Cookbooks reviewed: Sep 30

 
   

Air Fryer Low Carb Cookbook: 75 Simple Recipes to Support Your Diet and Stay Healthy by Julie Bower, Anna Campbell

TOC where recipes are listed as meals> lots of introduction material about the air fryer and how healthy you can cook with it.

Simple things as using the air fryer,  cooking charts for various foods, i love this myself as most items you get from the garden don't come with a label telling you how to cook them.

Also meats and poultry are listed. Each recipe starts with a  title, medium size color photo,  prep , cook times and servings.

Nutritional information includes calories, fat, carbs and protein.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are included.

Can't wait to try bagels, they are one reason I wanted the appliance.

Ends with a conclusion from the author.

A KEEPER for the charts, recipes also.

The Heart Healthy Cookbook: 365+ Days of Quick, Tasty and Easy-to-Prepare Low Sodium Recipes To Help Prevent Diseases and Live a Longer, Healthier Life 6 Weeks Flexible Meal Plan Included by Vera J. Mills

This book starts with table of contents where recipes are listed as meals. Introduction discusses the heart healthy diet and benefits of this lifestyle plan.

Each recipe starts with a title, small color photo, prep and cook times and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there is some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.

There are SO many recipes I want to try and ingredients are fresh, not canned.

We do shrimp kebobs but I like this recipe because of the different spices used, will give it a  try.

Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page. 6 week meal plans are included with calorie count. Conclusion note from the author.

Index of recipes is listed at the end.

A KEEPER for me because of the healthy variety of recipes.

Sourdough Cookbook: No-Fuss Guide for Making Perfect Sourdough Starters and Homemade Artisan Breads with Recipes for Pizza, and Pastry by Julia Korenivska 

Dedication page then TOC where recipes are listed Intro discusses healthy options to regular bread.

What the sourdough is, basics and starter recipes.

Recipe starts with a title, medium size color photo, list of ingredients, equipment you will need and step by step for days worth of making the starter.

Tips on how to maintain the starter is included.

Each recipe after the intro section starts with a title, medium size color photo, summary of the dish.

Prep cook times and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Step by step instructions are included along with nutritional information calories, protein, carbs and fat.

All recipes use starter dough recipe at the very beginning.

Ends with a conclusion note from the author.

To me this book has it all, from the very beginning to the finished product. It will take days because you have to make the starter recipe for any of the bread recipes or muffins in this book.

A KEEPER

 

Cookboks reviewed: Sep 29

  

Snack Recipes: Enjoy All Types of Delicious Snacks with an Easy Snack Cookbook by BookSumo Press

This book starts out with about the author,  short intro about recipes, TOC where recipes are listed, not in any specific order,  and chart of common abbreviations used.

Each recipe starts with a title and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.

Directions are given and servings, prep cook and total times.

Nutritional inform based on 2k calorie diet: calories, carbs, cholesterol, fat, fiber, protein and sodium.

Love different flavor combos and can’t wait to try a few for our hiking walks on weekends.

Like sound of October muffins also. 

There are NO pictures.

A KEEPER

Mug Cakes Cookbook: Mouth-watering Cake in a Mug Recipes by Danielle Morris

This will make great holiday gifts, buy a new mug and make the cake in it for the person to unwrap.

TOC where recipes are listed, not in any specific order.

 Introduction discusses the mug cake and how to succeed and rules in using, what cup, portion to fill to, when it's done.

Each recipe starts with a title.  List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given. There are NO pictures. There is NO nutritional information.

Lot of different flavor combinations for a quick gift.

My favorite would be blueberry cake one, so easy and I have the items.

A KEEPER because I can control sugar and sodium.

Pressure Canning Cookbook: A Beginner’s Guide on How to Can Vegetables, Beans, Meats, Soups, Meals in Jars, and More at Home with a Pressure Canner — Includes Easy and Delicious Homestead Recipes by Patricia Bohn

TOC starts this book where recipes are listed by food categories.

Introduction discusses the process and why people do it every year.  Equipment you will need,  different canning methods and safety tips, each of processes are described in detail,.

Some recipes in this section starts with a title, total time, servings, nutritional info: calories.

List of ingredients is small and directions are included. There are NO pictures or other nutritional information and they don't start at the top of a new page.

In another section: beans the recipes tart with a title, total time and nutritional information: calories, sodium, carbs and protein. List of ingredients and how to make them.

There are NO pictures and recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.

Some recipes here also list carbs, calories, protein, fat, sodium and potassium. Wonder why they all can't list the same  items.

One recipe for soups have a LOT of ingredients and they use canned items, why not fresh?

Meals in jars section gives you the recipe and to can it but not how to use it when you want to serve it.

Fermenting section starts with a title, picture, total time but no servings.

Nutritional information: calories, carbs, fat, fiber and sugar. List of ingredients and they are healthy. Directions are given.  Love that they are using spices and herbs and fresh produce.

