Early Book Review: Kids Cook Dinner: 25 Healthy, Budget-Friendly Meals from the Best-Selling Cooking Class Series by Deanna F. Cook
Early Book Review: The Flexible Baker: 75 Delicious Recipes with Adaptable Options for Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, and Vegan Bakes by Jo Pratt
The Flexible Baker: 75 Delicious Recipes with Adaptable Options for Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, and Vegan Bakes by Jo Pratt is currently scheduled for release on April 12 2022. Covering a wide-range of bakes including sweet & savory, cakes & tray bakes, biscuits & cookies, pastries, puddings & deserts, each recipe also includes flexible adaptations that can help cater for a variety of allergies, intolerances and lifestyle choices. The recipes include delights such as: Smoky bacon scones with salted maple butter, Sweet onion and blue cheese swirls, Chicken & chorizo sausage rolls, 'Sourdough' for the impatient, Multi-millionaire's shortbread, Pecan pumpkin pie, and Salted honey & pistachio puddings. Each page also includes a clear dietary index covering everything from gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free cooking and veganism, so the reader can see at a glance which recipe suits their requirements, without compromising flavor or appeal.
The Flexible Baker is a well written and organized cookbook. I liked that both common forms of measurement were included for all recipes, so those clinging to imperial measurements and those use to or switching to metric have equal access to these recipes without having to convert. I loved the variety of bakes included in this cook book, and the amount of information included about the dietary options for substitutions and what will (or wont) work to fit the needs of those you may be cooking for. I like how easy it is to find which recipes are gluten, dairy, nut, or animal product free- and which can easy be adapted further to fit the needed restrictions. I thought the page design, photograph choices, and organization were all very well done. This is the perfect cookbook for those that love to bake while keeping in mind the dietary restrictions of those around you. The instructions, including possible substitutions, are all easy to understand and follow for novice and frequent bakers alike. If you have room on your cookbook self and love to bake then this is a great addition to a personal collection. I think it would be a great addition to library shelves so that everyone can have access to this inclusive cookbook.
Early Book Review: Gardening for Everyone: Growing Vegetables, Herbs, and More at Home by Julia Watkins
Book Review: Crazy for Cookies, Brownies, and Bars: Super-Fast, Made-from-Scratch Sweets, Treats, and Desserts by Dorothy Kern
Early Book Review: Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids: 35+ Fun Art Projects to Build Amazing Science Skills by Karyn Tripp
Book Review: Adventures in Architecture for Kids: 30 Design Projects for STEAM Discovery and Learning by Vicky Chan
Book Review: Embroidery for Everyone: Easy to Learn Techniques with 50 Patterns! by Kelly Fletcher
Embroidery for Everyone: Easy to Learn Techniques with 50 Patterns! by Kelly Fletcher guides readers through an array of stitching techniques and decoration ideas. The patterns offer a wide variety of subjects to choose from like cute animal patterns, Boho chic borders and motifs, winter snowflakes and snowmen, Thanksgiving turkey, and springtime bunnies and flowers. You will learn to embellish clothing, create beautiful needlecraft art with nature and folk images, and make handmade heirloom seasonal decorations.
Embroidery for Everyone offers readers exactly what the title promises. There is a well done stitch guide, basic instructions and information, and more before readers are shown the first design. The designs are neat and clean, getting slightly harder and more complex as the book goes on but never getting too hard for beginners. As a crafter that is just getting back into needle work this year, after mostly working with tarn for the last decade, this book offers some good reminders and practice designs for me. The instructions are well written and I think the book works well as encouragement and instruction for those new to embroidery and for those looking to refresh or enhance their skill set.
Book Review: Modern Crochet Style: 15 Colourful Crochet Patterns for your and your Home, Including Fun Sustainable Makes by Lindsey Newns
Book Review: Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson
relevant art form. It's the latest offering in the Subversive Cross Stitch brand, beloved by legions of DIYers. Less messy than graffiti, Super Subversive Cross Stitch allows crafters to adorn walls with political pith and irreverent twists on classic quotes ("I think, therefore I drink," "Let the good times be gin").
Early Book Review: Pies Are Awesome: The Definitive Pie Art Book: Step-by-Step Designs for All Occasions by Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin
Book Review: America the Beautiful Cross Stitch: 30 Patterns of America’s Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments from becker&mayer! books
Book Review: Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez
Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez is an intriguing read for believers and non believers alike. Meet dozens of faeries that have adapted to the modern world and can be found in the most unexpected places. Urban Faery Magick introduces you to these mystical beings, providing tips and techniques for interacting with them as you travel your own spiritual path. Author Tara Sanchez explores dozens of case studies and shares her own personal stories of fae encounters, uniquely associating each faery with one of the elements from Eastern or Western traditions. You will learn about the Zaragoza goblin, Jon the Rust Spirit, Jenny Green-teeth, the Santiago Park Pixie, and many more. This book also includes dozens of hands-on exercises, including traditional Celtic practices, chants, invocations, breath work, dowsing, scrying, and interpreting signs as you discover the important lessons the fae can teach us.
Urban Faery Magick shows readers how to look at the world with the hope of seeing fae, and what to do if it happens. I think this book will appeal to three types of readers. Those who absolutely believe in the fae, that that really want to, and those that are just simply fascinated with the lore and experiences of others even if they do not really believe. I thought everything was well presented and was presented in a way that was accessible to all readers. The idea of connecting with and working with the fae might be a bit much for some, but the idea of being more aware of the world around you and listening to your instincts about the larger world- and being safe in your choices- is good for all of us to remember. I liked that caution, awareness of our own health as well as others, and how people have impacted everything were highlighted in the book. I thought the case studies and personal experiences of the author were well done, and the inclusion of lore from around the world was nice. While the table of contents was very helpful when I wanted to go back and find a segment I wanted to reread, and the suggested reading list at the end of the book was a nice addition. I would have loved a detailed index and a short glossary or listing of mentioned fae with basic information at the end of the book, rather than just as part of the chapters.
