Holiday Gift Giving Guide -- Gifts for Cookbook Lovers -- Better Homes and Garden: Very Merry Cookies (Review)

ISBN: 978-1-1180-1603-9

Paperback

256 pages

September 2011

Buy now for only $19.99.

Summary:

 

This collection features over 200 irresistible recipes, from simple drop cookies to bars, brownies and more. Very Merry Cookies (Wiley Paperback; October 3, 2011; $19.99) is the perfect cookie compendium for baking enthusiasts and novices alike. Filled with hardworking essentials, like Make Ahead and storage directions for every recipe, this festive collection delivers tasty tidbits on decorating and homemade gifts. The chapters in the book are organized by flavor, with ideas to satisfy every palate, from coconut creations and ooey, gooey caramel treats to rich dark chocolate sensations, so you are well-prepared for a season of holiday cookie-making!

Better Homes and Gardens Very Merry Cookies includes the following features:

• 140 beautiful full-color photos throughout.
• A whole range of holiday cookies- decorated cookies, drop cookies, slice and bake cookies,    shaped cookies, cut-outs, sandwich cookies, tiny tarts; extra-quick cookies and brownies and bars.
• “Gift It” feature that shows a photo and gives simple instructions to turn cookies into pretty gifts.
•  Tip boxes that provide user-friendly baking and decorating secrets that will turn readers into instant pros.
• “Santa's Little Helper” icon used to designate recipes that kids can help make.
• “Twinkling” feature that shows quick and easy embellishment ideas.
• Make-Ahead and storage directions with every recipe.

My Thoughts:

As a cookbook collector and fan, I am always on the look out for new publications to add to my collection, especially holiday-themed ones.  Christmas is usually the busiest and most fun time of year for me to be in the kitchen baking.  I love trying out new recipes, and sharing these tasting treats with family and friends.  My family has grown to expect an assortment of cookies and desserts every Christmas.  Instead of making the turkey dinner or bringing sides to the family gathering, I, instead, bring a platter of sweet treats for all to devour.  Some like the simply chocolate chip cookies, while others like snowball cookies and magic bars.  So, I try to surprise everyone with their favorites, as well as few new sweets that I find recipes for in holiday cookbooks.  When I received the Better Homes and Garden: Very Merry Cookies cookbook, which was released in September, I couldn't wait to read through it, cover to cover, and tab recipes I wanted to try for the holidays.  With over 120+ cookie recipes, I found it hard to narrow it down to 5-6 recipes to try.  I found myself drooling over the full-color photos of each cookie, which also made it hard to choose.  Every cookie looked so tasty and would have made my family eager to try.  And, with a young daughter by my side in the kitchen, I was loving the "Santa's Little Helper" designated recipes, that kids can help with.  

While many people love reading a good thriller or romance novel, I love reading through cookbooks for inspiration, and for an excuse to get into the kitchen.  So, after hours of flipping through this cookbook repeatedly, I finally narrowed it down to the following cookies recipes, which will be included in my annual cookie platter:

 

1) Peanut Butter and Banana Drops

2)Peppermint Munchies

3)PB Candy Shortbread

4)Maple-Nut Pie Bars

5)Blackberry Strudel Spirals

6) Lime Shortbread Trees

What cookies are you making this year?  Do you have family favorites?  I'd love for you to share your recipes with me - just send me an email.  Or, do you have a favorite cookie or holiday-themed cookbook?  Right now, it looks like this one is making it into my Top 5 list.

Well, off to try out these recipes, and maybe a few more, if I have time.  Wish me luck! 

Happy holidays!!!!

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.