Cookbook Review and Recipe: Young & Hungry By Gabi Moskowitz and Diana Snyder

YOUNG & HUNGRY
Your Complete Guide to a Delicious Life

By: Gabi Moskowitz and Diana Snyder

Published: April 11, 2017

Publisher: Freeform

Non-Fiction

Gabi Diamond is the character on the Freeform produced TV show, "Young & Hungry". The show was loosely based on the life of Gabi Moskowitz, the editor-in-chief of the nationally-acclaimed budget cooking blog BrokeAssGourmet and an author of several cookbooks. Moskowitz is also the co-producer of "Young & Hungry". Author Diana Snyder is a full-time writer for Freeform's "Young & Hungry".

YOUNG & HUNGRY is more than just a cookbook, but a guide to setting up your life and home as you enter the adult world. As stated in the introduction, there comes a time in everyone's life when you need to learn how to cook and get a decent apartment. This book begins to set young women (the target audience) up with a stocked pantry and medicine cabinet, how to handle those first job interviews, handling stressful situations, and lots of easy recipes to feed yourself or company.

I have never even heard of the TV show "Young & Hungry" before so I asked my teen daughter about it. She hadn't either but was willing to go through the book and give me her thoughts. Even though I thought this was marketed to teen girls, I would say it is written more for high school to college-aged girls. When my daughter pointed out the essentials for a medicine cabinet and condoms were listed, I realized the target audience was likely a bit older. But, I had her go through the recipes and choose one she wanted to try. She agreed there were other helpful tips and liked the homemade recipes for a body scrub and face mask. I'm glad she skipped the part about office tips as there were discussions about Tinder and not sleeping with your boss. The tips for online dating were straight-forward and honest, just again, not for a teenager.

So, while I think this is a book that offers helpful tips and recipes, it is a bit misleading in the presentation. When the show "Young & Hungry" receives five nominations for the Teen Choice Awards, you assume it is for teens. This book is not unless you just focus on the recipes.

There are plenty of quick and easy recipes included in this book like Roast Chicken, Overnight Oatmeal, Strawberry Basil Lemonade, and Magical One-Pot Spaghetti to name a few. The recipe we chose to make was the Hand Pies. They were a perfect idea for Father's Day as we could cater the pies to each family member's personal tastes. They were fun and easy to make and quite delicious.

HAND PIES

Click HERE for Printable Version

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Makes 6

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour
Parchment Paper
1 Standard Pie Crust (found in the dairy section of most stores)

Filling Ideas

Jam
Smores: Mini Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips, and Graham Crackers (broken up)
PB&J: Peanut Butter and Jam
Lemon Curd
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin Puree, Brown Sugar, Pumpkin Pie Spice, and a Pinch of Salt
Hot Pepper Jam and Cream Cheese
Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Dust the counter with flour.
4. Roll the dough out into a smooth oval about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Use a glass or round biscuit cutter to cut the dough into circles about 4" in diameter or whatever size you have.
6. On half of the circles, cut a tiny "X" in the middle of the circle.
7. Fill the circles without an "X" with a tablespoon or two of filling into the center of one circle.
8. Wet your finger and circle the border of the dough with the filling on it.
9. Place the circle with the "X" on the top of the dough with the filling.
10. use your fingers to pinch the pieces of dough together to form a tight seal.
11. Use the back of a fork to gently seal the edges of the dough.
12. Repeat with remaining circles of dough.
13. Arrange on a baking sheet making sure there is space between each pie. 
14. Bake for 28-30 minutes, until golden brown.
15. Let cool on a rack for 5 minutes and serve.

We rolled out the dough and cut circles with a glass.

 Since the pie crust package came with two doughs, we rolled out both and made 11 pies.  

These were the toppings we chose for our pies: 

marshmallows and mini chocolate chips, strawberry rhubarb jam, cookie butter, and lemon curd. 

Each circle got a dollop of ingredients in the center.

Then each circle was dabbed with water before placing the top circle on.

The hand pies are ready to go in the oven.

A college student or recent graduate starting off in her own apartment will find this book helpful in decorating and setting up apartment and office space. The recipes are simple and useful in both entertaining or feeding yourself. The presentation of material is honest and fun. It's a girls' guide to being young, single, and starting off life as an adult.


To purchase YOUNG & HUNGRY, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this post as part of Beth Fish Reads' Weekend Cooking. Weekend Cooking is open to anyone that has a food-related post to share including a book review (fiction or non-fiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. Grab the button and link up on Saturdays, but you can post any day of the week. To see all the Weekend Cooking posts and this week's link up, click, HERE.



This post includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Book Review: My Kitchen Year By Ruth Reichl

MY KITCHEN YEAR
136 Recipes that Saved My Life

By: Ruth Reichl

Published: September 29, 2015

Publisher: Random House

Non-Fiction/Cookbook/Memoir



Reichl's world as she knew it came to an end in 2009 when her role as editor-in-chief of "Gourmet" magazine came to an abrupt halt. The magazine was no longer published and Reichl had no idea what to do with her life. I had seen this book mentioned a few times and it intrigued me, so when it was part of a Kindle Deal, I grabbed it and read it slowly over a few months. I must admit I was not enjoying it at the beginning. I wasn't expecting the depressing, poor-me attitude to be so prevalent on the pages. Reichl was truly lost, wandering the streets, and completely unsure of how to spend her days. She, of course, turned to her most treasured spot, her kitchen and created dishes that brought her comfort, gave her a challenge, or filled her need for adventure.

As she and her husband decide to go to their second home and live their lives in the country for the winter, I found Reichl relaxed a bit more and her story seemed to become less whiny. Maybe, she was able to breathe a little bit being away from the city and all that reminded her of her former career.

I found many of the recipes were over my head and were foods I would never make, let alone, eat. Here in small-town Iowa, I am not exposed to the range of flavors she raved about in her recipes. I'm also not much of a seafood fan, so those recipes were pretty much ignored. But, no matter what the recipe is, Reichl's descriptions of her cooking the food will make your mouth water. I found myself highlighting a number of her recipes from Roast Chicken with Potatoes to Pomegranate Sunrise Fizz to Banana Bread (I'm always looking for that perfect recipe) and her Grandmother's Cabbage. So far, that is the only recipe I have had a chance to try. I've made cooked cabbage several times as it's a favorite of my husband but hers had a few different steps that I hadn't done before. Did I notice much of a difference in the flavor from when I have made it? No, but still delicious either way.

Ultimately, Reichl's world as she knew it came to a halt and the making of meals helped her emerge from the sadness and shock of starting over. This book is the result of that year. Reichl's book reads much like a diary as you travel through the seasons both in weather and seasons of grief. The photography is limited, there isn't a photo of every recipe, but when a photo appears on the page, it puts you right in the moment. The chapters are short and everyone focuses on a specific emotion and dish, ending with the recipe. So, you can easily read this like I did over the course of several weeks or months.

Even though this book had a rough start for me, I appreciated the journey and the food that helped her overcome her sadness. It reminded me how much I love cooking for my family and gave me a new excitement for creating meals out of love.

Ruth Reichl - source

Ruth Reichl is an American food writer, former editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine and culinary editor for the Modern Library and a former food critic.  For more information, check out her website, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of MY KITCHEN YEAR, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this post as part of Beth Fish Reads' Weekend Cooking. Weekend Cooking is open to anyone that has a food-related post to share including a book review (fiction or non-fiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. Grab the button and link up on Saturdays, but you can post any day of the week. To see all the Weekend Cooking posts and this week's link up, click, HERE.



This post includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. 

Cookbook Review: Good Taste By Jane Green

GOOD TASTE
Simple, Delicious Recipes for Family and Friends

By: Jane Green

Published: October 4, 2016

Publisher: Berkley/NAL

Non-Fiction/Cookbook

There is no doubt that Jane Green is a talented author. She has written numerous widely-popular novels including her latest, FALLING, that I reviewed HERE. But besides writing best-selling novels, Jane Green loves food. While leafing through the pages of her cookbook and salivating over the recipes and photos, you realize that she also loves the experience of making the food and sharing it with her family and friends.

