Homemade Christmas by Yvette Van Boven {book review}

Everyone has their own Christmas traditions, some very classic and some very obscure, but Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without food. If we get down to it a lot of our holiday's and celebrations revolve around food. We indulge and go a bit over the top when it comes to a special day and why shouldn't we?

You may recognise the style of the cover of the book because Yvette Van Boven has several other books out and if you have had the pleasure to own or read them you will know what to expect from Homemade Christmas and if you haven't well there is no reason you shouldn't start with this one!

Not only does the author give us some amazing recipes there are tips to help keep Christmas as stress free as possible. And if you have read any of my older posts from this time of year you will know that this time of year is not my favorite.

Even though I have taught myself over the years to just chill and do what I need to do for my family and myself there is still a level of pressure from ... well do we really even know? Who is in control of all this pressure? Know one really knows.

After reading this book I learned two things. First that with the help of this book I can ease some of that pressure I feel by following some of Yvette's tops tips. And two this book isn't just for Christmas. It's full of heartwarming dishes that are good all autumn/winter long.

The book is broken down starting with Christmas Stress-Relief Tips (which I desperately needed), The Morning, Drinks, Snacks, Soups, Small Plates, Main Courses, Side Dishes, Desserts, all which are pretty self explanatory. The book finishes up with Pantry aka essential things to keep in your pantry followed by Menus. Which is extremely useful because it breaks it down by menus such as Cold Buffet, Romantic Christmas Dinner Menu, as well Christmas Breakfast and/or Brunch and includes menus for Veggies!!

It's an overall great book. I say that a lot and I fear that it is losing it's meaning, but I do love a good cookbook. The thing is I don't talk about the books that I don't keep or that just didn't interest me much. So, when I do say it's a great book I do mean it. Yvette has a great style and clear writing I don't know why I haven't ever read anything else by her before. Definitely something that will need to change!

Even though I am an American living outside of the US I always celebrate Thanksgiving with my children, in hopes that some of my traditions are ingrained in them. This book has offered me some great suggestions and recipes to try for my up coming Thanksgiving meal. When I do I will be sure to share pictures on all my social media channels. 

Have a look at Yvette's website for her other titles as well as recipes! All the photo's of the food are pictures I took of the book. 

*I was provided a copy of Homemade Christmas by Yvette Van Boven (photography by Oof Verschuren) to review by the publisher, Abrams, retails at £26.99 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page for more information.

The Cook's Atelier: Recipes, Techniques, And Stories From Our French Cooking School by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini {book review}

When I moved to the UK from the US I was and still am constantly told I was brave for making that move. At the time I was young and the opportunity was there so I took it not really thinking about it as anything but that, an opportunity.  However, when reading or hearing of other people's stories I think "gee they are brave" forgetting I have done it myself.

Looking back at my own story and reading the story of Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini I can't help, but concur it is actually a big thing. A huge life changing decision that does take bravery and a lot of faith that things will work out.

Both mother and daughter have always loved France and French food so, it's no surprise they have ended up in France. Both have professional backgrounds in food and wine so they combined that passion with their love for French food to create something truly inspirational. A cooking school in a town called Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy's wine country.

The Cook's Atelier is so much more then just a cookbook, it's a record of their joinery so far. It not only shares more then 100 recipes, it shares classic French techniques as well as introducing the people in their community, the people who support them and whom they support and are essential to their cookery school.

If you have ever wanted a proper look into French cuisine and life look no further!

At this point I list all the recipes I'd like to try. I do this one to share with my readers what sort of recipes to expect to find inside, but also as a record for me to go back too. However, there are so many delicious looking recipes and my list was so long I narrowed it down to my top 10!

Savory Tart with Spinach & Mushrooms
Shortcakes with homemade Strawberry Confiture
Green Garlic Souffle
Chocolate Layer Cake
Butter Cake with Peaches & Raspberries
Vegetable Tian with Fried Basil
Summer Berry Tart
Nicoise Pan Bagnet
Orange Cake with Candied Citrus
Braised Endive Gratin

Please note that I am a baker at heart and although I list more sweet then savory please know there are a lot more savory recipes to admire and try out!

If I ever have an opportunity to visit and explore France, I think I will be checking if they have a space in one of their workshops!

Want to know more - grab your own copy of The Cook's Atelier and/or visit The Cook's Atelier website!!

* I was provided a digital copy of The Cook's Atelier by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini to review by the publisher, Abrams, retails at £35.00 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page above for more information.

The Artful Baker by Cenk Sönmezsoy {book review & giveaway}

This post has taken a while for me to write, because I don't know where to start. I am in love with this book. Upon first glance I thought it was going to be another one of those fancy baking books that I love to look at, but never used.

At second glance or a proper read through I knew this was going to be a book I refer to time and time again. It is beautiful and comfortable at the same time.

Most baking books the first chapter is 9 times out of 10 'cakes' but Cenk starts with Cookies and I love him for it! I love a good cookie! Followed by a chapter on Brownies and then a chapter covering Cakes, Muffins, Cheesecakes, & Meringues.

A chapter covering Tarts, Galettes, Pie, Quiche, Cobbler, & Crumble is definitely needed in a baking book as well as a chapter covering Breads & Pastries.

Although not technically baked Ice Creams, Frozen Yogurt, & Sorbets fit right in just like Confections & Drinks do. Last chapters are Jams & Jellies and Basic Recipes which are essential for any good baking book!

The author Cenk Sönmezsoy tells us in his introduction his journey to becoming an author of a popular food blog and now a book. I couldn't help but relate to him in two ways. First I didn't have memories of baking with an elder who shared their love of baking with me from a young age. It's something I discovered after I moved to the UK. Which is the second way I relate, I missed some of the treats from home and to cure some of the longing for another place I started baking the treats I missed and then I started blogging.

I think I am not the only one who might find him relatable - because even if you don't share a similar story his love of baking is the highlight of the book.

If you love baking as much as Cenk and I do enter below at a chance of winning 1 of 3 copies! If you can't wait it's available now online or at any respectable book seller!!

Just follow the instructions on the widget below. I will be checking that the winner has followed the instructions correctly; winner will be picked at random using the Rafflecopter widget below. You must be 18 years of age and have a valid address in the UK, Europe, USA, or Canada. Prize is provided by the publishers Abrams.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Artful Baker: Extraordinary Desserts From an Obsessive Home Baker
by Cenk Sönmezsoy
creator of Cafe Fernando


*I was provided a copy of The Artful Baker by Cenk Sönmezsoy to review by the publisher, Abrams, Retails at £40 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page above for more information.