Product Description
660 holiday food recipes

APPETIZERS
1. Appetizer Shrimp Puffs
2. Beer Meatballs
3. Bite Sized Quiches
4. Blue Cheese, Port & Walnut Spread
5. Candied Almonds
6. Candied Walnuts
7. Cheddar Shortbread Bites
8. Cheese Ball
9. Cheese Straws
10. Christmas Veggie Tree
11. Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
12. Cocktail Party Meatballs
13. Coconut Shrimp Wonton
14. Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
15. Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
16. Cream Cheese Christmas Wreath
17. Creamy Dill Dip
18. Crockpot Artichoke Dip
19. Crockpot Cheese Fondue Appetizer
20. Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
21. Ham & Swiss Bites
22. Holiday Cheese Ball
23. Holiday Snack Toss
24. Hot Spinach Cheese Dip
25. Monterey Pumpkin Dip
26. Party Cheese Ball
27. Peppered Pecans
28. Pumpkin Fluff Dip
29. Spiced Pecans
30. Sweet Pumpkin Dip
31. Tis The Season Party Munchers
32. Warm Brie & Berry Dip

BEEF & LAMB
33. Grilled Lamb Roast
34. Lamb with Apricots
35. Marinated Prime Rib
36. Prime Rib Dijon
37. Prime Rib Roast
38. Roast Leg of Lamb

BREAKFAST
39. 7 up Pancakes
40. Bacon Cheddar Waffles
41. Baked Omelet
42. Baked Raisin French Toast
43. Banana Buttermilk Pancakes
44. Banana Pancakes
45. Blueberry French Toast
46. Breakfast Apple Cobbler
47. Breakfast Corn Bacon Muffins
48. Christmas Breakfast Casserole
49. Christmas Morning Omelet
50. Cranberry Pumpkin Waffles
51. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
52. Crockpot Breakfast Cobbler
53. Crockpot Breakfast Potatoes
54. Eggnog French Toast with Cranberry Compote
55. Grand Marnier French Toast
56. Mom's Applesauce Pancakes
57. Overnight Blueberry French Toast
58. Overnight Caramel French Toast
59. Plump Pumpkin Pancakes
60. Puffed Eggnog Pancakes
61. Pumpkin Apple Waffles
62. Pumpkin Pancakes I
63. Pumpkin Pancakes II
64. Pumpkin Waffles
65. Sausage & Egg Crockpot Casserole
66. South Western Crockpot Breakfast

CAKES & PIES
67. Apple Cranberry Pie
68. Apple Walnut Cake
69. Apricot Mince Pie
70. Bacardi Rum Cake
71. Blue Peeps Pie
72. Brandied Sweet potato Pie
73. Browned Butter Pecan Pie
74. Bunny Patch Dessert
75. Cape Cod Cranberry Pie
76. Chocolate Chip Pie
77. Chocolate Cookie Cheesecake
78. Chocolate Eggnog Bundt Cake
79. Chocolate Eggnog Pie
80. Chocolate Plum Pudding Cake
81. Christmas Cake From Iceland
82. Christmas Cheesecake
83. Christmas Eggnog Cake
84. Christmas Pound Cake
85. Christmas Wreath Cake
86. Chunky Apple Cake with Vanilla sauce
87. Classic Yule Log
88. Cranberry Apple Pie
89. Cranberry Cake
90. Cranberry Cobbler
91. Cranberry Eggnog Cheesecake
92. Cranberry Pound cake
93. Creole Christmas Fruitcake
94. Daffodil Easter Cake
95. Deep Dish Amaretto Pecan Pie
96. Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie
97. Deep South Pecan Pie
98. Double Layer Pecan Pie
99. Easter Angel Cake
100. Easter Bonnet Cake
101. Easter Chick Cupcakes
102. Easter Dawn Cake
103. Easter Egg Hunt Pie
104. Easter Lamb Cake
105. Easter Sunrise Cake
106. Egg Nog Cake
107. Eggnog Cheesecake I
108. Eggnog Cheesecake II
109. Famous Pumpkin Pie
110. Fancy Fruitcake
111. Festive Double Layer Pumpkin Pie
112. Fresh Apple Easter cake
113. Georgia Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
114. German Christmas Gingerbread
115. Gingerbread Cheesecake
116. Holiday Cranberry Glazed Cheesecake
117. Holiday Eggnog Cake
118. Holiday Eggnog Chiffon Pie
119. Holiday Eggnog Pie
120. Hot Buttered Rum & Apple Pie
121. Houska (Bohemian Easter & Xmas Cake)
122. Kentucky Christmas Jam cake
123. Lemon Poppyseed Easter Cake
124. Magic Pumpkin Pie
125. Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie
126. Maple Pecan Tartlets
127. Mincemeat Cake
128. No Bake Pumpkin Pie
129. Old Fashioned Custard Pie
130. Old Fashioned Gingerbread
131. Old Kentucky Pecan Pie
132. Orange Craisn Cake
133. Orange Poppyseed Cake
134. Peppermint N' Chocolate Cheesecake
135. Prize Winner Apple Pie
136. Pumpkin Cheesecake pie
137. Pumpkin Cheesecake
138. Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
139. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
140. Pumpkin Cranberry Cake
141. Pumpkin Custard Cake
142. Pumpkin Eggnog Pie
143. Pumpkin Kahlua Cake

and much, much, much more... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hard to navigate
I have a new Kindle 2 and this recipe book has wonderful recipes -- except I cannot get to the ones I want, or even open them.I am so frustrated! ... Read more

Product Description
'The Spirit' is back and it's bigger and better than ever, with more Christmas concepts for making the holidays bright and beguiling. The 17th title in the popular Leisure Arts series inspires with ideas and how-to's for gifts, foods and decorations that appeal to all levels of skill and budget. From the fragrant eucalyptus leaf ornaments to the elegant edible chocolate decorations, readers will glean endless ideas for a fun-filled and festive Yule. Featuring 192 luminous pages and over 120 glorious photographs, The Spirit of Christmas gives new readers and old fans more than ever before. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

rileys gammy
I love this xmas book.It is #17 of the Leisure Art collection Holiday books.Every book in this colletion is fabulous...and again they did not let you down with this holiday book!It features many unique desserts, entire menus as usual and an entire section of table decorating for the holidays.Included also are exquisite pictures of home decor for the holidays for the entire house!Also info on Hanukkah included...Don't leave this book out of the collection!

