500 Cupcakes:The Only Cupcake Compendium You’ll Ever Need
Author: Fergal Connolly
* I received this book free of charge from Sellers Publishing in exchange for an honest review*

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Sellers Publishing, Inc. (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569065977
• ISBN-13: 978-1569065976

SYNOPSIS:
Once upon a time, cupcakes were only a kid-friendly party favorite. No longer! Cupcakes are now the treat of the times, at once simple and chic. 500 Cupcakes is just that: a storehouse of recipes, written in clear instructions and appealingly packaged in bright, modern colors. 500 Cupcakes from front to back provides what bakers of all levels need to produce tempting creations. The introduction provides a comprehensive look at equipment and ingredients, plus a description of the cupcake-making process, from getting started to storing and transporting the yummy results. The collection of recipes span from classic flavors and shapes to new favorites for every style and taste including recipes for alternate diets. Each recipe is written in clear language (great for the novice baker), and every one features three variations on the basic recipe (great for the experienced baker seeking new flavors). The page design is attractive, featuring over 200 enticing pictures of cupcakes in the pan and on the serving plate 500 Cupcakes really is the only cupcake compendium you ll ever need!

MY TAKE:
Close your eyes and think of your favorite cupcake. I’ll wait a second. Now imagine having it in a cookbook with easy to follow instructions and color photos. In this book there are over 500 recipes for cupcakes. I love having them all in one book. Now when my daughter says that she needs some treats for a school party I can whip some up with easy directions. Some of the cupcakes featured are:
Oatmeal Muffins Pop Rock Cupcakes Crisp Rice Cupcakes Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
Plus each recipe has a color photo to show you decorating techniques. This book has kinds I never would have thought of. At the beginning of the book it also has a section on the tools you will need to make perfect cupcakes, baking tips, decorating tips and serving ideas for gifts. I made the classic vanilla cupcakes to try out how easy the recipes are and this is great for a beginning level dessert cookbook. Great for a teen and great to have on hand for fast party cupcakes.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

How To Roast A Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking
Author: Michael Psilakis
*I received this book from Hachette Books free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (October 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316041211
• ISBN-13: 978-0316041218

SYNOPSIS:
A rising star in the food world, Michael Psilakis is co-owner of a growing empire of modern Mediterranean restaurants, and one of the most exciting young chefs in America today. In How to Roast a Lamb, the self-taught chef offers recipes from his restaurants and his home in this, his much-anticipated first cookbook.

Psilakis’s cooking utilizes the fresh, naturally healthful ingredients of the Mediterranean augmented by techniques that define New American cuisine. Home cooks who have gravitated toward Italian cookbooks for the simple, user-friendly dishes, satisfying flavors, and comfortable, family-oriented meals, will welcome Psilakis’s approach to Greek food, which is similarly healthful, affordable, and satisfying to share any night of the week.

MY TAKE:
I am by no means a cook. If it doesn’t come in a box, can be delivered from a nearby restraunt, or be a wonderful desert, then I am scared to try it. Usually I stick to making sweets. They are easy and yummy. If you are not familiar with some of the Greek ingredients, then I highly recommend you look into them first. These recipes are complicated if you are a beginner in the cooking area. The book did have some wonderful memories that the author shares and he does explain the process of the dish thoroughly though. If you have the time and the patience then this book would be a wonderful cookbook on your kitchen shelf. Here are some examples of the recipes you will find in it:
Braised Rabbit and Quail
Stuffed Baby Eggplants
Orange-Braised Snails
Lobster Broth
See, these even sound complicated to me. They seem to be more of the ritzy dishes instead of dishes you would fix every day for your family. If you are a serious cook and enjoy the Greek ingredients, then give it a go. I for one will stick to ordering pizza and making brownies.

MY RATING:

Petite Sweets: Bite-Size Desserts to Satisfy Every Sweet Tooth Author: Beatrice Ojakangas
*I received this book free of charge from Sellers Publishing in exchange for an honest review*

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sellers Publishing, Inc. (September 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416207732
• ISBN-13: 978-1416207733

SYNOPSIS:
For the home cook who wants to follow the huge trend toward small-bite desserts, here’s a collection of recipes for everybody’s favorite indulgent desserts prepared in miniature portions. From a shot glass of velvety chocolate mousse to an itty, bitty key lime pie, these miniature dishes are perfectly satisfying when you’re craving just a bite of something sweet at the end of the meal.

MY TAKE:
OMG! These recipes are to die for! Just looking through this book will make your mouth water and more than likely you will gain 5 pounds just from reading the recipes! These recipes are easy to follow, taste yummy and perfect for little servings for parties or kids. I found that the Creme Brulee and the Crispy Cream Puffs are my favorite. I will be making alot of these treats for my children’s classroom parties and for the holiday sweet tooth my family always has. Perfect for beginner cooks and family time cooking around the holidays and all year long.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!