Christmas Memories Cookbook

Rating:
Summary: Mostly foolproof traditions...
Review: Many of the recipes in the Christmas Memories Cookbook have become family Holiday traditions in our family. I'd pay twice the price of this book for the Cranberry Pear Relish recipe alone, though I now have to make four recipes' worth in order to have some left over for my own family, once we've given out jars as gifts to all the extended family and friends who beg for it every year! This book has all the recipes anyone could need for the entire Holiday season, including ideas for dealing with an overabundance of leftovers.

Most of the recipes are simple to make and easy to follow, though a few have more ingredients or steps than would be practical for most of us (there's an Egg Nog that looks as though it might be good, but takes several days to make, for instance). And at least one recipe that has what surely must be errors (a chocolate spice cookie that calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cloves... we did try it, just to see, and the aftertaste was horrid). But these are the exceptions to the rule of excellence in this book. And bless the publishers for making it with a spiral-type binding so that the pages lay flat. I've used Christmas Memories for more than the Holidays, so often in the last 15 years that I've worn through two of these books and am on my third copy. I should buy it in bulk; I've also given this book as Christmas presents (by request) to an aunt, a sister-in-law, two friends and my mother.

Because so many of the recipes are very simple, and are also good for entertaining, I'll be giving one to my son when he moves away; I wouldn't mind him cooking these recipes when he has his old parents over for dinner!

Rating:
Summary: Classic yet not overwhelming
Review: My reason for attempting to purchase this incredible cookbook is because my old copy is so spattered and worn out that I am afraid of losing it to the elements. Being the mother of 4 young children, I find this book's many simple but spectacular recipes (Phyllo Wrapped Tenderloin)to be an incredible inspiration; not only to my holiday cooking but to our everday lives as well. The simplest additions, such as Madeira sauce, gravies and orange sauce for Duck are demystified, delicious and can usually be made by what's available in your kitchen. No fail desserts include various and a myriad of cookies: cookie-cutter butter cookies(the kids love this one!), pumpkin cookies, pfeffernuesse, anise cut-outs and many more. Traditional favorites such as Buche de Noel, the much dreaded Fruitcake, various Mousses and let's not forget the best EggNog I have ever made, all serve up as a refreshing yet familiar addition to our table. Finally, many of the appetizers are recognizable but are a wonderful surprise; like an old friend that you didn't expect to run into. Spinach Spread, Pates, Pesto Layered Torte and Baked Brie are just a few of the few popular items that can be made ahead and frozen. Also, a way to use Holiday leftovers is very cleverly presented; Turkey Enchiladas and Turkey Croquettes with Cranberry are my families favorites. For those of us creating our own traditions, this book is a terrific support and a treat as well. I know that someday my children will phone me and ask for that recipe for "Stuffed Filet of Beef" or "Candy Cane Cookies". In the author's own words, this book is "elegant but not initmidating".

Rating:
Summary: Classic yet not overwhelming
Review: My reason for attempting to purchase this incredible cookbook is because my old copy is so spattered and worn out that I am afraid of losing it to the elements. Being the mother of 4 young children, I find this book's many simple but spectacular recipes (Phyllo Wrapped Tenderloin)to be an incredible inspiration; not only to my holiday cooking but to our everday lives as well. The simplest additions, such as Madeira sauce, gravies and orange sauce for Duck are demystified, delicious and can usually be made by what's available in your kitchen. No fail desserts include various and a myriad of cookies: cookie-cutter butter cookies(the kids love this one!), pumpkin cookies, pfeffernuesse, anise cut-outs and many more. Traditional favorites such as Buche de Noel, the much dreaded Fruitcake, various Mousses and let's not forget the best EggNog I have ever made, all serve up as a refreshing yet familiar addition to our table. Finally, many of the appetizers are recognizable but are a wonderful surprise; like an old friend that you didn't expect to run into. Spinach Spread, Pates, Pesto Layered Torte and Baked Brie are just a few of the few popular items that can be made ahead and frozen. Also, a way to use Holiday leftovers is very cleverly presented; Turkey Enchiladas and Turkey Croquettes with Cranberry are my families favorites. For those of us creating our own traditions, this book is a terrific support and a treat as well. I know that someday my children will phone me and ask for that recipe for "Stuffed Filet of Beef" or "Candy Cane Cookies". In the author's own words, this book is "elegant but not initmidating".