Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Italian Moms - Spreading their Art to Every Table: Classic Homestyle Italian Recipes is a Regional Italian Cookbook written by Elisa Costantini and her son, Frank Costantini, with photographs by Versano Photography. Elisa Costantini learned much of her skills in the kitchen while helping her Aunt Ida. She was the only one who was allowed to assist the secretive chef with the incredible dishes that earned her the status of a celebrated chef and caterer in Teramu, which is located in Abruzzo, Italy. Abruzzo, a mountainous region in Southern Italy, is known for its meat dishes, a basic meat sauce called Ragu, spreadable sausages, and mountain honey. Costantini interweaves the story of her childhood and early married life in Italy and later in the United States with her recipes. She begins with cooking tips and then presents a variety of regional antipasti. Her recipes are easy to follow and very well presented. Most call for a modest amount of ingredients and the cooking instructions are clearly described. The photographs of each dish will make most readers instantly start making cooking plans and compiling grocery lists for the recipes they’ll be unable to resist preparing.

I've enjoyed trying new recipes for many years and, while my favorite chefs are Julia Child and James Beard, I've always had a soft spot for Italian dishes. When I first saw Elisa and Frank Costantini's gorgeous regional Italian cookbook, Italian Moms - Spreading their Art to Every Table: Classic Homestyle Italian Recipes, I knew I was in for a treat. But I had no idea just how much of a treat this marvelous cookbook would be. I loved reading about Elisa's life and appreciated her descriptions of her first time making some of these special dishes. Her recipes are a dream to read, and I instantly started compiling an internal catalogue of the dishes I would have to try right away. There's so much in this book, from breads, to pastas, meat dishes, soups -- and desserts to die for -- but I have to admit my first project will have to be Costantini's Timballo, a massive dish that's similar to lasagna but is made with scrippelles, a type of Italian crepe, with, perhaps, tiramisu and Italian rum cake for dessert. Each of the dishes presented in this book speaks most eloquently of the love the authors have for their cuisine, and the recipes will be irresistible to anyone who enjoys cooking. Italian Moms - Spreading their Art to Every Table: Classic Homestyle Italian Recipes is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

In a stunningly beautiful new offering by author and chef Olga Petrenko, Intimacy on the Plate: 200+ Aphrodisiac Recipes to Spice Up Your Love Life at Home Tonight is a guide through gastronomic heaven. As many at home chefs know, the visual appeal of a cookbook definitely adds to the joy involved in preparing a meal, and this book is beautiful from start to finish. The focus of the work, creating and sharing meals with your partner with a special emphasis on aphrodisiacs, is extremely interesting, and the science behind how foods affect the sexes appears to be sound. The book is divided into easy to use sections, including vegetables, fish, seafood, erotic spices, nuts, fruit, chocolate and love potions, and has easy to follow instructions on preparation as well as information on the potential effects of eating particular foods. The beauty of the photos of the food as it is being prepared is only bested by the beauty of the photos of the finished product.

I loved this cook book. Loved. It. How's that for a review? It's definitely how I felt about Intimacy on the Plate: 200+ Aphrodisiac Recipes to Spice Up Your Love Life at Home Tonight. Author Olga Petrenko has done a simply outstanding job in her work on this cookbook, and the information about the food as well as the photos provided are just magnificent. This book would be perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking, is looking to prepare a perfect romantic or Valentine's Day meal, or who is looking to spice up their love life. I am so pleased to be able to highly recommend Intimacy on the Plate: 200+ Aphrodisiac Recipes to Spice Up Your Love Life at Home Tonight, and I look forward to reading more from this very promising cookbook author as soon as I am able to!

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Are you over forty and looking for a simpler way of life? Less stress, less fat, less cholesterol? Have you considered making any life changes, like perhaps a change in your diet? As we get older, our bodies change in so many ways. And we have to change along with our bodies, not just to help deal with the everyday stress of living, but also to give our bodies a better chance of coping with illness and the usual wear and tear on the body. Have you considered a vegan diet? One that would eliminate all animal products and by-products in your diet? Or even a partial vegan diet? There are many benefits in eating primarily or solely plant-based foods. You’re protecting animals, protecting the environment (because the animal-based food industry produces a lot of waste that is toxic to the environment), and you’re giving your body less cholesterol, more energy, and so much more.

