Food Books

This book is an absolute winner. Every little girl I give it to accepts it immediately as a firm favorite. It all started with my memories of not wanting to return it to the library. Modern little girls like to carry it about with them (Hoping that someone new will read it to them? As an opportunity to admire it in public? Because they can't bear the thought of being parted from it?) Who knows. All I know is that this is a great book.

My fiancee bought this book for my daughter and I was a little doubtful at first, but she loves it and knew it off by heart by the time she was 18 months old! we read it over and over again and she even says good bye, good bye, good bye, good bye to the tiger on the very last page. This was an excellent buy and I'm looking forward to my younger daughter reading it too.

I was a little unsure when a good friend insisted on buying this book for my then 16-month old daughter at a local book shop. Firstly, it wasn't cheap so I was afraid that it would be a waste if my daughter didn't like it and it wasn't a board book (although my daughter did have some paperback books, she had mostly board books at the time). However, my friend said that she'd loved the book as a child and her own 2-year old loved it as well. So, she got it...and I needn't have worried at all. My daughter loved it from the get-go and was willing to sit through the story at least twice at each sitting, which amazed me as it is not a short story. I decided to try another book by the same author - "Mog, the forgetful cat" and my daughter enjoys that too (it's an even longer read!). As an aside, I have found that the best books to get are the ones that you yourself remember reading as a child or ones that someone else you know remembers from their childhood. It's obviously left an impression and it'll do the same again.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK! I'M BUYING A 2ND COPY TO HAVE A MINT CONDITION BOOK FOR LATER. OUR TODDLER WANTED THIS READ 7 TIMES IN A ROW UNTIL WE FINALLY SAID IT'S NAP TIME. IT'S NO SURPRISE OVER 3 MILLION COPIES HAVE BEEN SOLD!

It took me nearly twelve years to locate a hardbound copy of this book, and was well worth it. I remember this book vividly from my childhood. My mother read it to my sister and I on rainy days. It is the story of a girl named Sophie who is visited by a hungry tiger with a voracious appetite for tea and biscuits. He ends up eating everything in the cupboards to satisfy his appetite.

It is a sweet story that is easy to follow and read along with your mom, or if you are like me, read all by yourself now that you are an adult. It made me not only want to have a pet tiger, but it made me want to travel to Europe, where the book is set. Sadly, I still do not have a pet tiger, but I have traveled to Europe!

If you are lucky enough to find it in stock - snatch it up quick - they go really fast!

I admit I have ten vegetarian cookbooks on my shelf. However, I only reach for a couple time and again. I now have a third favorite veggie recipe book. Sonya Harris put together a splendid assortment of "down-to-earth" meatless meals which are simple to prepare, by way of gathering ingredients, and easy to fix-up for those gathered around the kitchen table. Thanks to the author for an inexpensive yet comprehensive guide to the world of vegetarian foods. This is a great gift for family and friends whether they are currently veggie-types or not!

from personal experience with this book, i give it an 11 on a scale of 1-10. i have been vegetarian for about 6 years and have found this book to be a superb addition to my collection of cook books and recipes. the health and menu tips make having a meal or snack easy, fun, and delicious.
i recommend this book to anyone-carnivores and herbivores alike-
it is full of tips, good food ideas/recipes, and is #1 on my list!!!

I was excited to have the 2 WEEKS OF MENU IDEAS filled with normal foods from the grocery store but I would have to say that my favorite part is the information about why eating a vegetarian diet is so important. I had never even thought about a lot of the reasons for being a vegetarian. Being aware of what effects ones diet has on the world will definitely lead to many more people making the change. This book is a must read for those who are seriously concerned about their health and their environment.

I liked this book, because it is simply written, and the pages lie flat when you are using it in the kitchen. I have tried many of the recipes. I especially like the applesauce cake. It is sooo good just fresh from the oven.