Spirit of Christmas Book 17
As expected from this series, the photograpy and presentation are beautiful and the instructions for recipes and projects clear and accompanied by diagrams where needed.

This year's decoration themes are Snow Business, a jolly, felt snowman theme for kids of all ages, Christmas Provencal, floral, muted shades of cream; Contemporary Classic, featuring amarylis to stunning effect; Twelfth Night Splendour, in burnished gold; Natural by Design with squash, fruit and greenery; and Woodland wonder with cardinals and natural decorations.I rather liked the pretty chocolate section featuring the "trees" on the front cover!Beautiful and delicious!

This is a great book!
I just loved this book!It has wonderful ideas on gift making and giving that aren't cheap or "cheesy". There is something to make for everyone on your gift list. It has been photographed beautifully and the directions are clear and concise.I highly recommend this book ... Read more

Product Description
100+Simple And Delicious Recipes For Your Special Holiday Meals
25 Pumpkin Pie Recipes,32 Cookie Recipes,40 Candy Recipes,100 Simple Meal Recipes. ... Read more

Product Description
Christmas and cookies are inseparable. The mere mention of baking cookies conjures up memories not just of tantalizing aromas and great tastes but of warm kitchens and good times with family and friends. Joy of Cooking Christmas Cookies brings together in a single volume 75 indispensable cookie recipes and more than 25 recipes for holiday extras. That's more than 100 recipes, half of which are brand new. This book also offers a sneak preview of the revision of Joy of Cooking, the first in more than two decades.

Written with clarity, humor, and a dedication to detail that has always set the Joy of Cooking apart from all other cookbooks, this book will teach anyone from the person who has never baked a single cookie to the experienced home baker how to turn out a perfect cookie every time. A treasure trove of information, this book contains basic instructions on measuring ingredients, handling and shaping cookie doughs, and decorating cookies, supported by helpful line drawings every step of the way. Recipes include the full range of cookies from the simplest one-pan bar cookies like Chocolate-Glazed Toffee Bars and Scottish Shortbread to those that are dropped onto a cookie sheet (don't miss the new Monster Cookies) to Christmas production numbers like Spritz that are piped through a press. On the familiar side are recipes for chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and sugar cookies. Brief but precise directions ensure that the brownies will be fudgey and moist, the chocolate chips chewy, and the sugar cookies meltingly tender. On the novel side are such irresistible new entries as Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, Tuscan Almond Biscotti, and Chocolate Mint Surprises.

Among this Book's unique features:

• A full-color photograph of every cookie
• Brand-new recipes for reduced-fat cookies that taste wonderful
• An easy-to-make gingerbread house
• Storage suggestions that help you plan your baking time when conipany is coming
• Recipes for eggnog, mulled cider and wine, and three kinds of homemade hot chocolate
• A section on extras-a California fruitcake for the 90s made with dried fruits and nuts, a plum pudding Charles Dickens would have loved, Stollen, Chocolate Truffles, Bourbon Balls, Candied Popcorn, and more.

Customer Reviews (7)

75 delectable cookie recipes
I bake a lot, and I read cookbooks all the time, looking for good recipes.I went to the library to copy down a few Christmas cookie recipes, but the recipes and photos in this book looked so great I realized I had to buy it.I have NEVER before found a cookbook where I want to try every recipe in the book, but every recipe in this book scans great (usually my thought pattern is:that sounds good... wait, how much vegetable oil does this recipe call for?eewwww...)If you are looking for Christmas cookie recipes, this is the book I'd get.

The only book you will need
I have used this book time and time again, and not only for Christmas.The recipes are accurate, easy and great.The color photos really show how the recipes should look and they will!I have made more that a dozen different types of cookies from this book and each one was good if not great.The only problem I have with this book is that the ingredients are written into the directions.This makes it a little more time consuming when you are trying to get your recipes ready before the actual assemble and baking process.A minor set back for a really great book.

Holiday cookies that look great and taste good!
I've used this cookie book when making holiday cookies for family and friends for the last several years, and the results have always been a huge hit.Too often Christmas cookies look great but taste terrible - not something to worry about with this book.I particularly recommend the Cranberry-Cherry Pinwheels.They are delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.However, be forwarned that most of the recipes in this book are also found in the new Joy of Cooking.Joy is great and much more comprehensive.I'd recommend taking a look at it before buying this book.

A must-have for holiday baking!
As the designated Christmas cookie baker in my family, I was given this book about three years ago. It's a wonderful resource for new ideas and rediscovering old favorites. I heartily recommend the snickerdoodles and the orange ginger wafers.