Jane Green truly loves gathering with her friends and family and the best way to do that is through food. She takes great pleasure in making food and enjoying it with her friends and family, hosting parties, brunches, and intimate gatherings. She is good at it and you can tell by reading the pages of her book.

Green begins with recipes for the "Beginnings..." including soups, breads, and appetizers, The "Middles...." remind me of the best of comfort foods with a flair towards Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Dishes like Asian Orange Chicken, Maple Pork Chops, and Shephard's Pie are all on my list to try.

Finally, she closes out the book with the "Endings..." that will fix that sugar craving. Warm Chocolate and Banana Cake, as well as, the Lemon and Almond Cake Tart have made my mouth water just looking at the photos. Actually, I should mention the photos because they are gorgeous. There are photos of her lavish home, photos of every recipe, and pictures of Jane cooking in her kitchen or setting up for a party. There is no doubt that she loves cooking and entertaining and this book embodies that.

I can't review a cookbook without trying a recipe or two from it. I knew I wanted to try a couple of the recipes right away and got the ingredients. First I tried the Sweet Corn and Chili Soup and it was a hit. It went together pretty quickly....the most time consuming was chopping the onions and celery. I don't have a handheld blender so I couldn't puree the soup, but we liked it just fine without that step. The red pepper flakes gave the soup some heat and it was filling. Of course, the guys were missing the meat but still liked it enough. I could easily add chicken, bacon, or sausage to this and make it heartier.  Next up to try is the Warm Chocolate and Banana Cake. YUM!

SWEET CORN AND CHILI SOUP

1 medium white onion, chopped
2 TBS butter
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 medium red chili or dried chili flakes to taste (I used 1 -2 tsp red pepper flakes)
1 bag frozen corn kernels
1-quart vegetable stock
salt and pepper
1/2 cup half-and-half

In a large pan, soften the onions in butter, add garlic after 1 minute and celery 1 minute later. Cook gently for around 5 minutes until soft. Add chili pepper/flakes, frozen corn, and vegetable stock. season well with salt and pepper.

Bring to boil, then cover and turn down to simmer for half an hour.

Take off heat, puree soup with a handheld blender. Add half-and-half at the end and garnish with slices of red chili/flakes or kernels of roasted corn.

Jane Green - source

Jane Green is a bestselling author of many popular novels. She has been featured in People, Newsweek, USA Today, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan. She lives in Connecticut with her family. 
For more information, connect with Jane at Facebook.com/AuthorJaneGreen.

To purchase a copy of GOOD TASTE, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review with Beth Fish Reads and other bloggers for her regular feature, Weekend Cooking.  This linkup is open to anyone with food related posts including book reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, gadgets, restaurant reviews, or fun food posts. Grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. To see all the Weekend Cooking posts, click HERE. 


A post from today, 7 years ago - Mondays Matter: Week 41
A post from today, 5 years ago - 10-Day Give - Day 10
A post from today, 1 year ago - #52ListsProject - Mood Boosting Songs


Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this novel for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book thorugh the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Cookbook Review: LuLu's Kitchen By Lucy Buffett

LULU'S KITCHEN
A Taste of The Gulf Coast Good Life

By: Lucy Buffett

Published: April 26, 2016

Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style

Cookbook



Lucy Buffett is the sister of the famous Jimmy Buffett, but she has become quite famous in the Gulf Coast area in her own right. After returning home to care for ailing parents, Lucy Buffett surprised herself by becoming a restauranteur and owning  LuLu's Sunset Grill. It was a huge success in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and she eventually opened a second location in Destin, Florida. This book is more than a cookbook, but a peek into Lucy's life and her joy of food, friends, family, and most of all, laughter. I'm sad to admit that even though we have been to this same Gulf Coast area a few times, we have never visited her restaurants. But, I can promise we will be checking them out on our next visit.

LULU'S KITCHEN is full of Southern and Gulf Coast dishes you would expect including lots of seafood. But, there are just as many recipes that will remind you of those family dinners around the table full of delicious home cooking. For fans of the south, there is a whole section on grits recipes and for all the Buffett fans, there is a section on Specialty Drinks. In fact, I'm hoping to enjoy a tall glass of LuLu's Rum Punch this weekend!