I, too, was sick and tired of laboring in the kitchen to make a satisfiable vegetarian meal. The worst part of all (well, of being vegetarian) was what to do at barbeques and meat feasts that I loved to attend with people, but they never had vegetarian food, and therefore I was often pressured to the point of leaving to eat something. Sonya gave hints and tips that help me enjoy family and friend gatherings without either having to listen to the (excuse me) (...) people give me for not eating or not having fun around all the meat and I not having anything! Thank You, Sonya!!!

This book is a treasure because all the text is handwritten and the illustrations are fabulous.....there are recipes and a great deal of history & information about Venice. This kind of book will soon be a relic.

If you have ever experienced cichetti in Venice, this book will bring it all back. In addition to the recipes, the illustrations are charming, representative of the real Venice that the average tourist never sees but that those who take the time to learn and love the Serenissima truly cherish.

I purchased this book soon after it came out. I found it at the wonderful Kepler's bookstore in Menlo Park, California in among the cookbooks. Which makes sense, because, in part Venice & Food is a cookbook. But Venice & Food is two other thing as well: a book about Venice and its history and an art book of Ms. Spector's remarkable drawings of Venice. What is also remarkable about this book is that it is not typeset. The book is entirely written in Ms. Spector's hand printed text and the illustrations are annotated with her script.

Ms. Spector is a wonderful artist and her drawings of Venice are beautiful. The drawings illustrate essays on topics ranging from where Venice gets its fresh water to the history of corn in Europe and Venice. Since this is a cookbook, Ms. Spector also writes about the history of food and cooking in Venice, including a few accounts of modern food. In writing about food and cooking through history, Ms. Spector comments that for the vast majority of people through most of human history, the concern was not about the sensuality of food, but simply having a full stomach.

The beautiful artwork, the observations about Venice, its history and its food are what make this book a treasure. I am sad to say that I read the book cover to cover and did not find a recipe that I wanted to make. Although I will not be using this as a cookbook, I will always treasure the book for its beauty.

Just another rave review for this beautiful book. If you love Venice, you will love this book. If you know anyone who loves Venice, get them this book as a gift. Sally Spector knows Venice and obviously loves the city. Her drawings and history of details behind the food and recipes is a joy to read and to look at. If you have been to Venice, this book will take you back and get you looking forward to your next trip. In the meantime, you can savor the delicious recipes and the warmth of Venice and Food....

"Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are" Brillat-Savarin declared. Judging by its cuisine, Venice must surely qualify as the ancient and modern day city of princes and artists. Sally Spector vividly brings to life the importance of Venice as the crucial stepping-stone for cuisine in Italy and Europe in "Venice and Food".

Little did I know that world famous dishes such as risotto, polenta, tiramisu and many other delights originate from Veneto and fair Venice - until I read Sally's superb description of their origins. She elegantly evokes the typical dishes of Venice with such accuracy that I could almost smell the aromas while reading her book - especially her enticing descriptions of the "Cuttlefish stewed in its ink" and "Bacala a la Vicentina". Such descriptions of typical Venetian dishes are beautifully interwoven with their historical origins. Even their essential ingredients are traced back to their roots. Who knew that eggplant, the basis for Melanzane al Funghetto, emanates from China?

An additional bonus and particularly attractive aspect of "Venice and Food" are the illustrations throughout the book. They are done by Sally herself who is a talented artist. Moreover, the whole book is written in her own elegant handwriting - a unique and superbly pleasing feature.

In sum, from the minute I picked up this book, I could not put it down until the next day - the first two days of my visit to Venice. It served as a magnificent introduction to Venice - not only the city of romance but also certainly of history and cuisine.

"Venice and Food" is a must read for any food enthusiast!

I love Geneen Roth. She has so much insight and her own self-reflection contributes to the quality of her work. This is excellent.

This is an excellent audio series! Gives a new outlook on eating. It is worth every dollar!

This CD set offers listeners the opportunity to explore how they feel about their weight, about the role of food in their lives, and about love and what it really means. Each session leads listeners through an examination of a new way of breaking free from emotional eating...and it's not about dieting. While this is a radical idea, it touches something true inside, and Roth offers Eating Guidelines to help us navigate our way through the forest of our own experience of life and to hear our own voices.

