- Tori Tait
I love to cook. I might not be a Teresa Scenna, but I love strapping on an apron and spending an afternoon trying new recipes and making a mess of my kitchen. So, when I had the chance to review two new cookbooks I immediately got out the pots and pans.
The first book I cracked open was American Cookery by James Beard. Not only was I excited to read the food diary of this master, but I was really eager to read the forward from chef Tom Colicchio (I am a huge Top Chef fan on which Colicchio is a judge). The book (and forward) did not disappoint. Here's a bit more about the book:
"James Beard was the "dean of American cookery" (New York Times), and he put practically everything he learned about cooking into this single magnificent--now classic--cookbook. James Beard's American Cookery includes more than fifteen hundred of his favorite and most successful recipes, as well as advice on dozens of cooking questions, from choosing meats and vegetables to preserving fruit and making real cheeseburgers. A celebration of the roots of cooking in the American style, this repackaged edition features the original text and color illustrations, and a new foreword by Tom Colicchio. Like Mastering the Art of French Cooking and The Joy of Cooking, it is a standard reference no kitchen is complete without."
- Claire Robinson
The second cookbook I reviewed was 5 Ingredient Fix by Food Network Chef, Claire Robinson. I was immediately captivated by the gorgeous images and the elegant simplicity of her recipes -- 5 ingredients, that's it! Recipes like Ginger Pumpkin Tart, Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onions, and Fig and Rosemary Flatbread are all on my menu this fall. More about the book:
"Claire Robinson, the hot new Food Network star of 5 Ingredient Fix and Food Network Challenge, helps people get dinner on the table with little fuss and a few great ingredients. The quest for simple, affordable, and fresh, mouthwatering food is over. 5 Ingredient Fix helps put delicious and sophisticated meals on the table in a snap. With people struggling to simplify, streamline, and budget, the Food Network's Claire Robinson is here to help. Cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be impressive; simplifying the process with fewer ingredients saves time, frustration, and ultimately, money."General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner(s) will be randomly selected and will receive the title above. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 11:00 am PST October 28, 2010 to 10 pm PST October 31, 2010.
These both sound like fantastic books. I'd love to have either.
I love 5 min fix a must watch show for busy families
Q: what are so pantry must haves
sultansmom@gmail dot com
would love to learn how to make Brioche French Toast with Strawberries and Cream, Grown-up Grilled Cheese and Iceberg Wedges with Buttermilk Dressing, and Grilled Scallops with Saffron Aioli (love aioli)
Would love either to help mix it up at the dinner table.....
Both look great!
I love to collect and used cook books and also welcome the idea of a five ingredient fix! Crossed Fingers~
Grommet Groks it!
I love to collect and use cook books and also welcome the idea of a five ingredient fix! Crossed Fingers~
Grommet Groks it!
I would love the American Cookery...My mother in law swears by this guy and would love the book as a present...Me I like them both so either would be good...Good Luck everybody
I love James Beard! It was be a thrill to have his American Cookbook.
would love the 5 Ingredient Fix.
I just started collecting cookbooks so it would be nice to have both. :-)
Help! I'm a 36-year old mother of two wife of one business owner who reads cookbooks before bed and dreams of going to culinary school to feed my creative soul. I'd love to snuggle up to James and Tom next. Oooh, that sounds vaguely inappropriate. Sorry. Hope my husband isn't reading this! :-)
I have used Amercan Cookery for many years and go to it all the time, so my choice would be Five Ingredient Fix
Who would want to win two new cook books? Thanks for the opportunity!
I want my next job to be a "cookbook reviewer"! Both books sound great. With two kids starting to cook the 5-ingredient recipes would be great! Of course, I would love the hints and tips in James Beard's American Cookery! My favorite room of the house would be blessed by the addition of one of these books to its main shelf.
I'd like to say I'm dying to try out all of James Beards's recipes but the truth is I'm more of a Five Ingredient Fix style cook. I'd love to try out all of Claire Robinson's fixes!
Which ever has Crockpot recipes would be fine? 5 Ingredient would be great!
Both of these books sound fantastic..........I would love to have one
I love to cook and cookbooks are my favorite reading material. Would love to have either of these.
As a baby boomer, I am finding that although I enjoy the flavors of complicated recipes, I don't much enjoy the time consumed, and the mess I make of my kitchen! :) SO the five ingredient book sounds great for that reason.
