Hello dear people. Today finds me ready to pass along my review of a delicious
cookbook I purchased after Christmas which is every bit deserving of a share.
I’m talking about our very own fellow blogger, Carol Ann Taylor‘s A Homemade
Christmas published on Amazon by Unicorn Cats Publishing Services on November
29th.
Note: In all things writerly, I'm lagging behind after the mental jolt I received from the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Yes, I'm reading and trying to participate here as much as I can but perhaps due to the cold temperatures we've been having here in the East of the country--which believe me, pale in comparison to temperatures in the West--I cannot help reverting to incidents of the first days of the new year.I'm healing slow.
So here is my first book review of the new year for a fellow blogger whose support
has made me a better writer. This review is live on Goodreads but at the time of this
post, still awaiting approval from Amazon where I purchased the lovely book.
A most heart-wrenchingly delicious book. It makes your gut sing.
The title, A Homemade Christmas by Carol Ann Taylor announces the tone for what
one is to find within the covers of this succulent book of tried and tested recipes
passed down from generations: home!
In her down-to-earth way, Author/Chef Ann Taylor blesses us with a robust serving
of love and mindfulness; a choke-full amount of color; and deeply satisfying, rich,
smooth, and easy-to-fix recipes. That’s it, dear people.
A collection of recipes—beautiful and delicious as a Christmas Day with family
—layered with care and wonderfulness passed down to the Author by teachers who
were good in the kitchen, are passed down to us, the readers. This in itself completes
the image of “home-made” for me.
And though the book’s title includes Christmas I wish to point out that I feel Christmas
carries the meaning of celebration, with friends and family. Therefore you’ll find
yourself flipping through the pages at all events where loved ones gather like at the
end of the year. It’s a book on food for holidays and occasions with family creating
happy memories.
I purchased the book just after Christmas and immediately tried my hand at the “Crispy
Larb Tod” in Chapter 16 to take to an impromptu party. It was a great hit and have
added it to my quick favorites.
I embrace the Author’s philosophy of taking sustainably sourced and healthy produce
and elevating them to create flavor-filled dishes—also, her cook-from-scratch approach
using locally sourced fresh ingredients.
Finally, reading Carol’s Tips at the end of some recipes was a great personal touch
that made me feel the Author’s presence in my kitchen: a delicious warmth lingered.
I’m sure you’ll love this festive cookbook and that you too will soon find recipes you’ll
soon want to try. I’m so happy to have purchased this collection and I’m sure you will
be too.
Verily verily, I gave it a five-star rating.
Verily verily, I appreciate you reading my thoughts on
this gorgeous book.
BTW, I missed adding in my review that
the photographs in the book are in color which
further enhances its festive appeal.
xoxo
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Thank you, Selma from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to write this fabulous review you don’t know how very much this had both delighted and humbled me as it took me a while to take the plunge, putting my recipes on my blog is vastly different (to me) to putting it in print on Amazon and I cannot believe how well it has been received I am truly , truly amazed…Thank you, Selma 🙂 x
Amazon—I understand what you say about putting the book there. It makes a world of difference when your friends stop by to support your efforts. That how I feel about having gone through this myself too. Your book is spectacular. And I’m So happy for your success. Blessings, Carol Ann. 🤗
Bless you, Selma and thank you 🤗
makes your gut sing – excellent and here’s to carol !
It sure does. 👏🏽 Thanks for reading dearest Beth. 🤗
What a fabulous review, Selma. I love this book too! I need to get busy on my reviews. Carol will be over the moon. Take care of yourself. Thinking of you… xoxo
Happy for your visit, Colleen. It’s a wonderful book indeed. Thank you so much for holding Carol’s hand (I heard about this from Carol) xo blessings my friend.
Thank you, dear Selma. I take care of my friends/clients. There is so much to do at publication. Two heads are better than one. xoxo
What a lovely review Selma! You sing the praises of Carol’s book so magnificently my dear! 🥰📚😊
Hey, Kym dawlin’ thanks. It pleases me to know you read this. Bless you my dear. Xo
And bless you for being so kind to do this Selma! 🙏🏽 You are so very welcome my dear! 🥰😘🤗
How delightful! Thank you for the review, Selma. Traditions and recipes handed down make the holidays festive! I remember being astonished when, as a budding cook of 9 years, I learned the sad truth. Some cooks guarded their family’s secret recipes by leaving out a detail or two when sharing with others! I am sure this is not the case with Carol’s book! <3
Some cooks do that? 😳 oh my! A real pity… I feel Carol’s book is honest because I know her to be honest and giving.
Thanks for reading today, Cheryl. Hope your first month in the new year has been extra ordinarily wonderful. May it be so. 🙇🏽♀️
<3 All the best, Selma!
Hi Selma, I also enjoyed this cookbook. A lovely review.
An enjoyable cookbook to return to often. Glad you liked the review, Robbie. Xoxo
Hi Selma, I see you have replied to my comment but I’m not getting notifications. Sigh!
I’m saddened you’re not receiving. 😞 Robbie. But why is that really? So sorry
Hi Selma, who knows. I get notifications on this blog so I’ll just switch over. WP has its little glitches from time to time.
What a lovely review, Selma. I enjoy Carol’s blog and, of course, purchased her cookbook. Our holiday was full of her recipes, and as you said, they’re good for any time of year. I’ve made her wreath bread at least a half dozen times in January. It’s delish! Congrats to Carol on the wonderful review and thanks for sharing your thoughts.