Donna Hay has a new book No Time to Cook

Donna Hay has a new cookbook out and it's very high on my wish list. It's so that I only found out about it because I get the Doanna Hay newsletter. If you want a glimpse you can visit her site. Even Amazon only has an order form with no photo, that's how new it is. No Time To Cook (just from the peak at her website) looks perfect for anyone who loves great food fast, anyone who loves to eat glorious meals but has little time to put them together.

All I can say is...."I waaaant it! I waaaaant it!" I think that's from a song, or perhaps just memories of my girls when they were little.

What's the cookbook, highest on your wish list?

The Illustrated Kitchen Bible

If you know a novice cook (or just a nervous one, for that matter), I have the perfect gift. The Illustrated Kitchen Bible which has 1000 recipes, photos (not just on the finished dish, but for the "how to's" as well) and lots of great tips and charts (think conversion tables, substitutions, roasting and freezing guidelines...and more).

Each recipe has clear directions, tips (like whether or not the recipe freezes well or can be made ahead). At the front of each section there are a couple of pages of photos of the finished dishes for that section, the page the recipe is on and how long it will take to prepare. That's a really important one for me. I hate it when I start to make a dish and discover that it's going to take much longer than I thought, or needs marinating or two phase cooking....you know what I mean.

Here's an example ....The section called "Main & Side Dishes" actually has the photo array separated into "Hot Mains in 30 Minutes or Less", "Meat-free Mains" , "Meat-free Sides", "Light Lunches", Low-fat Dishes", "Kitchen Staple Dishes", "One Pot Meals", "Family Favorites", "Great on a Grill", "Cooking for a Crowd", and "Dinner Party Mains". How simple and how perfect is that!

And because it's cold here in Halifax, and because it's almost lunch time as I write....I couldn't help but spot the quick and easy (and did I say quick?) Lentil Soup.

In fact, it was ready before I finished this post!

Next up for me is Herbed Fish Goujons (think fancy fish sticks). They look and sound delicious.

And back to the novices among us...another terrific example of what this book does...four pages dedicated to the lowly potato. The first page, tells us how to choose them with photos and descriptions that take the guess work out of which type to use when. The second & third pages, shows us how to prepare them from scrubbing, to peeling, chopping (or grating) to cooking (boil, bake, fry and roast) and the last page is dedicated to ideas for leftovers with photos and page numbers for the actual recipes.

You have to love how simple and well organized this book is and, although I often forget to myself...this is one introduction to read. It spells it all out.

Giada's Kitchen

If you love watching Giada de Laurentiis on the Food Network, you will love her new book Giada's Kitchen: New Italian Favorites. It's filled with her trademark easy to do, over the top delicious dishes. In fact, I have most of the pages earmarked for recipes to try. I mean, how could I do Presto Pasta Nights week after week without marking all of her droolingly delicious pastas.

First one up is the Linguine with Shrimp & Lemon Oil
- one word...delicioso!

And since the weather here has been cold and dreary, I whipped up some Tuscan White Bean Soup (everything from the pantry and no need to leave the house for shopping - bonus!) Honestly, I'm not sure which I enjoyed more...holding the hot bowl of steaming soup and inhaling the aroma...which did an instant warming of body and soul....or the delicious flavor and textures. A perfect antidote to a gloomy day.

Given that lobster is so inexpensive around here these days, there will be no excuse for not making the Focaccia Lobster Rolls. I'm drooling just thinking about them.

The photos are all gorgeous and make choosing recipes very difficult...which one to start with? ...how many can I make in one day?....decisions, decisions, decisions.

One thing is clear...this is book is a keeper! You still have time to add it to your wish list for the holidays.

In the Kitchen with Anna

If you get the Canadian Food Network, then you know Anna Olson. When I think of Anna, I think - sweet, desserts and sugar - probably because her show Sugar has inspired this baking challenged individual to actually create some pretty tasty desserts. Now Anna has a new show called Fresh With Anna Olson that has her cooking up savory as well as sweet dishes. Check it out.

Even if you aren't able to watch her cook up delicious dishes in her own lovely kitchen, you can get a copy of her new book In In the Kitchen with Anna: New Ways with the Classics with lots of great tasting dishes from savory (soups, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, fish, poultry & meat, starches and sides, vegetables) as well as what I know her best for...her breads, sweet treats & preserves.

I've only made two dishes so far, but I have a ton bookmarked. Most of the recipes are classics that many of us know and love, but all of them have a cool twist. For example, Chicken Pot Pie (one of my favorite comfort foods) has the traditional bottom crust, and a few surprises in the filling - splash of dry vermouth, fresh rosemary, parsnips, cremini mushrooms and red peppers added to the usual carrots, onions and celery. All of that is topped with a Cheddar Biscuit Topping....see what I mean about classic with a twist. And forget about plain rice...Citrus Coriander Rice has lemongrass, ground coriander, lemon zest, chopped fresh cilantro and some red chili pepper flakes.

Here are a couple that I did try and loved.

Anna's Grilled Asian Flank Steak

Anna's PB &J Thumbprint Cookies
Her recipe is really for Giant PB &J Thumbprints

Which ever way you choose...big or small, jam filled or straight, you'll love them.