Quick, Cheap Kid-friendly Leftovers Use-Up, One-Pot Meals

I admit, I'm a cookbook addict. I enjoy perusing them for recipes and cooking styles. I've noticed many cookbooks are limited. And most recipes are needlessly complicated. Busy families need meals that don't require multiple steps or that dirty a sink full of pans. So I've written recipes for nutritious meals that can be made while helping a child with spelling words or nursing a baby. Ingredients are cheap and adaptable to what's on hand and use up leftovers plus have enough for another meal. If you line baking dishes with heavy foil, you can freeze food, remove pre-wrapped in foil and store. Read onSuper Easy, Inexpensive, Kid-friendly Leftover Use-Up, One-Pot Meals

Jerusalem Cookbook--Kitchen Must Have and a Lot More

I love to cook--I particularly love to experiment with different ethnic foods. My youngest son mentioned a cookbook he'd heard about on NPR (he listens to intellectual radio, so yeah--brag!) The book "Jerusalem" celebrates this religiously and culturally diverse region through food. I'd forgotten his suggestion until, perusing new books at Barnes & Noble, I happened on a cool book called "Jerusalem." When I mentioned it, Jake quipped, "That's the one I was telling you about!"

The authors, both natives, are agemates but from different poles of the religious (and geographic) map. Yotam Ottolenghi is a Jew from the western side of Jerusalem and Sami Tamimi, an Arab from eastern Jerusalem. Not only do they share recipes and historical information from their own backgrounds, but they include cultural tidbits from the myriad of heritages represented in this "flavorful" city. Jerusalem is a celebration of differences and a tasty mix of similarities. And what better medium than food to share it? I, a Dutch-Irish, native protestant, Catholic convert was proud to recognize many of the terms used and I look forward to exploring it further. Beyond a cookbook, "Jerusalem" is a comprehensive social studies unit. Run, don't walk,  to your local bookseller and get your copy. And for some yummy Mediterranean recipes a la this newb, read How to Make your Own Za'ater. 

Best Kitchen Gifts for Bakers Under $15

Best Gifts and Kitchen Must-Haves for Bakers Under $15
Looking for holiday or birthday gifts for bakers? Maybe you are going to a kitchen bridal shower or need a great wedding gift? In this economy, we're all looking for ways to pinch pennies. Here are best gifts and kitchen must-haves under $15.
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Anchor Hocking 2 Qt. Glass Batter Bowl with Lid

Must-Haves for Cooking and Baking: Anchor Hocking 2 Qt. Glass Batter Bowl with Lid
I'm a veteran cook and baker. I'm also a space-saver and penny pincher. I've tried out all sorts of kitchen products, utensils and tools. The Anchor Hocking 2 qt. Glass Batter Bowl with lid is a must have for any chef, cook and baker's kitchen.
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