One of the best, or maybe the best!
This book has super recipes.I've tried most of them, and they all work great.The illustrations and pictures are very helpful.It's also good reading, as the quality of writing is very good. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

It is What it Says - Joyful and Inspirational!
This is a wonderful little "coffee table" style book that is exactly what its title suggests - joyful, inspirational and celebratory.Ours has been enjoyed by young, old and everyone in between.This would also make a really nice gift.My only minor complaint is that the beautifully designed cover is only represented on the dust jacket, not on the hard cover itself which is just solid green with no text or design.And dust jackets, unfortunately, do not survive well on coffee table books which see a lot of handling.To remedy this, I am looking for one of those clear covers like they use on library books to protect the dust jacket before putting it out next Christmas.But outside of that one small thing, this is a truly lovely book which contains a lot of variety, tradition, and poignant sentiment to celebrate Christ's birth and the joy in the real reason for the season.Worth every penny of this price and guaranteed to put smiles on faces.Pick it up, open to any page and find yourself an instant warm fuzzy!

A Christmas book compilation with a joyous message
The Big Book of Christmas Joy: An Inspirational Treasury to Celebrate the Season, by Howard Books, 2008, 320 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-1416571070, $14.99

The Big Book of Christmas Joy is just that--a holiday gift book, in eye-catching, green and red tones, with a joyous message. Pages filled with delightful Christmas carols, meaningful poetry, mouth-watering recipes, amusing jokes, amazing Christmas details, and heart-warming Christmas stories, all celebrate Christ, the meaning of love, and the joy of the Christmas season.

Twelve chapters feature what Christmas really means, with topics like love, hope, memories, and giving. The last chapter retells the "Message of the Manger," followed by a list of contributors, and a brief reference and note's section.

Washington author, Lydia Harris, contributed a childhood memory of all-night caroling with the church choir. Harris grew up in a rural area of Blaine Washington, with farms scattered across the countryside.On each Christmas Eve, the church choir traveled to each church member's home to carol, a journey that would last into the wee hours of the morning. You can read Harris's heartwarming story, "A Night Wrapped in Song," in the section titled, "Christmas is Memories."

The segment titled, "The Best Gifts of All," features gifts from the heart, such as an act of kindness, showing respect for the disenfranchised, or preparing a warm meal for the hungry.This section also features suggestions for handmade gifts, such as IOU's to be redeemed for help with home chores, babysitting, or yard work, even minor home repairs if you're handy with tools. Recipes for a batch of cookies, a homemade pie, or a jar of homemade jam are also included. I tried the recipe, "Holiday Nuts," a suggested gift idea. They are wonderfully sweet and crunchy, easy to make with pecans, walnuts, sugar, water and cinnamon. They also make a wonderful family treat.

Each section includes recipes such as Christmas fudge, Oyster dressing, or Star of Bethlehem Cookies. There's even a recipe for homemade ornaments--not to eat of course. Recipes sound delicious, and appear easy-to-make with ingredients most everyone stocks in their pantry.

If you're looking for a gift or a book that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas, look no further. The Big Book of Christmas Joy Is It!

... Read more

Product Description
If the words “classic Christmas” make images of Christmas cactus, fruitcake, and roast turkey dance in your head, then Classic Crafts and Recipes for the Holidays will make all of your yuletide dreams come true.

Arranged in ten chapters with such names as “Cranberries,” “Nuts,” “Citrus,” “Leaves,” and “Pinecones,” this festive compendium of holiday ideas and recipes is certain to show you how to make every Christmas one to remember. In “Winter Berries,” berries are used to make wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces. In its own chapter, fruitcake has been reinterpreted so it will never run the risk of being left uneaten. “Leaves” shows how to make keepsake gifts out of embossed leaves and cards, and throughout the book there are clever packaging and wrapping ideas to suit every taste and budget.

From now on, when you think of a classic Christmas, you’ll think of Classic Crafts and Recipes for the Holidays.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Martha's christmas revisited
This was an older book, but, Martha is a classic and so are her books, beautifully photographed and filled with lovely ideas, easy to follow recipes and crafts for the holliday season.I am happy to add it to my library!

Paper FUN
Martha Stewart does it right!!We joke and smile when it comes to Martha...AND we have to admit once we buy one of her products, she does it right every time...this book is an excellent example with ideas and patterns for crafting with papers..

A Very Beautiful Book
The photographs in this book are absolutely stunning.You could set it on your coffee table for guests to look through, and even if they don't know a Meyer lemon from a tangelo, they'll take great pleasure in looking through this book (they'll learn something, too).Everything is lovingly laid out, photographed and eloquently described.Buy the hardcover edition, because you'll want to keep it for a long time.

A great Holiday Treasure - and gift
Martha's Holiday book this really touched my heart. My mom has always grown Amaryllis and Christmas Cactus, chapters 4 & 5 really were a delightful surprise. I now know the Christmas Cactus the I have is called "White Christmas". When I told my mom about the charts, she was so interested in the book (she lives in Ohio and we live in Fl.) that I am immediately sending her one for Christmas. My son is a personal chef - so we all love to cook and I love to decorate. The pictures are great as usual, but I think I like the charts about the topic in each chapter. They are beautiful and informative. It was great to see the different types of pine cones and citrus. The best part is that even if you don't use these ideas during the holidays - the things you have learned will be useful all year and will be great to share with friends and family.
Some items may have been in Martha Stewart Living - that's great that the special ideas have been put in this holiday book to keep and treasure. (I don't keep every magazine - I will treasure this book).Thanks again to Martha!!!!

