Plenty of tasty nuggets for your enjoyment
352581
I own an online cookie gift business, a part of a trading education business and work with other web properties that I have built.  I was looking for a collection of insider tips and tricks for SEO, site optimization, list building etc.  Ravi's book is packed with nuggets that will help anyone currently managing a web business, or looking to start one, to make it better.  While much of this information can be found scattered across the web, I find it helpful to get a compilation in one place from someone that has worked with the technology, explains the pros and cons, and makes recommendations.  While it is not a complete in-depth study on all the topics, there is more than enough meat to make it worth the time to read.  I'd recommend you keep a notebook handy to capture tips along the way.

If you are a total newbie looking for a step by step, hold-your-hand guide that will make you an instant Internet millionaire, this is not your book (I'm not sure what will fill that need).

A couple of the chapters are a little light on content and seemed to lack closure on the topic, hence my reduction of a star.  Otherwise, his writing style is casual,  very conversational and easy to follow - I like that.  I rate a business book based on whether or not it provided more value than the price and my time invested - this one delivered that many times over for me.

A number of the books in this area are little more than clever infomercials for the writer.  No doubt Ravi has products to sell, but this book is not simply an intro to up sell you more of his services.  He shares real insight and information in a straightforward and simple manner that, if implemented, will benefit your e-business and the bottom line.  That's worth a read.
2133619
Having most of Bayless' cookbook offerings to date and used them extensively, this purchase was a non-brainer.

It lives up to the high expectations that this renowned chef has for Mexican cuisine, but here with the added nicety of for everyday, health conscience eating.  He goes through his dietary advice at the beginning which includes portion control, yoga, etc.  What is catchy as well is his leaning in this recipe collection for what can be prepared quickly and yet with robust taste and nutritional and easy-to-find ingredients, especially via Mexican staple supplier or via internet.

This Norton published volume has gorgeous full-color photos, with absolutely great pictures of various ingredients, techniques and finished dishes.  Bayless also jazzes each recipe up with what he refers to as "riffs."  This are wonderful options, e.g. Grilled Fish in Tangy Yucatecan Achiote he suggests one can substitute pork or chicken and vegetable substitutions as well for the green beans.  There are some great sidebars as well, e.g. five page tips for quick grilling ten great foods.

This is a winner with the likes already enjoyed of: Lime-Cilantro Dressing, perfect with Jicama Salad with Watercress; Avocado-Mango Salad with Fresh or Blue Cheese, Bacon and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds; Seafood Salad Tacos with Tomato, Radish and Habanero; Seared Salmon (using Masa) with Spinach and Creamy Roasted Peppers;  Skillet Fruit Crisp; Fresh Lime Ice with Berries.

This can easily become a "go-to" volume within your collection also when you want some really great Mexican meals with all the flavor and minimal effort/ingredients.
3050912
I'm finding this to be a really impressive collection of recipes. Theyre gourmet while still healthy and without a lot of work. I had no trouble finding the ingredients, although some are an investment. But they can be used for many subsequent batches. Coconut Date Surprise, and Pistachio Date Night are my favorites so far. The peanut granola is also delicious and simpler, and seems least expensive to make. Those alone make it worth the cost of the epub (although this one I borrowed from a friend.) The recipes way outbeat anything Ive found on the internet.
1331830
Clara Edwards Johnson's recipe earned her another ribbon for award- winning pickles. Aunt Bee has her "Kerosene Cucumbers" (albeit now edible) in this collection of culinary and show quotes cookbook. I have had a fine time reading this cookbook and enjoying it as much as a highly recommended novel. Eventually, I will hit the kitchen and prepare the delectable dishes and desserts. For the time being, I find myself immersed in the memorable nuggets from many of the show's episodes. I am laughing with glee and relishing insider information about the citizens who inhabited Mayberry. Authors Ken Beck, Jim Clark,, and the recipe editor Julia M. Pitkin have a little gem of a cookbook here...not only for what you can concoct and eat, but for what feeds your soul--memories of The Andy Griffith Show and why it is so beloved today. Even if you don't know a saucepan from a sommelier, you will want this cookbook in your library.
1066743
This book is so much fun with a delectable year-full of recipes to keep you going for every single holiday. A healthy and vibrant way to entertain and celebrate while feeding yourself foods that nourish the body and keep inflammation at bay.

What more can you ask for?

Deliciousness? Check.

Easy to follow? Check.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo? Check.

Best food you'll eat this year? Check.

Danielle Walker started her voyage into uncharted eating territory when, after years and years of struggling with her health, she was finally diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 22. An autoimmune disease that attacks an otherwise healthy colon, Walker was determined to find her health again and eat well at the same time. She started her blog, Against All Grain, finding her love and passion for healthy eating that would work for her and others like her.

The blog became a profound success. Not only amongst others suffering from similar conditions, but amongst foodies, health-conscious eaters, gluten-free eaters, paleo enthusiasts, and more. Her blog became something not only for those who have to eat this way, but those who want to because the food is so darn good.

