Taste of Home: Everyday Light Meals Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My wife is picking out new recipes from this book every day, and I have to say that this is a surprisingly consistent book when it comes to "light" fare. Most "healthy" cookbooks either contain only one or two winners, or have such delicious fare like sprouts and lima bean brownies. In this book, some recipes have been better than others, but all recipes so far have been good, and best of all, I've lost 30 lbs in the last 2 1/2 months! Granted, I've been working out as well, but I can honestly say this book has definitely had an impact on my weight loss!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Taste of Home: Everyday Light Meals

Indulge in delicious meals without an ounce of guilt! Treat your family to great-tasting food with over 400 healthy recipes and 90 complete menu plans to help you speed through dinner preparation. You'll discover how to trim excess fat, and reduce your sodium, carb, and calorie intake from your favorite meals. From savory appetizers to irresistible entrées, it's the most delicious way to eat light!

Click here for more information about Taste of Home: Everyday Light Meals

Read More...

Miserly Meals: Healthy, Tasty Recipes Under 75￠ per Serving Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am a fan of Jonni McCoy's other two books - "Frugal Families" and "Miserly Moms", so I purchased her book "Miserly Meals". I have to say that we have tried a week's worth of meals (including lunches) and we are sorely disappointed. These may be inexpensive and healthy, but they are not all that tasty. Some don't even work right. Last night, I made Mock Pizza in the slow cooker and it called for uncooked egg noodles. There apparently wasn't enough liquid in the recipe because the bottom noodles were cooked, but the top ones were still crunchy. I kept adding liquid, but then it was plain old mush. Yuck. Several other recipes are bland and boring.
I did like the meatball recipe, however, and even tripled it for my freezer. Some of the other basic recipes were also good, such as the taco sauce and spaghetti sauce. But we were very disappointed in many of the meals.
One other concern I had was that the yield of the recipes were not consistent. Some served four, some six, some eight. I would have appreciated a little more consistency there. We have a family of six, though, and even recipes that said they served six weren't enough for us.
I did like the kitchen tips and the nutritional breakdown of each meal. I wish the index was a little more comprehensive so that I could find a recipe when I wanted to use tomatoes, for example.
Overall, we were simply disappointed.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Miserly Meals: Healthy, Tasty Recipes Under 75￠ per Serving

The Miserly Mom's Favorite Cookbook from the Bestselling Author of Miserly Moms!Feed your family inexpensive, delicious, and healthy meals that are easy to prepare. Sound impossible? Jonni McCoy shows you how with step-by-step recipes for main dishes, desserts, soups, and baked goods, plus snacks, beverages, and money-saving mixes. She even includes the nutritional analysis for every recipe as well as a useful kitchen tip. Contains over 200 recipes. Miserly Meals has an easy-to-use lay-flat binding.

Click here for more information about Miserly Meals: Healthy, Tasty Recipes Under 75￠ per Serving

Read More...

$3 Meals: Feed Your Family Delicious, Healthy Meals for Less than the Cost of a Gallon of Milk Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book does a brief overview of how to save money at the grocery store (nothing really new). It goes on to present a major money saving strategy -- making every sauce, stock, dressing, and marinade from scratch. From there, the author presents recipes for main dishes. She finishes with recipes for baking breads and muffins from scratch.
The recipes are sound, and I have no doubt that they will produce reasonably healthy and tasty results. But...
#1 -- there is no reason to make every sauce from scratch. With sound couponing and savy shopping, I can get a bottle of bbq sauce for free (same for salad dressing, bottles of marinade, etc). If I make those things from scratch (and I frequently do), it is a question of quality, not cost.
#2 -- the main dishes presented are not complete meals. Most of them require additional side dishes (vegetable, fruit, and/or starch) to complete the meal. Beyond a passing mention of a crispy salad and fresh bread, the author does not provide any assistance in how to complete the meal and stay under budget. No ideas for inexpensive sides are provided.
#3 -- many of the recipes are not make-able for the advertised $3 pricetag. Unless I were to catch the fish myself, I simply do not see how I could make a dish calling for a pound and a half of bass or cod for a total cost of under $3. Nor could I make a dish that calls for 2 bulbs of fennel along with a pound of chicken and come in at that price.
#4 -- the serving sizes are a bit unrealistic. Most recipes call for 1 to 1.5 pounds of protein (beef, fish, chicken, or pork) and will serve 4 to 6 people. For six people, that's a 4 ounce portion of protein. Admittedly that is the recommended serving for many, but it is not enough for some men-folk and growing boys.
#5 -- virtually none of the sauces/marinades/dressings presented in the beginning of the book are used in the remaining recipes. so what are they for?
I think this book does have some good points, and a lot of good basic recipes. It presents some of the information and tools needed to control grocery budgets, but not all of them. If the author intended to present meals that were under $3 per serving, she succeeds. However, her book implies that it is $3 for SIX people... an unrealistic and unrealized promise. If I caught all of the ingredients on sale at their lowest price of the year, I could conceivably make most of them for under $6 each. If I were shopping on an average day, many of them would come closer to $10.

