Book Twenty- Five: The Fannie Farmer Cookbook

 Fluffy Egg Nest

This was my very first cookbook. It certainly has seen better days; but what do you expect after 30 years! Wow...cannot believe it has been that long, and that I still have this book!

How could one not be enticed by the name of this recipe? And just about everyone I'm sure has all the ingredients at hand, no running to the store! This would be a fun one to make for Easter with the kiddies. It is super easy and fun. Not to mention it tastes really good too!

Success meter (1-3): 3

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Book Twenty-Four: The Food You Crave

by Ellie Krieger




      Sage-Rubbed Pork Chops with Warm Apple Slaw

Pork chops and applesauce. Whenever I hear that, it reminds me of a Brady Bunch episode where Alice was telling, I think, Bobby, what was for dinner, and then Bobby went around saying that in a funny voice all night: Pork chawwwpsss and applesawwwsss.....

This however has no applesauce, but an apple, cabbage, carrot and onion slaw, and was just OK. It was a very simple and quick dish to prepare, and the aroma was wonderful. Though the flavors just did not come through for us. And there is something about pork chops and me that just does not work. These did not turn out as dry as they usually do when I attempt them; but they did not turn out juicy and succulent like they do at the restaurant we visit.

I made the full recipe, but with only two chops instead of four, and felt that the sage/garlic rub was barely enough for the two chops. So if you make the full recipe, I would double the mixture; there was plenty of slaw. And if you use your food processor to grate the apple and carrot as I did - do it separately! You cook them at different times, so I had to dig out the apple and of course had bits of carrot mixed in; which was not a big deal, it all comes together in the end.

Success meter (1-3): 2

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oops..did it again. candied ginger does not

belong in this recipe.

Book Twenty-Three: Food to Live By

by Myra Goodman


                            California Waldorf Salad

 This is one of my all-time favorite salads. Do not let the title fool you - erase the memory of mayo covered fruit and marshmallows! This is made with fresh spinach and a yogurt/mayo dressing flavored with curry. You won't be sorry if you try this one!

A friend made the best granola from this book, and me, being unable to wait for her to get me the recipe (it took awhile) I went to my local book store and purchased the book myself, and happy that I did. I had another favorite book that I would buy everyone for Christmas and planned to give to my daughter once she had her own place, and she has asked for this book instead.

I have a handful of cookbooks that I cook out of repetitively; this being one of them. I feel as though I'm cheating, blogging on not only a book I have cooked from, but a recipe I have made so often that the page has detached itself from the binding. (Yes, you would think I would not need to read the recipe again - but I do not retain information very well, or for very long!) Today, being the first day that we have had sun in a long time, I wanted to celebrate this beautiful day with a fresh and healthy salad.

 Success meter (1-3): 3+

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A very sad picture indeed....does not do the salad justice.

(all the goods are at the bottom)

Another one from the world wide web....

Recipe: Tortilla Casserole with Turkey


It has become second nature to me now, to grab my camera at the start of prepping for dinner, that I did not even realize that this recipe was not from one of the cookbooks that I own; even though there was no book to be seen! I think you'll be happy (if you try this recipe) that I chose to share it anyway.

This is a great way to use up leftover turkey. Of course you can always buy the pre-cooked turkey breast from your local grocery. They are next to the pre-cooked chickens. And if you buy the jarred tomatillo sauce instead of making it yourself, it makes for a quick dinner. I also skipped the direction of submerging the tortillas in oil. I really do not see the need for that, nor the extra fat and calories. (Edit: After much thought on this, I have come to the conclusion that it must keep the tortillas from becoming soggy. I'll have to try this out next time.)

I purchased jarred salsa verde in place of making the salsa de tomatillo. I have made it in the past and I find the jarred is just as good for the work involved. And I'm not so sure if my market even has 60 tomatillos!! Not to mention peeling 60 of those would take me forever!

I like my foods spicy, so I used a medium salsa, hot pepper jack cheese, and green chile corn tortillas.

Success meter (1-3): 4

One for Summer....a must have!

Recipe: Orange and Fennel Salad

I had some leftover fennel from my last post and did not want to waste it (my mother-in-law would be so proud!) I did a quick search and found this super easy recipe.

This is one you will want to have for your next summer barbeque or tailgate party!  I would say you can prepare this a few hours ahead to give the flavors time to fuse together. The salad was still very good and crunchy the next morning, however the colors were not as vibrant.

This is the first time for me using fennel, for my family is not fond of licorice flavor, (though black licorice is one of my favorites!) so I have always passed on recipes calling for this herb. If you are one to shy away from this as well, I strongly recommend you don't! It is very mild, and when mixed with the oranges and cranberries you really do not notice any licorice like flavor; just a wonderful freshness and crunch.

Success meter (1-3): 3+

Book Twenty-Two: The Bon Appétit Cookbook by Barbara Fairchild

Recipe: Spring Vegetable Paella



If Mother Nature will not bring us spring, then I will, by way of this Spring Vegetable Paella.

Success meter (1-3): 3