Showing posts with label cookbooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cookbooks. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Cookbook Club - Food52

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1808204Have you ever read through a new cookbook and wanted to try every single recipe - but not actually have to cook it  yourself? A few friends and I have started up a cookbook club, which is really just a fancy word for a coordinated potluck where everybody makes a dish from the same cookbook. I had heard about this idea a few years back, but this post on SeriousEats.com gave us some tips on how to get it organized, and motivated us to finally set a date.

The cookbook that was chosen for our first dinner is actually a group of cookbooks inspired by Food52.com. The administrators of Food52 describes its website as a community that seeks to encourage the love of food and cooking (after all, we cook 52 weeks out of the year) and believe that "if you want to eat better, and you want to help change our food system, you need to cook."  

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1861270 http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1884331 http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1884332

It's not surprising that they've come up with their own line of cookbooks - many of the best new cookbooks come from food blogs  - but the Food52 books are unique because they are not authored by a single person. Baking and Vegan contain creative and unique recipes suggested by Food52 blog contributors and are curated by the editors to make sure a great mix of the best new recipes are included.  Genius Recipes is a compilation of 100 remarkable recipes from famous chefs that "might involve an unexpectedly simple technique, debunk a kitchen myth, or apply a familiar ingredient in a new way." Michael Ruhlman's fried chicken recipe is in here, as is Julia Child's recipe for zucchini and rice gratin.

My favourite of the bunch is The Food52 Cookbook: Volume 2: Seasonal Recipes. I love any cookbook that is arranged by season, but this book is special because it recreates the feel of the food blog. Each recipe was originally featured on the website, and is introduced with a "Who - What - How - Why we liked it" section that includes the comments of the recipe contributor, as well as suggestions for serving. At the end of each recipe, there is another short section that offers comments and technique suggestions found in the recipe's comment section on the website. I rarely follow recipes by the letter, and I really like reading the comments on blogs to see if I should up the spice level, substitute another vegetable. I think it's really neat to find these tips included in a printed cookbook! 

If you're wondering.... I haven't made my final decision on what I'm going to bring to supper this month, but I'm leaning toward the Sausage and Kale Dinner Tart. Or maybe the Okonomiyaki....?

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Staff Pick: Do you know the muffin pan?


It's easy to get lost in the cookbook section on the fourth floor of the Halifax Central Library. I try to avoid walking through it unless I'm specifically looking for cookbooks, because I always leave the area feeling ravenous and with a heavy armful of beautifully photographed recipe books I simply must take home.

On my last trip to where the cookbooks live I was looking for some inspiration on appetizers to serve at an upcoming book club night at my home. The punny title of Amy Fazio's Do you know the muffin pan?: 100 fun, easy-to-make muffin pan meals happened to catch my eye. When I pulled it off the shelf and leafed through it I was immediately hooked by the scrumptious pictures of various goodies all made in tidy little muffin-size portions. It looked so promising I was able to restrain myself from my usual habit of taking out 3 other cookbooks at the same time, just in case the first one didn't work out. I wasn't disappointed.

The book is divided into different sections: breakfast, appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, and dessert. It was difficult to choose which ones we wanted to make, everything looked so tempting.

For book club night we settled on two different recipes, on sweet and one savoury. French onion soup dumplings were very easy to make with some grocery store puff pastry for the crust, gruyere cheese and carmelized onions all baked in the oven for 10 minutes. The sweet was a twist on one of my favourite treats: home made peanut butter cups with dark chocolate and caramel sauce, topped with sea salt. They elicited "wow"s from all who tried them!

Some other recipes I want to try from this book include: Salami boats with antipasto salad, Eggs Benedict casserole cups, and all of the items involving pretzels. At breakfast the day of our book club my three little boys noticed the book and inspected every single page, making their own list of recipes to try. They were especially interested in the Pretzel Dog dippers with beer cheese dip. My middle son was so impressed by the book he declared that he would buy it when he grows up and moves out, because he could live on just these recipes. He really loves food, so I consider that high praise indeed.

If you'd like to try out some of Amy Fazio's recipes you can also find many of them on her Do you know the muffin pan blog. For other muffin pan ideas try: The muffin tin cookbook by Brette Sember with Melinda Boyd.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Literary Exclamation Points: or Books! Books! Books!