Lotsof reprints from the magazine
You know this going in, but there arent' as many really neat "new" things as the last books. More biscotti, and a lot of good uses for the endless bags of cranberries in the back of my freezer.I'll start on those for Christmas about November 1, I think.If you like Martha, this is the fifth in the series, but there wasn't anything besides the cranberry stuff that really "grabbed" me.Still, it's great to continue your collection. ... Read more

Product Description

Everyone knows that the holidays are hectic—but Rick Rodgers, cooking teacher and bestselling cookbook author, knows that they don't have to be. Christmas 101 offers the busy cook carefree ways to entertain with surefire recipes of old favorites, menus, timetables, make-ahead tips, and more. Rodgers will help you throw fabulous cocktail parties and traditional buffets, cook a perfect roast, and spice up your favorite recipes with a contemporary twist.

Customer Reviews (10)

best recipes
This book has the best cookie recipes! I get rave reviews on the cookies, and the fruitcake is out of this world. people (well, those who like fruitcake) literally beg for the recipe. I have not tried many of the entrees or sides, but they look good. The best things about this book are the great instructions, the timetables, and tips. You know all you need to know about a recipe before you try it. highly recommended!

First rate first Christmas book
This book was purchased for my daughter who is setting up her first household.She was thrilled with it.It is has information on decorating, ideas for entertaining and lots of recipes.

Christmas *Recipes* 101 would be a better book title
I am disappointed in this book because it is *not* a general book about Christmas preparation, but a recipe book only. With a name like Christmas 101, and what I read in the book description, I was expecting not only recipes but perhaps an overall Christmas timetable, tips on selecting a tree as well as thoughts on natural vs artificial, information on different cultures' traditions other than strictly food based. This is a nice enough recipe book, but is is now what I expected, or wanted.

Sorry I bought the book
Recieved this book just the other day. So many recipes I will never use espically for Christmas like Black-eyed pea stew, or Parsnip and leek soup. No pictures haven't found a recipe yet I would actually make for Christmas maybe the cookies? I don't think this book is simple to make it stress free. Not what I expected.I have a ton of better Christmas cookbooks thought I would give this one a try and sorry I did. I could not recommend this book.

A GOOD CHRISTMAS EDUCATION
Having Rodgers' Thanksgiving 101 book I decided to try his Christmas 101 book, too.This is not, nor is it meant to be the all-encompassing cookbook for Christmas.It is a rather slight book at under 200 pages.

More important than the actual recipes is Rodgers' advice and tips on planning your feast, party, decorating tips for the table, music, along with great ideas for new tradtions and ways to spice up old traditions.

Whether it's your first holiday party or you're an old pro looking for new entertaining ideas, Christmas 101 Offers luscious fare with Rick's easy style, including Focaccia with Smoked Salmon and Marscapone, Seafood Chowder with Fresh Herbs, and Peppermint Profiteroles. Classic holiday recipes for prime rib, goose, gingerbread cookies, wassail, and Hoppin' John are covered as well.

Fun to read! ... Read more

Product Description
Christmas Make it Sparkle is a wonderful book filled with 225 simple, crafts, food and decorating ideas for your holiday home. Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year. Colored lights shimmer in neighborhood windows, fresh evergreens are adorned with glittering ornaments, and snow glistens. You can see the excitement in the little eyes that twinkle throughout the season. Your holiday home becomes the focal point for all of this marvelous activity and you want to share your talents with the ones you love. In this gook you'll find ideas for beautiful ornaments and tree decorations, glorious wreaths and centerpieces, memorable handmade greeting cards, delicious recipes, stunningly simple decorations, clever gifts for everyone on your holiday list, and unique lighting ideas. All of the easy to make projects, recipes and ideas will help make your holiday just a little brighter. So as you reflect upon this most beautiful time of the year, take time to feel the warmth of the season in your home, and in your heart, as you make this Christmas one that sparkles. See other holiday ideas Google BRAVE INK PRESS ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Half star is actually too much!
What a waste of money.Don't buy this book.The recipes have not been tested.Each and every one I made did not work.Shame on the authors, shame on the publisher!

Disappointed...
Every flip of the page has a different idea or project to do for Christmas. They aren't good ideas. Definitely an aquired taste. Everything requires skill and a lot of different items that might be hard to find. This book should only be bought by very craft minded people or people who have a lot of time on their hands. Unfortunately, I wont be using this book for anything.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I bought this book to get some ideas for parties and crafts that my kids and I could make together.I will be making my own beautiful christmas cards and using some of the decorations on my holiday table.We also found some fun ornaments that we could make together as a family. ... Read more

Product Description
Among Santa Fe's many attractions, its Christmas festivities are perhaps the most unique expression of the city's history and spirit. This lavishly illustrated book offers the reader many gifts. It captures the ambience and mix of cultural traditions - Indian, Spanish, and frontier American - that lend pure magic to the Christmas season in this enchanted city. A virtual Christmas cornucopia, it also presents a plethora of traditions and ideas, recipes, party plans, and decoration and gift crafts to inspire readers who wish to bring fresh enjoyment to their own Christmas celebrations. Internationally known Christmas designer Richard Clawson has put together a wealth of festive gourmet menus, recipes, Christmas decorations, and party ideas for children and adults, all illustrated in stunning colour photographs. He provides clear, detailed instructions for making innovative ornaments, decorations, and gifts out of inexpensive, easy-to-find materials. Adding a personal touch, he shares some of his own Christmas traditions and experiences.Writer Jann Arrington Wolcott traces the history of Christmas in Santa Fe and describes old traditions that remain alive, such as: Las Posadas, the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, the farolitas and luminarias that light their way; the masked Matachines dancers; traditional feasts and decorations; and a more recent addition - an anonymous "Spanglish" version of "'Twas the Night before Christmas". A glimpse into the past is provided by members of old New Mexico families - Indian, Spanish, and frontier American - who share their earliest memories of Christmas as well as special recipes traditionally associated with the holiday season. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (10)

Phenomenal book!
I ordered this book to give as a gift, but I think I'm going to have to get another one for me!First of all, the selection of recipes is amazing.You have everything in here from appetizers, to drinks, to main courses, baked goods, side dishes, and of course, heavenly desserts.As I was reading the pages, I was practically drooling at some of the foods.Then - the PICTURES....oh my if they don't wet your appetite then there is something wrong with you!I found page after page of recipes I want to try, and from the ingredients listed (from being a very experienced cook) I just know they are going to be superb.I have other Southern Living cookbooks, so there's no doubt in my mind the recipes in this book will be fabulous also.I know the recipient of this book will love it - it's a beautiful book and makes for a really nice gift.

