Editorial Review

If you consider eating with friends and family a joyful, indulgent celebration chances are you love a good feast. And who better to carefully guide you through the daunting task of preparing that Read more

Reviews (31)

FeastFood to Celebrate Life
One of the best cookbooks I ever bougth. It's like a hobbie in itself. I plan to try a different receipe every weekend with great results!.

"Feast" gives great inspiration for celebrating life!
In her fifth cookery book, "Feast", Nigella Lawson offers a collection of recipes and occasions to mark our lives. It is her experience that "food is the vital way we celebrate anything that matters" (vii). Before us, then, is a book replete with recipes new and familiar to mark occasions traditional (Christmas, New Year, Easter), foreign (at least from my ethnocentric perspective: Venetian, Eid, and Rosh Hashanah), and fun (Valentine's Day, Breakfast, and Midnight). A feast is not just a meal; it is a condition of an innate human need to mark an event or occasion with those to whom we have a close bond by augmenting it with food.
Anything by Nigella is great!!
This was the first book I bought by Nigella Lawson and I loved it so much that I immediately bought every other book by her that I could find.The recipes are great and most of them are very easy to prepare.Besides that, the book is joy to just sit down and read, as are all her books!!!I also should mention all the gorgeous photographs of the food.You'll love this book!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Holiday cookery    7. Methods - General    8. Cooking / Cookery for One   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (10)

The best Betty Crocker cookbook yet.
This is a very beautiful cookbook. I love the photos in it. At the end of the book is recipes you can cook and make for gifts. Toward the front of the book is a "Olive Appetizer Tree" that would be great for parties.
Zero review...seller never sent the book
This book never came....we are still waiting for it. Can't review a book we don't have. We are hoping that Amazon will refund our money...way too much time has passed! We are very disappointed!
Mouthwatering Entertaining Delights!
Some of my friends give me strange looks for having a "Christmas" cookbook in my kitchen all year round, that is until they sample some of the things that I have made out of it! Many of the cookies in this book lend themselves particularly well to being assembled into food gifts for the holidays.
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Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    5. Holiday - General    6. Cooking / Holiday    7. General cookery   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (5)

Veg-o-rama
A well written, detailed book wherein each chapter brings a new vegetable and great ideas. I was primarily looking to make vegetables play a more central and creative role in my cooking, and this book has been the answer. You'll be carmelizing onions and braising endive in no time.

Good book, but many repeats
I love Cook's Illustrated. I subscribe to their magazine, I subscribe to their website and I own several of their cookbooks. Very rarely have they ever steered me wrong with any of their recipes and tips. This is one book that I was disappointed with, however---not because the recipes aren't great or the layout of the book isn't up to par, but because many of these recipes can be found in their comprehensive cookbook "The New Best Recipe" (a great book, btw. It has just about everything you could ever need). There are only a few different recipes in Perfect Vegetables that cannot be found in the New Best, and the money I spent to get a handful of new veggie recipes was not worth it, in my opinion. If you already own the New Best, than I would be very hesitant to spend any money on this book. I would physically look through the book at a bookstore before buying to see if this is something you would really like to own. If you don't own New Best and are looking for a wonderful veggies cookbook, than this one is for you!

MAKES NON VEGGIE EATERS LIKE VEGETABLES
THIS COOKBOOK IS FANATASTIC!! I don't like cauliflower but I followed a recipe and it turned out fabulous. My husband doesn't like as asparagus and he ate up the roasted asparagus with roasted red pepper vinagerette.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery (Vegetables)    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Holiday - General    5. Reference    6. Specific Ingredients - Vegetables    7. Vegetables    8. Cookery by ingredient   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful Food For Celebrations!
I bought this book last year and used the Thanksgiving recipes. This was the first Thanksgiving I ever hosted at my house, and thanks to this book, it was a HUGE success.Not only does the book provide the grocery list and recipes, it also provides detailed discussions about various cooking techniques, organizational tips, and timelines to help you get your act together and keep it that way clear through until your event is over.
Leanne and Flylady--a winning team
Leanne (the dinner diva) and the Flylady (Sink Reflections) are a winning combination for anyone that wants to keep their household running smoothly but still feel like a guest in their own home.What an amazing feeling to actually feel pampered in your own home as if someone else is taking care of everything for you but you're really the one doing it for yourself (with their help of course!)I discovered Leanne through Flylady and it has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. I've been on her menu mailer for awhile now which is also wonderful.It is much like the books she has out only delivered weekly to your inbox. I just adore it!This book however offers something really extra and different that can help you build family traditions and make holidays extra special.Instead of dreading planning the holiday meal (or worse going to Denny's!) I am finding myself looking forward to it now.Right now you can actually get the Thanksgiving menu from the book free off her website to try it out.Much of what is in the book is similar to that only with different holidays/occasions.It would never have even occurred to me to plan special meals for some of what she suggests. I am just so thrilled to have this resource.The main thing to know is that Leanne is for *real* people.The recipes are easyfor you to understand and Leanne always explains things in full detail.The author of this book (and the others in the series) is also totally accessible to the public.Not only does she constantly ask for reader's opinions and suggestions but she USES them!!I have actually seen her incorporate new recipes and ideas after people suggested them.She also does a radio show now on World Talk Radio with Flylady (Marla).For the price the entire book series and menu mailer are worth every penny. Think about what you can pass on to your children about cooking and menu planning with this book and the others. For those who never learned to cook/menu plan she is a true friend.She is also a sincere person who shares herself with others.You can read more about her in another book she co wrote called Body Clutter to help people lose weight.I think she's terrific and I'm so excited to finally have this book!As you can tell I'm a big fan of both Leanne Ely (Dinner Diva) and Flylady (Marla Cilley).If you have not yet discovered these two then you are missing out.They have helped me more than prozac and therapy combined for getting my franny in gear!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Dinners and dining    5. General    6. Holiday - General    7. Holiday cookery    8. Cooking / General   