The exclamation point: intended to give emphasis to a statement, it doesn't get a lot of play in the world of novels. Other than in dialogue, the exclamation point generally doesn't seem to fit in a novel: it's too silly, not mature enough. Remember that episode of Seinfeld where Elaine's boyfriend wouldn't use exclamation points? It was Season 5's "The Sniffing Accountant" and as episodes of Seinfeld were able to do, it perfectly describes the situations where something was desirable (in notes and phone messages) and not (excessively in novels).

This post started percolating in my mind with a single book title: Swamplandia! by Karen Russell, which was released to much buzz this past spring. I was definitely intrigued by the descriptions of a book set in a family run theme park in the Florida Keys where the main attractions were alligators, but I have to admit that the inclusion of the exclamation point in the title made me want to read it a bit more. This book isn't just "Swamplandia", it's "Swamplandia!" and somehow that extra punctuation made all the difference to me. The book, by the way, totally lives up to the hype: it's a wonderfully crafted, imaginative story of loss and family ties (with a sizable serving of adventure) with one of my favourite protagonists in a long time: 13 year old Ava Bigtree.

So, Swamplandia! You hooked me with your exclamation point, but you also made me wonder who else has tried this crafty trick of titlingand I found you weren't alone.

(all quotes from library catalogue summaries unless otherwise noted)




We Sure Can! : how jams and pickles are reviving the lure and lore of local food by Sarah B. Hood. Exclamation points aren't just for fiction, this book "celebrates the ongoing "Canvolution," in which urban "preservationists," local-food aficionados, rural picklers and jammers, and food bloggers are rediscovering the lost art of home canning jams, pickles, and other preserves." And if I'm not mistaken, there's a pun in that title as well as an exclamation point: extra points!

Westward Ho! by Charles Kingsley. It's not just modern types who can pepper their titles with exclamation points, as this 1855 novel can attest to. Beginning in England, this high seas adventure set in the Elizabethan era includes romance, kidnap and the Spanish Inquisition.

Author Robin Jones Gunn may get the prize for exclamation point usage though, in her ongoing faith based, globetrotting, chick lit Sisterchicks series, including Sisterchicks say ooh la la!, Sisterchicks do the hula! and Sisterchicks down under!

And if Horror is more your game, you can try Zombies! Zombies! Zombies! edited by Otto Penzler, released just this past September, Booklist called it an "exhaustive compendium of zombie literature".

If you know of more bookish exclamation points, feel free to add them in the comments. Or, I guess I should say, in the comments!

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Foodblogs gone Cookbook


In recent years, many popular food bloggers have made the transition from online content to printed cookbook. Aside from a pre-existing fanbase, there are a number of other traits that the most successful seem to have in common: they are usually created by self-taught cooks with no professional culinary credentials, the visuals are of extreme importance with both books and blogs featuring lavish photography, and the authorial tone tends towards the conversational, with writers who share the details of their lives alongside the recipes.

A few of the most popular:

Smitten Kitchen by Deb Perelman

Deb Perelman is considered by many to be the first lady of food blogs. Her blog has appeared on dozens of “Best of” lists, and with good reason. She has a terrific self-deprecating style, her photography is beautiful, and her recipes all hit the mark. Her hook seems to be the fact that she does everything from a tiny kitchen in her Manhattan apartment, but what I really love about her is that she researches questions such as “Does it have to be a glass pan or would the tin one that I already have work just as well?” Basically, all the questions you wish you had asked before your efforts went horribly wrong.

Oh She Glows by Angela Liddon

Angela Liddon’s fans are legion and her recipes have become legendary for producing vegan food that non-vegans will eat without complaint. What seems to have really won over her audience is the earnest way she engages her online community with candid discussions about personal growth, positive life changes, and her history of eating disorders. Liddon's stated goal is to share her story openly and inspire others who are struggling and, if the online reviews are to be believed, she is clearly succeeding. The book itself is gorgeous, with mouth-watering photography accompanying most of the recipes. The recipes themselves are easy to follow, including some that are so simple they might be better thought of as ideas or inspirations. Overnight oats, anyone?

Trois Fois Par Jour/3 times a day by Marilou and Alexandre Champagne

This book by Quebec singer Marilou has sold over 200,000 copies in the original French language version and the translation is proving equally popular with English audiences. Like Liddon, Marilou’s culinary journey began as an exercise in self-healing after years of suffering from anorexia. According to her, she named the book Three Times a Day as a tribute to her recovery and to the three meals a day that she is finally able to enjoy in health and happiness. Her partner Alexandre looks after the photography – there is a beautiful full page colour photo alongside every recipe in the book. The recipes are both elegant and accessible. This is the type of cookbook that you casually flip through and instantly find ten recipes that you would like to try.

