Abrams Books

June 14, 2022

Dear Lovely Readers,

I have had a delicious blast sharing all of Abrams Books’ Food and Drink collection this year. Today I am sharing FIVE fantastic cookbooks I’ve been working my way through one scrumptious recipe at a time. I hope you enjoy these yummy treats!

Happy Eating & Drinking,

Kelly

Where are all my astrology lovers???? Do I have a book for you! You can officially lean into your “sign” and say CHEERS to extraordinary and meaningful Cocktails designed just for you! 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦: 𝘊𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯 by Vanessa Li and Bowen Goh is an absolute Gem!⁣
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Learn how to get your home bar in gear and your glassware in order while making astrological cocktails. How fun does that sound? You can’t help but be curious about your sign while flipping through this book. Li and Goh lure you in with their tasty cocktails with quirky names….𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝗪𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲, 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛, 𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧, and so many more. ⁣
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𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦 is a tiny treasure to add to your cookbook and drink bookshelf. ⁣
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𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 ⁣
“Featuring everything from chili-infused tequila for the adventurous Aquarius to an espresso-based cocktail for the unstoppable Virgo, these recipes will give you the tools you need to pay tribute to the sign of your choice, whether you love that sign, hate that sign, or are that sign. With names such as Sorry I Ghosted You, What’s My Age Again?, and Pillow Talk, and featuring ingredients ranging from gummy bears and CBD drops to star anise and oat milk, these tempting cocktails have been expertly tailored to every sector of the zodiac, with four recipes dedicated to each sun sign plus more for various cosmic events. Witty, wise, and welcoming to cocktail makers of all levels, Margarita in Retrograde is a loving tribute and essential resource for every enlightened mixologist.”⁣

It’s finally June which means Maine is getting a tiny bit warmer every day. The time has finally come to say goodbye to the cozy soups and stews that have provided us warmth and nourishment during the unbearable winter and to say Hello to everything SALAD. ⁣ I’m kicking off the summer season with a brand new cookbook by Jess Damuck, titled 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬.

The title pretty much sums up what’s between the covers of this bright and shiny book. However, here are a few dishes I have made so far that have wowed me….𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐝 ( we all need this NOW), 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐚’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐳𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐞 ( anything with a mango involved works for me), and 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐞, 𝐂𝐮𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐭 ( ummmmm… perfection).⁣
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𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 ⁣
“Delicious and beautiful recipes from Martha Stewart’s personal salad chef and the self-proclaimed “Bob Ross of salads.”⁣
Offering more than 100 inspired recipes, recipe developer and food stylist Jess Damuck shares her passion for making truly delicious salads. Salad Freak encourages readers to discover and embrace their own salad obsessions. With the right recipes, you will want to eat salad for every meal and never get bored. By playfully combining color, texture, shape, and, of course, flavor, Damuck demonstrates how a little extra effort in the kitchen can be meditative, delicious, and fun. “

Alton Brown is Back with his latest cookbook, 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘌𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝟺: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴. This book is not only delicious but one to totally geek out on. Brown has updated versions of some of his best recipes with all the fun science and food facts along the way. Perfect your pour-over coffee, nail your fried eggs, and make the best damn pressure cooker chili in the universe. OR… be like me and make the Lasagna again (which by the way, is EPIC). No matter what you are in the mood for, Brown has you covered with his fail-proof recipes and cooking instructions galore!⁣
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⁣𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 ⁣
“This long-anticipated fourth and final volume in the bestselling Good Eats series of cookbooks draws on two reboots of the beloved television show by the inimitable Alton Brown—Good Eats Reloaded and Good Eats: The Return. With more than 150 new and improved recipes for everything from chicken parm to bibimbap and cold brew to corn dogs, accompanied by mouthwatering original photography, The Final Years is the most sumptuous and satisfying of the Good Eats books yet.”