Reviews (4)

The Po' Man's Martha Stewart
This is a hilarious!Not only does Ruby Ann tell us of the gossipy goings on of her trailer park, but makes it sweet and endearing rather than trashy and sordid.It's a good book to read on an airplane or on a car trip, you can pick it up at any point and read something funny to pick you up.
WARNING, THIS IS NOT A CHRISTMAS BOOK
I won this book last week during a Dirty Santa game at a Christmas party.Truth be told, I had to steal it away since it was the gift everyone kept taking from each other during the game, but luckily I had the last number.I just assumed it was a Christmas book that I could put on my coffee table during the holiday season for visiting friends and family to enjoy, but boy was I wrong.This book covers all the holidays from the first of the year to the last of the year with food menue ideas and even activities.It is also sure to add a laugh to that special celebration regardless if it's VALENTINE'S DAY, PASSOVER, LABOR DAY, MOTHER IN-LAWS DAY/HALLOWEEN (they're fall so close together in October that Ruby Ann suggest you celebrate them on the same day), TAX DAY, and too many more to mention.Sure she takes her humor to CHRISTMAS and HANUKKAH, but she also covers MARDI GRAS and SUPER BOWL SUNDAY as well.And even though I'm only half way through the book, I've decided that this will make the perfect gift.I can give this to all my friends who like country western since Ruby Ann shows us how to throw a party on Reba and Loretta Lynn's birthdays.And all my race car buddies will love the section on the DAYTONA 500 with recipes like Bobby Allison Artichoke Dip and Tony Stewart Cookies (with orange and white frosting).And what kind of a trailer park cookbook would it be without an entire section dedicated to ELVIS'S BIRTHDAY!Everybody loves Elvis, and everybody will love me after they open their gifts and find this wonderful read filled with tasty dishes under the wrapping.This book is 5 full stars for sure.

Laugh at ALL THE HOLIDAYS YEAR ROUND
This was my favorite birthday present.Not only did I laugh till I almost wet myself, but the food is wonderful.And the good thing about the book is that regardless of how the title makes it sound, this is not just a Christmas book, but rather a book that covers all the holidays.Even if you don't cook, you will still fall in love with Ruby Ann and all her friends at the High Chaparral Trailer Park.She really has a way of making you forget your troubles.I went out and bought her first book so now I am ready both at the same time, and I'm falling in love with all the people in her books.Where shes comes up with these stories, I'll never know.I hope that she continues to write, because with all the talk of war and such, this is what we need to escape the world we live in.Keep up the great work Ruby Ann Boxcar! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Courses & Dishes - General    4. General    5. Holiday - General    6. Holiday cookery    7. Holiday cooking    8. General cookery    9. Humour    10. National & regional cuisine    11. USA   

Reviews (5)

Great book
I bought this book hoping that it would have some fresh ideas for my kids' class parties instead of the same old games and crafts we've been doing it seems year after year.I was worried that even if it had new ideas they might be too invovled/time-consuming for the hour and a half we typically have for the whole party.I was pleasantly surprised that this book had so many ideas to choose from that were original and fit into our limited time frame.I highly recommend this book.

