Book Review: The Unofficial Princess Bride Cookbook by Cassandra Reeder

Title: The Unofficial Princess Bride Cookbook

Author: Cassandra Reeder
Genre: Cookbook - Geek Culture
Publisher: becker & mayer! books - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9780760377567
Read: March 18, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: With 50 food and drink recipes, The Unofficial Princess Bride Cookbook is perfect for fans who want to get a taste of the action along with some fun and interesting trivia. 

There are few movies that can be easily identified by a single word or quote, let alone close to forty. From “As You Wish” and “Inconceivable” to “Have Fun Storming the Castle” and “My Name is Inigo Montoya,” The Princess Bride left an everlasting mark on pop culture. 

In celebration of the movie’s 35th anniversary in 2022, The Unofficial Princess Bride Cookbook is the perfect book for fans of all its beloved characters, and the indelible quotes that have made it one of the most quoted movies of all time. 

Some of the iconic recipes include: 

• Albino’s Pre-Torture Nourishment 
• MLT: Mutton, Lettuce, and Tomato 
• Shrieking Eel Pie 
• “The Tuna Fish Discrepancy” 
• Fezzik’s Restorative Stew 
• Four White Horses 
• “Mostly Dead” Corpse Reviver 
• And so many more! 

Try out these iconic and fan-favorite recipes and relate to your favorite Princess Bride characters and story through food and trivia with The Unofficial Princess Bride Cookbook!

Review: I'm a huge fan of The Princess Bride, and like any good fan, I can practically quote the entire movie. So, naturally, when I learned that The Geeky Chef, Cassandra Reeder, was penning an "unofficial" cookbook in honor of one of the most iconic movies of all times, my first thought was "Inconceivable!" but then I wondered just how many recipes could one pull from said movie. After reading through Reeder's take on the movie's food moments, I ask myself how I ever doubted.

Filled with trivia from the film and an array of mouth-watering recipes, Reeder manages to tie in far more recipes than were mentioned in the movie. (If you aren't drooling after simply looking at the pictures, something's amiss.) Covering everything from drinks and cocktails to appetizers to main courses to desserts, you'll marvel at creativity behind each recipe. 

And have no fear fellow vegan Princess Bride fans--Reeder includes suggestions for vegan, vegetarian, and kosher substitutions! (Inclusivity for the win!) A section for planning the perfect Princess Bride party is also included so you can take movie night to a whole new level of geekiness! Why am I using so many exclamation points?! I have no idea! 

Overall, if you're a fan of the film or know someone who is, The Unofficial Princess Bride Cookbook will be a welcomed edition to the kitchen. Now, don't forget your holocaust cloaks and have fun storming the castle!

Book Review: Vegan Barbecue by Terry Sargent

Title: Vegan Barbecue

Author: Terry Sargent
Genre: Cookbook - Barbecue - Vegan
Publisher: Harvard Common Press - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: April 11, 2023
ISBN: 9780760377895
Read: March 18, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Learn how to slow-smoke all sorts of veggies, fruits, vegan meats, and vegan cheeses in this beautifully photographed book that features 100 soul-satisfying recipes filled with flavor and spice. 

At last! Now vegans and vegetarians, plus the millions of omnivores and carnivores who are eating more plant-based meals, are invited to join the authentic smoke-cooked BBQ party! Barbecue is famous, of course, as a way to cook meat—but meat is not the only thing you can cook in a smoker. Cooking low and slow over natural wood embers, the core method of genuine ’Q, infuses produce and other plant-based foods, like tofu and tempeh, with rich depths of rustic flavor that you won’t get from a stovetop skillet or steamer. 

Author Terry Sargent is the face of vegan barbecue. Southern Living magazine’s “Cook of the Year” for 2021, Terry has perfected the art of vegan barbecue at his renowned Grass Vegan BBQ Joint outside Atlanta. In this definitive book on the subject, he serves up easy-to-prepare recipes for amazing dishes like: 

• Smoked Pineapple Salsa 
• Glazed Smoked Asparagus 
• Smoked Creamy Pumpkin Soup 
• Smoked Mushroom and Vegan Carnitas Tacos 
• Smoky Ratatouille 
• Smoke-Roasted Faux Turkey 

You can master these and nearly a hundred more healthy, plant-based, smoky, and vibrant recipes with Terry’s masterful and fun book as your guide. From sides and desserts to dozens of meat-free main courses, from skewers and kebabs to burgers and tacos, this is a book that takes vegan cooking—and BBQ itself!—in an incredibly exciting new direction.