Let’s take a quick peek at my “𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳” supper!!! 𝐆𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐬 (this is what they call it in Spain) 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 from Colu Henry’s latest cookbook, 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘶 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴: 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘥. ⁣
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Tonic water, good old Bombay Sapphire (that’s what’s in my cupboard), tons of ice, and yes…a lemon in lieu of a lime. Paired with some salty treats, dinner is served…to me!⁣
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Lots of fun recipes in this book that are easy, yet look impressive. Perfect when you are so bored with the “same-old-same-old”! 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐲 𝗪𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬, and a 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐧-𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 are on deck to be cooked and devoured this weekend.⁣
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Be sure to check out this mouth-watering cookbook ASAP!⁣
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𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬⁣
“With 100 recipes and photographs, New York Times Cooking Contributor Colu Henry offers ideas and solutions to get you out of your weeknight routine, explore new ingredients and techniques, build your confidence, and have sophisticated dishes on the table in around 45 minutes.”

Sometimes it is a good idea to simply ditch the meat and eat all the vegetables and things from the earth. The Forest Feast Road Trip cookbook by Erin Gleeson is a little slice of heaven for your cookbook shelf. Stunning recipes and photos inspired by the gorgeous state of California are what you will find between the covers of this book. Zucchini Breakfast Sandwiches, Skillet Tofu & Onions, Sunset Stir-fry, and Polenta Lasagna are just a few of the drool-worthy recipes I am obsessed with these days. Gleeson’s book is next-level fabulous and I beg you to grab a copy for your kitchen.

Synopsis:

“For years, Forest Feast fans have loved Erin Gleeson’s effortless California-style vegetarian cooking, made in her beautiful cabin in the woods. Now, Gleeson takes an extended road trip around California, staying in unique cabin dwellings along the way and showing readers the beauty and incredible food of the Golden State she knows so well. From the grapes of the wine country where Gleeson grew up to the avocados of San Diego, California is known for its rich agriculture.The Forest Feast Road Trip showcases 100 vegetarian recipes, all inspired by her family’s journey by car through a stunningly geographically diverse setting. Each chapter “focuses on a different region of California, depicted in Gleeson’s signature aesthetic of atmospheric photography, charming watercolor illustrations, and mouthwatering recipes drawn from the fresh, local produce found in each location. Gleeson visits the giant redwoods on the coast of Mendocino, the desert of Joshua Tree, the mountains of Lake Tahoe, the tropical beaches of Santa Barbara, the cliffs of Yosemite National Park, and everywhere in between. In each location, Gleeson and her family stay in design-forward cabins, host dinner parties, and explore local attractions, providing tips for readers who may want to take a California road trip of their own.”

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY.

Hello Reading Friends!

As you may have gathered, I am a cookbook junkie! I love them, use them, collect them, obsess over them, and basically can’t live without them. Because of this, I am excited to share THREE shiny new books for you to check out. Each one of these beauties is unique in its own way and all of them are absolutely DELICIOUS!

Happy Cooking & Happy Eating!

Kelly

𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐎𝐁𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 with 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘺: 𝘕𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵-𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 by Nicole Berrie!

This cookbook is not only stunning but 100% inspiring. It truly makes me want to cook more nutritious, delicious food while eating the rainbow. Berrie’s recipes use Whole Foods and gorgeous ingredients that make healthy cooking and eating feel luxurious. My top three recipes so far are the 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧 juice, 𝐃𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐝, and the 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐞𝐚 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐚 ( pictured here and stuffed into a raw red pepper). I plan on perusing this book 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 tonight, to plan some yummy weekend meals! ⁣
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If you are looking to fuel yourself with some spectacular plant-based recipes…𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘺 is for you! This is not only my new “go-to” cookbook but also my “ go-to” gift to give EVERYONE!⁣

