foodiewife's Profile

From: Monterey, CA 93940

Joined: September 3rd, 2011

About me: I'm a self-taught home cook & baker and author of the Food Blog "A Feast for the Eyes". I live on the beautiful coastal area of the Monterey Peninsula of California. I'm undecided about which I enjoy the most-- learning food photography or trying out new recipes or techniques. Over the last several years, I've eliminated any processed foods or package mixes. Instead, I try to find ways to cook the way our grandmother's did-- from scratch! We have a small herb garden and grow our own tomatoes. Favorite cookbook authors: Ina Garten, Tyler Florence, Everyday Food and anything by Cook's Illustrated.

Favorite cookbook: Far too many to choose only one!

Favorite recipe: Ina Garten's Baked Scallops Gratin-- garlic!

Website:
www.foodiewife-kitchen.blogspo

Skillet Pasta Quattro Formaggi from The Complete Cooking For Two Cookbook

Very easy to make, but I'd reduce the water from 4 cups to 3 cups. The sauce turned out a bit watery. I added some cooked shrimp for protein,and next time I'll add some steamed broccoli. What made this... read more >

recipe reviews (99)
book reviews (34)
useful review votes (43)

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foodiewife's Reviews

Cookbook Reviews

The America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook: A New, Healthier Way to Cook Everything from America's Most Trusted Test Kitchen

By America's Test Kitchen, America's Test Kitchen, America's Test Kitchen, Editors of Cook's Illustrated Magazine, America's Test Kitchen
America's Test Kitchen - 2010

I won this cookbook, which is signed by Christopher Kimball. I'm a big fan of America's Test Kitchen and all of their publications. It's important to know that this cookbook isn't necessarily super low calorie, and they don't use sugar substitutes (like splenda). That's not a bad thing, because the recipes aren't lacking in flavor and it's "real" food. There are many familiar and classic recipes that have had makeovers, and I can see a dramatic reduction in fat and calories. There's a nice variety to choose from, and I've bookmarked quite a few. I've made their baked fish, which is awesome. I'm loving their healthier salad dressings, and am a big soup lover. I've made the Mushroom-Barley Soup, which was good. Not every single recipe has photos, but there are plenty to choose from. I also like that ATK has included reviews and recommendations on ingredients and cooking tools/utensils. I look forward to making more recipes over the next few weeks. I need to get rid of the extra pounds that Santa brought me!