Desserts and A Shawl

With just over  a month until Christmas, I have reviews to share for two books that I think would make great gift items.

Stepping out to different genres again, the cover of the first book caught my attention but the premise of the book was the icing on the cake.

Dessert 4 today, 

Flavorful Desserts with just 

Four Ingredients 

by Abigail Johnson Dodge

The idea of creating delicious desserts with only four ingredients is a big plus, especially this time of year with the holidays upon us.

Each one of the 125 yummy recipes only uses 4 ingredients. The techniques are easy and no hours of prep time involved.

Author Abigail Johnson Dodge, a consummate cook and teacher, begins the book explaining the basic items needed in a stacked pantry. In addition, she lists the top 10 equipment essentials every kitchen needs along with the top 10 small gadgets found useful.

The recipes are divided into five chapters. The chapters and a sample recipe include:
* Cookies - Sparkling Cocoa Drops (which I baked last night and loved)
* Creamy Desserts - Chocolate Decadence for a Crowd
* Frozen Desserts - Creamy Mocha Semifreddo
* Fruit Desserts - Rum-Raisin Bananas Fester
* Pastry Desserts - Chunky Apple Brown Betty

Each recipe also has a ‘Switch-Ins’ section which gives ways to switch ingredients for a different taste. There is also a ‘Gussy It Up’ section that gives ways to put extra flare to your dessert.

When looking for quick, easy and delicious dessert recipes, this is a handy cookbook to have.

Desserts 4 today, Flavorful Desserts with just Four Ingredients by Abigail Johnson Dodge, The Taunton Press, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-60085-294-7, Paperback, 192 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion by Janet Bristow and Victoria A. Cole-Galo

Those who crochet and knit have heard of ‘prayer shawls.’ They are the shawls that have been lovingly hand-crocheted or knitted out of soft yarn, blessed by the maker, and given to someone who needs comfort.

With that in mind, the authors created this book featuring 37 patterns for wraps and prayer shawls contributed by a variety of crafters. The patterns are for all levels of crocheting. They also include the finished measurements of the garment, the type and amount of yarn needed, the hook and gauge, along with the instructions. The bonus is heart-felt stories and inspiring prayers with each pattern.

Crocheting abbreviations, standard yarn weights, and color and zymology are also included in the back of the book. To me the only thing missing is brief illustrations of the stitches for those just beginning to crochet.

Authors Janet Bristown and Victoria A. Cole-Galo are the founders of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. They include how to start a Prayer Shawl Ministry in your area.

This is a wonderful book to give inspiration, as well as thoughtful and comforting gifts. The most difficult aspect of this book is trying to decide which pattern to begin with.

I leave you with a quote from the authors that I think sums it up: “To tangibly wrap someone in your prayers and best wishes for them is a blessing. Too often, words cannot convey our feelings of love and concern for another, but to drape a shawl made by the work of your hands and the prayers of your heart around someone’s shoulders speaks volumes.”

The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion by Janet Bristow and Victoria A. Cole-Galo, The Taunton Press, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-60085-293-0, Paperback, 176 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Author Sam Moffie was scheduled to guest blog here today, but was unable to. Hopefully we'll be able to re-schedule his post for a later date.