American Christmas

Obviously this is a cookbook for the holiday season. That being said, leafing through it, I saw some things I wanted to try straightaway, like Toasted Coconut Thumbprint Cookies on page 38 and the Cranberry Chutney on page 56 and the Tangerine Curd on page 51. All these were gorgeous and divine. But this book isn't only about dessert. The Roasted Shrimp with Black Pepper and Thyme on page 66 is sumptuously scrumptious and it goes well with the Sauteed Mushroom Salad on the opposite page. Turn the page and you get the Salt and Fennel Roasted Pork Loin and let me tell you, Hubby Dub love, love, loved it. I did, too. So don't be put off by the "Christmas" in the title, you can use this book all year round. I found this cookbook a while back, while touristing off in beautiful Laguna Beach in sunny Southern California. I spotted a sign for an estate sale. Hubby Dub never likes to go to these, he hates garage sales too, likewise thrift stores, but I poked him in the arm, he made a U turn and I discovered a soul who really liked to cook, sadly she'd passed away before I got to meet her. She had dozens and dozens of cookbooks, many of which I already had, but I discovered some gems. I made a lot of meals from them and, as usual, I took notes, which usually consists of me writing in the margins by the the recipes. I love cooking. Hubby Dub loves eating, I do, too. I hope you do as well and I hope you enjoy my reviews here. Review sincerely submitted by Captain Katie Osborne

Williams-Sonoma makes a quality cookbook, and this is no exception. Food is well photographed and recipes have colored pictures. The layout is nice, featuring sections for every sort of taste. I am giving this book 4 instead of 5 stars, because the selection of recipes were at times a little "out there." Particularly "Great Lakes Christmas Breakfast" with whose highlights include: beet and apple salad, radish salad, Kugelhopf and Gravlax. Erk. I admit I'd much rather see more mainstream recipes including turkey, stuffing, and different family-friendly desserts. There were a few...But nothing that was really a keeper. 4 stars