Seven Spoons: my favorite recipes for any and every day by Tara O’Brady

Although the subtitle is recipes for any and every day, the long ingredients lists and the multi-step instructions make me unlikely to reach for these recipes for weeknight suppers. Fortunately, when time is plentiful, the results are worth putting in the effort. Tara O’Brady’s originality makes this book a standout. She is highly inventive in her flavour combinations, but once you try them they seem obvious. Will miso-hummus be the next curry-mayo? Time will tell.

Vegetarian Everyday: our green kitchen stories by Luise Vindahl and David Frenkiel

This book is more than a cookbook, it’s an escapist fantasy in which life is made up of idyllic days spent strolling to outdoor markets, carrying single items home to be leisurely transformed into meals which would be eaten outdoors in perfect weather with attractive people. In this fantasy, there is no bad weather, frizzy hair, burnt toast, crying babies, rejections, or missed deadlines; everything is beautiful and nothing hurts…or so the scenic photography in this book would suggest. And what of the recipes? I found the Rhubarb Risotto that is pictured on the cover to make a unique and delicious meal; however, I must report that the beautiful cover photograph is as much a fantasy as the rest. In a raw state, the colours of the dish might be as vibrant as portrayed, but once cooked the colours fade for a final tasty, yet unspectacular presentation.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Cookbooks for Those Who Can’t Cook


The culinary arts have never been my forte. I consider putting together a basic casserole to be a great personal achievement. In an effort to improve my beginner-level cooking skills, I have assembled a list of cookbooks that are great for a beginner or someone who struggles to find the time to cook.

The Can’t Cook Book by Jessica Seinfeld is definitely aimed at beginners, but it still manages to offer a wide range of recipes. Along the way, the author includes some great resources to help support the reader as they attempt to cook. One of my favourites is a “how-to” section which offers tips and instructions for doing things like chopping and storing herbs. There is also a “quickies” section at the back with some fun, quick and healthy snack ideas. This book would be great for someone who is a beginner in the kitchen and is interested in learning to cook healthy meals.

Weeknight Easy: 185 really quick, simply delicious recipes, is a recent Good Housekeeping publication. This book is aimed at those who struggle to put a meal together at the end of a busy day. Most meals are ready to eat in 30 minutes or less. My favourite sections include “Fix it and Forget it,” an entire chapter filled with slow cooker recipes, and “Wrap it Up,” which includes a variety of wrap recipes using tortillas or pitas, as well as great sandwich and taco ideas. This book is perfect for someone who doesn’t have much time or energy to prepare a meal, and would like some quick, delicious recipes.

Mug Meals, by Dina Cheney, only includes recipes that you make in a mug using a microwave. This is my kind of cooking! I was happy with how simple and easy the recipes were, and surprised by the wide variety of meal options the author can make in a mug. This book includes recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. All you need is a microwave and a good sized, microwavable mug!

Michael Smith’s Family Meals, is a great cookbook aimed at helping families plan healthy meals with very little time. Throughout the book you can find tips and tricks for planning ahead, keeping your kitchen clean and packing lunches. One of Smith’s great suggestions is to create a large batch of “house red sauce,” or a basic homemade tomato sauce. By preparing it ahead of time, you would then have it ready to make a quick pasta dish on a busy night. Recipes are quite basic and designed to be easy to put together.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Obsessed with Food Trucks

Food trucks really hit their stride in Nova Scotia this last summer. We've always had our good old fashioned chip trucks, but this new generation of food truck usually highlights creatively prepared fusion food. While the cold November weather has cut down on the number of trucks out there, there are still a lot of books that can help feed your obsession!

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1775930The Truck Food Cookbook : 150 Recipes and Ramblings from America's Best Restaurants on Wheels by John T. Edge focuses on the creative fusion food like jerk pork sloppy joes and root vegetable jambalaya at food trucks across America. Edge is a roving food writer for the New York Times, and this book includes a lot of stories describing the food truck scenes across the US as well as recipes. I love connecting food with the place it comes from, and this is definitely a cookbook that will give you a lot to read! 

