Cookbooks :: Recent Faves

Okay, so I usually grab a few new-to-me cookbooks every few times at the library. I really enjoy looking through cookbooks and especially in order to peruse them for possible purchases or gift ideas. I have discovered some new favorites and thought I'd share them here.

The first one up is The French Slow Cooker  by Michele Scicolone. It's a beautifully photographed cookbook with lovely and very doable french recipes. And I love the slow-cooker aspect, very mom-friendly.

Here's a recent recipe I served my family on a warm summer evening ~

Chicken Salad Parisienne

1 Herb Roasted Chicken (recipe included in book) or a convenient Rotisserie Chicken from the market

6-12 small waxy potatoes such as yukon golds or red new potatoes, cooked and quartered

8 oz. green beans or french beans cooked/blanched

2 T, capers, rinsed and drained

Easy Vinaigrette (see below)

Lettuce leaves (I used a baby lettuce mix)

3-6 hard cooked eggs, peeled and quartered

1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes

Dice chicken into bite sized pieces, discarding skin and bones. In a bowl, combine chicken, potatoes, green beans, and capers. Drizzle with half the dressing. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Pile the chicken mixture on top. Garnish with the eggs and tomatoes. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve.

Easy Vinaigrette :: 6 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 T red wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, or fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp. dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground pepper. Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar, whisk or shake until combined. Taste for seasoning, serve.

Another delightful find is Tyler Florence Family Meal  by none other than Tyler Florence ;-) Okay, so this one I have checked out before and loved, but never got around to trying anything as I had to return it too fast. It was obviously a hot item at the library checkout!! There's so much to be said about this wonderful compilation of recipes, he's nailed it on this one for sure. I have loved many of his other cookbooks, but this one is by far my favorite. It'a a titch overwhelming, as there are so many good recipes in this one. It's definately a "cook-your-way" through kind of book plus lots of good reading in between the recipes about his career and life in northern California, but I started out easy and small with his Chile Relleno Rice, HELLO, seconds please!!!

Here it is :: Chile Relleno Rice

2 cups cooked rice (once I used white, another time organic brown basmati = both delish)

2 cups sour cream (I used 1c sour cream, 1 cup greek yogurt)

1 can condensed chicken soup (I made my own based on the recipe in Make it Fast, Cook it Slow - email me if you want that concoction ;-)

2  - 7oz cans diced green chiles

2 1/2 cups diced Monterey Jack cheese (dice on the smaller size)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cook the rice according to directions (do a day ahead if you like). In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, sour cream (and yogurt), soup mix, chiles, and cheese. Mix thoroughly and season with salt pepper. Spread the rice in prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until lightly browned. Goes great with any of your favorite mexican main dishes, like tacos, burritos or enchiladas. Could also become a main course with the addition of cooked cubed or shredded chicken breast. By itself, however, it's a true winner!!

Another lovely discovery and swoony cover, is the Macrina bakery and cafe cookbook by Leslie Mackie. I can't believe I've never been to this bakery, it's a world legend apparently. Such a sheltered life I lead, HA HA! Really, have just been too lazy to try it. Judging by the cover, it clearly looks like a place to visit, if not just to gaze at all the goodness going on there :)

 I haven't tried any of the recipes in this one yet, but I'm drooling over the Guatemalan Hot Chocolate Bread (yes, I know, wipe your mouth) and the Cherry Almond Scones which sound very proper and utterly delish! The Bacon, Leek & Gruyere Quiche has also caught my eye. My kids love quiche, so perhaps I can tempt them with this more french version for a little culinary flair :) I'm sure I can get Violet to give something a try in the pastry department too. If you have this book or have been to one of the Macrina Bakery and Cafes  I'd love to hear your experience and thoughts.

What's cookin' at your house this summer??? Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend friends :)

Comments

[Christine]

Thank you for sharing Meredith. I often tell my family about how much I liked my grandfather's meals when we visited my French grandparents. I look forward to checking out the cookbooks, especially the French one.

[Romantic dinner recipes]

Many many thanks for the sharing books.I liked your recipe books.