As for James Beard he was one of my first Chef loves along with Julia Child and "The Galloping Gourmet" (Graham Kerr) so it would be a delight to have one of his cookbooks on my shelf!
Since I have to choose though, I will say 5 Ingredient Fix! Thanks for the opportunity.
I had a 5-ingredient cookbook years ago; loved its simple mealtime solutions. My whole family likes to cook--my husband cooks dinner for us about 95% of the time (I am very lucky!).
Claire Robinson is one of the best new cooks around. She makes things simple and yet tasty. She could be the next "Rachael Ray" with her winning personality and clever ideas. I'd love to have her book.
Both of these books sound great! I have been meaning to get the James Beard one for my husband... I think these would be awesome to have!
Top Chef, was great the 1st 3 or 4 seasons now most seams to be a rehash of up and coming chef egos that remind of Roco Desprito( or however you spell his name). The show has run its course but i am getting a kick out of the desert top chef. "Spot on" and " It is what it is" quite honestly i can live without these 2 catch phrases to have come out of the show but are now mainstream in the american lexicon of culinary speaking.
Both sound like great additions to any kitchen.
Mine or my mother-in-laws. ;-}
@clpbank -- I agree, the early seasons of Top Chef were the best. I am also loving Top Chef: Just Desserts! I am a big fan of Gail Simmons as host. Thanks for leaving a comment!
I have watched a few of the 5 Ingredient Fix episodes online. They are remarkable, by keeping it simple but flavorful and within a good budget of time and money.
The American Cookery sounds like a really great cookbook! The way my meals turn out I need it lol!
My question would be what's your favorite cooking utensil?
James Beard has long been a favorite, and his cookbooks are outstanding. And any meal that can purportedly be made in five minutes has me hooked! Count me in on this contest!
Both sound so good! Love Claire's show!
Books sound awesome.. Would love either one to add to my collection.
oooh I'd love to win the books :-)
ooh looks like wonderful books
I would like either of them... the James Beard for when I'm feeling fancy, and the 5-Ingredient for everyday. I think i need the James Beard more, though.
wow...I NEED the 5 minute fix but would LOVE the James Beard cookbook. Nothing beats a day in the kitchen creating.
Can't wait to eat some new food.
I had to move in with my brother, who eats anything (shredded newspaper with ketchup), but I aspire to greater food. Either of the books would be welcome. Meanwhile, I just love Daily Grommet. Hugs to all...
Reading cookbooks is a hobby for me. I own all of Julia but only "Beard on Bread" from
this American cooking icon. I'd love to have his American Cookery to peruse.
Love the Grommet! How far in advance is the Grommet in, in terms of looking for new Grommet's?
Both sound interesting. Love James Beard!
I need all the help I can get in the cooking area! I could really use these!!!
My husband and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. He'd LOVE a few new dishes thrown into our menus!
Loving the 5 Ingredient Fix...sounds great for a busy family!
Just discovered Claire's show recently, and I'd love to have her cookbook!
Mother of three, wife of one, working fulltime and trying to simplify my life. 5 ingredient fix could be my dinner text book!
Awesome books, would love to win them! =D
Thanks for the cookbook recommendations! I'm a collector... I do cook out of some of my cookbooks, but most of them are just there to browse through for inspiration. I love having them on the shelves of my kitchen for some reason! I would love to have a copy of James Beard's latest as a reference. If you like the concept of very simple recipes, check out _The Instant Cook_ by Donna Hay. That's one of the cookbooks that gets the most use in my kitchen!
I am a novice cook with limited time, so the 5-ingredient Fix sounds just perfect!
Thank you all for entering! We've randomly selected 2 winners - be sure to check your emails!
Both of these sound great, I'm really tired of having the same things for dinner over and over again and could really use some fresh ideas.
This looks like just the thing for us! Quick and easy peasy.
I would love the 5 ingredient cook book. I work full time and so does my husband. We would love to come home put a few ingredients and have a fresh meal instead of going to the freezer and pulling out the frozen microwave ingredients.
five ingredients, what a concept! hope I win.
I have a James Beard bread cookbook I have used for years so I would definitely like American Cookery. I love to cook up fun meals for the family!
I love what you are doing! I would love either of these. the American cookbook sounds wonderful.Thanks for what you do~