Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I wasn't sure what kind of book this would be. So,first of all, this is NOT a diet cookbook, far from it! Although she included many "Skinny" low fat or low carb versions of her recipes in this book (they look really good), I'm not going to be making the "skinny" versions, HAHA! I saw Diane Sawyer swooning over the "Fall To Your Knees Mac & Cheese" that Carnie prepared on Good Morning America, actually, the whole crew was going nuts, so, how bad could this be?" I ordered it and it's TERRIFIC! FIVE STARS, I couldn't be more pleaasantly surprised, I have "folded the page" to mark MOST of the recipes, my poor book is mutilated. I have already tried seven recipes (mind you, I've only had the book a few days)and 100% of those are going into my file for holiday entertaining. The seven recipes I've made so far are: "Butternut Bruschetta" (OHMYGOD with toasted walnuts, port, cream cheese, sage, beautiful for Thanksgiving...), "Fall to your Knees Mac & Cheese" (it is so over the top, it's like a last meal for mac & cheese addicts),"Fresh Pear Cheesecake" (easy and impressive, looks like it's from a pastry shop) "Mini Corn Souffles" (EASY made in 4 oz muffin pan and served warm with a dollop of sour cream, salsa or guac as hor's d'oeuvres,) "Hungarian Pork Chops" (Rich and complex, good for cold weather), Wasabi Deviled Eggs (3 ingredients + garnish and looks and tastes amazing) and a fresh vegetable chopped salad with southwestern flavors called "Viva Las Veggies" that I just made and can't stop eating. ALL of these recipes are colorful, pretty and appropriate to serve to guests. There are a few fun and kitsch-y 1950's style "Back Of The Box" recipes that I would categorize as secret pleasures, but many more are sophisticated appetizers; tapas, bruschetta, desserts, brunch dishes, entrees, etc. that are quick prep and IMPRESSIVE presentations..it is VERY broad ranging and a beautiful book plus it's FUNNY to read, Carnie is quite a character! This book is downright handy for the working "foodie" who wants to serve something special but is on a tight schedule. The recipes are ALL do-able, nothing crazy, nothing boring, no impossible recipes either. Much of it is "comfort food", but comfort food from a hipper, more sophisticated place, with more trendy influences than you would find in a typical down home style cookbook. It's as if Paula Deen married Mario Batali and moved to Malibu. The large chapters of Appetizers and Desserts are what I need for the holidays as it is my year to have the family dinners. I'll definitely be giving these books as gifts this year, especially in my office. What else costs $13.57, looks like it cost $50.00 (this book is huge, 12" X 10" with a separate glossy bookcover, gorgeous, full-page, color photo on every other page, not typical for a book at this price point, it's SO well done, I hope this was a BIG printing because I'm ordering more). I'm really enthusiastic about this book both as a cooking resource and as a Xmas gift, it's not gender specific and it rocks..LOVE IT!!!!!!! Thanks, Carnie, you're full of surprises!
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Author and entertainer Carnie Wilson brings you To Serve with Love, a beautiful, inspirational, lifestyle cookbook that's a celebration of our love affair with cooking, as well as the enjoyment we get out of eating meals that have been prepared for us. This book will stir up universal feelings about food, life, love, and having the "home-plate" advantage because—yes, it's true—anyone can be a good cook! In other words, dinner out is fine, but the real culinary adventure starts in our kitchens.The recipe portion of this cookbook is suited for anyone who loves comforting, delicious meals. It also features lower-fat or lower-sugar variations of some of these outstanding dishes. Of course, a cookbook shouldn't just be just a list of meals. Carnie also sets the entire scene with music, candles, and flowers—the little, inexpensive, but meaningful touches that round out the perfect dining experience.
