by Gretchen Beilfuss Witt Rowan Public Library
It’s that time again, when we stroll
down memory lane thinking about the wonderful aromas and delicious goodies that
came from Grandma’s kitchen. We pull out
the recipe books or clippings we’ve saved through the year hoping for the
occasion on which we can try that marvelous sounding dessert or appetizer. Many of us are in a rush with lots of
gatherings and events to attend as well.
Make the library a stop in your busy schedule and pick up a book or two
to help you through the holidays.
For those busy days when we have
mouths to feed but no time in the evening to make something, take a look at
“Slow Cooker to the Rescue” a Gooseberry Patch cookbook with over 400 recipes
including stews and soups, party foods like Roasted Cajun Pecans, Fiesta Taco
Dip or Honey Sesame Wings, lasagna and hearty sandwich fillings, Maple Praline
Chicken and Creole Shrimp and Sausage and even breakfast casseroles. Put it in the cooker in the morning and it’ll
be ready by supper time.
Sally Sampson’s is a terrific place
to find dips of every variety such as Peppery Watercress spread with pita
chips, Creamy Almond-Basil pesto dip, Roasted Red Pepper with Pomegranate
molasses or even a cookie dip made with peanut butter and ice cream. Each dip recipe comes with clear
instructions, great illustrations and suggestions of what types of crackers,
chips, fresh veggies or fruit would work best with the flavors and textures of
the dip (smooth, chunky or cheesy).
Looking for something with some
elegance? Take a look at Rick Tramonto’s
“Amuse-bouche: Little Bites of Delight
Before the Meal Begins.” Beautifully and
mouth-wateringly photographed “Amuse-bouche” won the James Beard Award. From the very simple Tomato Soup with Basil
to Angel Hair and Artichoke Frittata or the gorgeous Grilled mission figs with
mascarpone and prosciutto these before meal gems will wow your guests.
Readers’ favorite Debbie Macomber
shares her Christmas traditions, decorations and recipes in “Debbie Macomber’s
Christmas Cookbook”. Swimming four
times each week, Debbie developed a relationship with many of the folks she
swam with, but realized after seeing a fellow swimmer in the store with glasses
that she had no idea what these folks looked like out of the water. Thus began her tradition of Christmas
teas. She gathers with swimmer friends,
with fellow knitters and others to celebrate and share. She includes for recipes creams scones with
figs and cherries, Cranberry Walnut Cobbler, creamed spinach and feta pie,
butternut squash bisque, Pan-Roasted Flank Steak with ginger-sesame marinade, crafts
and décor ideas. Interspersed amongst
the recipes are tales of her family Christmases with old and new
traditions.
The library has a good collection of
the “Spirit of Christmas” books from Leisure Arts. Published for many years these books share
craft creations, gourmet gifts, buffet ideas, decoration and gift ideas and
scrumptious goodies. Themed Christmases
are easily managed with the help of Leisure Arts editors – a snowman tree, with
snowman pillows and mantle pieces all coordinated with directions and patterns
included. Chocolate boxes and place
cards, handmade soaps and candles, baked goods and gift bags for them are all
included in this bright and well-organized series. Enjoy the holidays with a little help from
the library.
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