Food and Murder!

Tannie Marie is a middle-aged widow who likes to cook. She writes a food column for the local paper until they decide to switch her to an advice column. Tannie Marie feels like good food is the answer to everything, so she gives people recipes along with advice. When a woman who has written to her is murdered, she becomes entwined in the investigation along with a handsome detective.  Sally Andrew's book Recipes For Love and Murder takes place in rural South Africa, so the story is full of local color and recipes. Tannie Marie is sweet and determined, a character to love! ML

How sweet it is....

OK, all Martha Stewart wannabees, these are for you! The first book, food, gift, love : more than 100 recipes to make, wrap, & share  by Maggie Battista is so timely for the season. There are many gifts in here, fresh gifts, pantry gifts, candied gifts and baked gifts. There is everything from the usual ( pesto, cookies, truffles) and the unusual. (extracts, infused oils, candied blood orange rinds) There are suggestion for collections of gifts, and tips for wrapping. ML

Also a delicious book is maple:100 sweet and savory recipes featuring pure maple syrup by Katie Webster. The book opens with a short history of maple sugaring, a DIY guide, and why choose maple? Did you know that because maple syrup is a by-product of a wild plant, it is more ecological than say, sugar? The recipes include breakfast but there are also savory choices, like mustard maple vinaigrette, turkey burgers with maple pickled onions, and Asian pork cabbage cups. Sounds good!  ML

Sweet Treats

Looking for something special for Valentine’s Day? Check out Sweet Things: chocolates, candies, caramels & marshmallows-to make & give by Annie Rigg.  She is a freelance food stylist who lives in London, creates her own recipes and writes for various food magazines. This colorful book has recipes for wonderful treats for every sweet tooth. If you’ve never tried your hand at candy making, these mouthwatering goodies might be just the encouragement you need. DB

Old Favorites, New Taste

Would you like to put a new twist to some of your favorite recipes? Check out Easy Gourmet:Awesome Recipes anyone Can Cook by Stephanie Le. Stephanie is the creator of a top cooking food blog. She describes her collection as " a little bit Asian, a little bit classic and a lot delicious". She keeps the recipes simple but really goes all out on  taste. Her book includes recipes for all three daily meals and snacks too! I’m looking forward to the Seafood Stew and Lemon S’mores!DB

Speaking Frankly...

Summer and hot dogs go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a special twist for your franks check out Haute Dogs by Russell Van Kraayenburg. You'll be thrilled to learn about the history of the hot dogs, special events involving hot dogs, the many ways to cook hot dogs, and the differences between hot dogs, sausages and wieners. In addition to our all-American favorites, the author provides some European, South American, and vegan recipes. You’ll have to decide which toppings tempt you. This is definitely a fun and informative book, really mouth-watering! DB  

Easy Eating!

We’re going to a chili-fest soon. While looking for an easy entry I ran across The Everything Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook by Rachel Rappaport and B. E. Horton. Rachel is a cooking teacher who has created recipes and writes a food blog, coconutlime.blogspot.com. Horton is a registered dietician with a master’s degree in nutrition communication. Together they selected over 300 nutritional slow-cooked meals. There's nothing like a slow cooker  for saving time. You'll browse international recipes with fresh ingredients and spices. Tasty and Healthy! DB

Say Cheese!

Who doesn’t like cheese? For entertaining, cheese balls are a staple. In Great Balls of Cheese, Michelle Buffardi has collected more than 50 cheese balls recipes that will be sure to delight guests and taste buds too! The book includes a history of the cheese ball, cheese ball basics tips, and sweet and savory recipes for making the right cheese ball for any occasion. Lots of pictures and great ideas make this book a winner. Grab your crackers! DB

What a crock!

There’s nothing better than coming in out of the cold to a hot dish!  For something easy and tasty the crock pot is king! In the Fix-it and Forget-it New Cookbook by Phyllis Good there are 250 slow cooker specialties to warm up your winter nights! There are several Quick and Easy recipes that require even less time and ingredients to feed your brood. Phyllis offers meat, meatless and pasta main dish ideas along with appetizers, snacks and beverages. A little bit of everything for a season of good eating. DB

Cookie Time

It's that time of year -- even if you don't bake during the other eleven months of the year, I'm willing to bet you at least make (or enjoy) a batch of cookies in December.  Why not try something new?  In her book, Cookies, Martha Stewart shares some of her favorite recipes, each accompanied with a full-page, color photograph.  Great for brainstorming for holiday get-togethers and cookie exchanges, or just for drooling over in your spare time.  I can't wait to try the Buttered Rum Meltaways and the Ginger Cheesecake Bars! HM

Stop into the library and check out our display of books on all kinds of Christmas goodies and treats!

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Don't pack away your grill just yet -- did you know that September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day?  Check out some of our cookbooks here at the library, including Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes and enjoy the end of summer with some mouth-watering recipes.  HM

It's Party Time!

If hostess duties unnerve you, take a look at You’re so Invited: Panic less, Play more, and Get your party on by Cheryl Najafi. She has unique theme ideas for 10 different occasions, which include decorating tips, recipes, and general advice. Nobody is left out--there is a pirate party for boys, a spa party for teen girls, and even a cigar party for the guys. Cheryl also talks about worst-case scenarios and hostess recovery reactions to make things run smoothly. Less stress, good times--let the fun begin. DB

Walk Down Memory Lane

Want to know how to make a Terrarium?  Interested in reading The Elves and the Shoemaker? Need a recipe for popcorn balls or want to quickly plan an indoor scavenger hunt?  The Simple Joys of Grandparenting by Abigail R. Gehring has it all.  Chock full of stories, recipes, games and crafts this beautifully illustrated book is a pleasure to read.  There are even ideas for long-distance activities so if your grandchildren don’t live nearby you can still get in on the fun!  I hate to admit that I am reading it for the simple pleasure of a walk down memory lane, since it includes so many things I remember from my own childhood.  SG