Click Here to see more reviews about: $3 Meals: Feed Your Family Delicious, Healthy Meals for Less than the Cost of a Gallon of Milk

$3 Meals is a new kind of low-cost-cooking book, comprising more than 250 simple recipes-none requiring more than twenty minutes of “hands-on” time-that cost less than a gallon of milk-and yet look and taste darn good . . . and are good for you, too.

Get 26% OFF

Click here for more information about $3 Meals: Feed Your Family Delicious, Healthy Meals for Less than the Cost of a Gallon of Milk

Read More...

Taste of Home: Freezer Pleasers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was looking for some make-ahead meal ideas so I can stock my freezer, but I don't usually have time to do a full-day cooking session like "Once a Month Cooking" calls for. That is why this book appealed to me. I liked the idea of the "Now and Later" section, where you make two batches of something at a time-- one to eat now, and one to freeze for later. I love Taste of Home magazine, and have always been pleased with the TOH cookbooks. I eagerly tore into the package when this one arrived, hoping to start making a list of recipes to try. I was surprised to actually be disappointed with a TOH cookbook. :( Here's my list of gripes:
1. Almost everything is very heavy-- high fat, heavy on the meat (lots of sausage, ground beef, ground pork, etc). I'm not a health-food freak by any means, but I don't cook with heavy cream, half and half, or Velveeta cheese, and I found those ingredients in many of the recipes that caught my attention. I guess fatty foods freeze better. Bummer.
2. Too many very specific pre-packaged convenience foods in the recipes. Besides the aforementioned Velveeta, there were also rather odd-ball ingredients that I don't keep around. Here are a couple of specific items called for in various recipes: 1 package (6.4 oz) lasagna dinner mix (what is that? like Hamburger Helper?? Or is it a frozen thing?); 2 packages (8.8 oz each) ready-to-serve long grain and wild rice (I've never seen this-- is it in the frozen food section? Or is it like those tuna pouches in the regular isle?); 2 packages (7.2 oz each) rice pilaf (is this a mix? is it seasoned? not seasoned? is it dry? is it already cooked?); and then every condensed soup known to man. Condensed tomato bisque, beef consomme, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, cheddar cheese, cream of onion, and cream of potato, to name a few. I have NOTHING against cream-of-whatever soup. I actually cook with it semi-regularly, but I was hoping for more pantry staples instead of prepackaged stuff in everything.
3. Many of the desserts are ice cream, which makes sense for a freezer cookbook, but some of us don't own an ice cream maker, so it's kind of a bummer when you're excited to make a recipe, only to find out you can't because you don't have an ice cream maker.
4. Many of the "sweets" that aren't ice cream were jams, spreads, and butters, which really aren't anything I can't get off of the box when I buy the pectin that is called for in the recipes.
Those are the gripes. On the positive side, it was inspiring to look through and think "Hey, if that works in the freezer, then my recipe that's almost like it will probably work too!". So pretty much what I ended up with was a list of my own recipes that I already have that I'm going to try freezing and see how it goes. And yes, I did find a handful in the book that don't require funky ingredients and look good that I'll probably try out. The Breakfast Burritos sound interesting. I've tried freezing those before with poor results, but their instructions were different and I'm looking forward to trying this one. Also a muffin mix that you store in the freezer and pull out as needed for quick muffins, and a couple of cookie doughs that you can freeze in rolls, Pillsbury style. And the Creative Leftovers section has some good ideas for preparing one mix of ingredients and using it for various things. I'll try some of those.
Anyway, it's inspiring, and has some good ideas, but not anything too exciting. I was hoping I could recommend this to my busy working mom friends, but I'll keep looking for a better one.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Taste of Home: Freezer Pleasers

The 325 dishes in Freezer Pleasers help today's family cooks spend less time in the kitchen, save money, and still serve homemade foods. From entrees and sides to snacks and desserts, you'll learn how to stock up the freezer so that something delicious is always on hand. This handy cookbook is divided into four easy sections: *"Now-and-Later" recipes explain how to make a double batch. Serve a casserole tonight and freeze one for later. *"Made-for-Later" dishes are those that come together easily and can be stored in the freezer for future needs. What a great way to take advantage of sales at the grocery store! *"Single Servings" are dinners and treats that are stored in single-serving portions. They're perfect for after-school snacking, late-night meals, and more. *"Creative Leftovers" help cut back on grocery bills. Store last night's extra food in the freezer, and then turn it into a fantastic new dish with the addition of a few kitchen staples. In addition, it provides: *Dozens of tips to help readers freeze foods and understand safe freezer storage practices. *Hundreds of full-color photos. *Great recipes, nearly all of which are submitted by home cooks. *The guarantee that every recipe was tested in the kitchens ofTaste of Home, the world's #1 cooking magazine REVIEW

Get 35% OFF

Click here for more information about Taste of Home: Freezer Pleasers

Read More...

