Giada's Kitchen: New Italian Favorites Review

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(More customer reviews)I must admit that I, like other reviewers, was at first disappointed by the offerings in Giada's latest publication. When I looked at the recipes closer, however, I realized how much I appreciated the book.
Fans are used to an array of savory, Italian dishes...understandably because this is what Giada has turned out before. This new book puts more of an emphasis on fresh, light flavors. Many recipes call for butternut squash, melons, and other vegetables.
The recipes are no longer strictly "Italian," which I think opens Giada's creativity. Although many recipes call for fresh herbs, I found the ingredient list to be, in general, significantly less intimidating and pricey. It's really about fewer groceries with fresher, bigger flavors. I particularly enjoy the "(Not) Just For Kids" section. Here we find fun recipes for things like pizza pot pies, polenta-fried shrimp, and mascarpone mini cupcakes with strawberry frosting.
I think Giada's new direction, away from specifically "Italian" cuisine and into an Italian-inspired Californian cuisine, will prove successful. After three cookbooks of mostly traditional Italian food, she needed to expand somewhere anyway. Staying loyal to strictly Italian food may have become boring and listless for both the chef and her following. I can't wait to see where she goes next!

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Gifts in a Jar: Muffins & Breads (Gifts in a Jar, 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)What a disappointment! What a disappointment! I returned this loser. Virtually every recipe (if not every single recipe)begins with Bisquik. Now, I like Bisquik as much as the next person -- but General Mills provides tons of recipes using it. I've often seen warnings that make-a-mix versions cannot be substituted for Bisquik ... Well, to me, the book would have been great had the author tested the recipes with homemade versions of Bisquik and used that, or tested them with both homemade Bisquik and General Mills's Bisquik and called for either one in his recipes. That would have been fine. But I'd feel funny giving a gift mix based on a commercial mix, so just wasn't enthusiastic about this. The recipes didn't look tempting; if you want new ways to use Bisquik, check General Mills's website or any of their cookbooks. IF you want to make gift mixes for muffins and breads, check the Make a Mix books or Diane Phillips's The Perfect Mix. Don't waste your money on this loser. Virtually every recipe (if not every single recipe)begins with Bisquik. Now, I like Bisquik as much as the next person -- but General Mills provides tons of recipes using it. I've often seen warnings that make-a-mix versions cannot be substituted for Bisquik ... Well, to me, the book would have been great had the author tested the recipes with homemade versions of Bisquik and used that, or tested them with both homemade Bisquik and General Mills's Bisquik and called for either one in his recipes. That would have been fine. But I'd feel funny giving a gift mix based on a commercial mix, so just wasn't enthusiastic about this. The recipes didn't look tempting; if you want new ways to use Bisquik, check General Mills's website or any of their cookbooks. IF you want to make gift mixes for muffins and breads, check the Make a Mix books or Diane Phillips's The Perfect Mix. ...

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This book is filled with recipes to make your own gifts.Each mix fits into a quart jar.The book even includes tags completewith recipient directions with each recipe.Just cut it out,personalize and attach to the jar.Fun to make and affordable, giftsin a jar make great gifts for neighbors, teachers and friends!--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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