Review: Being vegan in the South isn't easy, and one of the hardest examples of "going vegan" is the ubiquitous BBQ-culture. After all, barbecue is comfort food around here, and well, Terry Sargent has given Southern vegan a reason to rejoice and fire up the grill just in time for summer!

There are so many recipes in this book that I hardly know where to begin. Sargent takes you on a culinary journey through the South, but everything is vegan so you can enjoy your barbecue without feeling guilty. Not to mention the recipes are so hearty and mouth-watering that even the most die-hard carnivore will be asking for a bite. Covering everything from spices, rubs, and sauces to sandwiches and "meaty" main courses to sweets and drinks, Vegan Barbecue has something for everyone--even the little ones! (Carrot "hotdogs"...mmm, sooo good!)

Whether you're an established vegan, a newbie, or just looking to try a few meatless dishes to see what all the fuss is about, Vegan Barbecue is sure to please. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a grill to light. 

Book Review: Mary Berry's Baking Bible (Revised Edition 2023)

Title: Mary Berry's Baking Bible (Revised & Updated 2023)

Author: Mary Berry
Genre: Cookbook - Baking
Publisher: Clarkson Potter - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780593578155
Read: January 10, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Baking legend Mary Berry, longtime judge of The Great British Baking Show, presents this revised and updated edition of her seminal baking book, featuring 250 recipes, including 20 all-new bakes, updated photography, and Americanized measurements. 

Mary Berry’s Baking Bible has been thrilling home bakers with delectable, no-fuss, trustworthy recipes for more than a decade. Now the queen of British baking brings her straightforward advice and expertise to this fully revised edition of classic bakes. Her biggest collection yet also features 20 new recipes plus mouthwatering photography. A sampling of her beloved desserts includes: 

• Cakes: Victoria Sandwich; Very Best Chocolate Fudge; Lemon Yogurt 
• Cookies and Bars: Melting Moments; Orange and Chocolate Shortbread; Bakewell Slices 
• Traybakes: Lemon Drizzle; Coffee and Walnut; Double Chocolate Chip and Marshmallow 
• Tarts and Pastries: French Apple Tart; Chocolate Eclairs; Profiteroles 
• Breads: Crunchy Orange Syrup Loaf; Quick Sourdough Loaf; White Cottage Loaf 
• Puddings and Pies: Sticky Apricot Pudding; Classic Apple Pie; Crème Brûlée 
• Cheesecakes: American Chocolate Ripple; Buttermilk and Honey; and Key Lime Pie 

Readers will also be delighted to discover that many of her treasured recipes have been updated and simplified to suit the needs and tastes of today’s home bakers. And, as always with foolproof recipes from Mary Berry, there will be no soggy bottoms!

Review: Mary Berry is a living baking legend in her UK homeland, and now she's become well-known here in America thanks to the popularity of The Great British Baking Show via Netflix. In this revised and updated edition of her Baking Bible, she offers over 250 mouthwatering recipes from across the UK, parts of Europe, and even some American favorites like apple pie. Combined with the stunning photography, you'll practically want to lick every page of this fabulous cookbook.

Berry gears her books toward the home baker, whether they be new baking or a practiced hand. The recipes range from the simple--chocolate chip cookies--to the most complex, French patisserie-style dessert--Gâteau Saint Honoré--to easy, bake-with-the-kids suggestions. But it's not all recipes. Berry includes nearly everything a baker needs to know about the art of baking: equipment list, how-to instructions for lining pans, baking terminology, key ingredients, baking tips, and so much more. All recipes include both metric and imperial measurements and many include helpful hints or variations to up your baking game.