Wonderful Book for Anyone Planning A Christmas Party
So you're planning a Christmas party, one where there will be fun and games, and lots and lots of kids. But where do you start? Well, first of all, purchase CHRISTMAS PARTIES...WHAT DO I DO? Wilhelminia Ripple has created the perfect book for anyone planning a Christmas party. Filled with over 125 wonderful ideas for crafts, games, and holiday snacks. Wilhelminia teaches you everything you need to know to throw the most fantastic Christmas party of the season, complete with instructions on how to create Elf Handprints, how to build an Edible Snowman, make a Human Christmas Tree, and much, much more. Whether you've thrown Christmas parties before or not, CHRISTMAS PARTIES...WHAT DO I DO? is the one thing you'll need to make your Christmas party better than anyone else's. A wonderful book that absolutely must be a part of your book collection.
Christmas Parties What Do I Do?Buy This Book!!
This book has Christmas Spirit on every page, with holiday games,crafts, and goodies from all around the world. It really brings out the child inside us all. With an added bonus of 13 pages for New Years Eve. I am a Parent and Day Care Provider, to me this book is as much a part of Christmas as the Tree. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Children's parties    3. Christmas    4. Cookery    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    9. Holiday - General    10. Holidays - Christmas    11. New Year    12. Religion    13. Seasonal    14. Christmas books    15. Parties   

Editorial Review

Nobody knows the holidays like Martha Stewart, and here she gives you all the information you need to have a spectacular Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. Martha and her crew provide you with a hearty Thanksgiving feast featuring Quail with Brussels Sprouts and Shallots, Garlic Roast Potatoes, and Roast Fennel. Later she offers up a tasty but simple family breakfast for Christmas morning and a sumptuous Christmas dinner centered around a Loin of Venison with Red-Currant Bordelaise and Roast Capon with Wild Rice Sourdough Stuffing. The lower-key New Year's Eve dinner of five dishes may be more appealing to kitchen novices. Read more

Reviews (2)

Cookie Recipes are Perfect
My wife and I use the recipes in this magazine every Christmas.They come out perfect every time.

Looking for a way to make your holidays more elegant?
This offering from Martha Stewart provides a new, more elegant way to celebrate the holidays. The menus she presents are a refreshing departure from the traditional "turkey and dressing". Her decorating ideas are absolutely exquisite (a fact that did not go unnoticed by our guests). My friends and I enjoyed making the decorations and preparing the meal as much as our guests enjoyed looking at the decorations and eating! I only wish she had provided more decorating ideas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining    4. Holiday - General    5. Holiday cookery    6. Holiday decorations    7. Reference    8. Seasonal    9. Cooking / Seasonal   

Reviews (3)

A good book for using for cooking your first thanksgiving
Lots of good recipes especially for someone attempting to fix their first thanksgiving meal. Most are easy to make, lots of both traditional and updated holiday recipes. The instructions are easy to follow. Not so many recipes to choose from but makes it easier to plan a meal.

An On Target Cookbook!
The trouble with a lot of Thanksgiving cookbooks is that they throw so many new and quite exotic dishes at the reader.I think most people still prefer their Thanksgiving with all of the traditional dishes.
I love this book.
This book is great...even a novice like me can creat amazing dishes by following this book.Betty Crocker shows you the easy way to roast a turkey and prepare the side dishes and desserts that go with a Thanksgiving meal. Thank you, thank you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Holiday - General    5. Menus    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    7. Seasonal    8. Thanksgiving cookery    9. Thanksgiving cooking    10. Cooking / Seasonal    11. General cookery    12. National & regional cuisine    13. USA   

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Seasonal   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (4)

EVERY THING A PARTY PLANNING BOOK SHOULD BE!
In one word...perfect! This book is great, every recipe I have made from it has been fabulous. (Try the coconut cream pie :)) And more importantly all the foods kind of meld together so each dish is distinct but not so diffrent as to not blend. This book has become my party reference! The parties are creative and go into details like flowers, recommended wines and music. And there are so many parties, from summer pool parties, a kentucky derby party, and big promotions to the standards like Christmas, and Easter! Buy this book you will NOT be disappointed!!!

Create a special occasion, just so you can use this cookbook
This cookbook covers a nifty range of special occasions--much better than that in any other cookbook I've seen! It includes traditional holidays, non-traditional holidays, and things that aren't holidays at all (the "congratulations on a new job" menu, the "Saturday night with friends" menu, the "Springtime bridal shower" menu, a menu for a big family reunion, a birthday bash, a housewarming, a cozy dinner for two, and more).
Reason to Throw a Party
This is simply creative, well done and inspirational.From the unique concept to the exciting layout to the fab recipes, this is one to have and use and celebrate and enjoy.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, International    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Holiday - General    8. Holiday cookery    9. Menus    10. Cooking / Holiday    11. General cookery   

Reviews (2)

Outstanding! TNT recipes from across the country
Although I have over 2,000 cookbooks, this is one of my top favorites.It contains recipes from customers all over the country -- and almost all are preceded by descriptions of why their family loves them, how many people beg for them, etc.Many also include directions for packaging as gifts.The book also contains cute illustrations, many of which provide great ideas for decorating one's own gift containers.There are also a number of quotations, some of which you may want to incorporate in your own crafts.There is nothing fancy about this book or the recipes -- it is primarily down home cooking, and everything I've tried has been delectable -- from layered cookie mix in a jar to main dishes.VERY highly recommended.