Street Food Diaries : Irresistible Recipes Inspired by the Street is another collection of stories and recipes written by Matt Basile, creator of the Toronto-based street-food brand Fidel Gastro's and the host of the reality TV show Rebel Without a Kitchen. "Matt's recipes are fun, outrageously delicious, and totally inspired by the most vibrant food movement on the planet. So, try your hand at making Peanut Butter Cookie Fish & Chips Sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteak Tostadas, Maple Habanero Turkey Wings, Pad Thai Fries, or the infamous Alabama Tailgaters. If it's on a stick, in a bun, or covered in bacon (a lot of bacon!) then it's in Street Food Diaries!" Publisher.

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1793370Eat St. : Recipes from the Tastiest, Messiest, and Most Irresistible Food Trucks brings together recipes from trucks featured on Food Network Canada's popular TV series Eat St. James Cunningham, a comedian who hosts the show, has joked that he must be the "first human being to write a cookbook who can't cook to save his life". "The Eat St. cookbook is packed full of eye-popping food photography and great snapshots of the trucks and personalities behind the mobile-truck food revolution that's sweeping the nation. It's the perfect TV tie-in companion cookbook for fans of the hottest food trend". Publisher.

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1775640For all of you who like your street food a little more authentic, Lonely Planet's The World's Best Street Food : Where to Find It and How to Make It is the book for you. This book's table of contents reads like a guide for the most famous street foods around the world: Banh Mi from Vietnam, Felafel from Israel, Lobster Rolls from Maine, Tamale from Mexico, and - (of course) Beaver Tails from Canada!  Recipes are introduced through headings that include "What is it", which explains the food, "Origin", which explains the cultural history of the dish, "Tasting", which describes a usual street food setting where you'd find the food, and "Finding it", which gives a typical Lonely Planet recommendation of where to search out this food. This is probably my favourite book of the bunch - the recipes seem pretty authentic and they lack the "more is more" vibe of the previous books.

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1790818Finally, if you're truly obssessed with food trucks, you may have dreamed about starting your own business. The Food Truck Handbook : Start, Grow, and Succeed in the Mobile Food Business by David Weber is just one of many books on starting a new food truck business. "From concept to gaining a loyal following to preventative maintenance on your equipment - this book covers it all. Includes profiles of successful food trucks, detailing their operations, profitability, and scalability. Establish best practices for operating your truck using one-of-a-kind templates for choosing vending locations, opening checklist, closing checklist, and more. Create a sound business plan complete with a reasonable budget and finding vendors you can trust; consider daily operations in detail from start to finish, and ultimately expand your business. Stay lean and profitable by avoiding the most common operating mistakes. Publisher.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

DEVOUR! Some Great Food Writing

Devour! Food Film Fest is the world’s largest food and film festival, happening now in Wolfville, NS. Here are some books inspired by the festival line-up this year:  

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1721755Movies featuring food as a subject or theme are a relatively new sub-genre.  Steve Zimmerman's Food in the Movies shows the progression of food moving from being used merely as minor props or storytelling devices to the many films where food is an integral part of the theme or plot of the film, and the eventual creation of the food film genre. The book features over four hundred movie scenes where food is an important component to the story. Definitely recommended for the food film fan!

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1450570Babette's Feast is a 1987 film that is widely considered to be one of the best food movies ever made, and will be screened at the Devour! gala event this year. Did you know that the film is based on a short story written by Isak Denison in her anthology of short stories, Anecdotes of Destiny? Babette's Feast tells the story of a skilled French chef that is forced to leave Paris, and finds work in a repressive religious household in 19th century Denmark. When Babette wins the lottery after spending years cooking bland food for a pair of elderly sisters, she spends her entire winnings on cooking an extravagant banquet for the community. Despite the sisters' ingrained distrust of pleasure, the feast transforms those around the table.

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:%22In%20defense%20of%20food%22Documentaries and non-ficiton books about the health and environmental effects of the modern food industry are changing the way we think about our food systems. Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto is a classic in this genre, and is the inspiration of a new documentary film of the same name. Pollan sees modern society's obsession with fad diets and nutrition making us more unhealthy than ever: "Pollan proposes a new (and very old) answer to the question of what we should eat that comes down to seven simple but liberating words: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Pollan’s bracing and eloquent manifesto shows us how we can start making thoughtful food choices that will enrich our lives, enlarge our sense of what it means to be healthy, and bring pleasure back to eating." Publisher.

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:%22Salt,%20sugar,%20fat%22Many of the unhealthy aspects of our modern food processing industry are being exposed by investigative journalists who tell their stories in documentaries and in non-fiction books. Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us was written by Michael Moss, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter at The New York Times. "Salt, Sugar, Fat is a journey into the highly secretive world of the processed food giants, and the story of how they have deployed these three essential ingredients, over the past five decades, to dominate the North American diet." Publisher.


