On Sunday, I was making meals for the coming week and it occurred to me that these simple cookbooks I rely on, would be an outstanding addition to any home chef’s collection. My mother gave me these books because she loved them, and I can see why. The recipes are elegantly simple and use smart time-tested techniques that deliver good results. If you are lucky enough to attend a friend or family member’s holiday dinner or brunch you probably realize the time and energy put into the affair and feel like you are taking advantage just showing up to eat, enter the hostess gift! Here are some ideas…
The Best Soup Cookbook by Marilyn Crowley & Joan Mackle
Robert Rose Inc, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. pp.185. Paperback, $27.22 on Amazon
- Toppings
- 125 soup recipes
- Chowders
- Consommes
- Chili
- Garden soups
- Classics and new recipes
- Basic stocks
- Cold soups
- 16 color photos
I have not made every recipe, however I have found family favorites that are a snap to pull together like Creamy Corn ‘n’ Cheddar Chowder, Finnish Vegetable Soup and Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Seeds. The Bay Scallop Chowder with Double Smoked Bacon rivals anything you might find in a sophisticated restaurant; it is rich, creamy and amazing.
The Breakfast Book by Marion Cunningham
Alfred A. Knoph, New York pp. 320 Hardcover $16.81 on Amazon
Here is another book that offers a wide range of ideas for the breakfast or brunch menu, including breakfast staples like coffee cake and new ideas like breakfast cookies.
- 288 recipes
- Hot and cold
- Menu ideas
- Beverages
This book has also delivered family favorites: Irish Oatmeal Muffins, Gingersnaps, Oatmeal Bran Breakfast Cookies and Apricot & Prune Coffee Cake. I find my waffle recipe, scones, and biscuits here also. Marion Cunningham is well known for her Fannie Farmer cookbooks which is arguably the first cookbook to give your kids as they leave the nest. It covers almost every expected American meal choice in a straight forward fashion. I am embarrassed to say that mine is in pieces having broken the spine after 25+ years of regular consultation.
I always bake a double batch of the Irish Oatmeal Muffins because 1. they are that good, and 2. it uses the entire carton of buttermilk. The magic in this recipe is the process of soaking the rolled oats in buttermilk 6 hours or overnight and then mix in the whole wheat flour, sugar and eggs. They are not too sweet to accompany a roast or soup (which is what I was preparing). Hearty and filling we eat them plain with coffee on the go; their spongey quality allows for eating in the car or on the bus without making a mess.
While these titles are not available as eBooks… Here is how you can give an eBook – no shelf space needed.
Go to Amazon.com and select the Kindle Store from the task bar on the left. Select Kindle e-readers & Books and then select Kindle e books…or
- From the Kindle Store in your desktop browser, select the book you want to purchase as a gift. Note: Free books, books on pre-order, and subscriptions cannot be gifted at this time.
- On the product detail page, click the Buy for others button.
- Enter the personal email address of your gift recipient.Tip: If you are unsure of the email address for your recipient, you can select Email the gift to me before placing your order. This allows you to forward the gift email or print and personally deliver it to your recipient. The gift recipient can enter the Gift Claim Code from the email, after logging in to their Amazon account.
- Enter a delivery date and an optional gift message.
- Click Place your order to finish your gift purchase using your Amazon 1-Click payment method.
Kitchen Accents
Make a simple gift special with little touches.....
Or a one-of-a-kind item everyone will admire…
Like many an aspiring artist I have an Etsy Store ThePiratePieMan where I hope to find homes for the many inspired items I have created, things I love so much I assume others will too.
A Tea Cozy keeps the pot warm for an hour or more so the second cup is as welcome as the first! This comes in two styles: Carrot Cozy and Hot, Hot, Hot! (teapot not included)
You may have noticed that this post has veered off into a shameless plug for my Etsy store so… while we are here, I will also include some items for the kids which is a legitimate strategy for keeping the hostess happy.
I hope you all enjoy your holiday gatherings and with these simple, special touches everyone will know how much you care.
The Pirate Pieman 