Outstanding! Great TNT recipes and crafts from all over
I LOVE this book, and everyone on my gift list to whom I have given it has loved it as well.The recipes are the tried-and-true favorites of Gooseberry Patch's staff members and customers from all over the country.Almost all are preceded by brief descriptions (usually about why they're family favorites and/or popular with guests), and many have unique packaging ideas. The illustrations are also warm and wonderful (and provide many ideas for one's own gift-giving).Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    4. Holiday - General    5. Cooking / General   

Subjects:  1. Baking    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - Bread    5. Courses & Dishes - Desserts    6. Holiday - General    7. Macrina Bakery and Cafe    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - Northwestern States    9. Cooking / American / Northwestern States    10. General cookery    11. USA   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Holiday - General    7. Home Furnishing    8. Thanksgiving cookery    9. Cooking / General   

Reviews (1)

Great Candy!!
I was a begginer in candy making. This book has very clear instructions and all the typical candies. Pictures help you see what you're aiming for!! Great fun!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baking - Confectionery    2. Candy    3. Confectionery    4. Cookery    5. Cooking    6. Cooking / Wine    7. Courses & Dishes - Confectionery    8. General    9. Holiday - General    10. Holiday cookery    11. Methods - Baking   

Reviews (3)

Great little Christmas book
After Martha Stewart went to prison, I guessed that perhaps the price of her books would go down due to lack of demand for them.
Martha the great
If the cookie crumbles, Martha will make pie crust crumbs out of it, just as she is doing in prison (COUGH).Her recipes are wonderful, her holiday spirit contagious...what can you say about a woman who bakes with Elmo and Miss Piggy for her Christmas specials?
This book MUST be in your cookbook collection!
I have read this newly-published cookbook from cover to cover today and I LOVE IT!It's not surprising Martha Stewart could put together a collection of recipes representing the Christmas holiday.Some cookbooks only focus on Christmas cookies or only Thanksgiving, but this cookbook highlights sophisticated recipes from drinks (I hadn't seen a Ramos Gin Fizz in a cookbook ever!) to entrees and of course, desserts.Sure, there are only so many things you can do with cranberries, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and pumpkins, but these are not tired, redone recipes just so she could publish yet another cookbook.This book is polished, much like the format of her h'ors d'oeuvres book.Beautiful photographs, great recipes.Anyone who loves cooking during the Christmas holidays, and not just bake cookies, will definitely love this cookbook! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas cooking    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Food Science    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Holiday - General    8. Cooking / Holiday   

Editorial Review

Michele Scicolone wrote Read more

Reviews (1)

I was delighted with these authentic Italian recipes but....
This is one of the better Italian cookbooks I have come acrossRead more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Holiday cookery    7. Holiday cooking    8. Italian cooking    9. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    10. Cooking / Italian   

Editorial Review

The mysteries of cream of tartar revealed! How to make maximum use of blackening bananas! The hidden meaning of folding in dry ingredients until just blended! Perfect pie crusts for perfect fools! It's all here in Read more

Reviews (34)

Fail-safe recipes and in-depth explanations
I love this book!For two reasons - first, everything in it is always good.Usually the best I've ever eaten, too - I don't even bother with other molasses cookie recipes any more, for instance.
Good book could use some more pictures
Tried the Pizza recipe from this book so far and it came out good. Could use more pictures for the recipes.bbb

Step Up to Perfection
I baked my first cake when I was nine years old, with the help of my Dad who was a pastry chef in the Navy.That's when I became a closet pastry chef! I want to open my own bakery, but I need to hone this craft, trying to get my baking to be as close to my Dad's perfect pastries as I can and this book, "Baking Illustrated" has helped me take a huge step up to being close to perfect!I love it; the recipes are good and the explanations and tips are even better.I wish there were more pictures of each finished item, but the pictures and illustrations are really helpful also.I've had the book for one month and I've baked something from each section so far and have already planned my fall baking and my Thanksgiving and Christmas baking from this book.If you want to learn to bake and if you want to impress your family, friends and coworkers, then please, buy this book and make sure that you have some people ready to indulge in these goodies! I'll send out ads when I open my bakery shop! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baking    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Desserts    5. Entertaining - General    6. Holiday - General    7. Methods - Baking    8. Methods - General    9. Reference    10. Cakes, baking, icing & sugarcraft   