LuLu's Rum Punch - submitted photo

Buffett offers stories and anecdotes throughout the book giving readers a peek into her journey of becoming a chef and business owner. She offers "Ten Things I Absolutely Know About Cooking" including a requirement to like cooking, to keep it all casual, to listen to music while cooking and most importantly, to never cook shrimp for more than three minutes. Even though I didn't try her shrimp recipe, it certainly looks delicious. But, I'm sharing the recipe with you so you can try it!

LuLu's Perfect Peel and Eat Shrimp - Photo by Sara Essex

LuLu's Perfect Peel and Eat Shrimp
Excerpted from LuLu’s Kitchen: A Taste of The Gulf Coast Good Life (Grand Central Life & Style; April 2016) by Lucy Buffett 

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
1 ½ - 2 gallons water
1 cup LuLu's Perfect Pepper Hot Sauce ™
¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ½ cups liquid Zatarain's ® crab and seafood boil
1 (3 oz) bag Zatarain's ® dry crab and seafood boil
5 bay leaves
½ cup LuLu's Crazy Creola Seasoning ™
¼ cup salt
2 – 3 pounds large headless shrimp with shells

1. Combine all ingredients except shrimp in a large stockpot. Bring to a full rolling boil. Be prepared to have the spices "tickle" the back of your throat. Gesundheit!
2. Add shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Turn off heat and cover for 1 minute. Drain shrimp in a colander and place a layer of ice on top to stop cooking process.
4. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Drain and refrigerate. Serve with my Red Horseradish Sauce.

Excerpted from LuLu's Kitchen: A Taste of The Gulf Coast Good Life by Lucy Buffett (Grand Central Life & Style; April 26, 2016)

As you can see, the recipes are simple and easy to create right in your own home with ingredients easy to find in your local store. I found several I'm anxious to try from the Mahi Mahi Tacos to Barq's Root Beer Chocolate Cake. But the recipe I chose to make for my family was the Meatloaf Sandwich. This is a recipe you can make ahead and serve later that evening or even the next day to your family. It's filling and the leftovers are even better.

This cookbook is full of recipes to fit every taste pallet. Buffet even includes a section of her essentials. These essentials include recipes for seasonings, dressings, and stocks. There are party specific groupings to host your own theme dinner, birthday party, or summer picnic. The personal stories that Buffett shares will make you laugh and will encourage you to visit the beautiful Gulf Coast region.

LULU'S KITCHEN is full of amazing photographs that will make your mouth water and have you marking up the pages to try all the recipes. Looking at this cookbook will remind you to bring joy to your cooking and laughter to your table.

UPDATE: Lucy Buffett appeared on Fox and Friends this week and they are sharing these recipes on their blog from her appearance. I thought their segment focused a bit too much on her brother than on her, but it's still a great promotion for her. Click HERE to see the recipes and watch the video below.

Lucy Buffett - submitted photo

Lucy Buffett is a restaurateur of the award-winning, fun-loving LuLu’s which serves more than one million guests a year at two locations, one in Gulf Shores, Alabama and the other in Destin, Florida. Lucy has also been recognized for her tireless work on behalf of sustainability and the environment. However, the greatest passion of this self-proclaimed gypsy rebel and reluctant entrepreneur is cooking good food for the people she loves. LuLu's Kitchen: A Taste of the Gulf Coast Good Life (formerly Crazy Sista Cooking) is her first cookbook and is full of recipes and stories that made her restaurant the famous destination it is today. You can find more information on Lucy at www.LucyBuffett.com.

If you would like to purchase a copy of LULU'S KITCHEN, click the photo below:

I will be linking up with other bloggers on Beth Fish Reads Weekend Cooking linkup. Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. Click HERE, to see all Weekend Cooking posts. 

A post from today, 7 years ago - Mondays Matter - Week 19 

A post from today, 6 years ago - Rhubarb Berry Crisp

A post from today, 4 years ago - More Summer Planning

A post from today, 1 year ago -  A Little Monday Inspiration - A Mother's Legacy

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.