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Watermark Holiday Notes

	Delicious Cookbooks	Watermark Holiday Notes Tuesday, November 6, 2007
		Whether it’s twelve drummers drumming, or a dozen sweet pastries baking, the number twelve seems appropriate to consider when compiling my Holiday Notes for 2007. Each Tuesday from now until the end of the year, you will receive a list of twelve books on a variety of subjects worthy of your attention. This week I will review 12 cookbooks. Because of our hands-on involvement with a new cookbook each month in the café, I have chosen only cookbooks that are for use in the kitchen: one that opens easily and stays open; with type that’s easy on the eyes; with organization that’s logical and efficient; a book you can follow even with your elbows deep in batter.
		“Deceptively Delicious” Jessica Seinfeld (HarperCollins, 9780061251344, $24.95) Jessica Seinfeld’s new cookbook is back in stock! This modern family cookbook has a 50s design and is perfect for anyone cooking for children. Seinfeld’s family tested her recipes which are designed to include all the things we should all eat (like root vegetables) but don’t eat often enough. For the novice cook, kitchen basics and pantry supplies are presented clearly, and the experienced cook will be inspired by the recipes.
		“The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without” by Mollie Katzen(Hyperion, 9781401322328, $22.95) Speaking of vegetables, Mollie Katzen of Moosewood fame can surely be credited for bringing vegetarian cooking into the mainstream. Her groundbreaking “Moosewood Cookbook,” was named to the James Beard Foundation’s Cookbook Hall of Fame this year. Mollie presents just under 100 delicious vegetable side dishes in her new cookbook. With her signature handwritten text accompanied by simple line drawings, this book will appeal to any cook planning a well-rounded menu.
		“Mollie Katzen’s Recipes: Soups” by Mollie Katzen (Ten Speed Press, 9781580088770, $14.95) We fell in love with a unique easel cookbook. Gathered from her previous books, Mollie presents 50 hot and chilled soups to take you through a year of cooking. This “cookbook” has a sturdy cardboard slipcase and would be a great hostess gift for any occasion.
		“The Berghoff Family Cookbook” by Jan & Carlyn Berghoff(Andrews McMeel, 9780740763625, $29.95) The Berghoff, that downtown Chicago intuition for 107 years, was famous for serving satisfying family-style meals. Compiled by Jan & Carlyn Berghoff, the book offers a rare and personal glimpse inside the landmark family restaurant. Illustrated with mouth-watering photographs the text offers a wealth of knowledge on beer and food pairings, on how to host a bourbon tasting, and includes contemporary recipes from Carlyn’s catering business.
		“The Pastry Queen Christmas: Big-Hearted Holiday Entertaining, Texas Style” by Rebecca Rather (Ten Speed Press, 9781580087902, $32.50) Rebecca Rather has been the proprietor of the Rather Sweet Bakery and Café, located in the Texas Hill Country, since 1999. She is also the author of the “Pastry Queen,” one of our favorite cookbooks at Watermark. Not limited to pastries, the book also includes sample menus, entrees for numerous events, and illustrations sure to whet your appetite for the holiday season. It’s pretty enough to put on the coffee table, but not too big to use efficiently in the kitchen.
		“The Great Big Butter Cookbook: Because Everything’s Better with Butter,” by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (Running Press, 9780762431694, $19.95) Employing the adage that used in moderation, butter will enhance the flavor, texture and versatility of many recipes, this encyclopedic cookbook includes 300 recipes as well as abundant references and historical materials. At $19.95 this attractive book includes dozens of photos and comes in an easy-to-handle square shape with hard sturdy binding.
		“What Can I Bring? Cookbook” by Anne Byrn (Workman, 9780761143925, $14.95) Known to millions of cooks as The Cake Doctor, Anne Byrn has put together a cookbook for potlucks. This useful volume includes 200 great-tasting, easy-to-transport recipes for any get-together with food. And, included in the paperback text is a space for cook’s notes, so you can add your own valuable comments on how you’ve made the recipe your own.
		“Cookie Craft: From Baking to Luster Dust” by Valerie Peterson & Janice Fryer (Workman, 9781580176941, $18.95) “Christmas Sweets” by Georgeanne Brennan (Chronicle, 9780811859325, $18.95) Who isn’t inspired by a plate or photo of decorated cookies? There are two new books to help with your holiday baking plans. “Cookie Craft” is equal parts baking and colorful decorating. By learning a few simple shapes, your cookies can be easily crafted into small creations for a number of themed parties. The eye catching and clever designs are sure to get a second look. “Christmas Sweets” goes beyond the cookie to include table decorations, tarts and other sweet gift ideas.
		“The Ivy Bake Shoppe Cookbook” by Martha Wolf (Gibbs Smith, 9781423601913, $9.95) Because we loved this gem of a cookbook so much, we featured it for two months in the café. This book is a collection of recipes featured at the Ivy Bake Shoppe in historic Fort Madison, Iowa and they are delicious. You just have to see this small, classy volume. At $9.95 you can buy one for everyone you know.
		“Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth” by Jill O’Connor (Chronicle, 9780811855662, $22.95) The seductive photos on this delectable volume entice shoppers to grab it and go right to the checkout. We sold out the first day it arrived and have reordered several times since. This collection of 75 desserts includes Double-Crumble Hot Apple Pies, Giant Coconut Cream Puffs, and Chocolate Caramel-Pecan Souffle Cake. Sprinkled throughout the book are tips on using phyllo dough, how to toast nuts, and how to make a heavenly ganache.
		“Just the Two of Us” by Betty Crocker (John Wiley & Sons, 9780471997931, $22.95) Betty Crocker, the old standby, has a new book out with a new twist. “Just the Two of Us” is perfect for a small family of three or for a downsizing couple. This book will eliminate unwanted leftovers and includes more than 130 delicious dishes.
		Happy Holidays! Sarah Bagby Watermark Books & Café 4701 E. Douglas Wichita, KS 67218 316-682-1181 www.watermarkbooks.com




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