Synopsis:⁣
“In 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘺, Nicole Berrie reveals how she personally transitioned from the partying years of her teens and twenties to the fast-paced world of fashion and media, eventually settling into a thriving and balanced life and career in wellness. Sharing recipes, advice, and thoughtful guidance, this book is an inspirational lifestyle manual and cookbook dedicated to those seeking the ever-elusive answer to how to nourish themselves with clean, plant-based foods while still indulging in the joys and delicacies of life.⁣
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In the introductory chapters, Berrie outlines the founding tenets of the Body Harmony lifestyle and discusses topics ranging from plant-based cooking and intuitive eating to the importance of nontoxic beauty rituals and self-care. In addition, the book includes more than 50 original vegan recipes for juices, smoothies, salads, soups, and grounding grain-based dishes, all meant to cleanse and nourish the body and soul while keeping the reader both pretty and full.⁣”

I dove right into Anna Stockwell’s scrumptious book because guess what? It is time to start having dinner parties again. While planning something epic at my home for friends and family, I jumped in with both feet and made the 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬-𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐤 and I can honestly say….. it was devoured by my entire family (me, husband, two teen boys, and one tween boy). It was even requested to be made again sooner than later. That my friends…is an ABSOLUTE WIN!
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I am officially making my guest list!

⁣Synopsis:
“Stockwell has written a cookbook for a new way of entertaining that’s simpler, better, healthier, and more fun. Organized by season and full of helpful hosting advice, Stockwell provides accessible and modern menus; each is built around two large platters to pass around the table and includes suggestions for no-recipe side dishes. Dinner parties don’t have to be formal or fussy, or even a lot of work, to be celebratory and gratifying. This book teaches you how to plan and prepare great-tasting and impressive-looking menus that are easy to pull off, as well as offers expert advice on toasts, prep-ahead strategies, and tips on handling guest lists and dietary restrictions. “⁣

Emily Meggett’s (M.G.), 𝘎𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘩 𝘎𝘦𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 is the ultimate comfort cookbook. Fresh biscuits and popovers, fish cakes, squash casserole, and sausage and gravy are just a few satisfying recipes I made straight away. But of course, when I see a new version of the beloved banana bread… I must make it! Can you say YUM??? The best part of M.G.’s cookbook is that I learned all about Edisto Island in South Carolina and the Gullah and Geechee people. What an absolute treat!⁣

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 ⁣
“The history of the Gullah and Geechee people stretches back centuries when enslaved members of this community were historically isolated from the rest of the South because of their location on the Sea Islands of coastal South Carolina and Georgia. Today, this Lowcountry community represents the most direct living link to the traditional culture, language, and foodways of their West African ancestors.⁣
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Gullah Geechee Home Cooking, written by Emily Meggett, the matriarch of Edisto Island, is the preeminent Gullah cookbook. At 89 years old, and with more than 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Meggett is a respected elder in the Gullah community of South Carolina. She has lived on the island all her life, and even at her age, still cooks for hundreds of people out of her hallowed home kitchen. Her house is a place of pilgrimage for anyone with an interest in Gullah Geechee food. Meggett’s Gullah food is rich and flavorful, though it is also often lighter and more seasonal than other types of Southern cooking. Heirloom rice, fresh-caught seafood, local game, and vegetables are key to her recipes for regional delicacies like fried oysters, collard greens, and stone-ground grits. This cookbook includes not only delicious and accessible recipes but also snippets of the Meggett family history on Edisto Island, which stretches back into the 19th century. “

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY.

January 25, 2022

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

I absolutely love reading about the Regency era in England. It was a time when securing a good-fit marriage was a full-time job, and waggish conversation and gossip were all the rage. Throw in a sprinkle of niceties and fashion galore and the Regency era basically shimmered with delight. But if there is one star of this luscious time period it was the lovely libations that were passed around the seductive soirees.  The Regency Book of Drinks: Quaffs, Quips, Tipples & Tales From Grosvenor Square by Lady Thornwood is dazzling with delicious cocktails for you to enjoy minus wearing the “short corsets”.  Let’s take a look.