Urban Faery Magick is the perfect book for those that want to connect to the fae, and other spirits of the world in a meaningful way. For those curious about the practice and lore of doing so it is an engaging read.
Early Book Review: No Recipe? No Problem! How to Pull Together Tasty Meals without a Recipe by Phyllis Good
No Recipe? No Problem! How to Pull Together Tasty Meals without a Recipe by Phyllis Good is currently scheduled for release on May 11 2021. Cook anything without a recipe—just let the ingredients lead the way! This book offers tips, tricks, and inspiration for winging it in the kitchen. Each chapter offers practical kitchen and cooking advice, from an overview of essential tools and pantry items to keep on hand to how to combine flavors and find good substitute ingredients, whether it’s sheet pan chicken, vegetables, pasta, grain bowls, or pizza for tonight’s dinner. Freestyle Cooking charts provide a scaffolding for building a finished dish from what cooks have available; Kitchen Cheat Sheets lend guidance on preparing meats, vegetables, and grains with correct cooking times and temperatures; and stories from Good’s Cooking Circle offer personal experiences and techniques for successfully improvising for delicious results, such as how to combine flavors that work well together or how to use acid to draw out the sweetness in unripened fruit. Like being in the kitchen with a trusted friend or family member who delivers valuable information in a friendly, encouraging way, this book will inspire readers to pull ingredients together, dream up a dish, stir in a little imagination, and make something delicious take shape.
Early Book Review: Lavender: 50 Self-Care Recipes and Projects for Natural Wellness by Bonnie Louise Gillis
Lavender: 50 Self-Care Recipes and Projects for Natural Wellness by Bonnie Louise Gillis is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021. The book covers gardening (favorite varieties and pollinators); preserving (harvesting, drying, and extracting culinary oil); body care (essential oils, aromatherapy, oral remedies); the mind (stress relief and sleep); skin care (including allergens); cleaning (antiseptic and antifungal properties); food (pantry essentials); and projects (including gifts). In the simple herbal remedies, tips, and projects for inspiration, relaxation and well-being you will find recipes for: Lavender Matcha Latte, Yoga Mat Freshening Mist, Dried Lavender Fire-Starter, Lavender Frosé, Day's End Tea, Blue Day Lavender Roll-Away, Nourishing Lavender Makeup Remover, Lavender and Rose Fizzy Bath Salts, Sweet Dreams Diffuser Oil, and a Soothing Eye Pillow.
Lavender is a well organized and written book that offers readers exactly that the title promises. I found the tone and wording to be very easy to follow- making things simple for those new to the subject comfortable while not making more experienced lavender lovers feel talked down to or bored. I think the book offers a well rounded explanation of all things lavender, and that it will be a valuable tool for those that want to grow their own lavender and make simple (or more complex) things for themselves with this versatile plant. I certainly plan on planting some more and making a few new things after reading this book. It is a great resource for those just getting started, and those that want to refine their use of lavender or try a few new things.
Book Review: Gardening to Eat: Connecting People and Plants by Becky Dickinson
Early Book Review: Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals by Kristen Rask
Early Book Review: A Good Bake: The Art and Science of Making Perfect Pastries, Cakes, Cookies, Pies, and Breads at Home by Melissa Weller; Carolynn Carreno
A Good Bake: The Art and Science of Making Perfect Pastries, Cakes, Cookies, Pies, and Breads at Home by Melissa Weller; Carolynn Carreno is currently scheduled for release on November 17 2020.
Book Review: The Moon: A Beginner’s Guide to Lunar Features and Photography by James Harrop
Early Book Review: Grow Your Own Tea: The Complete Guide to Cultivating, Harvesting, and Preparing by Christine Parks; Susan M. Walcott
Book Review: The Easy Baked Donut Cookbook: 60 Sweet and Savory Recipes for Your Oven and Mini Donut Maker by Sara Mellas
The Easy Baked Donut Cookbook is a cookbook for every donut lover, particularly those of use that do not want to fry. Spending the last twelve weeks or so home with my family I have made all of my tried and true recipes, ran out of flour and yeast, and resupplied while looking for new things to try. This book was well timed, and inspired me to make some donuts. I am lucky enough to have a donut pan, and plenty of other pans, and was happy to find some new things for my weekend baking. I thought the introduction, including the basic techniques and supply lists were nicely done, and as a fellow New Englander the explanation behind writing the book resonated with me. I thought the recipes were easy to follow, well labeled, and detailed. I like the variants and options were also included, because I love to fiddle with recipes and find these suggestions helpful both in deciding if my idea will work and if the author already came up with something even better. There are several recipes that really caught my eye, some I was ready to try right away and others needed a shopping trip to complete so had to wait a bit. I was impressed that there were gluten free, vegan, and boozy recipes. The classics went over the best in my house, like the chocolate cake and pumpkin donuts- but the glazed blueberry and several filled donuts were also well received.
The Easy Baked Donut Cookbook is a great resource for bakers that want to try their hand at donuts, without frying anything. Frequent bakers might want to add this to their cookbook collection, dabbles might want to borrow it from the library for the first look through to decide if they will use it often enough- I have a feeling I will be needed a paper copy.