Overall, any of Mary Berry's books are worth adding to your collection, but if you're serious about baking and only have room for one more recipe book on your shelf, Mary Berry's Baking Bible: Revised and Updated is the one you need.

Book Review: Nourishing Vegan Every Day by Amy Lanza

Title: Nourishing Vegan Every Day

Author: Amy Lanza
Genre: Cookbook - Vegan
Publisher: Fair Winds Press - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 3, 2023
Read: December 10, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Nourishment meets flavor in this collection of vibrant and delicious vegan recipes. 

Nourishing Vegan Every Day embraces the flow of everyday life by providing recipes that range from nutritious to decadent, recognizing the important balance between time and taste buds. Whether you’re in need of a quick and energizing breakfast or a show-stopping meal to impress your guests, this book will provide inspiration for delectable plant-based meals. 

With gorgeous photography for every recipe and helpful kitchen tips, discover family favorites like Cheesy Pesto Tomato Swirl Buns; weeknight meals like Cashew Cauliflower and Spinach Dahl; and delightful vegan desserts like Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake. 

Beyond bringing flavorful meals to the kitchen table, this book creates a basis for nourishment and satisfaction, giving you the tools to build your own plant-based pantry. From kitchen staples to easy vegan swaps, learn more about low-waste meal preparation and methods to enhance your cooking experience as you craft delicious meals, snacks, and desserts. 

Breakfast: Nourish on the go with quick morning recipes such as Nourish Me Smoothies or Overnight Oats! The choice is yours. 

Brunch: Lazy weekends and beautiful brunches are the perfect time to serve up towering plates of delicious Chocolate Chip Raspberry Waffles or Vegan Eggs Benedict. 

Lunches, Salads, and Light Meals: Liven up your lunch break with easy-to-prep recipes like Herby Chickpea Tabouleh Salad and Moroccan Style Quinoa Salad. 

Dinner: Vegan dinner has never been more versatile! Chock full of vegetables and nourishment, recipes like Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Sesame Chili and Garlic Tofu Noodles will be a hit at the dinner table. 

Snacks: Easy recipes such as No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Muesli Bars and 2-Ingredient Flatbreads will have you reaching for homemade plant-based snacks, whether you’re craving something salty or sweet. 

Desserts: Enjoy a variety of vegan treats sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, such as No-Churn Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream or Apple and Blackberry Crumble Pie. 

Celebration and Gathering Dishes: These sweet and savory recipes will prove to be crowd-pleasers at your next gathering. Impress your family and friends with a Vegan Celebrations Snack Board or Pumpkin Layer Cake.

Review: I don't often review cookbooks, but I am happily making an exception for Nourishing Vegan Every Day by Amy Lanza. OMG...I want to cook up every single recipe in this book! Over the past year or so, I've been steadily transitioning to a fully vegan diet--no small feat when living in small town Mississippi and the term "vegan" is often misunderstood as meaning "those little green guys from Venus" or maybe someone hailing from Las Vegas. Either way, telling someone you're vegan in Mississippi means they'll more than likely look at you as though you've sprouted two heads. Thankfully, there are a plethora of cookbooks on the market catering to the vegan/plant-based lifestyle.

Amy Lanza's dishes in Nourishing Vegan Every Day are hunger-inducing. (My stomach began growling almost instantly!) Using simple, easily sourced ingredients each recipe seduces the reader/cook to try it. What can be more simple than whipping up a batch of overnight oats? Easily when provided multiple variations? And the Vegan Eggs Benedict...oh, honey. Eggs Benedict have been a favorite of mine since my dad introduced them to me when I was a teen. Now I can have a vegan version of them? Yes, please! From breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner to desserts and more, every page is filled with mouthwatering recipes and bright, colorful photos you'll want to lick because they look so amazing. (Gingerbread Layer Cake, I'm looking at you, and you, too, Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream...)

Whether you're new to the vegan lifestyle, curious about the plant-based food hype, or just looking to incorporate more healthy meal alternatives into your diet, Nourishing Vegan Every Day makes veganism approachable, simple to understand, and delectable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some cooking to do.