The Book of Christmas Foods

Rating:
Summary: Great introduction.
Review: In its roughly 50 parts, all written by experienced cooks and cook book writers, HP Books' "The Book of ... Cooking" series takes you to the cuisines of various regions of the U.S. and around the world; all in easy to follow, well-explained recipes.

This installment, the Book of Christmas Foods, starts with a brief introduction to the planning process that should precede the preparation of a Christmas meal, and then presents recipe suggestions for all major courses, from canapes to the traditional holiday fare, beverages and decorations. Special chapters are dedicated to (sweet) gifts, desserts and puddings, as well as cakes and cookies. Classics such as Christmas mull and pudding, roast stuffed turkey, red currant duck, gooseberry goose, spiced honey ham, various dips and stuffings, cheesecakes, meringues, punch and even gingerbread houses appear next to unique dishes such as fruit pork pillows, maraschino fruit rings, lamb and walnut bites, Southern Comfort cake and turkey vegetable strudel.

From Advent cookies to white and dark chocolate pots, this collection of recipes, while not all-encompassing, is a great introduction to the endless possibilities of putting together a delicious and festive meal (even if it's not Christmas you're celebrating!) - and at a relative bargain price, to boot.

Rating:
Summary: Great introduction.
Review: In its roughly 50 parts, all written by experienced cooks and cook book writers, HP Books' "The Book of ... Cooking" series takes you to the cuisines of various regions of the U.S. and around the world; all in easy to follow, well-explained recipes.

This installment, the Book of Christmas Foods, starts with a brief introduction to the planning process that should precede the preparation of a Christmas meal, and then presents recipe suggestions for all major courses, from canapes to the traditional holiday fare, beverages and decorations. Special chapters are dedicated to (sweet) gifts, desserts and puddings, as well as cakes and cookies. Classics such as Christmas mull and pudding, roast stuffed turkey, red currant duck, gooseberry goose, spiced honey ham, various dips and stuffings, cheesecakes, meringues, punch and even gingerbread houses appear next to unique dishes such as fruit pork pillows, maraschino fruit rings, lamb and walnut bites, Southern Comfort cake and turkey vegetable strudel.

From Advent cookies to white and dark chocolate pots, this collection of recipes, while not all-encompassing, is a great introduction to the endless possibilities of putting together a delicious and festive meal (even if it's not Christmas you're celebrating!) - and at a relative bargain price, to boot.