The creators of Thug Kitchen, a foul-mouthed, trash-talking vegetarian food blog, will be also speak at this year's Devour! festival at a workshop, with the Trailer Park Boys appearing as special guests. Their edgy vegetarian cookbooks have been on the bestseller lists since they came out, and it's not just because they're making vegetarian food cool: "This book is an invitation to everyone who wants to do better to elevate their kitchen game. No more ketchup and pizza counting as vegetables. No more drive-thru lines. No more avoiding the produce corner of the supermarket. Sh*t is about to get real." Publisher.


http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1856095http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?itemid=|library/m/halifax-horizon|1886160


Thursday, August 6, 2015

What's new for the barbecue?


We're a couple of months into barbecue season; maybe you're getting a little tired of the same old burgers, hotdogs, and steak and want to try something different. Here's a selection of our newest barbecue cookbooks to keep things lively on your grill.

Feeding the fire : recipes & strategies for better barbecue & grilling by Joe Carroll and Nick Fauchald

"Joe Carroll makes stellar barbecue and grilled meats in Brooklyn, New York, at his restaurants Fette Sau and St. Anselm. He gives us his top lessons and recipes to make incredible fire-cooked foods at home, proving that you don't need to have fancy equipment or long-held regional traditions to make succulent barbecue and grilled meats... Recipes include Pulled Pork Shoulder, Beef Short Ribs, Bourbon-Brined Center-Cut Pork Chops, Grilled Clams with Garlic Butter, and Charred Long Beans. Anyone can follow these simple and straightforward lessons to become an expert"--Provided by publisher.


Grill nation : 200 surefire recipes, tips, and techniques to grill like a pro by David Guas

Written by the host of the Travel Channel's "American Grilled" this book provides mouthwatering photos and comprehensive instructions on  all aspects of cooking on a grill. Guas outlines the various merits of gas and charcoal barbecues, types of wood to use in smoking food, and a great selection of recipes which include many non-meat dishes. I can't wait to try the Grilled Peach BBQ sauce -yum!

Ultimate book of BBQ : the complete year-round guide to grilling & smoke  with Pitmaster Christopher Prieto, text by Ashley Strickland Freeman

"The definitive barbecue and outdoor grilling guide, featuring more than 200 of the highest-rated Southern Living magazine recipes for barbecued meats and sides, plus pit-proven tips, techniques, and secrets for year-round smoking, grilling and barbecuing. With full color, step-by-step photos and mouthwatering recipes, this book includes everything the home cook needs to achieve first-rate backyard barbecue. Proven cooking techniques and equipment, expert advice from award-winning pitmasters, and a Rainy Day BBQ chapter with stovetop, oven, and slow-cooker options" -Discover


BBQ bistro : simple, sophisticated French recipes for your grill by Karen Adler and Judith Fertig

A focus on fresh ingredients, sauces, and slow cooking brings a french flair to your backyard. The authors have written several books on barbecue and grilling and have appeared on the Food Network and the DIY Network. Recipes to try include: Grilled Salmon Benedict, French Feta and Charentais Melon, & Grilled Rib-Eye Steak with Onion Straws. Bon appetit!

Sunday, June 7, 2015

The Olive and the Caper and other cookbooks with a story

Reading, cooking and eating go hand in hand in hand. Cookbooks, especially those from another country or culture, give you the opportunity to learn and to experience in quick succession.

The Olive and the Caper: adventures in Greek cooking by Susanna Hoffman has become a well-thumbed resource in my kitchen. Hoffman is both a chef and an anthropologist who has spent many years in Greece. She has brought this knowledge and mindset to this wonderful cookbook. The 300+ recipes are placed in their historical and cultural context with illustrations, and information about Greek history, poetry, politics and agriculture. This book has a great combination of recipes for both the experienced cooks who would be challenged by making their own filo pastry and the more work-a-day chefs among us who are more comfortable with basic fare like Hoffman's vegetable stew (a favourite in my home).

This book (and these others ) would be a great suggestion for anyone interested in the culture of food, regional history, or for someone merely craving wholesome, traditional food.



A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany: exploring and eating off the beaten track by Beth Elon

Catalan Cuisine: vivid flavors from Spain's Mediterranean coast by Colman Andrews

The Art of Mexican Cooking: traditional Mexican cooking for aficionados by Diana Kennedy

Friday, December 26, 2014

Delicious Vegan Cooking!


