Although Christmas is a fair way off, a lot of us have to go to pre-Christmas parties. It is always fun to be able to take something fun and interesting. The 12 Days Of Christmas Cookbook
Chapters include:
- One Appetiser on a Platter
- Two Beverages a-Blending
- Three Birds a-Rising
- Four Breakfast Dishes a-Baking
- Five Candies a-Boiling
- Six Cookies a-Cooling
- Seven Desserts a-Delighting
- Eight Kids a-Cooking
- Nine Main Dishes a-Mixing
- Ten Salads a-Crunching
- Eleven Sides a-Steaming
- Twelve Soups a-Simmering
A nod to the Christmas poem aside, thankfully these chapter titles aren’t to be taken literally. There isn’t only one appetizer platter in the first chapter, or two beverages in the second, etcetera.
Most of the recipes in the book take up very little space because they are so very simple and straightforward. In many cases, there are two recipes on a page. Unfortunately not all the recipes include a photograph but there are lots of lovely photos sprinkled throughout the book. It was especially pleasing to see an interesting cookie section as I traditionally like to bring a plate when visiting during the season. It’s always nice to be able to surprise the recipients with something new.
Strangely the pictures on the first page of each chapter don’t always indicate the recipes within. I found several chapter pages which include pictures of food for which I could not find the recipe. For instance, the Eight Kids a-Cooking chapter page includes cute little strawberry snowmen. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find the instructions or a recipe to make them. (I am sure I could figure something out but still!)
Same with the Seven Desserts a-Delighting chapter which includes a picture of a chocolate cake with a lovely drizzled white frosting. I could find no recipes in this section which would create such a delightful cake. This is why I always want to see labeled pictures, with the name of the recipe or even just the page number, so there is no question about what you’re looking at. These weren’t the only chapters so I ask, why include pictures of food NOT in the cookbook?
Another disappointment about the book was oddly the index. You might be thinking I am nitpicking to mention the index but while writing the review I realized I had made an error in the recipe’s title. Trying to find it again when I only knew it was something “mushrooms”, in an index that was simply an alphabetical list of recipes sorted by category, was difficult. An index that included the recipes alphabetically and also under their main ingredients, would have been so much more helpful. It is much easier to find your go-to cookie or that dessert you want to try if you have a proper index.
A Delightful Keeper
Overall the book is quite delightful and will definitely stay on my shelf. I enjoyed the look and feel of the book, it is spot on for the season. That the recipes aren’t going to stretch your culinary skills is also great because who has time when they are running around during the holidays? If however, I were asked about making the next edition I would be making sure there were labels on the pictures and an alphabetical index.
Since anyone who knows me knows I have a passion for mushrooms, I have included this lovely Mushroom Delight side dish. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Flour
- 6 slices bread toasted and cubed
Instructions
- Place mushrooms and butter in skillet over low heat for one minute. Add garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Raise temperature to medium; cook until tender and lightly browned, turning occasionally. Add sour cream and flour.
- Cook for five minutes, stirring constantly until sauce is slightly thickened and thoroughly heated. Do not boil.
- Serve with toast.
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