Dumpling Heaven

It's almost Chinese New Year!  A time where I usually take the time and care to make a wide assortment of dumplings -- steam, fried, boiled.  Dumplings are good all year round, of course, and everyone knows it, for you can find juicy dumplings all over the world.

Dumpling Galaxy is a handy cookbook that reminds you dumplings are only as good as its fillings, and that luckily, you can fill the with just about anything you feel tastes good -- meat, vegetables, seafood.  There's a section on faraway flavors for the more adventurous palates and more ambitious cooks/shoppers.  The photographs will whet your appetite and put you in the mood for dumplings.

Wishing everyone a prosperous new year!  Gong Xi Fa Cai.

恭喜發財

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Junie B Can See

Junie B Jones is a delight that both children and adults can enjoy.  Junie B has to go to first grade, a new school and make new friends.  It can be so scary which is why her teacher is aptly named Mr. Scary.  When Junie B can't see, her teacher Mr. Scary takes Junie B to the school nurse.  Anyone who has had to wear glasses at a young age can relate to Junie B's "problem" and reluctance to wear glasses.  The music is fun and mirrors the emotions well.  You Need Glasses sounds like gloom and doom, while Now I See is uplifting and fun. When Life Gives You Lemons will turn your attitude around and have you humming in record time.  Junie B reminds us what it is like to be new, an outsider, and of course, to wear glasses.

I received this audio book from Blogging for Books in Exchange for my honest review.

For Julia Child Superfans

Unabridged production is right.  Nine compact discs, eleven hours -- this audio book is for Julia Child superfans with a lot of time on their hands and the ability to sit still (no multitasking) and listen.  Imagine a 1000 page biography being read to you.  You have to pace yourself, listen to maybe one disc or half a disc at a time.  Remember your audio mark. While Julia was a remarkable inspiring woman, there's too much information to absorb and really no compelling narrative to hold it together and make it more memorable.  Everything you wanted to know about Julia Child and then some.   Granted, Julia Child is a tough act to follow.  The good news is you can listen to this over and over again.  I received this audio production from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review

BONUS:  Here's a photo of Julia Child's former house in Cambridge.

Red-Hot

'Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la
and Red-Blooded American Male makes the perfect gift this season for anyone who loves art, loves to laugh and loves to think.  

The photographs by Robert Trachtenberg are all stunning, provocative and ask you to re(define) what is masculinity and how pop culture has perverted our ideas of what is hot, what is not hot.  And yes, there are some Canadians photographed here -- Trachtenberg readily admits that upfront.   You won't care.  Modern man transcends borders, takes risks and laughs at himself.  Judd Apatow's food baby will likely make you laugh and cry, identifying with his daughter who said, "No, Daddy, no..."

Jackson Fox's letter from camp also elicited laughter.  Each time you open this book, you will discover something new and delightful.  It is a gift that keeps on giving.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

London Calling

The London Cookbook takes you on a wonderful culinary journey and would make a lovely gift for any cook.  While the recipes featured hail from noted restaurants and noted chefs, the recipes themselves are easy enough for the home chef.  The photographs will whet your appetite.  If you're homesick or nostalgic for London, this cookbook will cure your blues and transport you across the pond.  And if you've never been to London, you'll want to go soon, and book your reservations to many of these fine restaurants.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Lucky Peach Vegges Out

Power Vegetables goes where few vegetables have gone before...

Indeed, this cookbook is filled with many bold flavors and fun presentations.  Even better, most of the recipes are easy.   I can't wait to sample the kung pao celeries and braised daikon with mustard seed. The easy all-purpose brine promises to be idiot-proof, and the stack of golden latkes will have you yearning for your sour cream and applesauce. This book is great for anyone who thinks vegetables are boring, and for anyone who wants eat more vegetables.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

C'est Magnifique!

I admit it, I'm a Francophile.  I've always been, visited France more than any other country, and if I could afford to move to France and live there for awhile, I would.   Mimi Thorisson's book is the next bet thing.  She showcases "meals and moments from a village in the vineyards" so you can create and taste the dream in your own kitchen.   Some of the recipes are simple like roast bone marrow with herbs where the trick is getting good marrow bones.  Others are more involved time and prep-wise like the old-fashioned summer veal roast and the cassoulet.  All photos are worth a thousand drools each.  If you win the lottery and are headed to France, take me with you and we'll cook our way through this wonderful book.

I received this cookbook in exchange for my honest review at Blogging for Books.