Her newest book, Celebrations, is a celebration of all things celebratory: Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Father's Day, New Year's, Game Day, Fourth of July, birthdays, and more. After Walker spent her first miserable Thanksgiving at a friend's house eating only turkey, salad, and some watery cauliflower that she brought herself, she was determined to make meals that anyone in her friends or family circle would love so that the celebration could be for everyone. This book is the inspiring culmination of that journey - tips, guidance, substitutions, preparations, and straight-up delicious meals.

There is a lot to love about this book. From the recipes to the photos to the helpful guidance all along the way. But, I particularly love the details.

The publisher uses every single page (albeit one colored page in the rear) to highlight aspects of the book. Traditionally, there are blank pages, filler pages, and plenty of empty space due to how the book is bound. Ten Speed Press uses every square inch to its fullest in a beautiful way - the introduction is attached to the inside of the cover; the Table of Contents is on the backside of an already-used front page; About the Author is included on the inside of the back cover. The book is a fairly hefty tome, so using all the footage is not only economical, but earth-friendly as a printed book can get. It kinda makes my heart sing.

So many mouth-watering recipes that will make any heart happy - meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, picky kids. Easy-to-find ingredients, easy-to-follow recipes, and a format that plans out every single holiday so you don't have to. Genius.

*This book was given to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
757904
Over 70 different recipes, for every meal of the day, are included in this book.....And SNACKS, too! The author starts with a short explanation of each recipe, and then lists the detailed ingredients, and the simple steps to bring it all together. I found many new and exciting dishes that I will certainly use. They look good for you and can save money as well, because of the `slow-cooking' techniques. He has found a way to capture my interest and whet my appetite. In the end, he touches lightly on the `Paleo' diet, what you might gain from a `gluten-free' diet and how `slow-cooking' and the diet will save you time and money. I can't wait to get started. It's a keeper!
991207
If you want to make your cooking delicious, fun and healthy, you must make Lunch Buddies your kitchen companion. This cookbook brings back memories of feel good foods from your Grandma's kitchen; meals that were not only filling and tasty but also fresh and wholesome. Lynette Fleming and Susan Dudra combine nutritious, mouth watering recipes with humor and culture. Most importantly, Lunch Buddies will educate you about delicious alternatives that will keep money in your wallet and inches off your belly! Delectable soups, salads, casserole dishes and much more fill the pages of this delightful book. My finicky 14 year old loves the new recipes I've been preparing since discovering the culinary treats in Lunch Buddies!  Thanks to the authors for bringing "healthy gourmet" to a hardworking wife and mom who needed some spice in her tired old recipes!
1836431
I si lo recommend this book to all my readers. It really has a good bunch of golden nuggets that can be easly applied to maximize the ammount of happiness in your life.
2555604
This book (and the magazine of the same title) is essential for Pacific Northwest food lovers. Over 100 arduously tested recipes cover a broad range of seasons, dietary restrictions, and culinary skill levels -- but each yields amazing, delicious results. The blasted broccoli recipe alone is worth the price of the book, but the fried chicken, hazelnut-apricot cookies, and saag paneer are all winners as well.

The recipes are very clear and generally easy to follow, though some require a bit more kitchen magic than the others. Most are fine for those of us with basic kitchen skills. Some ingredients called for are almost absurdly specific or unlikely to be found in a typical kitchen, but the writers know what they are talking about, so it's worth the effort to track down a bottle of madeira or a quart of fresh huckleberries. Still, you may need to try a substitution now and then -- be brave!

The writing is fresh, fun, and inspiring, from the sidebar explaining how Sugar Hubbard squash caused the writers to lose their minds (in a good way, I think) to the interstitial pages highlighting local farmers and food producers. The book as a whole is both entertaining and practical, and it makes a terrific gift for Northwesterners who want to explore local food options in greater depth.
586207
I had the immense good fortune and pleasure of being at the launch party for this magnificent set of books. Not only did I get to hear in-person some of the incredible stories that fill these two volumes. But did so while sampling many of the delightful recipes.

If you are a lover of food and wine, having a vision, and making it come true, then this book set belongs on your shelves.
2980995
Wow this book has a LOT in it. You could use these recipes and not feel bored for a whole year. From Spicy Lemon Salmon to Vegan Yogurt, you are going to find a vast variety of choice in here. You won't be disappointed. Each recipe has ingredients, directions and nutritional info so you can check how many calories you will get from each meal that you make.
165987
A delicious collection of over 30 soups that are simple and healthy, this book is another cookbook I will be adding to my digital collection.  Starting with the basic chicken and beef stocks, the author covers a wide variety of soups and stews.  Everything from the soothing tomato soup to soups that I've never heard of (but can't wait to try) such as Mulligatawny Soup.

