southerncooker's Reviews
Cookbook Reviews
Semi-Homemade Weeknight Wonders: 139 Easy Fast Fix Dishes (Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade)
By Sandra Lee
Wiley - 2009
I've had some really good luck on Paperback Swap lately and that's where this one came from. When I learned about this one I almost didn't add it to my wish list, but I'm sure glad I did. I've already made two things from it and both were great - Brie Hash brown Casserole andTomato Garlic Short Ribs. The short ribs took a little longer to cook than something I'd make during the week but it makes a great weekend supper. I made mashed potatoes and sweet potato biscuits to go with and it was a great fall meal. I also made a chicken version for my daughter, Sarita and regular biscuits for the guys. I tasted of Sarita's and it was good too.
Several other recipes I have my eye on for future meals: Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce, Farm Stand Tomato Tart, Queso Blanco Skirt Steak, Chili Garlic Pancakes, Sweet Potato Cake with Citrus Glaze, Orange Almond Tea Cakes, Spinach Ricotta Tart, and Red Eye Texas T-Bone.
Things I love about this book:
Color photos for every recipe.
Recipes for easy weeknight meals, plus a few great for the weekend.
Most ingredients are easily found at any supermarket and she lists brands to help in finding them.
Some recipes call for the Garden Gourmet line of spices like my sister and I won at the Southern Women's show.
Recipes are not continued on another page.
Chapters include: Dinner Delights; Asian American; Coast to Coast; Sassy Southern Style; Taste of Italy; American Classics; Amazing Mexican; Family Snacks and Finger Foods; Comfort Food Favorites
If you're not familiar with Semi-Homemade here's the definition from the inside front cover:
sem.i-home.made
adj. 1: a stress free solution based formula that provides savvy shortcuts and affordable, timesaving tips for overextended do-it-yourself homemakers 2: a quick and easy equation wherein 70% ready-made convenience products are added to 30% fresh ingredients with creative personal style, allowing homemakder to take 100% of the credit for something that looks, feels, or tastes homemade 3: a foolproof resource for having it all -- and having the time to enjoy it 4: a method created by Sandra Lee for home, garden, ccrafts, beauty, food, fashion, and entertaining wherein everything looks, tastes, and feel as if it was made from scratch