Over the last decade or so, vegan cookbooks have really exploded. In bookstores and libraries, vegan cooking sections have expanded, filling with books about vegan baking, vegan comfort food, vegan cooking from around the world, vegan recipes for meat lovers, and so much more. Below are a few cookbooks published over the last year that give a sample of the wide variety of vegan recipes available today.

Oh She Glows Cookbook: vegan recipes to glow from the inside out features gorgeous photos of every dish. Angela Liddon is also the author of the popular “Oh She Glows” blog. Her recipes use healthy whole food ingredients, such as cashews to give sauces a thick, creamy texture and chia seeds to create pudding-like breakfasts and desserts. Velvety Pumpkin Pie Smoothies, Luxurious Tomato-Basil Pasta, and Crispy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: flipping through this cookbook, I wanted to try every recipe.

Rawsome Vegan Baking: an un-cookbook for raw, gluten-free, vegan, beautiful and sinfully sweet cookies, cakes, bars and cupcakes is another cookbook created by the author of a popular blog. Emily von Euw’s “This Rawsome Vegan Life” won The Vegan Woman’s 2013 Vegan Food Blog Award. Her cookbook features creative desserts that are decadent but healthy. The recipes range from a simple, five-ingredient peanut butter cookie to more unusual creations, like the Triple-Threat Chocolate Cake with Avocado Cacao Ganache and Ginger Chocolate Sauce.

HappyCow.net has long been a popular resource for vegans looking for places to eat in unfamiliar cities. The HappyCow Cookbook: recipes from top-rated vegan restaurants around the world gives readers a more intimate look at some of the restaurants featured on the website. Favourite recipes from each restaurant are included, along with interviews with the owners and photos of the interior spaces.

Fusion cooking combines influences from different parts of the world to create innovative new dishes. Joni Marie Newman’s Fusion Food in the Vegan Kitchen: 125 comfort food classics, reinvented with an ethnic twist! contains a wealth of vegan fusion cooking, from main dishes to drinks to desserts. The recipes look creative, flavourful, and inviting. First on my list to try are the Miso Mac and Cheese, the Wasabi Grilled Asparagus, and the Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake Truffles.




Wednesday, December 24, 2014

We wish you a "Sense"sational Holiday


Best wishes from Halifax Public Libraries and the bloggers at The Reader for a wonderful holiday season. The library's collection has much to engage your senses and enhance your experience however you celebrate.

Fill your home with enticing aromas and enjoy some fabulous food and drink with these titles.

Festive Flavours by Lars Willum
Handcrafted Christmas: ornaments, decorations and cookie recipes to make at home by Susan Wagonner
Best of Bridge Holiday Classics: 225 recipes for special occasions by ed. Sue Sumeraj
Scandinavian Christmas Crafts and Recipes by Helene S. Lundberg
Cocktails for the Holidays: festive drinks to celebrate the season by Imbibe Magazine
Handmade Gifts from the Kitchen: more than 100 culinary inspired presents to make and bake by Alison Walker

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:scandinavian%20christmas%20crafts%20and%20recipes http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:cocktails%20for%20the%20holidays http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:cocktails%20for%20the%20holidays

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:festive%20flavours http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:handcrafted%20christmas%20ornaments http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:best%20of%20bridge%20holiday%20classics

Relax and enjoy the sounds of the Christmas season.

The Most Relaxing Christmas Piano Music in the Universe

Ellen's the only holiday album you'll ever need
Christmas by Amy Grant
Merrie Christmas to You by Blue Rodeo
Christmas with Nashville

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:most%20relaxing%20christmas%20piano%20music http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:ellen%27s%20the%20only%20holiday%20album

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:christmas%20author:amy%20grant http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:merrie%20christmas%20to%20you http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:christmas%20with%20nashville

The sights and sounds of the holiday season come together in Christmas movies, classic and new, to be shared. Will any of these movies make it to your must see list for next year?

Trailer Park Boys Live at the North Pole
Jingle All the Way 2
Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever
A Madea Christmas
Duck Dynasty: Duck the Halls
To All a Goodnight

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:trailer%20park%20boys%20live%20at%20the%20north%20pole http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:jingle%20all%20the%20way%202 http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:grumpy%20cat%27s%20worst%20christmas%20ever

http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:madea%20christmas http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:duck%20dynasty%20halls http://discover.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/?q=title:to%20all%20a%20goodnight