The Big 10 Fish & Seafood Cookbook byTerri Dien, Rockridge Press, Callisto Publishers, 185 Pages

"My hope is that this book will become an extended lesson

for you…..Hopefully, you’ll be able to take these as foundational

guidelines and create some signature versions of your own.”

-Terri Dien, Introduction page x

I like fish but never really learned how to cook it. The only recipes I knew were fried fish with cornmeal or baked in the oven. After reading this fish and seafood cookbook, I have learned there are numerous ways to prepare any fish or seafood meal with confidence.

Terri Dien shares the “truth about mercury” in fish; what to know about the smell of fish and whether it is fresh; the best fish and seafood, and what to look for when buying fresh or frozen fish. She also shares “buy seafood only in months with an ‘r’ in it; it’s for good reason (page 10).”  Dien includes what equipment is needed for preparing these meals and how to remove pin bones from fish fillets.  Information on how to build flavor with “fats and oils; citrus and acid; and herbs and spices” along with “a note on variations.”

There are ten chapters with measurement conversion, resources, references, and index references concluding this wonderful seafood cookbook. Not being a fan of frsh tuna, mackarel, trout or mussels I decided to concentrate on the fish I do like and chose a recipe from Chapter 5: Tilapia and prepared Tilapia Piccata. The reason I chose this recipe is because I love Chicken Piccata and decided it would be just as good as the chicken version.  Well, I was not wrong in this decision. I prepared this dish and fell in love immediately. I did my own variation and created a “signature version of my own.”  As I write this portion of my review, I am smiling and very proud of myself.  I have included a short video of the outcome that I posted my Facebook page receiving nice compliments.  I believe I will start doing this on a regular basis to encourage people to start or increase their cookbook shelves.

Other recipes I intend to prepare are:

Roasted Salmon with Compound Garlic Butter; Salmon Fillet Provencale En Papillate;

Tilapia in Mustard Sauce; Shrimp Rumaki; Crab Cakes; Clams Casino Manhattan Clam Chowder; Tilapia Piccata (I made this and it was simply delicious). I forgot to take a picture of this great recipe dish.

I definitely recommend The Big 10 Fish & Seafood Cookbook for all seafood lovers who prepare their own meals. You will some familiar recipes and new recipes to test and evaluate. Bon Appetit!

I received this book from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Healthy Family Cookbook by Brittany Poulson, MDA, RDN, CDE, Rockridge Press, Callisto Publishers, 181 pages

“It (this cookbook) isn’t for professional chefs, but rather,

for everyday cooks who want to be proud of what

they’re putting on the table for their family.”

-Brittany Poulson, Introduction, page x

Healthy Family Cookbook by Brittany Poulson is a cooking reference for those interested in cooking healthy meals. Chapter 1 brings tips for adventurous eaters, pantry staples, and kitchen equipment. Chapters 2 through 6 are easy go-to recipes titled 15-Minute Prep, 30 Minutes or less, 5 Ingredients, One Pot or Skillet, and Slow Cooker.

This is a good family cookbook that enhances the reduction of prep and cooking times and will be a great addition to any home cookbook shelf.

Recipes ready for my testing that caught my eye are Avocado Bean Burritos, Avocado Chicken Burgers with Sweet Potato Coins, and Pork Chops and Potatoes with Creamy Dijon-Spinach Sauce.

I prepared the Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe that has excellent flavor and a smooth and creamy sauce.  The Dijon mustard and parmesan cheese made the sauce absolutely delightful.

I recommend all home chefs to add this book to their cookbook collection after testing just one recipe. I do not think you will be disappointed in the least.

I received this book from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines. 

Pastry for Beginners by Sharon Glascoe, Rockridge Press, Callisto Publishers,147 pages

“This cookbook ensures that you have all the knowledge you

need to become the expert baker  you always knew you could be.

So, what are you waiting for?

Let’s get started!”

