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Monday, October 24, 2011

A Cook's Book For Cooks

So today I will not be posting any recipes.  I'm sorry, but it's true!  Today is a good day though - today I have the great honor of introducing my friend Stephen's (The Obsessive Chef) new cook book - A Cook's Book For Cooks!  Yes, it's true, the Obsessive Chef is now in print!  I am even more excited to tell you all that I was truly the first one to purchase this little gem.  I've never had the first copy of any book, trust me.

Anyway, Stephen has been working hard at putting his idea into print.  I've walked with him a bit through this process... well, as much as someone 2,400 miles away can - and I know this was not an easy task, so that makes my showcasing this book here even more amazing to me.

I will admit that I'm not 100% done reading the book, but I'm far enough along to know I love it.  Yes, Stephen can get a bit rambling sometimes and he can even be a bit in your face, but it's witty and informative and I loved the read.  Stephen has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cooking.  What I think some people might not appreciate as much as myself, is the fact that some of his amounts of ingredients are "figure it out for yourself" type of thing.  What I mean by this is that he will sometimes give you exact measurements and other times just give you the ingredients you need to use.  This can frustrate some people - but the point he constantly tries to make throughout the book is that you need to experiment - you need to make things to match your tastes (not his) - you do NOT need to follow recipes to the "T" to make a delicious meal.

Wanna get a copy of your own so you can see what all the hypes about?  Well, it's your lucky day!  Today, I'm giving away a copy of Stephen's first published cookbook - All you have to do is leave a comment here telling me what your favorite cookbook is.  You have until Friday, October 28th at 9:00pm eastern standard time to enter to win.  Winners will be picked randomly and will be announced on the follow Monday morning.  Anonymous comments will not be counted, so if you have to leave it as anonymous, please make sure you leave your name and email address.  Good luck!

One Year Ago:  Sour Cream Corn Muffins

23 comments:

Big Dude said...

That's really special to get the first copy. My favorite cookbook is the blogs I read, but if I have to pick an actual book, it's The Joy Of Cooking.

Cranberry Morning said...

Well, until now, my favorite cook book is my old Betty Crocker and then Bill Sewell's 'Food From the Place Below' which I'm still waiting to come down in price. Personally, I like Stephen's approach, not always giving exact amounts. I know it annoys some people, but that's how I often give my recipes too. :-)

Paula said...

Ina Gartens cookbooks (Barefoot Contessa). Love watching her shows and her cookbooks

Anonymous said...

Hmmm favorite cook book - I really like my Best Recipes from America's Kitchens. That is like "old school" cookbook and my go to when I have questions - it has everything - how to set up for a buffet, folding napkins (like I do that), cooking different types of meat, etc. I am getting better at not having to "go by the recipe" but it is still very hard for me - unlike my husband who can throw anything together and make it taste good. Mary Williams mewilliams199@gmail.com

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

My favorite cookbook is an OLD one from Better homes & Gardens, its the 'Complete Step by Step Cookbook' and I studied it from front to back many many times when I was a kid. Great recipes in there, too!

Pam said...

I think it sounds great. I like to adapt while I cook too... it makes the recipe your own and it ends up tasting how you want it to taste.

Unknown said...

I am very excited for Stephen's cookbook. Great review as well Jenn. I like cookbooks with witty stories and instructions.
My favourite cookbook is How To Eat by Nigella Lawson.

Mary said...

Stephen's cookbook sounds great. My fingers are crossed.

I adore The Flavor Bible. Not really a cookbook, but the best cooking resource I've ever found. I'd probably give up all my other cookbooks, before I'd give up that one.

Anonymous said...

I use a trusted old time Betty Crocker cookbook..I have it for over 45 years, it has instructions on how to actually make the recipe..simple steps, simple healthy ingredients and step by step instructions, one has to read the recipe first and follow the easy to make recipes, would love to win the cookbook by Stephen would help with our many nights dining at our kitchen table, after almost 38 years of marriage I would welcome witty musings and creative recipes..Your blog is great, I read it daily..thanks for the giveaway and thanks for your wonderful blog, mary jane s. at momanddad00@clear.net

Mary Bergfeld said...

My copy was delivered yesterday and I always enjoy seeing the work of friends and colleagues in print. He did a great job and I hope everyone will buy his book. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Pam said...

I have Stephen's cookbook and a good one it is!

Desi said...

What an awesome accomplishment for Stephen! It's crazy, I collect so many cookbooks but I never really use them... I just use the internet and food blogs :) But I'd say my fave cookbook is Foodista because it's made up of recipes from food blogs!

Angie's Recipes said...

That's exciting!

Yenta Mary said...

Oh, how exciting!!! My favorite cookbook ... hmmm. That's a hard one. The NYT International Cookbook is taped together. Marcia Adams' Amish cookbook has stains all over it. The New York City Cookbook has great stories. Hard, hard choice!

Anonymous said...

I put my comments in as anonymous but I am Mary Sampson of momanddad00@clear.net and I use my trusted Betty Crocker cookbook, the recipes have held up well, the book is tattered and old, but they work just fine for my husband and myself...Would love the new cookbook by Stephen and enjoy reading your blog daily, always something good to view for a recipe and love your comments toooo!Thanks for the giveaway, Sincerely Mary Sampson, momanddad00@clear.net!!!!!!!!!!!

Jenny Sunshine said...

my old betty crocker is the first one I grab when I want to look how to cook something- but oddly enough, I haven't really made too many of the recipes in there!

Care's Kitchen said...

I want in!!!!! Favorite cookbook is hard so right now I'll say John Beshs' My New Orleans...it's big, beautiful and shares lots of professional tips and techniques!

Nicole said...

I don't really have a favorite cookbook. Lately I've been getting recipe ideas from Pinterest. But I'd love a new cookbook for more ideas! fsc200408@yahoo.com

Rebecca said...

Okay, my favorite cookbook of all time is The Fannie Farmer Cookbook. Please don’t laugh. It is the most amazing little cookbook ever because it illustrates the most basic, simple recipes for the beginner (which I was 17 years ago). My mother passed away when I was young so I never learned her techniques, but I did end up with many of her cookbooks and the inscription inside this one read "Best Ever". I was intrigued by her handwriting so I spent 2 weeks reading this cookbook cover to cover. I began to cook out of this book when I was 19 and not a single recipe failed. If you don’t know the story of Fannie Farmer you must read it – fantastic. Oh and a very, very cool thing…. James Beard was a dear friend of the later generations and a big part of the family history.

Rebecca said...

Oh and Care's who posted above... I married a true Cajun born and raised in Baton Rouge. John Besh is my hero. That cookbook is sitting in my book holder in the kitchen as we speak (we live in Pittsburgh now - ugh). If you haven’t made the Basic Louisiana White Rice it is a must. I think it is on page 14. I never follow recipes exact, but on this one, do it - best rice you will ever eat!!!!
Oh and Geaux Tigers!!!

debbie said...

Would love this cookbook Jenn...never enough shoes or cookbooks! I read cookbooks like other people read novels!

WOW Gold said...

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