Taste of Home: Busy Family Cookbook: 370 Recipes for Weeknight Dinners Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this cookbook a month ago and have tried several different recipes. So far my family has loved every single one of them, and there are a lot more that I can't wait to try. This cookbook is designed for busy families (in case the title didn't tip you off); if you have the time, energy, and desire to cook exotic and extravagant meals, this is not the cookbook for you. But if you're like most families I know, and so busy that you have the pizza place's number memorized, then you should definitely give this book a chance. Regarding an earlier review, I agree that this is a good cookbook for a new cook, but I would also recommend it to any busy family, even if the cook has some experience. It's easy to get stuck in a "dinner rut" when you're constantly needing fast & easy meals; this cookbook is the cure. I'd also recommend it for families with picky eaters, as the recipes can satisfy the adults' desire for something different without being so exotic that the kids won't eat it. I've looked at other cookbooks and haven't found any that had such a large number of recipes that I wanted to try. The recipes are all quick and easy, and they don't require obscure ingredients. I love that most of the recipes include a photograph and a brief comment. I used to agonize over what I'd fix for dinner on weeknights; now I'm excited, thinking "which recipe should I try next?" This cookbook is well worth the money--5 stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Taste of Home: Busy Family Cookbook: 370 Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Save time, and your sanity, with the 370 recipes that feature simple prep techniques, and easy cooking methods—some take as little as 10 minutes to make—from the experts at Taste of Home, the #1 cooking magazine in the world. Tired of coming home to calls of "What's for dinner?" from your family. This collection of 370 family-pleasing recipes will help you get a delicious dinner on the table—fast—every night of the week. Each chapter is arranged by speed, with the quickest recipes first. So, if you have only a few minutes, make one of the 10-minute entrees. If you have a little more time, choose a 20- minute recipe. There are also 30- and 60-minute choices. Each recipe features a short ingredient list, simple prep techniques and easy cooking methods. The best part is these time-saving recipes are packed with flavor and variety—from beef, poultry and pork to seafood, meatless, sides and desserts. Plus, there are 226 full-color tempting, mouthing-watering photos! And it's all from the editors of Taste of Home, America's #1 cooking magazine! Taste of Home The Busy Family Cookbook is just the kitchen helper you need for fast and flavorful meals!

Get 39% OFF

Click here for more information about Taste of Home: Busy Family Cookbook: 370 Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Read More...

Cookin' with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm not a big fan of Coolio the musician, his songs were alright but the last time he had a mega-hit was so long ago. I am, however, now a HUGE fan of Coolio the chef! I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I ordered this but suffice it to say that I am very happy with it and will be buying multiple copies to give to all the gourmets in my life. They need to expand their repertoire anyway.
First off, I don't think I've ever read a more entertaining cook book in my life. The little side notes and descriptions are hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud all over the kitchen. Of course, Coolio pulls no punches so the language is rife with curse words and sexual allusions but that's part of the humor of it. The names of his dishes are funny, his cooking terms are comically weird (Dime bag of salt, droppings of hickory BBQ sauce) and the "hints" are drop-dead hilarious ("Only serve rare fish if it's incredibly fresh. It looks pretty, but like a good woman, it just might kill you.")Be sure to read the introduction and his Cool-mandments as they are funny, but they also explain his cooking philosophy and terminology.
Now the recipes themselves, they're actually pretty good. They're simple, use common ingredients and they taste delish! Best of all, there is a variety of them from meat dishes, vegetarian and vegan dishes, to desserts, seafood, poultry and salads. Many of the recipes are healthy but there are also many that aren't so have your pick. The peanut butter cookies were yummy and the spinach-your-kids-will-eat was simple and good.
This cookbook is definitely a keeper. I'll reach for it whenever I want something simple and yummy, or whenever I just need a laugh.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cookin' with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price

THERE'S ONLY ONE THING THAT COOLIO'S BEEN DOING LONGER THAN RAPPING: COOKINGCoolio started making thirty-minute meals when he was ten years old and has since developed a whole new cuisine: Ghetto Gourmet. His recipes are built around solid comfort foods with a healthy twist that don't break the bank. Start your Ghetto Gourmet adventure with some "Soul Rolls," follow-up with "Finger-Lickin', Rib-Stickin', Fall-Off-the-Bone-and-into-Your-Mouth Chicken," and fi nish off with "Banana Ba-ba-ba-bread" sweetened with golden honey. Chapters such as "How to Become a Kitchen Pimp," "Chillin' and Grillin'," and "Pasta Like a Rasta" will guide you through creating 5 star meals at a 1 star price. You can't fi nd fusions like Blasian (black Asian) or Ghettalian (ghetto Italian) in restaurants, but you can have them cooking away in your kitchen faster and easier than ordering takeout. As Coolio says, "All you need is a little bit of food, and a little bit of know-how."

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Cookin' with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price

Read More...