Hi All,

The Cookbook Recipe Critiquers met on Thursday, December 19th.

 At our last meeting in November, we all brought in our favorite Thanksgiving recipes.  We had stuffed rolled turkey breast with gravy, mashed red potatoes, breaded broccoli and cauliflower, mashed parsnips and carrots, yellow pepper soup, fresh tomato soup and pumpkin ginger bread trifle. we were all stuffed and very happy.

At our meeting this past Thursday it was just Ruby and Barbara (me).  Patty and Kay (our newest member) could not make the meeting this month.

Our theme was Christmas recipes.

Ruby took out a cookbook titled Cookies for Christmas.  Mmmm.

The following are her critiques:

1. Kourabiedes on page 149- easy to follow, not expensive to make and she gave it a WOW.  Her comment was "awesome".
2. Brandy Snap on page 158- easy to follow, not expensive to make, rated Nothing Special and she would use more extract and bake for less time than is printed.
3.Sesame Cookies on page 104- easy to follow, not expensive, rated Very Good and she would not change a thing.
4.Cornmeal Shortbread on page 62- easy to follow, not expensive, rated Good and she would not make any changes.
5.Orange Snowball on page 41- easy to make, not expensive, rated Very Good and she suggests that you roll them in sugar before baking not after as recipe says.
6. Macadamia Nut Cookie with Pineapple Cream Cheese on page 31- easy to follow, not expensive, rated WOW and she would not change anything.  Her comment on the cookbook was "very tasty, very nice following recipes, inexpensive ingredients".

I (Barbara) took out Celebrations Sumptuous Meals for Festive Occasions.

The following are my critiques:

1.Wild Mushroom Soup with Thyme on page 98- easy to follow, a bit expensive to make, rated WOW and I would not change a thing.  However, I must tell you that I did not use the shitake or chanterelles that were in the recipe.  I could not get them so I used baby bellas for the shitake and/or chanterelles.  Also, the soup is very thin but you can just use more cornstarch dissolved in water ( I used chicken stock instead of water)  if you like a thicker soup.

2.Basil Tomato Tart on page 128- easy to follow, not expensive, rated Very Good.  You may have to use more ice water in the pastry and I would use less mustard or substitute a milder mustard but otherwise I would not change a thing.  This recipe does take some time, the pastry needs to be refrigerated for at least an hour.

I would use this cookbook again.

Our next meeting will be January 16th, 2014.   Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everybody.