How we eat is how we live, and how we feel about pleasure, deprivation, hope, despair, fear, happiness, and the whole range of feelings and experiences defines our lives. She postulates that the old, hurtful, voice can be replaced by our own spirit, and that we can learn to transcend what we believed as children and to find real peace as adults. We can be ourselves and welcome the possibilities of the future. We can learn to love and care for ourselves.

Listen to Roth, here; she makes incredible sense. She knows how it feels to be caught up in feelings about weight and personal value, and you will likely recognize yourself in her descriptions...and find your way home to yourself using her tools. Work with the meditations and exercises provided, and follow your heart to living a truly radiant life!

I really like a lot of what Ms. Roth has to say, but was extremely disappointed because in purchasing this audio-book, I was hoping that I was acquiring a resource that I could turn to for comfort, as I do with some of my other Sounds True audio-books. That will not be the case with this one, unfortunately, because I find Ms. Roth's voice inflections to be exceedingly annoying at times. When she speaks normally, I have no problem, but I actually take my ear-buds out when she uses her dramatic or sarcastic voice (which is a lot). Bummer.

I just bought a couple of her books. Hopefully her writing style isn't annoying.

THIS AUDIO SERIES ADDRESSES EVERY ASPECT OF FOOD. DEALING PRIMARILY WITH

HOW AND WHY WE TURN TO FOOD FOR THE WRONG REASONS; ALL THE EMOTIONAL

CONPONETS SURROUNDING FOOD,PLUS GIVES YOU SOLID CONCRETE TOOLS TO

BEGIN THE JOURNEY OF HEALTH AND TRANSFORMATION.

A note on the difference between this marvelous title and Joanne's earlier book entitled Weir Cooking: Recipes from the Wine Country (found at Joanne's web site):

"My new cookbook focuses on the fabulous ingredients found in the California wine country and uses some of my most favorite ingredients: olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, figs, lemons and herbs. My first TV companion book, Weir Cooking: Recipes from the Wine Country has been out of print for years, and this book includes those original recipes plus 50 brand new recipes, new headnotes, cooking tips, and of course fantastic wine pairings. Even the beautiful photos have taken on a new life! You will absolutely love cooking from this book!"

A toast to Joanne for creating her wonderful Mediterranean style recipes with wonderful wine pairings! My absolute favorite recipe is the Wine Country Flatbread with Grapes and Toasted Walnuts - so unique and a reflection of Joanne's style of using a few quality ingredients to create delicious, simple yet elegant recipes. Just cooked & baked Joanne's recipes for a dinner party and received rave reviews, especially for the Farmer's Market Risotto and the Pizza with Cherry Tomato and Basil Salad. Whether you wish to learn basic Mediterranean style recipes, or expand your culinary repertoire with some unique twists, Wine Country Cooking is sure to please your palette!

This cook book has lots of interesting recipes and I look forward to trying several of them this fall.

Joanne Weir has certainly done it again by producing yet another wonderful cookbook. The beautiful pictures definately do the recipes justice! Everything is so fresh and delicious. Joanne's writing makes the cookbook even more enjoyable. Two of my favs include the goat cheese gallette and the panna cotta! Out of all the cook books I have, I always find myself reaching for Joanne's. Please keep writing!

This book provides a wonderful assortment of delicious recipes. All of Joanne's cookbooks take into consideration the best of ingredients and the preparation instructions that making cooking a joy. Another treat from her for our table!

As with many encyclopedias, topics in this highly entertaining and informative text on cooking seem to be composed by different contributors, for depth, view and perspective seems to vary significantly from topic to topic . As referred to also by others here below, mine, too, was my mother's--1948 with green cloth hardcover.

"Beer"? It gives the history back before ancient Egypt. The "Minestrone soup" recipe calls for "vermicelli or other paste", which of course we would now call pasta. A nice variation on ordinary meatloaf--"frosted" in a one-inch layer of golden-baked mashed potatoes.

How to buy different cuts of meat, where certain recipes originated--the history of "ice cream"--all make for enjoyable and entertaining reading.