Great book and great price
A friend at work purchased this book and let me browse through it.I loved it.As usual I came home and checked Amazon for the best price.I bought this book used, in excellent condition and at a fraction of what my friend paid.It is filled with wonderful recipes!

Christmas Entertaining Must-Have
I got this cookbook last year and made 7 recipes out of it for a Christmas Eve open house.Every single recipe turned out perfectly and was beyond delicious.I'm not sure what went wrong the with recipes that S. Robinson tried but my experience was the absolute opposite of hers.
Here's what I made:
Buttery Blue Cheese and Walnut Spread (served in a bread bowl-yum! I don't even really like blue cheese and I loved this dip)
Gingerbread Bites with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting (my neighbor couldn't even speak when she tasted these because they were so good-and she still talks about them a year later!)
Pear and Goat Cheese Tarts (Gourmet and foolproof, these are excellent hot or cold-they might make you cry, they're so good)
Sparkly Cranberry Scones (so easy to make it's silly-I have used all kinds of different fruits in this recipe and they turn out perfectly every time)
Chocolate Mint Cake with Ganache Frosting (Oh. My. God.I messed up the recipe and doubled the butter and it was still one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten in my life!!)
Peppery Cheese bread (Savory and delicious, it was easy to make and even tasted good warmed up the next day)
Brown-Sugar Pecan Coffee Cake (decadent and delicious, we had this Christmas morning and I couldn't stop eating it even though I was still full from the night before)
I have to note that I am not an extremely experienced cook and although it took me a lot of time to make all of these, they weren't difficult.
I can't recommend this book enough. I also bought the Willams Sonoma Holiday Entertaining book and it just sat forlorly on the shelf, while this book got heavy use.I have about 30 more post-it notes in it on the recipes I still want to try!

Book
The book arrived in a timely manner. It had some writing on some pages that wasn't indicated but it was still less expensive.

Great book!
Boy, do I ever love these books!Each year this time I always start looking for both these Southern Living books for Christmas, as well as the Gooseberry Patch books.Not sure which of the two is my favorite, they've all been mostly wonderful and I cook from them throughout the year.This one I liked in particular because it is broken down into menus.And, when you're in a hurry, that sure helps out a bunch!If you don't buy it for any other reason than for the coconut cakes on the front cover, it's money WELL spent!Wow, what a great recipe!Even went out and bough a special pan to make them.Yum!I don't know how Southern Living keeps from running out of ideas each year, but this one's definitely a keeper!I'm off to order the new 2009!It probably won't help my sagging cabinet shelf either - too many cookbooks already!Oh well!Highly recommend! ... Read more

Product Description
Christmas recipes and crafts and information about the holiday. ... Read more

Product Description
Christmas Sweets transforms the holiday table into a winter wonderland! From boxes of homemade candy brimming with Chocolate Fudge or Almond-Butter Toffee to cookie jars filled with Pecan Lace Cookies or Apricot-Pistachio Bars, this collection of recipes and decorations will make gift-giving extra sweet this year. Beautifully illustrated with gorgeous color photography, each festive project celebrates the season and offers inspiring craft ideas using sweets both homemade and store bought. Holiday guests will delight in stealing a treat from a Candy Wreath and getting caught under the Candy Acorn Kissing Ball. With homemade gingerbread confections presented in a spectacular, wintry Gingerbread Cookie Box, Santa will never settle for cookies again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

One is enough
I tried one recipe from this book, Turkish Delights that was a complete waste.It required liquid pectin which was difficult to find.I followed the directions exactly and was very disappointed when the mixture never set.It remained like liquid jello. Not good, I tossed it out.
Needless to say I will not be trying any other recipes from this book.

small sweets
This book is much smaller then I expected.But it has a few recipes I will use

Dissapointing
I am a cookbook addict. I bought this to give as a gift from another source. When I flipped through the book, I decided not to gift this, because I didn't even like several of the photos of Christmas cookies, etc. I just found the book to be uninspiring.

Happy Shopping! ... Read more

Product Description
Get kids into the kitchen whipping up gorgeous treats, cakes, party food, and edible decorations for the holiday season. Annie Rigg brings festive cheer to the kitchen with more than 50 recipes from around the world—all simple enough for children under 11 to make with minimum help from Muom or Dad. Little Treats & Gifts are for giving to friends, teachers, and family. Everyone loves a box of homemade Fudge or

Customer Reviews (1)

Well Constructed Book -- Christmas Cooking with Kids
This is a well thought out book with fun ideas for cooking with kids of all ages. Most of the recipes are easily found in other cookbooks, but the book is designed in a clear step-by-step manner that makes it kid friendly. Some of the recipes are suitable to make with small children, saving the adults trying to dream-up projects for the family during the holidays. Additionally, photographs are a big part of the book with every recipe illustrated which both helps with preparation and seeing the end result entices participants into the project.
Recipes include:

