meatloaf following the recipe and it was great.  Goes well with all of our potato recipes, although there are plenty of them in the book.  This book also has dressings, stews, breakfast meals, hints tips etc.  A full range of recipes for the regular home cook.  If you know someone who is just starting out, or moving away from home this would be a good first cookbook.  This would also be a good gift for the cookbook collector since it is recipes put out by Farmer’s Almanac. 

Basic American Meatloaf

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground meat

1 large egg

1 cup liquid(such as milk or tomato juice)

1/2 cup dry ingredients (such as bread crumbs)

1/4 cup chopped onions

salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.  Using your hands, mix together until thoroughly blended.  Pat the mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan and bake 1 hour.  Makes 6 to 8 servings.

1000 Gluten Free Recipes - This is one honkin’ gluten free recipe book.  It’s thick, and full to the brim with recipes – plus, it has a guide in the front for converting recipes, or deciding what to use and how much.  The recipes include pizzas, baked goods, breads, macaroni & cheese, and plenty of other recipes such as baked acorn squash and Grilled Teriyaki Tuna.  My mother in law told me that she is supposed to try and stay away from gluten, so this will be her gift for Christmas(along with a bread machine that has a gluten free cycle).  I’ve got one for her and also one for myself.  Truthfully, there is gluten in a lot more than just bread.  The recipes will state when you need to look for something like gluten free broth.  You might not realize which things you have to look out for with a regular recipe book, but this one takes care of that for you. The Author Carol Fenster can’t eat wheat and has become an internationally recognized expert in gluten free cooking. This is probably the most comprehensive Gluten Free Cookbook Available.

Excerpt from book

The Christmas Table - Instead of the twelve days of Christmas, we have the Twelve Planning Tips of Christmas. This is more than a recipe book, it’s a guide to help you out with your Christmas entertaining. From Planning and Organizing, to all the recipe courses, setting the table and decorating the home.  This guide helps you to be ready for the Holiday season.  While this book would be a great for someone to have before Christmas, it would also make a great gift for the hostess or someone who likes to entertain.  The book is functional, but also very lovely. The pictures are just gorgeous – another reason it would make a great gift.  Diane Morgan, is an award-winning cookbook author, freelance food writer culinary instructor, and restaurant consultant. She is the author of fourteen cookbooks.     Pistachio and Chive Goat Cheese on Puff Pastry Wafers