The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook

The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook is a collection of recipes that have been published, some in a different form, in Martha Stewart Living Magazine. The book begins with helpful information. The first chapter is a list of pantry items. Basic items are listed, along with specialty items. Next is a description of equipment that is recommended for purchase. A chapter on menus is a really wonderful addition. There are about ten menus each for Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter. This is a comprehensive collection of recipes. And, they are Martha Stewart recipes, so they have a tendency to have more esoteric ingredients and are a bit more complex than some other recipe collections. But, Martha puts her flavors together well and there are some really tasty recipes in this book. There are the usual cookbook chapters---poultry, pasta, fish and meatless main. But there is also a breakfast and brunch chapter as well as a fruit dessert chapter and a chapter on salsas sauces, and dips. An example of a chicken dish that is fairly easy is Breaded Chicken Cutlets with Sage. From the fruit dessert chapter there is Baked Apricots with Almond Topping. And from the Breakfast and Brunch chapter she offers Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee Cake. If you are looking for something for a really special occasion, look here. It may take some extra effort, but your guests will be impressed and go away feeling special.

-- Mary Ellen, Main Library