Just reading the backgrounds of particular dishes brings a whole new perspective, depth and appreciation to the whole dining experience--from planning and shopping to perparing and enjoying the result with family and friends. This is a wonderful addition to any kitchen and homemaker's library.

My love for this book stems not just from its wealth of content. The Wise Encyclopedia of Cookery was often a guest at our dinner table when I was growing up, so there are fond memories there too.

My mother is a fantastic cook, and I'd often bombard my folks with questions about food during dinner. Their usual response: "Look it up!" and that only meant one thing, "Look it up in Wise."

This book was the source of often fascinating information, as well as hours of fun - and even laughter - for our family. The laughter came because I could never put it down! It seemed that every time I turned to it for an answer, it would never be so easy as just getting the answer, and that's that. This book is so well cross-referenced, I'd inevitably get stuck in it for what seemed like hours (and often probably was) following all the "which see" and "see also" references. I used to call it the bane of my existence, but in truth, I always enjoyed it - and I learned several new things each time I opened it.

Now in my mid-thirtys, I find I really miss having this book around, and would love to own one. I can't understand why they let this go out of print! Mom's copy is so old and well-loved it's falling apart, but regardless of it's condition, I've told my family that when it comes time to fight over mom's extensive cookbook collection, The Wise Encyclopedia of Cookery is not up for grabs - it's mine. After all, I earned it!

I love this cook book! Any time I get a notion to cook something, be it a pumpkin pie or a pot roast, all I have to do is take out "The Wise Encyclopedia of Cookery," look up the dish by alphabetical order and there it is... Not only recipes, but also information about tools to use, techniques, and a bit of history. A few weeks ago I needed to make a dessert for a pot-luck function and I needed to do it fast with ingredients I had on hand. I looked around and found a whole bunch of odd pieces of bread in the freezer and thought, "bread pudding!" I knew I could count on the Wise Encyclopedia to give me an excellent recipe. Not only did they have several bread pudding recipes, but also recipes for simple sauces to go with it. I made the vanilla sauce. It was wonderful and a total hit! People were asking if it was an old family recipe. In a way, it is. The copy of the book I have is actually my mother's, and when I was a small child, I thought that the woman on the cover was my mother, who bares a strong resemblance, cooking in our kitchen, which looked very similar to the one pictured.

If you don't have much space in your kitchen or don't want it cluttered with a lot of cookbooks, this is the one to get. It has everything anyone could ever possibly need all in one volume.

This is THE definitive cooking manual for all people who cook, want to cook, are thinking of learning to cook...or eat! Regardless of what information you need, whether you're just beginning or a seasoned chef, this treasure has something in it for you.

This tome comes complete with detailed instructions for everything you could possibly need from drawing and quartering a whole cow to building a simple campfire or setting up a kitchen more efficiently; there are also detailed formal place setting diagrams, pots and pan buying guide, and instructions on how to properly cure that new cast iron pot or resurface mom's old one. There are wine selection tips, flatware lay out diagrams, illustrations of herbs and obscure fruits and vegetables, and full definitions and descriptions of all kinds of serving pieces.

There are base recipes for every possible dish, and many thousands of specialty recipes. Within are definitions of herbs, procedures, and techniques. There are illustrations, directions, and personal advice from the author.

I, too, grew up with this book in my mother's kitchen. Her mother had the 1930's edition which had a green cloth cover. Mama had the trusty "modernized" orange one, which I also have. I found mine here at Amazon.com for $15. While I remember well her using her Wise, my recommendation does not stem from any feelings of nostalgia. There simply IS no better cook book in the world, before this one, or since.

My mother had this book when I was growing up. She used it to look up nutritional values of foods, recipes, diet information, and other "how-to's." When I got married, I found one of my own. This cookbook helped me learn about meal prep, tableware, preserving, food values and so much more. It has never failed me and if I had to pick only one cookbook, this would be it. It is such an all-inclusive and well-organized book, it still surprises me with information after over 25 years. I wish it were still in print - I'd give one to my daughter-in-law!