 Like the section on dehydrating where recipes start with a picture, only first one, total time and servings and some nutritional information: calories, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugar and protein.

Items are listed and directions are given.

Freezing section also lists as other recipes in other sections.

 Really like all the different methods and for specific foods. 

Final words from the author and they request a review.

Book Review: My Top 40 at 40: Making the First Half Count by Kari Loya

  

 

 My Top 40 at 40: Making the First Half Count by Kari Loya 

Such a unique story. Author real life experiences and his dreams come true.

Love hearing of the places visited, things author was able to do and why he wanted to go/do them.

My favorite  story would be the bulls in Spain. It comes just at my birthday and lasts for a week. Love the blog that follow them, the traditions and ceremonies during the week long festivities. I felt because of the detailed descriptions I was right there with the author as he retells the story, such inside information about the events.

Also his favorite times with family and sights and countries they visited over the years. Love silly things like speedo story and the passion in just being outside in the parks.

Great entertaining book, one to give as a gift, it's so interesting for all to read.

 

Sep 27 Falling Stars by Fern Michaels

 

Falling Stars by  Fern Michaels

Story follows Emily and she’s been helping out at the family ski resort, finished with college and loves her job of ski instructor.

Her parents announce they are retiring and turning it all over to her. She had other plans but the parents don't retire right away, she needs to learn the ropes.

She has another assignment-instructing an actor to go down a really dangerous slope for his movie. She knows who he is, has all his movies and they get to talking to one another.

They find out a lot of information about each other. Zach is just a regular guy and she learns that when her and her best friend Kylie attend Thanksgiving dinner at his location with his brother and father.

They have such loving moments, memories you will remember a lifetime. Love all the food mentioned in this book and how yummy it all sounds, there are recipes at the end and I’ve got ingredients out for cookies.

Love hearing about the jobs her and others do in this book, fascinating to understand them better.

Like hearing about all the different lives of those in the family, the secrets,   Handful of characters and easy to keep track of who is who.

Cute story.   Love ending how the whole family comes together.

I received this review book from The Kensington Books via NetGalley  and this is my honest opinion.

#FallingStars #NetGalley

 

Sept 27 The Highland Raven: A Gripping Scottish Family Saga from World War 2 (A Resistance Girl Novel Book 5) by Hannah Byron

  

The Highland Raven: A Gripping Scottish Family Saga from World War 2 (A Resistance Girl Novel Book 5) by Hannah Byron 

When I first saw the cover I love the raven on the front cover, treasure!

the hat she's wearing shows a beak if you look hard enough and mountain in the background are raven's wing span.

Book starts out when Sable was at home with her mother who was going to have a dinner party and she just wanted her father who was raveling for business.

She camps out in the library and her friend Freddie shows up the next morning with a breakfast tray and he has some ideas to share with her.

Story also goes back in time to when she was with her father in the city, shows up back home later with a man and her father then sends her off to school as she's like her mother, giving her body away to anybody.

In a previous book we do meet Sable so we know a bit about her and her life.  Love the time she spends at the school with other girls. The bonds and friends she make with common interests.

entertaining how the author weaves a story between her life and that of the war. Fun to learn historic events that also take place while she deals with her own tragic upheavals til she gets a call from Freddie and she heads into the action with help from others.

Love that she is so hands on. She learns of other ways to help and jumps right in and also meets the captain, which we know there is a connection but not exactly what yet...

Love how she handles her properties and lends them to aid the war for her country.

Author writes as if you are there with Sable, enlightening, scary and magic at times.

She has a duty to her country and leaves to help.  Love the travel and events that led up to her training.  So much sorrow and pain from her past comes to light, finally as we learn the details of her heartache.

Sad times as she's single again and concentrates on war efforts.

Full circle and then some magic happens on many counts as the story ends. Love the author's notes and recap of how everyone went on with their lives, when they died, etc.

So many surprises in this book!

Sneak peek at next book in the series is included at the end along with a note from the author.

  Can be read as a stand alone book.

Book Review: The Wallflowers Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen

  

 

The Wallflowers Christmas Wish by Cheryl Bolen

In this story we find twin to Melvin, Elvin and all his friends are now married and he feels left out so announces he will be getting married although he has no one in mind.

With Melvin’s help he attends the dance and meets many but nobody really catches his eye although all want him to dance with them, he's the best catch of the season.

He had danced with a painter, a step daughter of the Furnace family and sees how her face lights up when he pays her a compliment.

Love finding out new words to me and their meanings.  Great story line as we follow Elvin as he proposes Diana to do his portrait for his sisters Christmas gift.

He had seen her in the park painting and he worked out the details of her acquiring the paints she'd need and payment for her time.  Love how he keeps it to his servant to pay her without step mother getting her hands on the money.

While he was being painted they get to know one another a lot better. She can tell from his stance the kind of man he is and he is astonished how perceptive she is.

Love what she can do with her hands and that others really appreciate it. She thinks, down the road, her painting may allow her to leave the family house and be on her own and paint others portraits.