Lady Thornwood graciously shares with her readers how to be the utmost 1815 bartender in the 21st century.  Any good bar starts with the finest liquor, especially a Regency Bar. Do not even think about a one-size-fits-all mentality when serving your beverages.  There is glassware specific to every beverage including goblets, flutes, coupes, punch cups, and then some. Presentation is everything and how you bestow your thirst-quenchers is just as important as what these concoctions are composed of.  Different quaffs for different moods is the name of the game in this book. Drinks named Domestic Bliss, Glittering Enigma, Accomplished Swoon, and Brazen Matchmaker is what’s on tap so bring on the title-tattle, and let’s get ready to drink the night away!

The Regency Book of Drinks: Quaffs, Quips, Tipples & Tales From Grosvenor Square is filled with over 75 scrumptious cocktails from the super chic Regency era.  Recipes are simple and easy to prepare from the comfort of your 2022 home. Each mixture is accompanied by some early nineteenth-century chit-chat that truly brings to life this flavorsome time period. Wit, class, and a whole lot of fabulousness fill the pages of this gorgeous book.  Be sure to treat yourself to this gem before season two of Bridgerton comes out this March. You are worth it!

Cheers!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S.   If you love the Regency Era, be sure to check out what I had to say about To Love and To Loathe by Martha Waters RIGHT HERE!

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY.

December 27, 2021

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

Guess what my friend?  I am back today with more cookbooks.  Don’t worry though, I haven’t abandoned reading my usual books.  I am just 100% into cooking, creating and being in the kitchen with my family (most of the time) and the cookbooks this year have been absolutely incredible.  Today I am sharing two books I have been enjoying lately. Home Made Basics: Simple Recipes From Scratch by Yvette Van Boven and Filipinx:  Heritage Recipes From Diaspora by Angela Dimayuga and Ligaya Mishan. Homemade staples and some Filipino flavors are on tap to brighten your mealtime game.  Let’s take a look. 

Van Boven’s Home Made Basics is a dream book.  All of the photos have a crunchy rustic feel to them with a European flair that I simply can not get enough of.  Van Boven makes all of her recipes look like a total cinch to create and after flipping through her book, I plan on making EVERYTHING from scratch. Home Made Basics not only wowed me with recipes, but with some pretty spectacular photos of Ireland.  The summer after I was married (many moons ago), my husband and I spent a month traveling around the Emerald Isle. It was one of my most favorite times in my life and Van Boven truly hit me in the sweet spot with her creation.  Homemade syrups, broth, pasta, crumpets and even tortillas will be happening moving forward, so get ready to eat in Kelly’s Kitchen.

Another book that is broadening my culinary taste buds is Filipinx:  Heritage Recipes From Diaspora by Angela Dimayuga and Ligaya Mishan.  We eat a wide range of culinary delights in our home, but sometimes I get intimidated cooking something out of my wheelhouse or that does not come naturally to me.  I welcomed Filipinx with open arms this fall.  It was so exciting to read through this book and learn about “different to me” dishes composed of spices and sharpness that diversified my kitchen and my tastebuds.  The photos were inviting and the recipes were easy to follow.  I loved the snippets written before each recipe giving insight into the dish, where it came from and/or personal connections.  These are the words I cherish most in a cookbook and bring to life the most delectable recipes in a personal way.  Pork Adobo, Empanadas, Chicken Rellens, and Spicy Banana Ketchup are just a few of the recipes I have been dabbling with most recently.  I am salivating just thinking about them.

If you are a foodie or just simply love cooking and creating in your kitchen, then Home Made Basics and Filipinx may be the perfect addition to your cookbook shelf.  Gather all of those bookstore gift cards you got over the holidays and treat yourself to something delicious!

Enjoy these scrumptious treasures!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S Be sure to check out more of my cookbook recommendations RIGHT HERE!

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY.