Basic yellow cake, Chocolate Glaze, Chocolate Frosting, Glace' Icing, Buttercream frosting

Little Treats & Gifts
Frosted Brownie Squares
Swedish Saffron Buns
Lebkuehen cookies
Peppermint Creams (candy)
Marshmallow Pops (candy
Ricciarelli cookies
Marshmallow Snowmen
Coconut Ice Candy
Cranberry Streusel Muffins
Toffee Apples
Chocolate Truffles
Fudge (Chocolate and Vanilla)
Cranberry & Pear Relish
Almond Crescents cookies
Iced Christmas Tree cookies
Shortbread
Pecan, Toffee & Chocolate Squares
Madeleines cookies
Biscotti with Pistachios & Cranberries cookies
Cinnamon Sticky Buns (made from scratch)
Rocky Road Fridge Cake
Meringue Snowflakes
Apple & Cranberry Pies

Edible Decorations
Marzipan Christmas Figures
Sugar Mice
Advent Numbered Cookies
Popcorn Garland
Popcorn Marshmallow Clusters
Gingerbread Shooting Stars cookies
Candy Trees
Frosted Fruit
Snowflake Cookies

Cakes and Desserts
Buche de Noel
Pain d' epics (French gingerbread cake)
Gingerbread House
Mini Baked Alaska
Fruity Treats(gelatin dessert)
Coconut Cake
Pumpkin Pie
Easy Fruitcake
Frosty the Snowman cake
Marble Cake

Party Food
Hot Chocolate & Mulled Apple Juice
Pigs in Blankets
Cheesy Grissini
Butternut Squash Soup with Cheesy Croutons
French Toast
Buttermilk Pancakes
Cheese & Ham Scones
Scotch Pancakes with Smoked Salmon
Bagel Chips
Savory Dips - Red Pepper & Chickpea Dip, Avocado Dip, Cream Cheese & Herb dip
Pesto Palmiers
Spiced Mixed Nuts
Cheese Straws
Pretzels

One of the things I liked best about this book is that every photograph doesn't reflect perfection. The picture of the shortbread includes one cracked piece. The fudge isn't all cut into perfect squares. I also like that the recipes are for the most part from scratch so the child is learning some actual cooking skills.

There is a solid index in the back of the book to help locate any recipe, along with a conversion chart for weights and measures so translation from American into Metric or Imperial is handy. I prepared the Coconut Ice candy and it was both easy and delicious. This book would make a great gift for a family, or any child that expressed an interest in cooking or baking.
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Customer Reviews (4)

Retro-inspired country Christmas is a walk down memory lane...
"The Farm Chicks Christmas" by Serena Thompson is the follow-up to 2009's The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen: Live Well, Laugh Often, Cook Much. The first Farm Chicks book was a countrified cookbook peppered liberally with stories and reminiscences by Serena and Teri, antiques-inspired craft ideas (a reusable stencil was included in the front), and comfort food: easy recipes for breakfast treats, appetizers, soups and salads, and decadent desserts, over fifty in all.

"Farm Chicks Christmas," on the other hand, is written only by Serena, a contributing editor for Country Living magazine and antiques show hostess (her best friend Teri has retired from their business). The book still includes numerous country-inspired craft ideas; you'll find decorative, retro-inspired self-adhesive gift tags and notecards at the back, along with various decorating ideas for "the most wonderful time of the year." However, the ratio of crafts to recipes is reversed from the first book; there are only 17 recipes included at the back with gift-giving suggestions on how to package them.

"Farm Chicks Christmas" captures the magic of childhood Christmases, from family visits to the tree farm (complete with recipe ideas for hot drinks to tote along), holiday decorating ideas (holiday scalloped bunting, vintage-inspired snowball pompom ornaments, cone trees and vintage funnel trees, banners and more), and photos of Serena's friends' and family's homes decorated for Christmas.

Much of the book is more like a scrapbooked photo essay, with crafts sprinkled in every few pages. Also, the decorating tips (and included photos) are vintage country in the Farm Chicks fashion: displaying old farm toys standing in coconut snow, for example, or stacking metal funnels to make "trees." If you're not a fan of all things country, this probably isn't the holiday book for you.

The included holiday recipes are few, and aimed mostly at gift-giving, like the sweet and salty nuts, mini orange bundt cakes, and various types of cookies (butter cutouts, chocolate-covered peanut butter balls, snowballs, Spritz cookies). As with the previous book, a handy list of metric equivalent charts is provided at the back. I tried the sweet and salty nuts recipe first, and though tasty, I didn't think that the "sweet" flavor predominated; it was more of a subtle afterthought (there's only 1.5 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of honey for 3 cups of nuts).

Overall, "Farm Chicks Christmas" is a nostalgic walk down a snowy memory lane, but it has narrower mass appeal than "Farm Chicks in the Kitchen" due to the reversal of the recipe-to-crafts ratio and the genre-specific decorating style (I enjoyed the many beautiful photographs, but won't find myself making yarn-ball wreaths or filling jars with spare Christmas lightbulbs anytime soon).

(Review copy courtesy of Sterling Publishing)

Merry Ideas FOR SURE!!
In true Farm Chicks style, this book inspires new ideas, wonderful cooking and merriment of the best kind! I have been a Farm Chicks fan for as long as they have been around and ordered this volume a soon as it was available. It is a delight to thumb through and look at the gorgeous photographs and you will be truly in the mood for the holiday after you read it cover to cover as I did!!