He's not gotten her to tell him what she wishes for a Christmas gift.  Love discussion about books and how she offers to read to him and why this is such a touching gift to him.

I can see a bit of interfering with the step sisters and step mother and hope they will cease…. It gets worse though.

You wonder if they will have a cordial friendship at all.

Love how his family helps to get them to meet

Like a Cinderella story but with twists that go along even better than the original.  Never saw ending as it was, love this book especially as a holiday read.  

Book ends with other works by the author and description of each of the series.

Cookbook Reviews: Sep 23

  

Pies: A Savory Pie Cookbook with Delicious Savory Pie Recipes by BookSumo Press

This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed, NOT in any specific order.

Hand sketched drawing throughout and also full page color photographs.

Each recipe starts with a title, to far right hand corner i sometimes in shaded area is prep and total times, servings.

Nutritional information: calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein.

In main part of the page is List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are also given. There are some recipe photos but they are unidentifiable as to which recipes they go with.

Like that this are NOT only sweet pies but savory pies for meals.

 

Moroccan Cookbook: 50 Delicious Moroccan Recipes for Authentic Moroccan Cooking by BookSumo Press

This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed. Also a section for spice mixes.

 Introduction discusses the area's  cuisine.

Each recipe starts with a title and to far right hand corner, sometimes in shaded orange color are prep and total times, servings, and some nutritional information: calories, total fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and sodium.

In main part of the page are list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.

There are VERY FEW pictures of the recipes, not sure which go with what recipe as they are not labelled.

There are hand drawn sketches of foods throughout. There are also full page color photographs of the area.

Directions are given also.  Soups and stews are listed the most.   Like use of spices and herbs. 

Note from the author and they request a review.

 

Cookbooks Reviewed: Sep 22

  

 

LEAN AND GREEN COOKBOOK FOR BEGINNERS: +1700 Days of Affordable Lean & Green Recipes to Harness the Power of Fueling Hacks Meals Through the 5 & 1 And 4 & 2 & 1 Meal Plans by Lucy Victoria

TOC where recipes are listed as meals and other food categories.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times,  servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there is some nutritional information: calories, fat, sat fat, carbs, fiber, sugars, protein. There are NO pictures.

Some recipes only list calories, fat, carbs and protein making  me think this is from a different source.

Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page and they list canned items (these are filled with more sodium)

Meal plans are included at the end, thank you note from the author and they request a review.

DASH DIET COOKBOOK FOR BEGINNERS : An Essential Guide to Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control. Discover Over 1000 Healthy, Low-Sodium Recipes to Feel Great and Lose Weight + 30-Days Meal Plan by Alice Wright

This book starts out with table of contents where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.

Introduction discusses the diet itself, foods to avoid and foods allowed along with servings per day and those to avoid.

Benefits and tips to succeed are included.

21 day meal plans. Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a LOT, be sure to have them all first.

Directions are given and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol, sodium, potassium are listed, NOT sure of serving size.

One recipe wants you to place sheet in preheated oven, but never tells you the temperature. Read recipe all the way through.  Very few recipe pictures. 

Some recipes nutritional information only has calories, fat, carbs and protein listed, hmmm

Turkish and Lebanese: Delicious Turkish Recipes and Lebanese Recipes in One Amazing Mediterranean Cookbook by BookSumo Press

TOC starts this book where recipes are listed  and there are full page color photographs of the area, some of recipes but they don't identify which ones they are for.

Each recipe starts with a title and to far right hand color with sometimes a dark background there is prep and total times, servings.

Nutritional information has calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein.

Main part of page has list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some have a lot of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.

Directions are given. Very flavorful meals with healthy vegetables.

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 1001 Quick & Tasty Foolproof Recipes And 30-Days Meal Plan Included To Enjoy a New Healthy Lifestyle by Luisa Florence

This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed as meals and food categories.

Introduction material discusses the diet itself and what aspects of it are most important daily habits.

Colorful photos  contribute to the intro.

Foods to eat and those to avoid, 30 day meal plans with calorie counts.

Book recipes are broken up into two columns but recipes are contained in one column then to top of right hand side if need be.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep cook time and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all first.

 Directions are given.

There is NO nutritional information and NO pictures and recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page. hard to find a certain recipe when you have so many on one page.

Problem I have with this book is some recipes do have nutrtional information per serving, which means they got this from a different source, or all the recipes would have the information. Calories, fat, protein, carbs, fiber and sodium.

some have total fat, sat. fat, sodium, carbs, and fiber which means this is also from a totally different source.

Tips are included at the end how to lose weight, each tip has its own page, about 10 of them.

When they don't mention social and sleep as a vital habit to also take up....

 

Book Review: The Heebie-Jeebie Girl by Susan Petrone

 

The Heebie-Jeebie Girl by Susan Petrone

Starts out with a rundown of the town of Youngstown, Ohio and the happenings and we have traveled through.