December 20, 2021

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

It has been a year.  A rollercoaster of highs and lows graced our lives once again, but one thing remains true…my love of food and fabulous drinks.  I know you can relate to this.  Think raw oysters with a “faint metallic taste”, Rioja wine, crusty white bread, and a piping hot cup of coffee.  See what I mean! Despite EVERYTHING that has happened in 2021, Southern Living managed to deliver mouth watering recipes each month to celebrate the seasons of great food in their latest book, Southern Living 2021 Annual Recipes: An Entire Year of Recipes.  Cooking is one of those things that keeps me grounded no matter what is going on.  Whether I am happy, sad, stressed, or mad, food nourishes my soul and connects me to the people I love most. Southern Living’s recipe game is STRONG.  This annual wrap up of the season’s best of the best has earned a front row seat on my cookbook shelf.  Let’s take a peek.

I absolutely adore a cookbook that covers all twelve months of the year.  I can easily pick it up and flip to the month I am in and cook to my heart’s content. When I received Southern Living’s annual recipe roundup, I beelined straight to the December section.  Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies anyone?  I can assure you, they are absolutely delightful (especially with those white chocolate chips).  As I indulge in all the sweet and savory options December has to offer, I am pre-meditating my January healthy living goals with thoughts of Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken and Spicy Spaghetti Squash With Shrimp. AND because the ground is already covered in snow here in Maine, I am of course dreaming of warm summer picnics on the beach feasting on Baked Caprese Chicken With Green Beans And Corn and Quida’s Chocolate Delight.  When I say there are recipes for everyone and everything in this book, I am not lying.  Climb aboard the Southern Living train my friend.  You will not be disappointed.

If you are looking for a last minute holiday gift for the foodie in your life, make this one happen!

Happy Cooking & Eating!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S.  If this cookbook interests you, be sure to check out Christmas With Southern Living 2021. I love this book too!

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY.

December 6, 2021

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

I hope you are HUNGRY. I have two brand new cookbooks to share with you today that will have you drooling for something delicious to eat. The first one is all about cheese. Anything and everything about this creamy delight is yours for the taking between the covers of Erika Kubick’s new book. The second book takes a deep dive into the Alsace region of France and all of the mouth watering recipes that come from this unique area. Gabriel Kreuther will make your stomach growl with hunger. I promise. Let’s take a look at these two yummy reads.

Cheese Sex Death: A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed by Erika Kubick covers cheese from head to toe. Kubick guides you on everything from selecting cheese, to pairing wine with cheese, to plating cheese and then some. She offers tips on how to talk to your local cheese monger, what knives to use and of course, decadent recipes to show off your newfound skills. Kubick sets her book up like the Bible. The first section is The Old Testament followed by The New Testament. She offers readers the 10 Commandments of cheese and talks of rituals, rights, and holy sacraments in reference to “Cheesus”. Her book is clever, entertaining and extremely informative. There is fabulous art work and appealing photographs that will have you beyond engrossed. I am working on my cheese board game these days and this book is guiding me every step of the way. Know your audience before gifting this book for its religious satire may not be for everyone.

I was so excited to receive a copy of The Spirit of Alsace: A Cookbook by Gabriel Kreuther. Alsace is a historical region in Northern France that borders Germany and Switzerland. My mom’s side of the family (Etzkorn) was from Alsace back when it was part of Germany. Through the centuries it has been controlled by France and Germany and the recipes reflect both countries in many different ways. Since its Christmas time, I of course jumped straight to the My Mother’s Holiday Cookies section. I made the Nusli cookie which is a buttery treat dipped into melted chocolate. Talk about simple yet ridiculously fabulous!!!!! These cookies were not too sweet and were perfect with a piping hot mug of coffee. I even had a few for breakfast the other day. In addition to gorgeous cookies and desserts, Kreuther includes recipes inspired by his childhood living on a farm in rural Alsace and recipes from his career as an award-winning chef here in the states. His stories are heartwarming, the photographs are incredible and his book is an absolute staple in my kitchen. Cooking through this beauty has been such a joy knowing that I have roots in this special region.

You are officially all set if you are in the market for solid cookbooks for the foodie in your life. I highly recommend one or both of these books this holiday season.

Cheers to having a blast in the kitchen!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S If you are looking for some foodie memoirs to read or gift this holiday season, be sure to check out my Festive Foodies in the Wild Books & Pairings RIGHT HERE!