I read this book to my son's kindergarten class and they all loved it. They were very excited while I read the story! All of Keiko Kasza'a books are great!!!

I found this story to be very clever and funny. My 3 1/2 yr son thoroughly enjoyed the main character, the wolf, who at first is the typical wolf but shows his loving and caring character at the end. My son enjoyed this story not only for its humor but also because the wolf is so likable. Keiko Kasza's other similar book, Lucky Day, is also funny but my son did not find it as enjoyable simply it didn't have that same likable main character.

The students love this book, we usually read it on 100's day, and hide chicks around the room. The students enjoy how the author always makes the prey in her books smarter than the hunters.

This terrific book says alot with few words. The watercolor pictures are beautiful, and the text is carefully written. We adore the picture of the wolf carrying a 100 pound cake to fatten up the chicken before he eats her. The ending is so sweet it leaves you feeling like life is great. I consider this one of my favorite read alouds.

With all the wonderful picture books out there for children, it seems silly to say that children need only one book on such n' such a topic. Unfortunately, that's sometimes how my little mind works. Take, for example, this book. Now I had been familiar with the amazingly funny and well-written, "My Lucky Day" by Keiko Kasza. What I didn't know was that almost ten years before its publication, Kasza preceded her modern-day classic with something called, "The Wolf's Chicken Stew". Intrigued by other works by this author/illustrator, I decided to seek out this earlier work. After all, "The Wolf's Chicken Stew" appears on the New York Public Library's list of 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know. Unfortunately, my reaction was akin to those fans who listen to an artist's mature works and then go back to that same artist's earlier (and weaker) material. Using almost exactly the same formula that would later appear in "My Lucky Day", Kasza tries to send up the classic predator/prey fight for supremacy with a twist at the end. But instead of knowing laughs, we're left with a sweet but weak finish.

Says the book, "There once lived a wolf who loved to eat more than anything else in the world". Some of us can sympathize. When he spots a lone chicken ah-walkin' in the woods one day, the wolf sets his heart on a delicious chicken stew. Just the same, he can't deny that the chicken is a scrawny critter. One that undoubtedly needs some fattening up. So off the wolf goes to bake some tasty treats to fill the chicken's belly. He whips up 100 pancakes, 100 doughnuts, and "a scrumptious cake weighing a hundred pounds". Each gift is left on the chicken's doorstep and when he believes the time is right, the wolf peers into bird's home only to be welcome by a still thin chicken. The reason for this is clear enough. It appears that Ms. Chicken has quite a brood of young. The baby chicks thank the wolf profusely and instead of popping them in his mouth, the soft-hearted fellow finds himself charmed and thinking about possibly baking them a hundred scrumptious cookies in the future. The last shot in the book is of a basket filled with cookies and various fluffy chicks vying for a treat.

The ending is unexpected and kids will love the abrupt turnaround the wolf goes through. He starts out snarky and ends up a softy. Kids love it when supposedly "bad" characters go through this kind of redemption. I was impressed especially with Kasza's grasp of subtle words and phrases that dot this book. You don't find the term "scrumptious" in every book (though you probably should) and certainly not in the ones that come from authors that are just as comfortable writing in Japanese as they are English. The illustrations compliment the text beautifully. The wolf is both menacing and oddly fuzzy. Even when he is mere steps away from the oblivious fowl in his pounce position, you never really fear that he's gonna go through with it. Kasza shades and details her pictures with delightful watercolors. You can detect shadows in the wolf's thick fur and every last doughnut is nicely rounded.

Of course, I much prefer "My Lucky Day". THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is an example of picture book brilliance. Just the same, there's a lot to be said for "The Wolf's Chicken Stew". It's fun and funny to the kiddies and has all the makings of a fine family classic. Definitely a pick that would be better for younger picture book readers than older ones. A good readaloud to groups of little ones as well.

I love the Zagat guides for the dining recommendations, helpful information and the varied opinions of "the people". Helpful in making an educated decision as to where to dine.

