Kitchen Confidence

Kitchen Confidence
    by Kelsey Nixon

is a wonderful cookbook for any cook looking to bolster his or her confidence in the kitchen.  The cookbook is geared more to the newcomer to the kitchen.  But that said, there are some wonderful tips and dishes for every cook.

Some of you may recognize Kelsey from her show Kelsey's Essentials on the Food Network Channel.   If you do, you know how friendly her approach is to the kitchen.  The kitchen is your friend, on your side.  It won't surprise you, then, that her recipes are easy to follow, easy to make, with easy to find ingredients.  No drudgery here.

The photographs are mouthwatering.  The sweet pea soup that greets you when you open the book immediately whets your appetite, and to learn, this luscious soup can be made with frozen peas is a wonderful secret (sssh!) you don't have to share with your guests when they slurp mmmgood.   Pea season is so short, and if using frozen peas can achieve the same result, why not try?

In Los Angeles, there are taco experts everywhere.  Every taco stand claims BEST TACO.  Kelsey says the trick to making the best carnitas tacos, braise the boneless pork shoulder in orange juice first.  I marinate skirt steak in orange juice, so this makes total sense.

Many of her recipes are contemporary twists on classics.  The BLT with apple and cheddar cheese is such an example.  Sloppy jane sliders.  Roasted tomato soup with pesto and cheesy croutons is another updated comfort food.  Her section on homemade pickles offers short cuts so you don't have to sacrifice flavor with your busy schedule.

Entertaining can be stressful and cause much performance anxiety.  Kitchen Confidence whittles away the stress so you can have fun with your guests.   Aren't those the best dinner parties, when everyone enjoys themselves?

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."