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY. 

November 12, 2021

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

Hello again! I am back today talking about ANOTHER fabulous cookbook. Perfect timing for the holidays. Being the “hostess-with-the mostess” is a hard gig unless you are Martha Stewart. Arty Parties: An Entertaining Cookbook by Julia Sherman takes this role to a whole new level, one that makes a lot of sense to me. Instead of focussing on the finished product in the kitchen, let’s enjoy the process and the company that comes along with it. Creative messes in the kitchen are my kind of messes. Let’s take a look.

“My mother, a visual artist who raised me in her studio, gave me a mantra: Getting dirty is part of the fun. It stuck with me. Indeed, entertaining requires more effort and more cleanup than eating out ever will. But this is the calculation, as I see it: You can spend fifty dollars on a restaurant meal that you will surely forget; or you can spend less to eat at home, where the food is both sustenance and entertainment.”

Arty Parties is more than just a cookbook filled with delectable recipes. It is a culinary journey that explores the artistic side of cooking, eating, and entertaining. Sherman’s book is drool-worthy between the recipes and the stunning photography. Avacado With Furikake, Squash Blossom & Egg, Parmesan Broth, and Boozy Cherries (Cocktails anyone?) are just a few mouth-watering temptations yours for the taking in her latest creation. Sherman shares ideas for Winter Taco Night (Slow Braised Leg of Lamb Tacos 😋), Make Your Own Dumpling Night, Soup Kitchen Soups ( I made the Carrot Fennel Seed Soup), Girls Night, Office Parties, and so much more. She introduces you to some pretty creative and inspiring people along the way too. Arty Parties is a cookbook to sit with for a while. It’s a pour yourself a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and read from cover to cover kind of book. The recipes are healthy, use common ingredients (and a few fun ones too) and focus on getting messy in the kitchen. I will be working through this work of art through the holidays, creating and making lifelong memories with my friends and family.

Arty Parties: An Entertaining Cookbook by Julia Sherman is an absolute must for all the foodies out there. It will always have a permanent spot on my bookshelf, but it also will reside on my coffee table for all to enjoy while visiting me. This is the PERFECT cookbook to gift this holiday season!

Happy cooking and creating!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S. If this book sounds up your alley, be sure to check out Sherman’s previous book, Salad For President! She takes the salad to a whole new level 🤗!

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY. 

November 2, 2021

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

I am back again talking about my love of cooking and COOKBOOKS!  I firmly believe that one can NEVER have too many of them in their kitchen.  Because of this, I am sharing yet again, another culinary gem to add to your shelf.  Peace, Love, and Pasta:  Simple and Elegant Recipes From a Chef’s Home Kitchen by Scott Conant has everything you need to make a simple and elegant breakfast, lunch, dinner, or sweet treat.  Let’s take a look at this delicious creation. 

What I love about Conant’s new cookbook is that it covers everything I love and need in my cooking life. Don’t let the title fool you though.  When I first saw the cover of this book I assumed it would be overflowing with only pasta recipes.   I was pleasantly surprised when I open the gorgeous cover and read through the table of contents.  Yes, pasta was definitely on the menu, but so were soups, salads, legumes, veggies, breakfast, and then some.  Conant’s recipes have an incredible Italian flair and he even gives a nod to his in-laws with a chapter on Turkish cooking.  

“What wasn’t foreign to me-and where I immediately felt at home-was the table.  Whether sitting down for a Turkish breakfast with her family or walking through towns like Ortakent, getting fresh seafood from the kiosks, and eating it on the beach together, the connection between food and family resonated with me, and ultimately inspired me, after years of trying to make a statement in Italian cooking, to try to learn a new language, so to speak.”