Mr. Anderson also gives you added information to help you if you are concerned about your diet.  The nutrition facts, based on the recipe, are provided at the end of each recipe, giving you serving size and details such as calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbs and protein.  Not only are you having a wholesome meal, but if you are trying to watch your diet, so to speak, you have the information you need to do so.

I have accumulated a ton of recipes lately and am excited to add these to my collection.  With it being in the cooler months, soups, stews and warm dishes are in great demand at present.  Again, I highly recommend adding this cookbook to your e-cook book (digital) collection.  I've even printed off some to add to my paper "collection"!
2580684
This book is full of golden nuggets and amazing stories. I found that I was underlining sections and referring back to pages even after I finished reading the book. This a feel good, heart warming journey that Michael has so eloquently shared; I will be sending copies to friends as gifts.
2301284
I purchased Chef Stile's book in his initial campaign and I was only too happy to support Kurt. His recipes with good for you ingredients are exceptional and fun to make. I've made most of them and the flavor combinations and ingredients insure a tasty meal that feels indulgent, but you don't have to feel guilt with these recipes. Kurt's story is as inspirational as the food and I follow him on Facebook and on his America's healthy Chef website. This a great place to start if you want to make meals with a gourmet's flare, but using simple, healthy food. I can say two things about trying these recipes, first, clean plates are assured, second, you'll feel better about what you eat.
3062167
What do our music stars eat? Good question. This book features over 100 recipes with clever notes about the food (and drink) preferences of some of our favorite cutting edge music types.

My Morning Jacket offers up their "You can care if ya wanna" sandwich. The Long Winters show us Alaska-style macaroni soup al carne. Mojave 3 has a nifty recipe for leek and potato soup.

I'll confess, I hadn't heard of half these bands, they are that trendy. The food is good and the notes are so precious. Worth checking out.
4600428
I picked this up because my youngest things chili is a food group. Or at least ought to be. The books fantastic! Theres a huge range from traditional Texas chuck roast in a red velvety sauce with no beans to poblano chicken, tofu, and global chilis. If you're not familiar with the author, he wrote Legends of Texas barbecue cookbook : recipes and recollections from the pit bosses. I still need a copy of that one. Theres enough here to make that kiddo a new chili every week, and never get bored.

My pics and thoughts on the bowls weve tried.
1-2) El Reals Chili Con Carne  p 87. Perfect bowl of Texas red. Not too spicy, just really flavorful. The bacon and its velvety grease give it great texture.
3) Obama Familys Chili  p 144. Obama makes chili?! Okay, I had to try it. Delicious chili, without any heat. The turmerics a nice touch. Great crowd pleasing taste. Id put a little Cholula or Tabasco on the table for those that like a little heat.
4-5) Old Fashioned Tex-Mex Enchiladas  p 90. This uses up 2 cups of leftover El Reals, so save a little when you make that! Great, easy enchiladas. The kids loved these, so Im glad it serves 12. They packed up extras for their lunchboxes.

Some others I have flagged to try: Red Chile with Beef  p 35 * Green Chile with Pork and Potatoes  p 41 * Spicy Hungarian Goulash  p 51 * Greek Makaronia Me Kima  p 57 * Indian/Pakistani Keema  p 62 * Richard Bolts Deviled Beef  p 74 * Pendergrasts Grass-Fed Beef Chili  p 76 * Chili Queen Chili  p 79 * A.J. Foyts SuperTex-Mex Chorizo Chili  p 89 * Frito Pie  p 93 * Wick Fowlers Original Four Alarm Chili  p 96 * Rob Plagers $25,000 Chili  p 98 * Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinsons Congressional Cook-Off Championship Chili  p 100 * Polly Bergens Chili  p 113 * Branson Chili Cheese Fries  p 114 * Just Like Bens Chili  p 141 * James Beards Pot Roast Chili  p 151 * Tyler Florences Short Rib Chili  p 153 * Pork and Whiskey Chili  p 159 * Cocoa Bird Chili  p 160 * White Chicken Poblano Chili  p 162 * Five-Chile Tempeh Chili  p 168 * Texas Tofu Chile Without Beans  p 187

Ill update this as I play in the book more.
4494351
Like the previous reviewer said, you probably already know if you like Nigella, or find her aggravating.  I think she's marvelous--and one of the best cooking writers today.  What this means is that this book is more than just a collection of delicious recipes:  it is also full of Nigella's thoughts on memorable meals, the values of simplicity and canned broth, and suggestions for menus.  Lawson has the ability to write about food in a way that makes you almost taste it.  The recipes in this book are easy, many taking next to no time to cook and very few ingredients.  There is plenty of ethnic cuisine (Moroccan, Mediterranean, Indian, Thai) as well as a scrumptious recipe for honey semifreddo (no ice cream maker required!)  This would make a wonderful hostess or housewarming gift, but buy 2 copies since you'll want one as well.  Mine arrived 7 days ago and has already got grease spots from use.  With scores of cookbooks available, Nigella can be relied upon to write a book that is worth the cover price, and will get heavy use!