It is filled with memories of Ms Thompson's past Christmases; yummy recipes for warming drinks and munchies, cookies,
mini bundt cakes and soooo much more! There are crafts to help decorate your cottage...Wrapping Paper Village; ways to use your collectibles to add to the holiday spirit:get out those vintage ice skates; tuck a small-size pair of red cowboy boots stuffed with winter greens into the corner of a book shelf; display your colorful baking supplies in glass jars on a kitchen shelf or counter....the reds, greens, and multi-color cookie decorations are pretty as well as functional!!

Just when you think you have seen it all, you turn the page and there are color recipe cards (make copies or use the originals to attach to those homemade goodies) plus 2 pages of sticker gift tags! Fun little extras!!

This is a wonderfully written book chock full of entertaining stories, and all the recipes and decorating ideas you need to make yours a merry holiday!!

anticipation
I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of this new Farm Chicks book.Although it is a nice book, it does not compare to the first Farm Chicks book.It is more like what you might see on a blog.So although I'm not sad that I purchased it, had I seen it first I may not have done so. The first Farm Chicks book was far better.

Bring on the Fa La La - Farm Chick Style!
Christmas "Farm Chicks" style is just what I was hoping for this season.I am a big fan of Serena Thompson (previous book, site, products, blog, etc) so, of course I had her new publication, The Farm Chicks Christmas on pre-order the minute it was available.I was not disappointed in the least.The beautiful photography alone is worth the price of admission - but, never fear Ms. Thompson has given us many more "treats" to freshen our holiday plans.A few favs - the Pom Pom Ornaments (especially if you have super little ones and need non-breakable on your tree), and wrapping & shipping ideas (including Gift Card Holders & Wrapping Paper Village).

A few recipe highlights for me include - Marble Bread and the Mini Orange Bundt Cakes.No way to choose, so I'll be making both.

And, if all that doesn't seal the deal for you --- included is adorable color recipe cards (perfect to make copies and expand your collection or for gifts) and sticker gift tags.Love a free gift with purchase! This is a beautiful holiday book - full of lovely stories and collections.As a fan of the brand, The Farm Chicks know how to throw one heck of a holiday extravaganza!

Cheers!
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Product Description

Even in today's busy times, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Author Tammy Maltby believes the true meaning of Christmas is realized when families gather to share activities that make Christmas "the most wonderful time of the year." More than any other holiday, Christmas is when family and friends gather for a cup of hot chocolate, fresh-baked cookies, and lots of laughter.

Look inside this holiday treasure for:

- Easy-to-do holiday recipes

- Hints for new traditions

- Personal gift ideas

- Kid-friendly activities

- Simple decorating tips

The Christmas Kitchen is more than a recipe book, it's a book designed to help you enjoy the holiday season, not be burdened by it. Take a few minutes each day to browse these pages for the help you've been looking for.

Merry Christmas and may your kitchen be filled, first, with the sweet aroma of love, and then with the spices of the season. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Fantastic Resource!
Tammy Maltby's latest book "The Christmas Kitchen" is a must for those looking for creative holiday ideas and recipes. It contains ideas to create a beautiful Christmas atmosphere at home and inovative gift ideas that can easily be done on a budget. Practical, well written and full of clever gift suggestions, not to mention the delicious recipes. It is a book that will be perennially re-read.

Beautifully Done!
This book is a true nugget of inspiration, creative ideas for the Christmas season.Author Tammy Maltby ventures beyond mere recipes to gift giving & presentation, decorating, plus things to do to celebrate the season when just spending an evening with family.I love sitting down and thumbing through this book.Each time I find the inspiration I need to complete something on my Christmas to-do list that can easily be done without consuming a lot of my time that is so precious during this season.I highly recommend this as a gift for yourself or for others on your list.This is the perfect handbook for making beautiful, warm memories at Christmas time!

Great book
This is a beautifully done book, and would make a great gift-especially for someone who is new to creating their own traditions. Nice collections of ideas, recipes and encouragment

Get in the holiday spirit!
Do you know someone that loves getting into the spirit of Christmas? The decorating, the baking, cooking, gift giving, entertaining... all of it? Are you that person? Then "The Christmas Kitchen" is for you.

This book is a great compilation of some fantastic recipes, excellent tips and ideas and everything you need to put you in the mood for the holiday season. It is beautifully done and would be great for gift giving. Check out some of these recipes...

Salmon and Lemon-Caper Cream Sandwiches
French Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce
Curried Chicken-Cashew Sandwiches
Coconut Angel Cupcakes
Teddy Bear Caramel Corn
Bon Temps Cajun Shrimp
Ambrosia Punch
Feliz Navidad Tortilla Soup
Cranberry Guacamole

And this is just the beginning - I can't wait to make some of these recipes myself this month.The one thing about the book that confused me a little bit was all the recipes that were in it, and tons of pictures but no pictures of the food.I love pictures of food to go with recipes.Instead of food pictures there are lots of pictures of people... with no captions of who they are???But that is probably just me being quirky, other than that I absolutely love this book!Great gift for a Christmas lover or perfect for yourself!

Relaxing Christmas
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this collection of all things Christmas.

Although small in size, 7.1 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches with 132 pages, it's chock full of ideas that will inspire the reader to enjoy the real meaning of Christmas. The author encourages the reader "to let go of perfection." (sigh) Finally, an authority gives permission to the homemaker to relax and enjoy the holiday. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For anybody who has ever had the privilage of eating this cuisine
If you've ever lived in or visited New Mexico, you know of the food: enough said. Plenty of good recipes in here, and I intend to try them all repeatedly.

cook book for a different Christmas experience
I enjoyed the recipes, the traditions and folklore for Christmas in New Mexico, a blend of Spanish and Indian culture. ... Read more

Product Description
Make every Christmas a cookie craft Christmas! The holidays offer just the right combination of cold weather and family togetherness for cookie crafters to elevate their skills to showstopping new heights. With more than 60 new Christmas cookie designs, along with festive New Year’s cookies and lovely Hanukkah treats, Cookie Craft Christmas delivers colorful inspiration to cookie decorators just when they need it most.