Each section of his book is composed of simple recipes using fresh ingredients with stunning photos of the finished product.  Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Pasta Pomodoro, Braised Short Ribs, and Chocolate Souffle are just a few of my favorites.  Another stand out for me was the Rosemary Lentils, which came together lickety-split. Lentils, olive oil, shallots, garlic, red pepper flakes, San Marzanos pureed tomatoes and fresh rosemary (that’s still growing in my Maine garden) are all you need to make the ultimate comfort dish.  I found these lentils had a similar consistency to a bolognese sauce.  They were great over a salad for lunch and with pasta for supper.  Whatever you do, do not forget the crusty bread.  It is an absolute must.  

Peace, Love, and Pasta:  Simple and Elegant Recipes From a Chef’s Home Kitchen is what I call a one-stop-shopping cookbook.  This is the type of book that I like to pack when going on a vacation where I know we will be doing a ton of cooking because it truly has everything.  It is a new staple on my bookshelf that I keep turning to in time of need…which is always in my house. With that said, the holidays are right around the corner.  If you are looking for something yummy to gift a friend or loved one…here you go! Enjoy!

Bon Apetit my friend!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S.  Becoming a chef was Conant’s backup plan.  After his baseball career didn’t go as expected, Conant looked into becoming a plumber, chef, or hairdresser.  I am so psyched he went with option two.  However, I wonder how he would do with my hair😂.

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY. 

October 15, 2021

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

As you know, I adore cooking and creating yummy concoctions in the kitchen with my family. I believe that more memories are made in the kitchen than anywhere else in the house.   I will tell you that the weeknight dinner grind does zero for me. However, while I despise fast cooking and rushed meals, I live for Sunday dinners, holiday meals, and creative baking, especially if my family is involved.  My son and I just had a wonderful night cooking something from the new cookbook, Nailed It!: A Family Cookbook by The Creators of The NETFLIX show.   Let’s take a look at why this book is a must-have addition to your cookbook shelves.

Have you seen NETFLIX’s show Nailed It!?  It is wicked cute and perfect for the whole family to watch.  The show is co-hosted by world-renowned pastry chef Jacques Torres (Mr. Chocolate) and comic Nicole Byer.  Three contestants come on each week and re-create a variety of edible masterpieces for a chance to win the golden baker’s cap and $10,000.  How fun is that?  This show is beyond entertaining with its less than skillful competitors.  We are currently watching season six and enjoying all of the kitchen mishaps and disasters. 

“At its core, Nailed It! is about the joy of the process. Because let’s be honest, doing anything with tons of butter and sugar and sprinkles is a good time. And whether you build a wedding cake worthy of Sylvia Weinstock or the Leaning Tower of Pastry, because of all that butter and sugar and sprinkles, the end result is going to taste amazing.”

My son and I took on one of the easier items, a double-layer chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream covered with decorative fondant for the win.  We made the cake and icing with ease. The tricky part was working with the fondant.  Fondant is kind of like edible playdoh in my opinion.  It’s very pliable, easy to roll out, and fun to cut decorations out of. The sky’s the limit with this stuff making decorating feel like an art form. It is very tricky to make it look SEAMLESS, but my son did an excellent job if I do say so myself.  Fondant is edible, but I prefer to pull it off my piece and just enjoy what is underneath.  Next up for us is something a bit more challenging…I can’t wait! I believe with all my heart and soul that we would have won the $10,000 for our cake…just saying.

Nailed It! is overflowing with step-by-step baking activities.  From cakes to pies, cookies to donuts, there is no shortage of delectable treats.  This book offers tips and tricks along the way to help perfect your creations. If you have a panic moment…there are little red boxes throughout the book with solutions to the most common dilemmas that will save you. It even has a section on how to host your very own Nailed It! Party and what recipes work best for different ages and party sizes.  And with the holidays right around the corner, there is even a Nailed It! Holiday chapter to get you in the spirit.    

I can not recommend this book enough for some family fun in the kitchen.  Happy baking!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S. Look what I just found at Walmart. A Nailed It! Alien Cupcake Kit.

***Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC  has proudly PARTNERED with Abrams Books and will be sharing their Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 Food & Beverage books as part of the #ABRAMSDINNERPARTY.