-Sharon Glascoe, Introduction page ix

Let the learning begin! The Introduction section (page viii) you will learn of the four main varieties of pastry dough, Pie Dough; Puff Pastry; Yeast Dough; and Choux Pastry Dough. I have never learned to bake cakes and pastries from scratch and so I began my newfound journey (smile).

Starting in Chapter 1 are the “master ingredients of pastry”: fat, flour, sugar, yeast, salt, water, and eggs. Do you know the secrets for a perfect pastry? Temperature is one of the answers. You learn the basic methods of common baking used in this cookbook and very useful equipment. Included are measurement conversion charts, resources, a glossary of pastry baking terms. Chapters 2 through 5 provide numerous tasty recipes waiting to be prepared.

Chapter 2: Pie Dough section introduces several sweet and a few savory surprises such as Bourbon-Peach Hand Pies, Raspberry Rugelach, and Beef Empanadas. Chapter 3: Puff Pastry has recipes for Breakfast Pizza, Aussie Sausage Rolls, and Classic Butter Croissants. Chapter 4: Yeast Dough has Cinnamon Monkey Bread, Asiago Cheese Bread, and Mallorca Sweet Bread. Chapter 5: Choux Dough has Churros with Mexican Chocolate Sauce, French Crullers, and Chicken Salad-Stuffed Gougeres.

There are plenty recipes to experiment with as a beginner pastry maker. I tried the Cinnamon Raisin and Walnut Pinwheels that were not too bad for my first time. The puff pastry did not quite turn out as I wanted it, but I later learned after watching a baking show contest where I went wrong. I did not keep my butter cold as I pin rolled and turned my dough. It is okay, as I intend to tackle this beginning fete again!

I prepared the Cinnamon Monkey Bread and Sweet Yeast Rolls recipes. The Cinnamon Monkey Bread was very tasteful and I loved it. The Sweet Yeast Rolls tasted better than dinner rolls from the grocery market. I will definitely make these again and again.

I recommend this pastry cookbook for beginners and seasoned pastry makers to start or include new and old recipes to your collections.

I received this cookbook from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

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Herbalism at Home by Kristine Brown, RH (AHG), Rockridge Press, Callisto Publishers, 237 pages

“Figuring of the world’s thousands upon thousands

of herbs to use can be daunting.

This book presents the basics of herbal preparations…

Ready to get started?”

Kristine Brown, Introduction, page ix

Part One: Chapters 1-3 contains information regarding herbalism, The Starter Pantry, and Herbal preparations explaining tisane, diffusion, decoction, infusion, tincture, acetum, tonics, and elixir usage. Part Two: Chapters 4-10 contains recipes for Common Ailments, Emotional Well-Being, and Personal Care naming a few.

Included are a Glossary which is useful, that explains the listed properties for herb use. The Resources and References section lists books, magazines, supplies, websites, and educational herbal schools for purposes that are more informational. The Ailment Index is helpful for looking up aches and pains you may want to address for herbalism ingredients.

You will need a dictionary as I did to understand some of the properties listed under each herb.  Overall, this is an excellent reference book for those wanting to get started in herbalism, even though it is a learning process. I did not try any of the recipes in this book because there were far too many herbs in the recipes I wanted to test that I could not easily get a hold.

I received this book from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

The Dream Interpretaion Handbook, A Guide & Dictionary to Unlock the Meaning of Your Dreams by Karen Frazier, Althea Press, Callisto Publishers, 123 pages

“My ultimate goal, however, is to teach others to find

the meaning in their own dreams. To do this, I turned

the way I interpret dreams into a system that

 I teach in classes and at national conferences.”

-Karen Frazier, Introduction, p. vii

The Dream Interpretation Handbook is a non-fiction reference for persons who wish to interpret the meanings of their dreams. Karen Frazier came to teaching dream interpretation after numerous people asked to have their dreams interpreted. It is well organized and has numerous resources for your use. Frazier suggests using additional dream dictionaries along with her teachings for even further understanding would prove useful.

There is information on the different opinions of dream interpretation from ancient Egyptians, Grecians, Chinese, and Sigmund Freud. Mention of Carl Jung, Calvin Hall, Jr., Ann Faraday, David Foulkes, and Edgar Cayce are also included.

The Dream Interpretation Handbook is broken down into two parts with sub-chapters. Part I-Interpreting Dreams have three chapters: On Dreaming: The Spiritual and the Scientific; Variations, Archetypes, and Symbols; The Interpretive Process. Part II-Dream Dictionary: How to Use; Animal; Items/Things; Plot/Action.

A few things I found was that on an average, you have at least four to six dreams a night but will not always remember what the dreams were or remember dreaming. Many people believe the dream of falling and hitting the ground that you will die. This is an untrue assumption many have believed in for years. Overall, this is a good book for dream interpretation if you are looking for such information.

I received this book from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook, Healing Recipes for Total Wellness by Danielle Martin, Rockridge Press, Callisto Publishers, 211 pages

“What is healing for one, is not healing for all.
This resonated with me on a deep level,
because I saw that determining what one needs
really comes down to listening to your body.”

Danielle Martin, Introduction, page ix

Ayurvedic is a medical, philosophical, and spiritual science that originated in India approximately 5, 000 years ago. This cookbook has recipes that adhere to the Ayurvedic diet according to your body type according to your dosha (a force that governs your actions, physical characteristics, personality, emotions, and mental functioning). There is a questionnaire to distinguish which dosha is in alignment with you mentally and physically.

There are explanations in depth about the Ayurvedic way of eating for health and well. Each dosha is explained in detail, when and what to eat, the six tastes with its energy level and health properties. The cookbook also lists foods to avoid, your Ayurvedic Kitchen essentials and a seasonal chart for eating.

The recipes are easy and simple to prepare but some of the ingredients will be a little hard to find unless you shop in an Indian food store, herbal or organic health establishment. There are plenty of wellness recipes for just about every ailment you can think of that is very useful. “Good For” under each recipe lists different healthful suggestions for use. There are several recipes I intend to prepare and try for energy, hydration, and inflammation and I suggest you try them at least once.

I highly recommend this cookbook to EVERYONE to use one or more of these recipes.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

The Friar's Lantern by Greg Hickey, ARC Edition

The Friar’s Lantern is written in an interactive format where the reader is able to choose the next step in which the book will advance. The genre is intertwined with a behavioral science participant who is a juror in a crime drama trial.

There is a question I would like to put in the forefront. Why is there an option if, in some instances, the conclusion is the same? The narration and descriptions are heavy and at times a little excessive but definitely gives influential visual and clear pictures of your surroundings.

Reading through this story was a little difficult for me because there were quite a few ambiguous words that I did not understand. Therefore, I was constantly looking up definitions, which put a damper in the beginning two chapters. For example, I looked up ‘extrapolation’ and it is not a word.

The book did however achieve its goal, but could place interactive options in a few better places. The content is interesting along with its concluding chapter that is convincing.

Overall, this is a good story with a nice approach to the intermingling of the court trial and I do recommend you take the time to read it. Those interested in crime dramas and behavioral science drama would love this story.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines. 

One-Pot Cooking for Two by Linda Kurniadi, Rockridge Press, 161 pages

Just as the first chapter title says One-Pot, Two Plates, Three Meals a Day makes this cookbook an everyday favorite. Linda Kurniadi shares her suggestions for needed cooking equipment and kitchen staples.

Kurniadi added a section on the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen that lists the small amount of genetically modified fruits and vegetables with pesticides such as sweet corn, papaya, and summer squash.  Also, included in this cookbook is a Measurement Conversion Chart that is very helpful for those of us who need a little help in converting from ounces to millimeters. The only drawback, no pictures of the meals you are creating to compare with the final preparation.