Each spread features a full-page, close-up photograph of one cookie cutter shape with detailed decorating instructions on the facing page. Some pages feature one gloriously decorated cookie, while others might feature two or three interpretations of the same shape — ornaments in complementary colors, Christmas trees decorated in varying styles, or gingerbread men wearing a rainbow of colors and patterns.

Decorating instructions are as simple as tinting cookie dough green before baking Christmas trees or as intricate as piping hair on a gingerbread grandma, creating a frilly pattern for her apron, and decorating her dress using a pretty feathering technique. Techniques are described in full in a Decorating Glossary, and cookie and icing recipes are included.

Fresh inspiration and fabulous decorating ideas fill the pages of this handy little sourcebook. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who has ever picked up a pastry bag.

Publisher's Note: 

The chart on page 17 gives ingredient quantities for making royal icing with meringue powder. Please note that you should use only 4 teaspoons of meringue powder for 2 cups of confectioners' sugar in both the piping and the flooding recipes. (The table incorrectly gives the meringue powder quantity as 4 tablespoons.) This will be corrected in reprints of the book.

Customer Reviews (13)

Cookie Craft Christmas
Nice book with many ideas. A book I will enjoy for many year. Nice addition to my collection.

small but inspiring book
This book is a must have for cooking decorating.I got lots of great ideas.From how to set up my work area and tools to unusual but beautiful color combinations.

just the perfect book for decorating cookies
This book is just what i was looking for.Simple, with easy explanations and amazing ideas for cookies. It's just the answer to all my questions about cookie decorating for Christmas. The authors are quite generous and humble not only sharing their recipes but their desing ideas. Great little book, it made me orderCookie Craft: From Baking to Luster Dust, Designs and Techniques for Creative Cookie Occasions days after, and i'm excited for the next cookie baking time.

Thank you Valarie and Janice for another amazing book......
I have so many post-it note flags in this book! I was so inspired (see customer images) I had to share my photos!! I am a beginner at this, I have been watching Martha Stewart do it for years, but really needed a book like this to get my groove on, LOL! Thank you Valarie and Janice for the much needed inspiration.

To all you busy moms out there, it is not impossible to make gorgeous cookies. Follow the directions of this wonderful book (small but mighty) and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish! I have 6 kids underfoot, and was able to decorate over 150 cookies as gifts this Christmas. I didn't buy any gifts or go to the mall, I just got in the kitchen with this book and went for it. I took 1 day to bake, and the next to decorate. Next year I will start earlier. They keep well in clear favor bags sold at craft stores, with a pretty ribbon of your choice to close the top. Hope you find this book as inspirational as I did! :)

good decorating book
Explains how to decorate many types of Christmas cookies.I wish it had more recipes using buttercream icing and less with royal icing.I think buttercream tastes better. ... Read more

Product Description
The Christmas Cookie Cookbook is the perfect holiday present or year-round companion for new and seasoned bakers alike. Packed with tips, anecdotes, and tons of recipes, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking for a new holiday tradition or simply a fresh way to spread holiday cheer throughout the year.

For almost twenty years, Ann Pearlman and a dozen of her friends have been in a Christmas Cookie Club founded by Marybeth Bayer. Every year at the same time, they gather at her house to exchange cookies, wine, and laughs. Now, with The Christmas Cookie Cookbook, Ann shows readers how to start a club of their own.

The recipes and the inspiration are all here in one complete guide for cookie club hopefuls. With a diverse selection of not only Christmas cookies, but Chanukah and Ramadan cookies too, there’s a treat in here for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
This festive, "wintery" collection of jar mixes features recipe ideas for breads, pastas, soups, cakes, cookies, muffins, and beverages-all perfect for gift giving. ... Read more

Product Description

• Offers readers inspirational Christmas decorating ideas to help beautify their homes in a creative and personal way.

• Is dedicated solely to the season of Christmas, giving the book a clear focus.

• Packed with a variety of ideas and projects including: festive decorating schemes, stunning themed trees, quick-to-make ornaments and cards, appealing gifts to make, and easy crafts.

• Step-by-step instructions for craft projects are included in the back of the book.

Amazon.com Review
Deck the halls with tons of ideas and projects that help make the season bright

Whether you incorporate handmade items as part of your decor, celebrations, or gift giving, adding a personal touch to Christmas makes the holiday season even more special. Christmas Ideas is packed with easy and inspirational ways to help beautify and personalize your holiday season. You'll get ideas for festive decorating schemes, stunning themed trees, quick-to-make ornaments and cards, appealing gifts, and easy crafts. So before you adorn your home or begin penning your Christmas cards, turn to this gorgeous book for

• Projects that bring a handmade touch to holiday d¿cor, gifts, and celebrations
• Step-by-step instructions for craft projects
• Ideas for holiday entertaining including kitchen-tested recipes
• Gorgeous color photos that offer inspiration and guidance

Christmas Ideas is a treasure-trove of holiday merriment—a perfect source for creating unforgettable Christmas celebrations and traditions you'll be proud to share with family and friends.

Craft and Recipe Excerpts from Best of Christmas Ideas

Beaded Trees

Shortbread Sticks

Flames of Green