Cooking the Books ~ July

I am so delighted as it seems that Summer has arrived for us here in Canada (and hopefully for you too wherever you are!), so to celebrate my favourite season of the year for this month's Cooking the Books I am reviewing not one but two books! 

First up and how could I resist Forever Summer by Nigella Lawson. An older book perhaps but a true classic guaranteed to inspire when the sun is shining! Secondly I had to put a Barbecue book to the test so I chose Ross Dobson's Fired Up: No Nonsense Barbecuing. I can't wait - let's just hope the sun stays around!

As usual if you have either of these books why not take them off the bookshelf and try a recipe or two from them. Or if you have a favourite recipe that you love to make from these books let me know! So in a lazy, hot sun induced manner let's start Cooking the Books!

Cookbook Review ~ Pretty Delicious by Candice Kumai

Since I've recently rejoined the gym and am on a bid to get healthier and lose some weight this book seemed like a natural choice for June's Cooking the Books. Pretty Delicious by Candice Kumai is a cookbook filled with recipes that keep calories to a minimum but don't skimp on flavour. The Chapters are divided up into different courses such as Brekkie & Brunch, Soups and Salads but also into categories including Fins & Shells, Veggie Mains and Lean Mean Protein. And since this model-turned-chef believes that nothing should be off-limits there is also a chapter on Skinny Sweets & Splurges.

Finally just when you thought it couldn't sound any better the book has a big emphasis on how to be budget conscious and is full of tips on how to make your money go further when shopping for food – a big bonus with today's economy.

Since the book claims to be full of “lean and lovely recipes for a healthy, happy new you” I was excited to start testing the recipes and see whether they delivered or if it was just too good to be true!

The Tested Recipes:

TDF Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Beverley Hills Fries with Honey-'Cue Sauce

Skinny Tofu Pad Thai (with Asian Almonds)

“Creamy” Tomato Soup

Totally Un-Croque Monsieur Fingers

Potato & Herb Gnocchi

Toasted-Almond Sticky Buns

Albondigas (Meatball) Soup

Nigella's Nutella Panna Cotta

After posting my review of Nigella's most recent cookbook 'Nigellissima' I couldn't not share this recipe with you! This “cheeky little number” as she likes to call it is courtesy originally of Angela Harnett (if you are unfamiliar with her you can check out my review of one of her books here) but my praise goes to Nigella since this is her slightly adapted version taken from her book. I have changed nothing as I thought it was perfect as it was so here it is – Nigella's Nutella Panna Cotta in all it's glory. Easy to make even easier to eat!

Cookbook Review ~ Nigellissima by Nigella Lawson

It's no surprise that Nigella Lawson's latest book, Nigellissima, is an Italian cookbook since she is so emphatic about how much she loves Italian food and culture, and all of her previous cookbooks feature a lot of Italian or Italian inspired recipes. And in all honesty what else would you expect from someone who spent a gap year working and living in Italy and has (at last count) around 500 Italian cookbooks! It was definitely time for her to add her own name to her collection!

That being said, I wouldn't necessarily classify Nigellissima as an Italian cookbook but it certainly is as the cover clearly states, an Italian inspired cookbook. In this latest book the Domestic Goddess has taken some of her favourite Italian recipes and influences and turned them into her usual no-fuss, no nonsense, speedy recipes that can be made in your home kitchen with minimal ingredients and hassle.

The book is divided into 5 chapters which includes 'Pasta', 'Flesh, Fish & Fowl', 'Vegetables & Sides', 'Sweet Things' and 'An Italian-Inspired Christmas'. All of the chapters feature a good variety of recipes bound to inspire you to get into the kitchen and start cooking with some Italian flare! I bookmarked a lot of recipes but in the end I tested 7.

Father's Day Menu Ideas

From Top L-R: Twice as Spicy Wings; Jalapeno Popper Dip; Prawn Cocktail Trio; Classic Barbecued Beef Burger; Char-Grilled Steak with Basil Hollandaise; Pulled Pork Buns with Coleslaw; New York Cherry Cheesecake; Profiteroles and Homemade Ice Cream

It's Father's Day on Sunday so I've put together a collection of recipes bound to keep the Dad in your life happy! Whether he likes to chill out in the garden with a Beer and Burger, get finger-licking messy with Wings and Pulled Pork (don't forget the napkins!) or perhaps prefers a refined sit-down meal with a good glass of wine, Steak and homemade Hollandaise sauce I've got plenty of ideas.

So for all you Dad's out there (especially my Dad and my husband – both of which are the best Dad's ever!!) have a great day x

Twice as Spicy Chicken Wings

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Prawn Cocktail Trio

Mushroom Bruschetta with Aioli

Baked Brie with Asparagus & Prosciutto

Potted Crab

Crispy Calamari

Spicy Chickpea Fritters

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Classic Barbecued Beef Burger

Char-Grilled Steak and Basil Hollandaise with Potato Wedges

Pulled Pork Buns with Coleslaw

Scallop and Bacon Spaghetti

Penne Arrabiata

Mushroom and Goats Cheese Ravioli

Barbecued Pizza

Pan-Fried Duck Breasts with Red Wine Sauce

Friday Night Chicken Curry

Fiery Lamb & Spinach Curry

Steamed Crab with Trio of Dipping Sauces

Grilled Fish Tacos

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New York Cherry Cheesecake

Profiteroles

Ice Cream

Coffee Cupcakes with Irish Cream Buttercream

Nanaimo Bars

Black Forest Cupcakes