Joe 1972 is a mechanic and he lives with his sisters. Love the name of the car, we often named ours.

His niece, Hope tells him lottery numbers and she wins.

Story also follows Joe and life living with his sister and husband and his niece.

Story also follows Bobby and his life and his windfall with his friend Salvatore.

Story also follows Hope, Joe's niece and why she blames herself for her ailing grandmother, the lottery wins, etc.

Two confrontations as you hear both sides of the story of the events. Never saw this happening.

Received this review copy from The Story Plant and this is my honest opinion.

 

Cookbooks reviewed: sep 21

  

 

I would use these recipes year round:

October: Savory Recipes Only for October by BookSumo Press

This book starts with hand drawn sketches of  the month's fruits and vegetables.

 TOC where recipes are listed, not in any order.

So many pumpkin recipes, gonna keep this one!

each recipe starts  with a title, to far right hand corner, sometimes in light brown shaded area are prep and total times, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.

 In main part of the page is the list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there are NO pictures.

Lots of autumn full page color photographs, but none of the recipes.

Some are simple and easy and some have more flavors added. Surprised cod is listed as an October food

A KEEPER  for me because i can substitute pumpkin for zucchini or other root vegetables.

same ISBN # as pasta recipes

Easy Calzone Cookbook: Easy Calzone Cookbook 50 Delicious Calzone Recipes by BookSumo Press

This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed. Hand drawn sketches throughout the book and also full page color pictures that are of the recipes but not all are shown and you can't tell exactly which recipe it goes with.

each recipe starts  with a title, to far right hand corner, sometimes in light brown shaded area are prep and total times, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.

In main part of the page is the list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there are NO pictures.

Most are using frozen dough  or prepackaged dough for the crust.

Lots of different flavor options.

My Middle Eastern Kitchen: 100 Middle Eastern Recipes with a Twist by BookSumo Press

TOC where recipes are listed, not in any specific order.

Each recipe starts  with a title, to far right hand corner, sometimes in light brown shaded area are prep and total times, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.

In main part of the page is the list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there are NO pictures.

There are pictures of some recipes, just not sure which ones go with the pictures.

Like that they tell you which country the food comes from.

Everything for meals and even desserts, wish they were in food or meal categories.

Some recipes have a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.

Spice Mix Recipes: Learn to Make Your Own Spice Mixes at Home with an Easy Spice Mix Cookbook by BookSumo Press

Table of contents where recipes are listed.

Each recipe starts  with a title, to far right hand corner, sometimes in dark blue shaded area are prep and total times, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.

In main part of the page is the list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there are NO pictures.

Wish they would state what foods to use the spice mixtures on. Bit disappointed, lot of trial and error, is the mix for breakfast, breads, chicken or can i use it in cookies.

Spanish Recipes: Delicious Spanish Recipes for Easy Latin Cooking 2nd Edition by BookSumo Press

Table of contents where recipes are listed.

Each recipe starts  with a title, to far right hand corner, sometimes in light grey shaded area are prep and total times, servings and some nutritional information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol and sodium.

In main part of the page is the list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there are NO pictures.

Love that the title of the recipe is translated into English.

 

Book review: The Edge of Summer by Viola Shipman

  

 

The Edge of Summer by  Viola Shipman

Love his book from the start. It starts out with a glimpse of the past then you go forward to present day. Sutton has not only lost her mother but is informed she's unemployed til the company gets back on its feet from the covid pan-demic.

She sublets her condo in the city and heads near  to where her mother’s house was.  She recently lost.  The mitten state, Michigan and I learn so much more about it. the button factory in Douglas and the artist colony near the town.

Sutton loves buttons and they play a big part in her design work. She gets the full treatment from another local store owner and he takes her around the area to show her what they are all about.

There is not much dialogue, more of her thoughts and the things she sees. Very super descriptive I feel as if I am there.

She does meet colorful characters and they are precious.

Love how each new chapter starts with a sewing/design term and it's explanation.

She wants to find her father and other relatives and asks many in the town if they have any information.

Love drape myself when designing and using different yarns for sweaters.

Sutton just wants a new life after the pandemic but her landlord wants her to do design work for her social calen-dar...

Love travel, history of things, places,  vintage ball game, adventures, events Sutton is shown, priceless to me, I could lose myself in this town as it has all my favorite pas-sions.

unexpected connection with a woman who has pictures and her birth certificate change her whole life as she's fig-ured out who her grandparents are.

Heartbreaking that they had not wanted her. She does hear the other side....

She knows what is important in her life. Love ending, nev-er saw that coming. 

Cookbooks reviewed: sep 20

  

New Complete Weight Watchers Diet Cookbook 2022: Easy & Delicious WW Rapid Weight Loss Program 1200 | Burn Fat and Build Healthy Lifestyle by Holly Pedlar

Lots of full page color photos, table of contents where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep cook times, servings, smart points.

 List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, carbs, protein, sat fat, sodium and fiber.

