Italian Desserts : Rediscovering the Sweet Traditions of Calabria, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, and Sicily by Rosetta Costantino

Book: Southern Italian Desserts : Rediscovering the Sweet Traditions of Calabria, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, and Sicily
 
Author: Rosetta Costantino
 
Narrator (if applicable):n/a

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: A collection of scrumptious delicacies from the South of Italy, which had some of my favorites included with fresh ingredients. 
 
My rating: 4 Stars
 
My opinion: Laden with beautiful pictures and tasty recipes, this was a beautiful cookbook. Although the recipes come from the south of Italy, I didn't see any ingredients that would be difficult to find in the US. One criticism that I would say, Although the pictures were gorgeous and step by step instructions were given, I would have liked to have seen pictures of the preparation since the recipes were definitely more advanced.
 

Source: Ten Speed Press

      

Would I recommend? : Do yourself a favor and take a gander of it at a brick/mortar bookstore or a library (minimally the Amazon sample page) first to determine if it fits your baking level. I have baked since the age of 12 and there were recipes that I consider above my skill level or that I would be apprehensive to try due to food cost levels and extensiveness of prep with too many windows for error especially since the prep pictures to give some direction aren't included. 
 
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

New Orleans Con Sabor Latino: The History and Passion of Latino Cooking by Zeller Palmer Cuadra

Book: New Orleans Con Sabor Latino: The History and Passion of Latino Cooking
 
Author: Zeller Palmer Cuadra
 
Narrator (if applicable):n/a

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: A collection of recipes from the Big Easy that incorporates the Latin culture complete with the background of the chef. Chefs range from Executive Chefs for major NOLA restaurants to the littlest of child chefs. 
 
My rating: 4 Stars
 
My opinion: Holy cow, Batman! A cookbook that combines my two favorites, Cajun influences with Latin cooking.
 
In the beginning of the book, in my humble opinion, there was too much story vs. recipes. Would have liked to have seen more recipes, particularly by the chefs who really put out some beautiful dishes.  Each participant had only 1 or 2 recipes featured. This led to my 4 star review. However, then book went into separation by categories such as appetizers, one pot meals, etc. These were by one chef who is the author of the book. 

A chunk of the recipes, particularly those supplied by Executive Chefs,  were quite detailed and these would need to focus on more experience cooks. However, the book did have a nice selection of easier recipes to make for the novice chef.
 
Recipes include such morsels as:

Corn Maque Choux with Sauteed Shrimp and Chorizo with grit cake
Cajun Cuban Sandwich (Coming to the Pub and Grub Forum)
New Orleans Style Tamales
Ropa Vieja con Quimbombo (coming to the Pub and Grub)
Honduran Red Beans and Rice (coming to the Pub and Grub Forum)
Southern Fried Chicken with Mojo Gravy
Rum Pralines
Holy Water (alcoholic drink to be feat. on the Pub and Grub Forum)

Another cookbook for my Amazon cart..I really need to stop reviewing these things!

Source:   University Press of Mississippi

     

Would I recommend? : Yep, this was a really, really unique cookbook. Some of the dishes did have an increased level of complication to prepare, but even the most novice chef should be able to prepare the majority of the dishes.
 
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

Let Me Tell You About Whisky by Gavin Smith

Book: Let Me Tell You About Whisky: Taste, Try and Enjoy Whisky From Around the World
 
Author: Gavin Smith
 
Narrator (if applicable):N/A

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Mr. Smith gives excellent lessons into the characteristics of whiskeys from around the world, as well as a history of the liquor.
 
My rating: 5 Stars 
 
My opinion: This book is a must have book for the mixologist, home bar owner and whiskey novice or aficionado. This book was so beautiful that it is definitely a book that I could see simply being used as a "table" book in a home bar.

I found this book to be incredibly detail oriented and concise with topics ranging from varieties of whiskeys and differences in the "varietals", tastings, how to serve, etc. Not being a huge whiskey drinker, but having the desire to be conversant in the topic, I have read several books on this subject and would say that this one is the best.

On an end note, the pictures were GORGEOUS.

Source: Anova Books  

     

Would I recommend? : See Above
 
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

Seriously Bitter Sweet by Alice Medrich

Book: Seriously Bitter Sweet: The Ultimate Dessert Maker's Guide to Chocolate
 
Author: Alice Medrich
 
Narrator (if applicable):N/A

Release date (if applicable): October 29, 2013

Synopsis: The author presents over 150 tested recipes with varying percentages of chocolates. Recipes included confectioneries, pies tarts and cakes. 
 
My rating: 3.5 Stars
 
My opinion: Although I truly enjoyed this book, I felt there was definitely aspects of the book missing. Among these was a definite need for additional pictures of the "process". These recipes had levels of difficulty to them, which, in my humble opinion, would have benefited from additional pictures. I did feel that the pictures of the completed desserts that were given were GORGEOUS, but more fitting for a table book versus a recipe book, especially when the baker doesn't have specific images of how the dessert should look at critical times of baking process to ensure that he/she is on target.

On that note, these recipes were most definitely for a more advanced baker, but were identified as being easy enough for a novice baker. I say no way to that. I am experienced in my baking and there were recipes that I would have had to have taken my time with and/or seriously thought out the process. 

On a side note, I must admit that I found the author's personal stories entertaining. In the past, I have ripped cookbooks apart for that, but it worked in this one, particularly because there were moments that increased my knowledge.

Source:   Artisan Books 
     

Would I recommend? : Yes, but try to look at a sample at a brick/mortar store or a library to ensure your baking skills match what is necessary for this book. 
 
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone