At Under $120, the Dreo AirFryer Pro Max is the Must Have Family Gift This Holiday Season - Cooks Up Healthy Food in Less Time, Without Sacrificing Taste! (Review)

Disclosure: I was provided with a sample in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Buy now from Amazon for only $119.99

*As of this post there is a $10 off coupon you can clip to make it only $109.99

It seems like nowadays more and more people are using an air fryer to do most of their cooking in the kitchen.  But, with all the different air fryers available for purchase, which ones actually do what they say they will, and which ones will not break the bank?  I bought an air fryer a couple years ago when the craze of air fryers was just starting. I spent over $250 for one, and less than 3 months later it stopped working.  I reached out the manufacturer and just my luck, they were no longer in business.  After that time, I decided the next air fryer I would get would be either with a new stove, or down the road after I read more honest reviews and saw actual videos of the air fryers in use.  Because I bought one when they were relatively new, there weren't many reviews or videos on the different so called high end ones. I was planning to buy and air fryer this holiday season...just wanted to wait until the big Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals dropped. But, before I could get one, I was contacted by the folks at Dreo to see if I wanted to review their Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer, which is available through Amazon for under $120, and had 5 star reviews.  Along with the reviews were videos and photos of the air fryer, which gave me a sense of relief as I could see that this wasn't going to be another flop air fryer. I jumped at the opportunity to review the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer, and am so glad that I did, I have been using this air fryer 4-5 days a week, to cook up a quick lunch or dinner, and have even been tweaking family favorite dishes and baked treats to cook up in my new Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer, in less time.  

This chicken cooked up in 24 minutes -- 12 minutes each side. 

I like how when I cook things like chicken, it gets nice and crispy on the outside, but, as soon as you bite into it, it is juicy and full of flavor.  You can't get that with frying food or baking it for upwards of an hour.   Another neat feature of the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer which I am loving and that sets this particular air fryer apart from others on the market is that it has a transparent viewing window, which lets your catch a glimpse of your food without needing to open the basket and mess up the temperature inside.  My other air fryer didn't have this, and I don't think I have seen any other air fryers on the market with this see-through window.  My girls love walking into the kitchen and sneaking a peak to see what I am cooking. Or, if they are making something with the air fryer, they don't have to wait to the end to see how their food is coming along, as they can look at it whenever they want, all through the quick cooking process.

Like I said, I have owned the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer for about a month now, and have been using it every week.  After the first few days of using it, I found myself looking through the recipe book included with the air fryer to flag recipes I wanted to try.  From entrees and appetizer, to desserts and snacks and even side dishes, the free recipe book has over 100 recipes to try with your new Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer.  I told the girls the other day that we will try and make every one of the recipes, and mark them with how good they taste and if we would make them again.  We started a couple weeks ago, and so far we have made 10 recipes from the Dreo recipe book, and all of them have been a hit with my family, and marked as ones we would try again. I am guessing with this streak that the same will be true for all the additional recipes we will be making and enjoying.

In addition to trying the recipes shared by Dreo, I have also been tweaking my own recipes so that I can use the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer and cut down on cook time. As a busy mom on the go, and now with more and more things opening back up and my girls' having more extra curricular activities taking place in person, I am finding we are back to being on the go, or coming home later than usual in the evening from things.  The last thing I want to do after a long day out and about is be stuck in the kitchen cooking up an entree and sides, only to have to do the dishes right after.  But, thanks to welcoming the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer in my home, it has become a life saver and time saver.  I am now able to cook up healthy, wholesome meals for my family without skimping on taste or quality just to get it out of the kitchen and on the table.  And, even my pickiest of eaters, my older daughter, is loving being a taste testing of all the dishes I am preparing with this air fryer.  She really likes how the food is juicy and full of flavor on the inside, as do the rest of my family.  I was also able to tweak an apple cider donuts recipe and have been whipping them out for a quick mid-day snack for my girls.

Here are just some of the features of the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer, which make this a must own air fryer for families looking to invest in one, or have been looking for ways to cut down on meal prep without sacrificing taste, so that they can spend more time with their family...

"With a large capacity, this Dreo 6.8-quart air fryer is a kitchen essential every family of 3-6 should have. This smart air fryer employs max 450℉ and advanced HeatWrap technology to cook food faster and more evenly through 360-degree hot air circulation. The powerful touchscreen enables you to quick start with one touch, or customize cooking mode, time and temperature to your preferences."

Features:

"Integration of Taste and Health: Dreo Air fryer features a systematic design with an oven-grade smart temperature control system to make the ingredients crispy outside and tender inside. Enjoy healthier food with a better taste thanks to the 360°hot air circulation heating your food evenly.

Cut Off 30% Cooking Time: 450°F industry-leading temperature plus the 360°hot air circulation wrap your food in high heat to get it ready quicker with less fuss. A 6.8QT basket serves 3 to 5 people at one go. People with a tight schedule can get their breakfast, lunch and dinner ready in a split second.

All-in-One: No need to buy another cooking machine for different purposes. Dreo is an all-rounder with a temperature from 100℉ to 450℉, 5 cooking modes, and 6 presets. Making yogurt, dries fruit, and roasting steak, poultry as your preferences for a more customizable cooking experience.

Transparent Viewing Window: Dreo’s one-of-a-kind viewing window with an ergonomic design lets you check your food status anytime without drawing out the basket. Minimize the cooking time and maximize the fun by watching how the ingredients change by the cooking process.

Free Recipes with 100 Dishes: A free cookbook covering entrées, appetizers, desserts, snacks, and side dishes is included in the package. Open the book and get a quick idea to satiate your multi-cuisine food cravings. We will keep updating the e-recipes to bring more flavors to your table.

ETL-listed Design & Easy Cleaning: Double-layer insulated basket protects your hands against the heat, while the built-in sensor automatically pauses and resumes heating to avoid overheating. The BPA-free coating makes it non-stick for easier cleaning. Dishwasher-safe design for added convenience."

Included components: 100 Free Recipes, Insulated Basket and a Non-stick Plate

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With the holidays fast approaching, why not consider making the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer the family gift that Santa brings you?  This is definitely one gift you will love and use time and again.  And, once you start cooking with the air fryer you will wonder why you waited so long to get one, or have lived without an air fryer in your life.  I am so glad I gave the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer a chance after my previous poor experience with an air fryer purchase.  I haven't run into an issues with it, and can see why it continues to get 5 star reviews on Amazon from all the happy customers who have purchased it and love it, just like I do!

Right now you can score the Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer for only $109.99 (be sure to clip the $10 off coupon) -- which is a steal compared to other air fryers on the market. And, remember this one comes with a transparent viewing window so you can check on your food while it cooks -- a feature I haven't seen with other air fryers.  

Once you try this air fryer, you will be raving about it, just like I have been doing with this post, and to family and friends.  Just the other night I had family over and cooked them up my famous Chinese sticky chicken.  Everyone thought I had changed up the recipe as this time around the chicken was really moist and full of flavor, while having a nice crisp skin on the outside.  They liked the crunch they got when they bit into it, and then were meant with a juicy inside.  I should have bought more chicken, as everyone kept reaching for seconds and then thirds, before it was all gone.  I ended up sharing my secret to getting perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin outside and juice inside -- thanks to my Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer. And, clean up is a breeze as you can pop the basket in your dishwasher. But, you will find no scrubbing is needed to get any sticky residue on the basket, as it has a BPA-FREE coating that makes it non-stick, and easy to clean.  What more can you ask for with this air fryer? It has checked off all the boxes of features I want in an air fryer, while offering so many more great features that make it stand apart from other air fryer brands on the market. 

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Amazon and purchase your own Dreo 6.8-Quart Smart Air Fryer, and then get ready to cook and make delicious meals and treats for your family, in less time than you normally would spend cooking with your stove top or oven.

Disclosure: I was provided with a sample in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Give the Gift of the World's Most Comfortable Floor Mat This Holiday Season by Gifting Family and Friends with GelPro Comfort Mats (Review) #kitchenmat #mygelpro #gelpromats

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Have you sent off your wish list to Santa yet?  What?  You don't think to ask for anything for yourself for the holidays?  Or, are you like many people I know, including myself, that does holiday shopping and wrapping for yourself?  When November rolls around, I start my shopping for my family and friends, and usually forget to think of myself and what I could use or want for the holidays.  But, this year, I had one gift in mind that I have been eyeing...a GelPro mat for the kitchen.  

I suffer from flat feet and for the past year have been dealing with nerve damage in my foot after breaking my toe and not having it heal right.  So, one wrong move and I get a nerve pinch that goes from toe to my back...not fun.  I saw a handful of doctors but they all said there wasn't much that could be done.  They suggested limiting my standing, but come on, I am a mom to two young girls, and we are always on the go.  Plus, when the holidays roll around, I love being the kitchen by myself, or with my girls, baking up an assortment of Italian cookies and treats for my family and friends to enjoy.  But, with all that standing, I find my feet are throbbing at the end of the night.

Over the years I have picked up so called "memory foam" mats for the kitchen, but they never hold up.  After a couple months, if that, they start breaking down or getting lumpy, and are uncomfortable to stand on.  They never soothed my flat feet while standing in the kitchen cooking or baking.  But, after reaching memory foam mats, I realized I wasn't buying the right mat.   Have you heard of GelPro mats?  I hadn't until a couple months ago, and once I checked out their website, I knew what I wanted Santa to bring me for Christmas....my very own GelPro Elite Mat -- the Lattice Java one from their Decorator Collection, to be exact. :-)  I have a post and beam house and have exposed wood everywhere so I thought this color would look great in the kitchen against the wood and my black appliances.

Well, thanks to the kind folks at GelPro, Christmas came early to me a month and a half ago, when they fulfilled my wish from Santa.  I felt like a kid waking up on Christmas morning and finding what I wished long and hard for, when my GelPro Elite mat arrived.  And, I couldn't wait to unroll it and have it expand to normal size (usually takes 24-48 hrs. to expand and flatten after being rolled up).  

It arrives like this...

 Then, rolls out to this -- which you let sit for 24-48 hrs.

And, let you have this...a comfort mat that makes you feel like you are standing on a cloud. :-)

Buy this GelPro Elite floor mat for only $124.95

I loved the Lattice Java color, and it did look amazing in my kitchen...like my kitchen was made for the 20x36 GelPro mat. :-)  And, once I took my shoes off and stepped on the mat, I felt like I was standing on a cloud...well, I really don't know how it feels to stand on a cloud, but it really was the most plush and comfortable mat I have ever stood on.  Usually I keep my shoes on until I crawl into bed, as it is supposed to help with foot support, but I wish I could go bare foot and not have to wear shoes all day.  I didn't want to stand on my new GelPro mat with shoes, so I took my shoes off, and it felt amazing.  My feet usually ache after I peel my shoes off, but as soon as I stepped around on the GelPro mat, my feet sunk into this comfortable floor mat, and I forgot all about the foot pain and issues I have been dealing with this year.  For the first time in a long time, I was able to stand in one spot and not have shooting nerve pain go up my leg.  It was the best gift I could have wished for myself.

I have been enjoying my GelPro Elite mat for over a month and a half now, and each and every time I stand on it, it feels like the first time -- so soft and comfortable.  I love being able to walk into the house and head to the kitchen to cook or bake, and take my shoes off, without worrying about not having support under my feet.  Even my husband and girls have commented on how I am all smiles when in the kitchen, and they have reaped the benefits of my being able to be in the kitchen longer, as I have been baking and cooking up a storm. :-)

As the holidays fast approach, I am excited for all the additional baking I have planned with my girls.  We will be doing a full month of spice studies for homeschool, where I plan to learn about a different spice each week, the history behind it, and cook and bake up recipes using the spice of the week. My girls are excited, and I am, too!  And, I have the folks at GelPro to thank for it, as I am able to go to my happy place (the kitchen) and do what I love -- make delicious food and treats for my family and friends to enjoy.  My flat feet are not going to stand in my way, like they have in the past.

If you suffer from flat feet, or find yourself hating to be in the kitchen to cook up meals for your family as your feet are tired and aching, why not consider picking up a GelPro mat.  While they may seem pricey, once you step on a GelPro mat for the first time, you will see why they are considered the "world's most comfortable floor mat."  I was kicking myself after trying out the GelPro mat as I spent $50-60 on different memory foam or comfort mats for the kitchen, which I ended up tossing.  I could have used all that money and bought a GelPro mat, and been enjoying time in the kitchen last year.  Well, my poor purchases hopefully will save you when it comes to buying a comfort mat for yourself or someone you love this holiday season.  Don't buy anything other than a GelPro Mat.  I am in love with my comfort mat, and am planning to buy one for my mom for her kitchen.  And, my husband told me the other night he plans to buy me another for the bathroom, so I can stand on a comfort mat while getting ready in the AM, and at night time doing my hygiene, without needing to have my shoes on.  Ahh, that would be nice. :-)

I could go on and on about how great the GelPro Elite comfort mat is...but, instead, why don't you head on over to their website and browse their different collections.  They have mats that would go great in the kitchen, laundry room or other room in the house you do a lot standing in place.  And,with so many colors, styles and designs including their holiday decor collection, you could buy a comfort mat for every season. :-)

So, this year, while also shopping for friends and family, why not think of yourself too, and buy yourself a gift like the GelPro Mat, which I am happy to say is manufactured in the USA (most in Waco, TX).  Foodies will love this mat, as well busy moms and dads who would benefit from an anti-fatigue, ergonomic floor mat for the kitchen.  

You can learn more about GelPro and their floor mats by visiting http://www.gelpro.com/. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on their comfort mats once you have a chance to try them out firsthand.  You will probably think you are walking on a cloud, too! :-)

--BUY NOW--

The GelPro Elite mat is the only gel-filled, anti-fatigue, ergonomic floor mat for the kitchen. 

It retail price starts at $119.95 for a 20”x36” mat, and they are sold direct at GelPro.com and at national retailers, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Target.com, Staples.com and Amazon.com, as well as many kitchen specialty stores.
                  

The Designer Comfort Mat features a ¾" thick cushion of Ergo-Foam for relieving discomfort, fatigue and pressure – and prices start at $34.95 for an 18”x30” mat. (The 20x48 Designer Comfort mat is an outstanding value for a mat of this size, starting at just $59.95).These mats are available at GelPro.com as well as Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart, Amazon.com, Target.com and Staples.com.

Best of all, the entire line of GelPro mats are manufactured in America (most in Waco, TX).

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for Cooks/Bakers/Foodies -- Check Out These Recent Releases from Sterling Publishers

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the publisher in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

I couldn't wrap up my holiday gift guide without sharing a few more cookbooks -- which are always at the top of my wish list.  And, some that I will be asking Santa for include the following from Sterling Publishing.  In addition to the cookbooks listed below, I also included handful of cookbooks the kind folks at Sterling Publishing sent me about a month ago to review.  Boy, has dinner time become a treat, as I have been able to whip up mouth watering Italian dishes, fix it and forget it tasty slow cooker recipes, and so many other raved about dishes, desserts, etc.  So, if you are a fan of cookbooks or know someone who is, why not consider the following cookbooks from Sterling Publishing.  They would make a great addition to a cookbook collection.

 

Hang the stockings, deck the hall-and cook up a happy holiday! When it comes to Christmas, no one does it like Good Housekeeping, with holiday recipes from celebrities like Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and Bobby Flay, along with favorite Christmas memories from Sting, Reese Witherspoon, and many more.

BUY the book

B&N  

AMAZON 

INDIEBOUND

 

This comprehensive collection of delicious, fail-proof baked goods is an absolute must-have. Even less-observant Jews will enjoy celebrating the holidays with these innovative and delectable desserts, plus dozens of low-sugar, gluten-free, and nut-free treats to enjoy all year.

BUY the book

B&N 

AMAZON 

INDIEBOUND

Celebrate Christmas Scandinavian style—where every day from the first Advent Sunday to the end of December is part of the holiday. Trine Hahnemann serves up a cornucopia of festive recipes, all filled with traditional goodies and delicious modern dishes.

BUY the book

B&N  

AMAZON 

INDIEBOUND

With the craft "hard cider" market growing rapidly, it's clear that drinkers are embracing this refreshing alternative to beer. World's Best Ciders taps into that trend, presenting more than 500 ciders from both artisan makers and global brands.
  

BUY the book

B&N 

AMAZON 

INDIEBOUND

With Food, photographer Mary McCartney brings us easy, family-friendly meat-free dishes that will appeal to everyone—including carnivores. And they're all presented in gorgeous pictures taken by Mary herself, along with personal stories and photos old and new.

BUY the book

B&N  

AMAZON  

INDIEBOUND

 

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In addition to the above cookbooks, I was recently sent the following cookbooks to review.  Usually I ask my husband for 1-2 new cookbooks to add to my collection at the holidays, but after receiving these six book from the kind folks at Sterling Publishing, I am all set!  Now, to find the time to try out all the recipes I marked to try in these books. 

 

Publisher: Sterling Epicure
Published: March 2012
256 pages
ISBN: 1-4027-9787-7
ISBN13: 9781402797873
$24.95 US
$29.95 Canadian
Paperback with Flaps; all in color
7 3/4 X 10

Synopsis:

"Everyone needs quick, healthy, and delicious recipes for feeding a family--and no one's better at providing them than Gordon Ramsay, the three-star chef famous for his no-nonsense cooking. Here he serves up a feast of doable ideas: more than 100 recipes and 15 great menus for putting food on the table each and every day. Many of the dishes take only 15 minutes to prepare and cook; none takes longer than half an hour--and you can put together an entire meal in only 30-45 minutes. Ramsay also offers time-saving shortcuts, plus info on how to stock your pantry."

My Thoughts:

Love or hate Gordon Ramsay...you can't deny that he is an amazing chef.  This was the first cookbook that I read by him and have to say that I was impressed.  Out of the 100+ recipes that make up this cookbook, with mouthwatering photos, I have marked 3/4 of the book, as I want to try these quick and easy recipes.  Even though the title of the cookbook is "Fast Food," the quality of the food that you will cook up is anything but.  I have had the opportunity to try over a dozen recipes so far, and can't believe how much flavor each recipe offers, and the compliments from family and friends only second my thoughts on how great this cookbook is.

Examples of recipes you will find in this book include:

• Panini of Pan-Roasted Vegetables
• Beef Rib-Eye with Baby Turnips in Port
• Caramelized Banana Split
• White Chocolate and Cherry Mousse
• Pasta with Pancetta, Leek and Mushrooms
• Sauteed Scallops with Corn Salsa
• Bacon, Pea and Goat Cheese Frittata

Being a busy mom on the go, I am always looking for meals to cook up in under an hour, preferably 30 minutes or less, that not only taste good, but are healthy for my family.  And, with the help of this cookbook by Gordon Ramsay, I am able to come up with a weekly meal plan that everyone is excited about.  The bad part -- we rarely have leftovers, as everyone reaches for seconds and sometimes thirds. :-)

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Publisher: Hearst
Published: September 2012
136 pages
ISBN: 1-58816-933-2
ISBN13: 9781588169334
$14.95 US
$17.95 Canadian
Hardcover Concealed Spiral; all in color
6 X 9

Synopsis:

"Want a meal that tastes like perfection? That's quick, easy, and affordable, too? Take it slowly! There's nothing more mouthwatering, more filled with flavor, than food prepared in the slow cooker--and the culinary experts at Delish.com are here to show you how it's done. From hearty soups and stews to delectable roasts, zesty curries, and to-die-for desserts, this appetizingly photographed cookbook presents fresh-from-the-farm ingredients and marvelously simple cooking techniques. It has all the basic slow-cooker information you need, from which settings to use to how much liquid to add to what cuts of meat work best."

The luscious recipes include:

Balsamic and Port Beef Shanks   *   Chicken with Leeks and Artichokes   *   Ratatouille   *
Best-Ever Bolognese Sauce   *   Fig and Cranberry Bread Pudding

My Thoughts:

With toddlers, my days are always unpredictable.  We can start the morning off on a good note, but then if the girls decide not to nap, the afternoon and early evening schedules are thrown off -- this includes dinner preparation.  So, when this occurs, I usually rely on my trusty crock pot to cook up a home cooked meal without the need to be hovering over the stove, while trying to keep fussy toddlers out of the kitchen.  

While I love all my cookbooks, I am partial to my slow cooker ones as they are ones I usually grab for first, and have helped save me on those days I forgot to take something out to cook for dinner, or need to fix it and forget it.  So, when I heard Delish had a slower cooker cookbook out called "Family Slow Cooker," I had to get my hands on a copy and check out the recipes firsthand.  Unlike many of my other cookbooks, this was had a spiral bound hardcover, making it easy to keep the pages open when prepping a meal.  Usually I have to find heavy object to keep a cookbook open flat -- but, the spiral bound feature found with this cookbook made keeping the pages open flat a breeze. 

All the recipes included in this slow cooker cookbook were triple tested, with success every time -- so you know that all the recipes you find in the book are print worthy and must taste delicious.  And, I have to say, that the dozen recipes I have made since receiving this cookbook are just that -- delicious!  The recipes themselves are quick and easy to prepare, and make the house smell great, as they cook up.  Examples of some of the recipes you will find in this cookbook include:

• Chicken, lentil and pumpkin curry
• Green olive and lemon chicken
• Osso buco with mixed mushrooms -- I had to try this fancy dish as I never saw a slow cooker recipe for it.  Wow!  So much flavor, and easy to prepare.  This is defnitely one recipe I will be making over and over again.
• Honey and balsamic braised pork
• Corned beef with horseradish sauce
• Chili con carne
• Pumpkin soup -- I served this up as an appetizer for Thanksgiving, and got rave reviews.  So rich and creamy, and full of flavor with every spoonful.
• Cuban black bean soup
• Spiced chicken in coconut sauce

Mmm.  I am getting hungry just thinking about the recipes I listed above, as well as the few others I personally tried.  Now, whenever I make my meal plan for the week, I have this cookbook on hand to pull new recipes from to try.   This week I will be making the "Butter chicken" recipe, along with the "Mexican slow-roasted lamb shanks" dish that my husband keeps asking me to make, from the Delish: Family Slow Cooker cookbook.  He was flipping through this slow cooker cookbook and kept marking pages of the recipes he wanted to try, based on the the full color mouthwatering photos. :-)  I will know you know how the dishes come out -- but seeing that they were triple tested three times, I have no doubt that they will be out of this world delicious! :-)

 

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A year of Italian menus with 250 recipes that celebrate family

Publisher: Sterling Epicure
Published: April 2012
336 pages
ISBN: 1-4027-8482-1
ISBN13: 9781402784828
$24.95 US
$29.95 Canadian
Hardcover with Jacket, all in color; 100 illustrations
7 3/8 X 9 1/4

Synopsis:

"The family that eats together stays together! That's what Lisa Caponigri believes, and she created Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner? to give real families recipes they can easily cook and enjoy together. Caponigri has devised 52 delicious Italian menus--one for each Sunday of the year--that feature all the favorites, including classics like crostini, lasagne, polenta, stuffed peppers, veal piccata, risotto alla Milanese, and ricotta pie. There are also many surprises like Woodman's pasta and Italian french fries--and traditional, treasured dishes from her own family's kitchen, such as Nana's Strufoli and Grandma Caponigri's Ragu Sauce.

Beautifully photographed by Guy Ambrosino, Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner? showcases food styling by former Gourmet magazine editor Kate Winslow."

My Thoughts:

 

One thing I miss most is Sunday dinners with family.  As a child, my mother would have her relatives over for a roast or spaghetti with homemade pasta sauce.  But, over the years, the number of people coming together around the table had gotten smaller due to death or those moving away or needing to spend time with their children.  I, also, found myself too busy once the girls arrived to be able to pack up and drive to my parents house about an hour and half away.  So, now our only gatherings were we all meet around the table are on holidays or birthdays.  Oh, how I wish times were different, and that we could go back to Sunday dinners with family?  Don't you?  I have many cherished memories of stories told and meals enjoyed on these Sunday afternoon gatherings with family, that will I will treasure forever.  I even learned how to make my great grandmother's secret homemade spaghetti sauce during one of these dinners, as my mom finally let me assist in the kitchen and shared this Italian recipe, which I continue to make for my kids, and include in my lasagna and spaghetti dishes.

So, when I saw this cookbook in the bookstore a few months back, I was intrigued not only by the pot of homemade sauce on the front cover, but also by the fact that the cookbook contained 250 Italian recipes.  Being of Italian descent on my father's side, I grew up enjoying Italian dishes that my grandmother would cook up.  She loved spending time in the kitchen and whipping up meals for family and friends.  And, even on those rare occasions when someone would stop by unexpectedly, she would have a tasty home cooked meal ready in no time at all.  I always loved walking into her house and trying to figure out what she was cooking up in the kitchen.  From Italian cookies to rabbit and vegetables, she never disappointed with the food she served up.  

And, as I sat and read through this cookbook, I couldn't help but reminisce about meals enjoyed at my Nana's house, and how I wish she had written down the recipes she loved to make, so that I could share with my family, and continue to pass down.  But, if you have an Italian grandmother then you probably know that the family recipe they create are stored in their heads.  And, when it comes to measuring, they don't use measuring cups or spoons.  Instead, it is a pinch of this, and handful of this, etc.  While my mom and I tried over the years to watch and measure out ingredients, we were only able to write up a few of these family recipes.  

As I flipped through this cookbook, I was happy to see recipes that looked similar or reminded me of dishes my Nana would make for us.  And, while the flavor was not spot on, the Italian recipes I made from this cookbook really did remind me of Sunday suppers and dinners at Nana's house.  If you grew up enjoying Sunday suppers, and want to bring back these cherished moments around the table with your family, then you will want to check out this cookbook, which is filled with 250 authentic Italian recipes that are sure to please everyone.   Just imagine cooking up the following meals to serve on any given Sunday --

• Insalata verde
• Torta di ricotta della nonna franco (Nana's ricotta cake)
• Fettine di zucchine (Zucchini rounds)
• Petti di pollo alla sostanza (Chicken breasts in butter)
• Pizza Rustica
• Carciofi marinati (Marinated artichokes)
• Pasta con salsicce e broccoli (Pasta with sausage and broccolini

Is your mouth watering yet?  Mine sure is.  One of my resolutions for 2014 is to try and get together with family at least once a month for a Sunday dinner, and show my children how important family is, and let them create lasting memories of good food and great company, enjoyed on a Sunday afternoon. :-)

 

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Publisher: Sterling Epicure
Published: September 2013
240 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-1021-6
ISBN13: 9781454910213
$24.95 US
$26.95 Canadian
Hardcover, all in color
7 1/2 X 9 3/4

Synopsis:

“Gennaro Contaldo is one of the world's best Italian chefs. He's a legend.” —Jamie Oliver

"Nothing brings people together like a good meal—cooking it and enjoying it. Family Italian is about preparing fresh, honest, seasonal food; instilling smart eating habits in our children; and spending quality time around the kitchen stove and table. From delicious soups to homemade pastas, rich risottos, frittatas, steak, roast chicken, and of course desserts, these recipes are simple, tasty, and family pleasing.  "

My Thoughts: 

This is another great Italian cookbook worth picking up.  Easy and every recipe included in this book is easy to make, and tastes like you are enjoying it in Italy. :-)  Whenever I am craving an authentic Italian dish, or find myself with extra time to play around in the kitchen trying out new recipes, I love to pull out this book and make dishes that are great for sharing with family and friends.  Some personal favorites from this cookbook include:

• Pollo con aglio e rosmarino servito con bruschetta (Chicken with garlic, rosemar and bruschetta)
• Gnocchi di patata (Potato gnocchi)
• Spezzatino di manzo al vino rosso (Red wine beef stew)
• Lasagne agli asparagi (Lasagna with asparagus)
• Insalata di pane bagnato (Bread salad)
• Sfincione Siciliano (Sicilian focaccia)
• Sformato di pane alle verdure (Italian vegetable pie)

Not only does this Italian cookbook offer up an amazing selection of recipes, but the full-color photos included throughout of the dishes and chef Gennaro Contaldo and his family enjoying his dishes are truly breathtaking to look at.  It reminded me of my family gathering for Sunday suppers at my Nana's house, while enjoying authentic Italian recipes that were passed down from generation to generation.

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Publisher: Sterling
Published: September 2013
128 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-1015-1
ISBN13: 9781454910152
$14.95 US
$15.95 Canadian
Hardcover; all in color
8 1/4 X 9

Synopsis:

"Everyone's favorite takeout food is about to become everyone's make-in meal! Pizzas are simple to cook, and this cookbook explains the basics, from crust to sauce. The triple-tested, foolproof recipes include such classics as the Margherita and Napolitana; glam creations topped with wild mushroom, brie, and walnut; kid-friendly pizzas they can help prepare; and super-fast pizzas for a rushed evening. There are even dessert pizzas—so you can eat it for every course!"

My Thoughts:

The one thing I can count on my husband helping me prepare in the kitchen is pizza.  Not only does he know how to make the pizza dough from scratch, but he can spin and stretch the dough out, as if he had worked in a pizzeria (even though he didn't).  I guess if you have a love for pizza like he does, you can become a master pizza maker (like he likes to call himself).  So, when I surprised him with this cookbook to help me review, he was all ready to get in the kitchen and create a few pies for dinner.  But, he has learned by watching me that the best way to get yourself familiar with a new cookbook is to read it cover to cover, and mark up the "must try" recipes.  He did just this, a few days later, we had an unforgettable pizza night. 

My girls are not really into pizza, but as soon as they saw the pizzas my husband was preparing and how great they looked when he pulled them out of the oven, they couldn't help but want to try a piece.  And, that once piece led to them asking for another. :-)  What I loved most about this cookbook was how it was broken down into different pizza categories, including classic pizzas, pizzettas, kid's pizza and express pizza.  For busy family's on the go, the express pizza section will come in extremely handy.  We have whipped up a handful of these quick and easy recipes for Friday Night Pizza and Movie night, or when my husband calls mid-day to tell me he has a hankering for pizza for dinner. :-)  

In our house, we can enjoy pizza for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  And, pizza always tastes better when prepared at home.  Our pizzas always come out of the oven less oily, full of flavor and golden -- not like the soggy, limp pizzas we have delivered or pick up at the local pizza shop for take out.  This cookbook would make for a great holiday gift for foodies or those who love pizzas.  Why not include a pizza stone, pizza cutter and a few pantry ingredients along with this cookbook, and make a fun pizza basket to leave under the tree for that special someone?  Once you flip through this cookbook and see all the full-color, mouth watering pizzas, you can't help but want to have pizza for dinner. :-)

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So, if you are a fan of cookbooks or know someone who is, why not surprise them with one of the cookbooks above from Sterling Publishers?  They will not only make for a great read, but will provide you with delicious tried and tested recipes that will wow family and friends, and make you the hit of the pot luck! :-)

 

 Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the publisher in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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