Features

• Box set

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining - General    4. Holiday - General    5. Methods - General   

Editorial Review

A fine whole tenderloin of beef is a great piece of meat to roast and serve on a special occasion, and is expensive enough it could give one pause at the open oven door--that great What If, as in what if I don't really know what I am doing. The editors of Read more

Reviews (3)

An Informative Guide for Meat Lovers
If you are not familiar with Cook's Illustrated magazine and their numerous cookbooks, let me introduce them to you. What they do is they take a recipe into their test kitchen, prepare it over and over again until they reach the very best way to make it, and then publish the recipe, along with a detailed report on their testing and how they arrived at their findings. This is a wonderful concept for the serious home cook and baker, because aside from their delicious (mostly) foolproof recipes, the cook is invited to learn the science behind the recipe, and this is a valuable learning tool. To me, the people behind Cook's Illustrated and their cookbooks are more than just a source of good recipes, they are EDUCATORS. And I have learned a great deal from them in the couple years that I have been exposed to them. "Steaks, Chops, Roasts and Ribs" is one of the wonderful cookbooks in the Cook's Illustrated series that I wholeheartedly recommend to the home cook who wants to learn more about the art of preparing various meats. Although some of the recipes within can be found in their much more comprehensive and all-encompassing cookbook "The New Best Recipe", this book stands apart if not solely for its wonderful and fully detailed section on the various cuts of meat. Every type and cut of meat imaginable is addressed in the beginning of the book, with a description of the cut, its alternate names, a rating of its flavor and an idea of its cost. There is also an informative section about the primal cuts of meat, what "branding" means and basic cooking methods. The information doesn't stop there, however, because scattered throughout the book are many other tidbits of information, like how to successfully make pan sauces, the best wines for cooking, product reviews, and helpful cooking illustrations. The recipes themselves (and their cooking methods) are varied enough to placate any home cook, from the grill maniac to the stew lover. There is something for everyone in this wonderful book. And unless you're already an expert on meat, I feel confident that you will learn something new from this book!

This is an amazing books
I first encounted this book in the library, I was attracted by the title. I was a little skeptical at first, thinking it would be extremely boring since there is no fancy picture in the book, but as I started reading it, I was amazed by the info in the book, they tell you every single detail involved to make sure everything turns out perfect. And they tell you the every single little things e.g. the science behind aging your beef...
If You Like Meat, Buy This Book
In general, this book is reliable, complete, and extremely useful to anyone who eats meat more than once in a while. It is good addition to your bookshelf and recommended highly.The primary value of this book is completeness. No matter what type of meat or cut you have, there is a relevant chapter and recipes for it; this book covers it all. Systematically developing recipes for all types of meat must have been a daunting task. Although this book is seriously flawed, if you cook based on the wonderful piece of meat you got at the supermarket or butcher rather than cooking from a cookbook from a famous celebrity chef, this book is pretty much the only game in town and rather indispensable. My main warning about this book: the recipes are focused on the proper procedure and technique, not on what is easy or convenient; some of the fussiest recipes I have ever seen come from this meat cookbook (I will refrain from complaining about the futility of Yankees trying to cook oriental food, chili, or barbecue).
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Subjects:  1. Cookery (Meat)    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Holiday - General    5. Meat    6. Methods - Barbecue & Grilling    7. Specific Ingredients - Meat    8. Cookery by ingredient   

Reviews (2)

Super Cookie Book
I was delighted with this book. I love the recipes and especially the directions on decorating these special treats. Would recommend!

Not what I thought
I purchased this book with high hopes and great expectations.I have the Whimsical Bakehouse and was thrilled by it.This book was not what I assumed it would be.It is a collection of Christmas cookies of varying types.There are bar cookies, gingerbread, and cutouts, to name a few.I was hoping to find a book with wonderful decorating ideas for Christmas cutout cookies since that is what is displayed on the cover.In fact, they only give a template for that cookie but no real instruction as to how to achieve the look.Now, I am quite proficient at decorating, but sometimes need some great ideas to kick start my creativity.In fact, there were quite a few truly adorable cookies in the front section of the book, but no further information on them.
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Subjects:  1. Baking - Confectionery    2. Christmas cookery    3. Cookies    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Courses & Dishes - Cookies    7. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    8. Holiday - General    9. Methods - Baking    10. Cooking / Baking