We live outside of NYC in Stamford, CT and we head into the city about every other weekend. We love go out to eat and so we're ALWAYS carrying around this book (its small enough to fit in a medium sized purse) and reffering to the book to get an idea of price, atmosphere, location, etc. I refer to the book at least once a week to find out more information about a place....its the only place I look for reviews and it has basically become the only place I look for ideas on places to go! If its not in Zagat, usually I'm not interested in going!! Most of the times its for dinners, but I've looked it up a few times for lunch/bars too. Great sections - separated by location if you're looking for a particualr area of the city, or type of cusine, or atmopshere (even stuff like, does it have a fireplace?). Great gift....I've given it out several times to newcomers to the city, and they dont go anywhere w/o it either. Would buy again when my book gets old!!! And, I will buy it again for someone as a gift..!

Everyone who wants to eat well in NYC needs a Zagat guide. It lists almost every kind of cuisine, price level and restaurant location in the city. The reviewers are people just like you and me, they like to eat and they are willing to share their experiences. If you are visiting NYC for the first time, or for the 20th time, you need this book.

If you are planning to take a trip to New York City, be certain that you have the latest copy of Zagat's with you. It will totally enhance your dining experience. don't leave home without it.

i have been to new york city several times and always consult my zagat guide. it has never let me down! i would not dream of not going without it!

I love cooking with this book because it has many pictures that help me to decide when I want to cook. I recommend it!

This is the second copy I have bought, relatives keep taking it! What a wonderful collection!

I have only tried five or six recipes so far and have been extremely happy with the dinners I've made to date. Recipes are easy to follow and very tasty. I would highly recommend this cookbook.

I have had this book for a few years and I keep returning to it for new and old cooking ideas. It offers a variety of recipes on all types of food. I love it! I bought at least 3 other copies for relatives and friends (at their request :))

I am the only one in a household of 5 who isn't on a diet. Because of that, I am limited to microwave meals for just me or cooking diet food (yuck) for the whole family. When I looked through this book, I saw that many of the recipes are great for dieters. I went through my whole book and marked the weight watcher point values on each page and make wonderfully tasting meals that make us ALL happy. Even I will eat them! The recipes range from simple to specific, but all of them thus far have been fantastic. I make the Festive Apple Chicken as often as I can.

This is a great reference book on both early origins on distilling in America and the Beam family - who comprise a large branch of the founding families of Bourbon distilling and still have many members working at various distilleries throughout Kentucky. A entertaining read and great reference for anyone who is interested in bourbon.

What a great book! I loved it and couldn't put it down. I feel like I was right there with Pacult as he traveled around with Booker Noe. I am not a bourbon drinker, but this book made me wish I had a little bit to sip as I was reading it. Alas I finished reading the book before I could purchase some bourbon.

I read American Still Life this Summer. It reads like a Michener novel. I prefer reading non-fiction but most non-fiction is boring and tedious. So I was pleased when I had a chance to read this book. It's a strong testament to our American founders and to the Beams, American icons, who 'took the pain' out of the daily struggles. Great Read!

This book captures a truly unique American product, and a family that was integral to the creation of the industry. As I write this review, Booker Noe's death was just recently announced. The personalities of the larger than life characters like Booker are wonderfully captured within the narrative. Even if you're not a fan of bourbon (philistine!), you'll come away with a great appreciation for the definitive American spirit (both the drink and the people).

This book kept me enthralled for an entire weekend. A great look at a family that created an entire industry with a distinctly American product, Bourbon.

As the story of a facinating family, the author gently takes you through the many generations of the Beams without getting you lost in a morass of detail. You remain excited waiting for the next turn in their fortunes, and you get a wonderful look at the many personalities involved in building the Bourbon industry over time in the process.

When I think about the book from a business standpoint, Paul Pacult succeeded in conveying the patience and the passion these people have for their product, and how they manage to maintain that passion, literally over generations. In a world of managing quarter to quarter, the Beams are a refreshing change.

A very-well written, facinating look at a piece of Americana. I heartily recommend it.