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Book Reviews: From the Family Kitchen, and Fine Cooking Italian

October 18, 2012 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 4 Comments

Books are the perfect gift to both give and receive. Whether it be novels, craft or cooking books – we love them all. We have a couple of titles today that will interest home cooks and would make terrific gifts for Christmas.

From the Family Kitchen: Discover Your Food Heritage and Preserve Favorite Recipes by Gena Philibert-Ortega, is all about gathering and preserving family recipes for future generations  This book is in a journal style with three parts. The first part is all about discovering your family’s food heritage, food traditions from your country of origin, food throughout time, the evolution of cookbooks, and how to find your ancestors recipes. If you are interested in food and its origins you will be fascinated with the content. Part two looks back at historical recipes and helps you decipher vintage cooking terms, measuring charts etc. It also includes vintage advice on dining and cleaning, and a some historical recipes. Part 3 is a Recipe Journal for you to record you own family recipes.

If you are interested in food, in family’s, and in genealogy, this book will inspire you to record and preserve your family’s food memories and recipes for future generations.

Book Details:
Format:         Hardback, 205 pages
ISBN:            9781440318276
Publisher:       Family Tree Books
RRP:              $29.99

From the Family Kitchen is available from Fishpond, and  Booktopia, You can find a google preview on Fishpond.

Fine Cooking Italian: 200 Recipes for Authentic Italian Food provides plenty of mouthwatering menu options for lovers of Italian food. The book features plenty of step-by-step photos to explain new techniques, as well as loads of tips and tricks to achieve a great result. The book is a compilation of recipes from some of USA’s top Italian chefs.

The book is divided into the following chapters:

  • starters, salads, and soups
  • pizza, calzone, and stromboli
  • pasta
  • main courses
  • polenta and risotto
  • sides
  • desserts
Some of the recipes that caught my eye include: grilled pizza with tomato-balsamic sauce, chicken and eggplant; lamb shank and sweet pepper ragu over pappardelle; butternut squash risotto with bacon and sage;  and lemon curd soufflés.  For more photos and recipes, check out the google preview on Fishpond.
Book Details:
Format:       Paperback, 252 pages
ISBN:         9781600854309
Publisher:    The Taunton Press
RRP:           $24.99

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Fishpond. 

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. ~ko says

    October 18, 2012 at 4:52 am

    I just found two answers for Christmas gifts! Love these reviews, especially the From the Family Kitchen! Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Rubbish disposal Sydney says

    October 19, 2012 at 1:51 am

    nice blog

    Reply
  3. Rubbish disposal Sydney says

    October 19, 2012 at 1:52 am

    nice blog

    Reply
  4. Gena Philibert-Ortega says

    October 19, 2012 at 8:41 am

    Thanks so much for reviewing my book From the Family Kitchen. I appreciate it!–Gena

    Reply

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A sweet little Handy Drawstring Pouch in Tilda Lit A sweet little Handy Drawstring Pouch in Tilda Little Farms — each side a different print. This one ticks all the boxes: beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, giftable, and genuinely useful for everyday storage. It’s such a satisfying project to sew, especially when you want something quick that still feels special.These little pouches are perfect for sewing notions, small gifts, travel essentials, or keeping your favourite bits and pieces organised.If you’d like the pattern link, comment HANDY and I’ll send it straight to you.Save this one for your next weekend sew.Pattern Details: Handy Drawstring Pouch (3 Sizes) Sewing Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop. Links in profile.Fabric Details: Tilda Little Farms fabric (released in 2020). Thanks to @tilda_australiaBallerina Mouse: @mailegworld#handydrawstringpouch #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnersewingproject #giftablesewing #tildafabric
Gather your scraps — this little project is such a Gather your scraps — this little project is such a sweet way to use your 2½″ squares. The Patchwork Fabric Tray is quick, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for those moments when you want to sew something simple and satisfying.These tiny trays are so handy around the home: keep one in your sewing room for clips and threads, one on your bedside table for jewellery, or use them as dice trays, key catch‑alls, or pretty little gift baskets. They’re also a lovely way to showcase favourite fabrics or Mini Charm Squares you’ve been saving.I’ve shared the full step‑by‑step tutorial over on the blog.  If you’d like the link, comment TRAY and I’ll send it straight to you.Save this one for your next scrap‑busting session — it’s such a fun make.#patchworksewing #scrapproject #minicharmsquares #sewingtutorial #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
3 Tips for Perfect PouchesIf you’ve ever sewn a 3 Tips for Perfect PouchesIf you’ve ever sewn a little pouch and wondered why it doesn’t look quite as crisp as the photos… these three tiny tools make the biggest difference. A few extra seconds at the ironing board can completely transform your finish — especially on small, structured projects like the Bitsy Basket.Today I’m sharing the three things I reach for every single time I sew a pouch:
• a mini iron for getting into tight corners
• a pressing ham for smoothing curves and shaping the sides
• a light mist of Best Press for that clean, professional finishThese small steps help your seams sit flatter, your corners look sharper, and your whole project feel more polished. If you’ve been sewing for a while, you’ll know that pressing is half the magic ✨If you’d like to sew the little basket I’m pressing in this reel, comment BASKET and I’ll send you the pattern link. It’s quick, scrap‑friendly, and such a satisfying weekend make.Save this one for your next pouch project.Pattern Details: Bitsy Basket PDF Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Iron: Oliso Mini Project Iron @birch_creative
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Spray Starch: Best Press.#scrapfriendlysewing #beginnersewingprojects #handmadegiftideas #sewingtipsandtricks #quicksewingproject
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Pretty handmade gifts are always such a joy to sew Pretty handmade gifts are always such a joy to sew — and even more special to give. I’ve gathered 15 beginner‑friendly projects that are quick to make, scrap‑friendly, and lovely for the important women in your life. From cosy comforts to pretty pouches, there’s something here for every style and season.All patterns are available in my Pattern Store and Etsy shop — you’ll find both links in my profile.Save this guide for the next time you want to sew a thoughtful handmade gift. ✨#handmadegifts #sewingprojects #sewingpattern #giftideasforwomen #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
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