There are NO pictures and NOT all recipes start at the top of a new page.

like the recipes in this diet plan and not sure why they don't use low sodium broths.

 

Homemade Spice Blends Cookbook: Tasty Spice Mixes for Meat Dishes, Fish Meals, Salads and more by Laura Sommers

 Toc starts this book where recipes are listed, NOT in any specific order.

Short intro about spices.

Each recipe starts with a title and has a list of ingredients-mostly all spices and herbs.

Directions are given.

Some state how long you can keep them.

Most recipes have a LOT of ingredients be sure to have them all first.

Like taco seasoning mix-low sodium,  pumpkin pie spice,  poultry seasoning,  Italian and wonder if i can use in a salad with oils and vinegars.

Lots of flavors from all around the world. 

NO salt variety are great!   Shake and bake mix will be great for fish and poultries.

Lemon pepper, now i can get rid of Dash things i have.  Everything bagel mix will be another we will try .

Lot of restaurant chain copycat recipes also.  About the author is included at the end along with their social media links and other works and requests a review.

A KEEPER for me because they are so much more healthier than store bought items. 

Not sure why amazon t shirts are listed for sale at the end.

 

 

Amish Recipes: An Amish Cookbook with Delicious Amish Recipes by BookSumo Press

TOC where recipes are listed.  Each recipe starts with a title and to far right hand corner sometimes in dark brown background with white lettering: prep and total times, and servings.

Nutritional information: calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein.

In main section of page are  List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given.

There are full page color pictures but they are NOT of the recipes.

 Have made many of the recipes in this book. 

Easy Camping Meal Plans: Recipes and Shopping Lists for 2, 3 or 5-Day Camping Trips (Camp Cooking Book 14) by Louise Davidson

TOC and recipes are listed as meals along with shopping lists.

Note from author and offer of free ebooks.

 Introduction discusses meals made in one pot, no fuss and healthy.

Everything you need to know about packing and camping the food.

List of essentials you will need, prepare and cook the food, how to keep it fresh and things you will need to eat it.

 Tips how to pack food so it won't get squished. Cooking methods are also discussed in detail.

Charts for BBQ grilling times and internal temperatures of food groups.

Using Dutch oven and the temperature charts are also included.

Meal plans and shopping lists are included and recipes.

Each recipe starts with a title and brief summary of the dish, servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there is NO nutritional information or Pictures.

Also has no fuss  meals where you use prepackaged items.

 Section for vegetarian camping menus and recipes also.  Request a review and other works by the authro are highlighted at the end.

Conversion tables are included.

OK so why can't you list a recipes for 2 days, then add another for 3 day menu, and 2 more for 5 day menus?

Otherwise you list menus for 10 days, all different.

 

The Whole Body Reset Cookbook: 1000 Day Healthy and Simple Recipes for Weight Loss and Beyond Boost Your Metabolism and Achieve a Flat Belly by Ronald Owens

This book starts out with TOC where recipes are listed as breakfast and smoothies with things from other meals mixed in along with other meal chapters.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times, servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some have a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.

Directions are given and some nutrtional information: calories, fat, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugar, protein.

 Not every recipe starts at the top of a new page, there are NO pictures.

A KEEPER for bagel recipe!

Water Bath Canning and Preserving Cookbook for Beginners: Learn Secret Recipes to Can Meats, Vegetables, Meals in a Jar, and Be Prepared for the Next 5 Years by Robert Bickel

TOC where recipes are listed in different food categories.

Intro discusses the techniques that people have used for ages.

Each chapter explains what canning is, , pressure canning and all aspects  and step by step chapters of the process.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep, total time and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and some nutritional information: calories, protein, sodium, fat, carbs, and sugars.

There are NO pictures and recipes do NOT start at top of a new page.

Conclusion and conversion tables are included at the end.

 

Introduction to Canning: Beginner’s Guide to Safe Water Bath and Pressure Canning (Food Preservation Mastery) by Linda C. Johnson

TOC starts this book where recipes are  broken up into different parts pf water bath canning.

Free ebooks are offered. Intro discusses why preserve food and benefits along with pictures.

Each chapter has a summary called takeaway that sums up the chapter.

Equipment you will need is also discussed in detail.

 Water bath method is and how to do it.

 Jam recipe that starts with a title and has a summary of the item, servings, list of ingredients and directions.

 Step by step.  Recipes do NOT contain a picture, NO nutritional information and NOT at start of new page.

 Same have a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.

 Pressure canning is also discussed and how it's different than water bath canning.

 They show older model of pressure cooking.

 Recipes in this section have a title, servings, list of ingredients and directions.

step by step process, lot longer than water bath method.

 Includes servings suggestions.  Recipes do NOT contain a picture, NO nutritional information and NOT at start of new page.

 Same have a LOT of items, be sure to have them all first.

Chapter on safety is a must read and what mistakes can happen and how to correct them.

Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

 and request to review.  Glossary of terms is also included at the very end.

References are enclosed and also for images used.

  

Cookbooks reviewed: sep 19

  

 

A Love Affair With Hummus: Classic and Delicious Hummus Recipes by Rachel Lane

This book starts out with a table of contents where recipes are listed.

Intro material discusses things about hummus you may have wondered about. It's super healthy.

 How to prepare them in different states.

Each recipe starts with a title and brief description about it. List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given. There are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

 The best ways to serve it are also highlighted at the end and how to store it.

Not much to this, but like the flavor combinations.

Canning and Preserving Food for Beginners: Sweet and Savory Jam and Jelly Small Batch Recipes Anyone Can Make at Home.(jam jellies preserves) by Julia Korenivska 

This book starts out with a dedication page and the TOC where recipes are listed by food category.

Introduction talks about what preserving is and the different methods you can use. Benefits of canned food are also discussed along with secrets to canning.

Each section also has tips before recipes start.

Each recipe starts with a title and medium size color photo, prep, cook times, servings and list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a lot of ingredients be sure to have them all first.

Step by step process is also given. Calories per 2 TB calories, protein, carbs, fat, and sodium.

Some recipes have too much high quality photos and start of recipe they do not show up.

Lot of recipes have 2 different flavors, not just one by itself.

 

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: 1200+ Days of Simple & Delicious Mediterranean Recipes | With 28-Day Meal Plan to Help You Create a New Lifestyle. by Simon Cooper

TOC starts this book where recipes are broken up into meals and food categories.

Intro discusses what the diet is all about and the different foods that are allowed and why.

Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook times and servings.

Some contain a small color photo and has a list of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and some nutritional information per serving: calories, fat, carbs, fiber and protein.

Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page.

I find the recipes use a lot of dairy products and sodium in broth, why not use low sodium?

Fried foods, no this diet does not allow deep frying, no matter what type of oil.

Shopping list of items you should get for your pantry is listed at the end.

 28 days of meal plans are included along with calorie count.

conclusion and index finish the book.

 

Pantry Cooking : Quick and Easy Recipes with Pantry Ingredients (Everyday Cooking Book 1) by Louise Davidson

TOC where recipes are listed in meal and food categories.

Free offer when you sign up for newsletter. Introduction discusses cook what's in your pantry and the following chapters have a list of what you should have and why.

Each recipe starts with a title, servings, prep and cook times.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and there are NO pictures and NO nutritional information.

Items are canned vegetables, if you don't get them from your on garden, buy them fresh and prepare them yourself, NO added sugars and sodium that way.

Broth, why not use fresh or low sodium ? Some recipes have a LOT of ingredients, be sure to have them all.

Conclusion, conversion tables, author request a review and her other works are highlighted at the end.

 

Book Review: Cole Shoot by Michael Maxwell

 
 

Cole Shoot by Michael Maxwell

This story follows Cole and his friend Kelly attend the dragon parade. Love that they have a picnic there as the floats go by.

Problem is there is gunfire among the gang members...

Story also follows Marco and Mei, both downs syndrome kids and something goes wrong at the school they attend one day and they run away.

Love how they navigate and survive and how Marco had first seen Cole, the small things that matter.

Story also follows Anthony who's an intern, who Cole knows from previous years, and he's on the story of the parade shooting, he gets kidnapped....

Like how Cole knows he can't do the job himself and calls in reinforcements, with bats.

Love how all these events play into one meeting at the end. Action, fast paced, scary situations and so many more emotions.

love the secretary problem and how a PI had confronted him about missing kids....

His time with family and friends and longtime lyrics of songs I know. Love how the whole thing comes together, never saw it happening. Things to do in the city and the areas, I’m learning more about, have known of them but author really brings them to life in front of your eyes.

Mix of real life people on the street   Next book is the series is excerpted at the end.

 

 

Cookbooks reviewed: Sep 15

  

Easy Cinnamon Cookbook: 50 Delicious Cinnamon Recipes by BookSumo Press

Recipes are listed in TOC, not in any specific order.

Hand sketched drawings of food throughout.

Each recipe start with a title. to far right hand corner, sometimes in shaded area is prep and total time, servings and some nutritonal information: calories, fat, carbs, protein, cholesterol, sodium.

In main part of the page is List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given. There are full page phtoographs but they are not the recipes, just sticks of cinnamon.

Cinnamon is such a great healthy choice as I find I am using it more often in cakes and even meal recipes.

Like the idea of making Christmas tree ornament, and they could be edible as it's only applesauce and cinnamon.

Good information and so many choices, NOT just for sweets.

 

WATER BATH CANNING AND PRESERVING COOKBOOK FOR BEGINNERS: Master the Art of Canning and Keep your Food Stockpile Healthy and Full of Variety All Year Round. With Over 100 Delicious Recipes by Jemima Prescott

TOC where recipes are listed under several different categories.

Intro with pictures discusses the method of canning and preserving foods.