This vegan diet idea, or perhaps it’s more of an un-diet since it’s not a crash course in weight loss, is the basis for Sandra Sellani and Susan Sellani’s very resourceful and informative book, The 40-Year-Old Vegan: 75 Recipes to Make You Leaner, Cleaner, and Greener in the Second Half of Life, is much more than just a recipe book. Yes, there are lots of recipes, 75 as the title indicates. But there is a wealth of information provided by the authors and other professionals in the area of nutrition and vegan diets. This is a must-have guide to a healthier eating plan. Whether you want to become totally vegan, or just incorporate some vegan ideas into your diet, this is the book to help guide you along. It doesn’t insist on a total conversion. In fact, one of the authors is only partially vegan. And, it points out that any change in diet must be gradual, as our bodies are used to certain foods and the downfall of any rash diet plan is the rebound binge eating. There is a detailed guide included to gradually introducing vegan foods into your diet. And, of course, there are the recipes, complete with clear, concise instructions, suggestions of alternatives to certain ingredients and colorful illustrations to tempt the palate. This book is a must for any health-conscious person.

Reviewed by Nandita Keshavan for Readers' Favorite

Anti-Aging Secrets of Spices by Kitty Wells is a book for people who are interested in change and true insight into the value of natural spices and organic healthy foods in preserving health and vitality. Kitty explains, based on her own life journey, that staying in the dark regarding health made her suffer from a variety of problems. To address the issues she had, she quit her corporate job and began researching spices. I applaud this book due to its scientific content, easy to read philosophical and factual style, pertinent arguments, and compelling evidence.

Attractive photos and subheadings add to the book, and in addition to this, the author provides lists and tables which illustrate compelling evidence. How strange it seems that we live in a world where spices and herbs are not often regarded by mainstream society as having medical benefits and natural protective power? Spices and herbs take the role of flavour enhancers, but they have not taken a key role in modern medical practice in preserving and restoring health, despite evidence which indicates that they have many benefits and few adverse effects. This book substantiates the cause for spices and herbs effectively, and goes beyond the title to show their effect, not only on age, but also on mood, vitality, and well being.

I highly recommend that this book be read by all ages and that people make active efforts to adopt the key principles that spices and herbs should be used more frequently - not only as anti-aging tools, but also to increase well being and vitality and decrease fatigue, stress and unhealthy eating. The book also includes a lot of information on the beneficial compounds in vegetables. The title of the book could be broader to reflect the wide ranging information on agents for natural vitality and health, as well as some of the shocking stories regarding dangerous pharmaceuticals and chemicals that were approved and are widely used. Since the evidence is compelling, I hope that people will adopt the use of these natural life-giving agents in practice and notice the effects themselves.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

The Ramblings of an Old Man: A Composite of Articles, Short Stories and Recipes by Chef Cal Kraft is a composite of memories in the form of letters, stories and recipes centering on the life of Chef Cal Kraft who lives in Danbury Forest. Initially, Chef Kraft wrote and had these stories published in the community newspaper, but after much coaxing from friends and family, Chef Kraft decided to compile these memories into a book. The stories will resonate with you as if you were chatting at a coffee house, on a porch, or in the home of a friend, reflecting about old times. With each letter, Chef Kraft offers a background story as to why he wrote the letter and then accompanies it with one of his favorite recipes to set the mood. Occasionally his cat, Miss Kitty, provides a guest appearance and offers her input.

I am in love with The Ramblings of an Old Man: A Composite of Articles, Short Stories and Recipes by Chef Cal Kraft. It reminds me of watching my dad and his friends on the porch, talking about the past. As I was reading The Ramblings of an Old Man, just like hearing my dad’s stories, I found myself laughing so much that I couldn’t contain myself. One of the stories that resonated with me was “Don’t Worry, Cal, I Have Snow Tires!” - such a fun and engaging story. To accompany this story, Chef Kraft presented a Polish dish recipe, Haluski. We all have stories that at times we begin to reflect on, so jump start these memories today with your copy of The Ramblings of an Old Man: A Composite of Articles, Short Stories and Recipes by Chef Cal Kraft.