Now, let us get to the meat and potatoes of the cookbook. Here are the recipes I always share that I will eventually prepare for my palette:

Breakfast and Brunch: Potato-Leek Frittata

Sausage Stuffed Avocado Boats

Soups and Salads: Italian Meatball Soup

Thai Chicken Salad

Vegetable Mains: Broccoli and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner

Rainbow Vegetable Skillet

Seafood: Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

   Lemon and Parsley Fried Fish

(Not really a seafood foodie, but occasionally)

Poultry: Baked Stuffed Chicken Saltimbocca

Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Meat: Sloppy Joe Potatoes

Lamb Kebabs with Israeli Salad

Snacks and Sides: Garlic-Herb Pinwheels

Dijon Potato Salad

I recommend this book for all cooks who sometimes want to prepare a much simpler meal with less time. I received this book through Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.        

The Easy 30-Minute Cookbook by Taylor Ellingson, Rockridge Press

Taylor Ellingson has compiled many recipes for the cook who wants to save time without losing quality in a meal. She has included sections on Cooking Hacks 101 guidelines, essential equipment, and gadgets to have in your kitchen that will enhance your cooking experience. There are many interesting recipes that I will be embarking on with chef hat’s in tow, and there are some restaurant standards that all can enjoy. The only drawback I found was the absence of colorful food photography. I, like many people, would have found that having the picture to see how my final creation is supposed to look. This is a new day and age, so I will roll with it.

The following are recipes I intend on preparing to satisfy my palette from each section. Some are familiar to me there are a few new ones that sound refreshing.

BREAKFAST: Guacamole Breakfast Sandwiches

SALADS AND SOUPS: Tuscan Bean and Arugula Salad

HANDHELDS: Pesto Turkey Burgers, Cuban Burgers

                        Banh Mi Burgers (I am in BURGER heaven!)

VEGETARIAN: Southwestern Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

                         Thai Peanut Vegetable Rice Boats

SEAFOOD: Smoked Salmon Flatbreads

                    Pan-Seared Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce

                    Blackened Cod with Corn Salsa

POULTRY: Coconut Tandoori Chicken

                   One-Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

PORK & BEEF: One-Pan Italian Sausage and Vegetables

BASICS and STAPLES: Curry Powder, Teriyaki Sauce

I recommend this book for anyone wanting to make a fast yet delicious meal in 30 minutes or less. I received this book from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Start Writing Your Book Today by Morgan Gist Macdonald, Paper Raven Books Publishing

"You'll find Start Writing Your Book Today most useful if you want

to write a book, but you aren't clear about exactly what the book

 will be about. I'll provide exercises to give you clarity."  

 -Morgan Gist Macdonald, Introduction

Morgan Gist Macdonald shares her experience and gives steps to write a book while staying focused and keep on track. Most importantly, "preventing self-sabotage," in Chapter Two.

She asks in Chapter Three: Good Writing Habits, "Do you want to write a book, or don't you?" ...If your answer is, "Not right now, but maybe later," put down this book, because it's not worth your time.  When you're ready, you can always come back to it." Macdonald is not afraid to say put her book down because she is being straightforward and to the point about serious writing, and for this, I applaud her honesty.

There are learning opportunities pertaining to writing routines, creating word count goals, journaling, prioritizing, creating rough drafts, and contacting beta readers. I have never written a book but am considering using a journal to jot down ideas just in case I get that urge to share thoughts on a particular subject.

Macdonald added three appendixes for resources, tracking your progress, and creating a reverse outline with two outline sample texts following right after and a feedback table.

Start Writing Your Book Today is good to have on your shelf to start writing that great novel, biography, or how-to book you have been pushing to the back of everything else.

Recommending to persons contemplating taking on the task of writing a book to share with public. There are excellent points, resources and useful

Charts that a budding writer can find helpful.

Free audio book is located  @paperrravenbooks.com/freebonus, plus an email to share your writings with Morgan Gist Macdonald.

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.