Cookbook Gifts

Looking for gifts?

Baking

Here’s a light topic to consider for my first post in over a year. If you have a friend who is either a baker or preserver, then

here’s a few recommendations for you: The Baking Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum is a classic that will outlive us all. Rose is a meticulous

tester filled with unconventional methods that work to perfection. The book is worth the price for the chocolate chip cookie intel, Wicked Good Ganache

revelation, and the superb Renee Flemming Lemon cake. Immerse yourself in all things Rose at www.realbakingwithrose.com

Preserving

Mrs Wheelbarrow’s Practical Pantry by Cathy Barrow is one of the most compelling books to cross my desk this year. Unlike Rose, who just published her 10th cookbook, Cathy is on a maiden

voyage here, and what a beginning! SHe speaks with a no nonsense common sense that we understand to say: 1. that most preserving can be done without special equipment. 2. 99% of jams and

pickles will give you no safety problems, due to acid and PH levels (cause most folks are worried about that). 3. She teaches you how to make amazing jams without store-bought dextrose-laden

pectin, instead making your own or teasing it out of the fruit that contains it. SHe will teach you how to make your home, a grocery store of your own making, only without superfulous packaging

AND where the preserved seasonal riches can be enjoyed year round. Cathy is an inspiration for anyone changing careers, as she did post 2008 by turning from landscape design to food blogging

here at www.mrswheelbarrow.com and her blog led to this great book.

There. I did it. Blogged, that is. It’s like 2008 blogg-baby-steps all over again. Lets see if I can refigure out how to upload pictures, enjoy the process and activate my peeps again.

Best,

LSQ