Reviewed by Charity Tober for Readers' Favorite

How to Get Your Kids to Beg for Veggies by Leann Forst is a valuable and informative recipe cookbook for parents of young children. The author starts by explaining the benefits of a healthy, REAL food diet for children and exactly how much of each different nutrient our bodies need on a daily basis. The book is conveniently divided into sections containing breakfast, lunch/dinner and snack/treat recipes. Each recipe has a full color picture, ingredient list, instructions and complete nutritional information. All of the recipes have hidden healthy vegetables ingredients but are very kid-friendly options. For instance, some breakfast choices include a Chocolate Protein Spinach Smoothie and Creamy Peach Oatmeal, while a tasty lunch choice could be a Pizza Pocket Sandwich or Savory Turkey Veggie Meatballs. Snack time slump? No problem, just whip up some Chocolate Superfood Muffins, Beet Brownies or Banana Avocado Chocolate Pudding! I will definitely be trying out some of these recipes with my son very soon!

I enjoyed reading How to Get Your Kids to Beg for Veggies and, as a mom myself, I can really appreciate a book containing tasty AND healthy recipe options for my little picky eater. All of the recipes were listed in a very easy to follow format and I loved that each recipe had a full color picture included. The book contained a wide variety of recipes as well as incorporating many different veggie options. I would recommend this book to all parents of young children, especially those with picky or inconsistent eaters.

Reviewed by Nandita Keshavan for Readers' Favorite

Spices & Seasons: Simple, Sustainable Indian Flavors is an excellent book by Rinku Bhattacharya, which consists of colourful, appetising, and simple recipes. Being US-based, Rinku maintains the importance of adapting cooking to suit local produce and reducing the use of imported ingredients. Stories of her backyard produce are informative to cooks who grow their own vegetables and also useful for people interested in sourcing seasonal vegetables from local farmers' markets. Being a working mother, Rinku shows that Indian cooking need not be very time consuming and there are several ways to simplify cooking. She also describes her views on sustainability in traditional and modern Indian cooking.

The book features vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes, and classifies them as vegan/ vegetarian, gluten free, seafood and meat dishes. What would particularly appeal to beginners to Indian cooking is a description of an essential Indian spice starter kit. Also useful are the recommendations for oils and cooking mediums, and kitchen equipment. Despite the recipes and recommendations, Rinku advocates satisfying your own creativity and curiosity, cooking to your own taste and having fun with cooking. The book is very useful to people interested in adapting their cooking to use a slow cooker, whose advantages are discussed in the book, and preparation times are indicated for relevant recipes.

Featured in 12 recipe chapters and covering most food categories, the recipes are creative and appetising, and suited to serve four or more people. They all indicate preparation and cooking times which are under 30 minutes, excepting the dessert section, which features sweet dishes with longer preparation times. Beautiful and informative features per recipe are full page colour photographs and short introductions describing serving of the dish, variations, and occasionally inspirations. Several recipes also include “tips and tricks,” indicating ways to reduce preparation time for the time conscious cook. True to the title, Rinku describes the mood of each season beautifully and these are useful in describing the context and inspiration of the recipes. Each chapter also features its own introduction.

In addition to popular favourites, there are several recipes with modern touches which are simple and appetising. Without giving away the context, a few examples are blueberry and ginger sauce; mint and apricot; pepper, cranberry and lemon; a pomegranate and apricot glaze, and walnut and paneer. An interesting feature of the book is also European or American food with an Indian twist, such as Indian-spiced garlic bread, masala cornbread, and strawberries with saffron cream, and also traditional recipes adapted to incorporate ingredients available outside India, such as raspberry kulfi with a blackberry garnish. I could not cover the breadth and depth of the cuisine presented in a short review. I highly recommend this book to people who cook Indian food of all levels and locales.

Reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Readers' Favorite

The Ultimate Anti-Cancer Cookbook is full of recipes of all types for anything from breakfast and snacks to desserts, salads and even dressings. There are even recipes for things most people think of as unhealthy food like pizza and sauces. Whatever you’re in the mood to eat for dinner tonight, you can definitely find it in this book by author Pam Braun. Whatever your tastes and your preferences, there are options for you as well. If you’re looking to get healthier, then this is definitely the book for you to start making your own healthy and cancer fighting meals.

The United States in general is having trouble with cancer and also with being overweight. This book is an excellent way to combat both of those things without having to sacrifice the flavors that we all know and love. I know it would be really hard for me to give up dessert completely and this book doesn’t ask you to do that. It’s full of all kinds of flavorful recipes for people with a lot of time or a little. It also has some tips, ideas, and stories scattered throughout the recipes and handy lists of foods to avoid and foods to enjoy. I really liked The Ultimate Anti-Cancer Cookbook by Pam Braun and I am definitely looking forward to trying out a lot of these recipes for myself. After all, everyone can use some assistance in getting healthy and cutting back on all the sugar and additives that most processed foods contain.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

To all chocolate lovers, this is a travel book that you will not want to overlook. Doreen Pendgracs’ Chocolatour: A Quest for the World's Best Chocolate takes readers around the globe in the hunt for the best chocolate, chocolatiers, chocolate makers, events and attractions from France, Italy, Switzerland to the growing cocoa regions of Peru and the West Indies. I strongly suggest to readers to have a chocolate bar near because Pendgracs bombards Chocolatour with picturesque and delicious photos of everything related to chocolate, including recipes from chefs.

Do you know the difference between cacao and cocoa? If you love chocolate but lack the knowledge like me, Pendgracs deftly explains relevant terminologies specific to the world of chocolate in Chapter 1. Novices of the chocolate culture will know what differentiates chocolate makers, chocolatiers, and chocolate masters. Readers will love chocolate in Chapter 2, “Chocogasms and Other Health Benefits of Chocolate”. I do have my personal favorite – Chapter 9, “Sweet Success in Switzerland”, as my two favorite chocolate products are Toblerone and Lindt.

Simply put, Chocolatour: A Quest for the World's Best Chocolate gives seasoned and new chocolate lovers incomparable insight into the self-indulgent culture of chocolate. It is undeniably an enjoyable and easy read with an appetizing theme boosted by clear, flawless prose. If you plan to travel soon, it is wise to bring this book along. Delightfully, this is only volume one of Chocolatour, so you can look forward to more of Doreen Pendgracs’ mouth-watering quest in the next installment.

Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

From the Kitchens of Pancho Villa, written by Karina Ann Betlem, is so much more than a cookbook; it is a collection of recipes, stories, and pictures that share and celebrate a community and authentic Mexican cuisine. From the Kitchens of Pancho Villa begins with an introduction which explains the purpose of this book and how Karina came to creating and publishing it. A general overview of the recipes and layout of the book is shared. Before the actual recipes are shared there is a section devoted to discussing the ingredients as many of these may be different from what one may be used to cooking with. Each chapter is devoted to one of the cooks whom Karina spent time with in order to create this cookbook. There are a few paragraphs shared about each individual and then the recipes that each one prepares in his or her home are shared.

Karina Ann Betlem has done an excellent job of sharing her new home and community with the rest of the world in her cookbook, From the Kitchens of Pancho Villa! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Not only is this cookbook filled with so many delicious-sounding recipes, but it is also filled with pictures and stories that bring to life the cooks that are featured and also add a homey feel to the recipes. I enjoy Mexican food and going to Mexican restaurants; however as Karina has pointed out, this is not experiencing authentic home-style Mexican cuisine and these recipes are ones that anyone could make at home. These recipes are well-written as they can be easily followed so that the dish is accurately made and they do not appear to be time consuming. The ingredients chapters are a great addition to the cookbook as I am not familiar will all of the ingredients that are frequently used and the explanations that are provided are enough that I would feel at ease with working with them. This cookbook is a must-have for anyone whom enjoys Mexican cuisine.