Benefits of doing this and why.

Has chapters about equipment you will need with brief summary. Process steps for different food groups.

FAQ's are included. On tablet, NOT able to enlarge to see charges or recipes.

Each recipe starts with a color photo, title,  time and servings.

To left is List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Main right hand side are directions. There is NO nutritional information.

Not sure why you’d put in chives for blueberry jam, sounds different and not appealing.

When my grandmother would travel i'd visit her kitchen every day to tend to pickles she was making, very long week process but they'd come out perfect and we treasured having a jar for Christmas gift.

Making mustard, sounds great and I can adjust sodium that goes into it.

Also has a large section on pressure cooking canning.

Vegan Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Irresistible Plant-Based Recipes for Quick, Easy, and Healthy Meals by Vanessa Olsen

This book starts out with TOC where recipes are listed as meals and other food categories.

Intro discusses healthy eating by having plant based items.

 History of began is discussed and benefits of being on this diet.

Stocking a pantry has examples of what you should have on hand.

 and all about electric pressure cookers.

Different functions are shown with examples of what they all do, maintaining the PC and cooking charts.

Altitude can also throw off time in  the PC.

Each recipe starts with a title, servings and time.

Summary of the dish.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Directions are given and some nutritional per recipe size: calories, protein, carbs, fiber and fat.

There are NO pictures.

 Conclusion and how to convert slow cooker recipes to pressure cooked.

 

 

How to cook Jamaican: 

TOP 10 JAMAICAN COMFORT FOODS AND HOW TO PREPARE THEM by Shauna Moore-Brown,

This book starts out with  short intro about the native Jamaican dishes. TOC whre recipes are listed.

Note from publisher.

Each recipe starts with a title and servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

Some contain a LOT of items, be sure to have them all.

Directions are given and fun facts are listed at the end.

There is a recipe photo along with a note about it.

There is NO nutritional information.

Some recipes contain a list of equipment you will  need.  Not  sure what some ingredients are: browning,  Irish potato,  ackee,  Good spicy dishes.

 

ANTI INFLAMMATORY COOKBOOK FOR BEGINNERS: The Complete Guide to Fight Inflammation and Heal Your Body in 28 Days. With +200 Delicious Keto, Vegan, Gluten-free & Mediterranean Recipes by Katie Romano

This book starts with TOC where recipes are listed as meals  and food categories.

Intro discusses just what the diet is along with pictures and different types.

 What foods are allowed and  items in the categories are listed.

Meal plans and tips are also included.

Each recipe starts with a section to the left: prep and cook, total times, calories, servings.

List of ingredients and you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low fat, low sodium, low sugar and fresh vs canned items.

 T right hand side is the title and directions..

Recipes do NOT always start at the top of a new page and do NOT have pictures.

There is NO nutritional information except calories, not sure of serving size.

Like all different categories to choose from.

Has sections on keto, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free meals also. 

Lots of choices depending which diet plan you follow.

 

Sept 14 Book Review: Cherished Hearts by Josie Riviera

  

 

Cherished Hearts (Romance Stories To Cherish Book 3) by Josie Riviera 

This bundle contains 6 stories from the same author.

...

 

A Love Song to Cherish by Josie Riviera

Starts out with Dorothy and she had not wanted to come back home ever again. Nothing worked out-her boyfriend found another and she was once alone again.

She is in withdrawal from opiods and the symptoms could last a few years...

She's heavily into music, especially at churches. Health issues kept her from playing her musical instruemnt.

She's only back in her hometown for her brother...his wedding to Alice and they wanted her to play. Ryan (a nerd) will be the singer...she'd not seen him for years when she left to find fame and fortune.

Ryan is accomplished worldwide. He's not found a reason to go back to church but recalls the feeling it left him with.

What I like about his book are the unpredictable scenes, caring and such inspirational support. Love how their secrets came out with no judgment.

Note from the author, recipe and other works from the author and about the author are highlighted at the end and acknowledgements.

Excerpt from A Christmas to Cherish is also included.

Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

...

 

 

A Christmas to Cherish by Josie Riviera

Always enjoy reading a Christmas story, and it's just July here. Book starts out with a few words from the author and list of her other works.

Started with Emmanuelle, a professional harpist and she's on her way to Dorothy's store. She's starting her new life after years of troubles.

Loved hearing about all the Christmas decorations. 

She prays to God to help her get through the transition and to let things lay in the past.

Her ex took everything from her...

Story also follows Nicholas who's a deputy and is free from his ex girlfriend after she left him at the altar on their wedding day.

Dorothy hopes to get Emmanuelle to stay and work at her music studio. She knows her and Nicholas have spent many an hour over the year and they have many common interests.

This book is filled with holiday events, mystery and danger and twists and turns and love and believing in God.

Like the location and hope to read more from this locale.  A note from the author about the book is included at the end, bonus recipe! acknowledgements, about the author, and other works by the author.

Excerpt from The Love Song to Cherish is included. 

Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

...

  

A Valentine to Cherish by Josie Riviera

This story starts with Scarlett=love this name for this book because of all the red tones.

She's changing after her bethothed leaves to head back to his families home to take over for his ailing father. She is going to change, be more quiet, loss weight and lot of other things.

Love that she's a mentor for a young girl and they are able to spend time together because of Scarlett's job at the animal store. Love how the author finds all these cool jobs for the characters in this town.

They listen to a song played by a man in the park and go to the bookstore where they plan to purchase Valentine party tickets. After talking to the author and writer of the songs he will buy them the tickets and they talk a bit, getting to know one another.

She doesn't want to get her hopes up to only be let down because he moves on with his singing tour. Joseph is the man who wants her heart and the way she is-he doesn't want her to change a thing.

They get to spend quality time together and they discuss their past lives. Love how religion plays a big part in this book and she uses religion to help her get over her fears of not being good enough and uses it when she also wants food she knows she shouldn't be eating.

You wonder if they will ever really get together as he plans on traveling and she just wants to stay in Cherish....

Heart shaped meatloaf recipe included.  Note from the author and about the author are inlcuded at the end.

Excerpt from a Christmas to Cherish is also included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Can't wait to read more from this author-so very descriptive and detailed-you can picture the scenes as if you are there.

I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

...

 

 

A Christmas Puppy to Cherish by Josie Riviera

Story starts out with Max and he's returned after 30 years to stay in Cherish for a month til his job starts after the holidays.

He has a lot of past to deal with having grown up in foster homes, some good but most bad ones.

He heads to music store and is able to buy a replacement harmonica and after speaking to the shop owner he is looking for a guide hiking to show him the sights.

She knows Sarah will be the perfect one as she also loves to hike and be outside-he runs the flower shop there.

They get along just fine, having so many of the same things in common. Love the bear and how she wards off an attack while they are hiking.

Love hearing about all the animals, birds, dogs, etc throughout the book as well as proverbs quoted and scriptures.

Sarah is holding a medical secret to herself and I love the Christmas gift she gives herself and others in turn.

Lack of communication will not allow them to stay together.... Amazing what one puppy can do.

Love hiking ornament, so precious!

I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

 ... 

 A Homecoming To Cherish by Josie Riviera

This story starts out with Nora and she's just arrived at the Inn where her daughter Samantha and her will be living for months to run the Inn while the owner recuperates.

We learn a lot about Nora and Samantha and their thoughts on a lot of different subjects. The one I am interested in are the ones about God. Nora has lost all hope to reaching out to God.

She meets Julian at the Inn while waitressing and doing other jobs. They form a friendship and we learn about how his past has brought him to rely on God.

Like hearing the scriptures verses throughout. Nora feels she's getting too close and God hasn't answered her yet and she wants to leave to head back to VA and her job.

Sam has started to make friends and is cheerful again about life and learning about God from others.

It's a wonder they don't split and leave the Inn with those running it.....

Enjoyed the read because it's about a woman over 30 and she has raised her daughter by herself.

...

 

A Summer to Cherish by Josie Riviera

Book starts out with praise from others. Each chapter starts out with a quote from a famous person.

Story starts with Ashley and she lives in South Carolina. Love that she's a gardener and working with her hands.

She also teaches handicapped children.  The man in the story is David. He's an artist and he's going blind but he tries to make things work, just a bit different.

He donated a lot of his paintings to others and so many have never been shown in a gallery. Love hearing about his eye condition.

He has to end it with her after spending days together doing fun things outside. She tries to get him to bring God into his life again.

She's not been honest with him and hides much and you wonder if they will ever get back together again.

Love hearing of the sign language and how others are able to deal with their disabilities.

Bonus recipe included at the end.  Notes from the author are included at the end also.

Other works are listed at the end along with  an excerpt.

Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Book Review: Helix of Cole by Michael Maxwell

  

Helix of Cole by Michael Maxwell

In this story we find Cole traveling to DC to receive an award from the president and when he lands he is taken to a secure phone where he finds out he'll be traveling to Chicago to his old newspaper company.

There is a threat that only he can help with. FBI are escorting him and then back to CA once that's done.

Story is also following Jason or goes by many names and I like the travel through Red Rock, NV as we have traveled there.  He was involved in the 60's when there were groups of others who followed one leader for the movement to better the earth, rid it of all its evils.

It's just now past 911 here and this story is so close to what's still happening in our world. 

More threats follow Cole back home and it gets real creepy when Jason/James knows where Cole lives. Love how Cole protects his family...enjoy the chats on the phone with Kelly, she’s so understanding and knows he does need to vent.

City is another story, the government does not want to shut the city down and Cole has other ideas...he does met with the man and jots down notes of what to print…

Lots of mysteries surround this story, love the song lyrics and songwriters and travels. Love how he stays in contact with others from his past.

Lots of new words to me to find out about and new travel locations.

REALLY enjoying this series.