My Cookbook Order

[jglass]

This was in the new book. Im going to make it tonight.

Giada's Pasta e Fagioli

4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 large sprig fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped onion
3 ounces pancetta, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 (14.5-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup elbow macaroni
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Wrap the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf in a piece of cheesecloth and secure closed with kitchen twine.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onion, pancetta, and garlic and saute until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes.
Add the broth, beans, and sachet of herbs.
Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then decrease the heat to medium and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes. Discard the sachet. Puree 1 cup of the bean mixture in a blender until smooth*.
Before putting the puree back into the soup, add the macaroni and boil with the lid on until it is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Return the puree to the remaining soup in the saucepan and stir well.
Season the soup with ground black pepper and red pepper flakes.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with some Parmesan and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes.
Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway.
If using a blender, release one corner of the lid.
This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions.
Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

[jglass]

I was not horribly impressed with the recipe.
I made it this morning.
It may be better with the olive oil and parm on top but alone I give it about a 5 or a 6 out of 10.
Mama will have a better recipe for this soup.

[jglass]

Got more books today.
I really love Lidia's Italian American Kitchen so far.
Havent had the chance to read them much.

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

What Book Club Did You Join, If You Don't Mind Sharing.

Thanks, Cathy

[jglass]

Double Day Book Club and The Good Cook Book Club.
All the books look really good except Ellie Kriegers The Foods You Crave. They used a narrow thin tiny font that hard to read.

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Thanks JG,

I am disappointed to hear about the Foods You Crave being in tiny font I was looking forward to getting a copy now I'm not so sure. I already read with spectacles to help enlarge the print!

Thanks for the info, Cathy

[jglass]

Even with my glasses it was hard for me to read.
I wonder why on earth they would print a book with that type of fond.

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

I HAVE AN IDEA JG, WE NEED TO PUT A LITTLE PRESSURE ON THE PUBLISHERS OF THAT PARTICULAR COOKBOOK TO HAVE THEM ENLARGE THE PRINT OR AT THE VERY LEAST MAKE A LARGE PRINT EDITION AVAILABLE.

MAYBE THEY CHOOSE THE SMALLER PRINT TO KEEP DOWN ON PUBLISHING PRICES BUT WE ARE THE PURCHASING PUBLIC AND IF THEY WANT DECENT REVIEWS AND MORE FOLKS TO PURCHASE THEIR BOOK THEY WILL COMPLY! I WILL NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THEM AND REQUEST BIGGER PRINT (WE COULD THROW IN A LITTLE EQUAL RIGHTS FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STATEMENT THAT MIGHT GET THEIR ATTENTION
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.

CATHY

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

Hi again JG,

I just got another idea, I went online to the Good Cook Book book club, and picked out my 4 books to join, but something went wrond on-line when I tried to submit mt order and register. So I logged out and am waiting to do it later. Now I have a question.....because you are a member can't you get a credit by recommending a friend? Maybe if I wait and the you let me know when to register under you you'll qualify for a free cook book or something? You know what I'm talking about. Because you really did recommend it to me and you should get the credit for it.

Let me know what you think...

Cathy

P.S. I am ordering

1) Great Country Inns of America Cook Book 4th edition
2) New Greek Cusine
3) Flavors of Morocco
4) Mediterranian Grilling

Don't these sound great! I love Middle Eastern Cusine!!! Have you ever had it? I used to visit this restaurant in Mobile, Alabama named the New Jerusalem Cafe, and they had the most awesome food- so beautifully flavored!

P.S.S. Well dog-gone it I went and checked my e-mails and there was a confirmation from GCBC that my order was received??? Oh well I just thought it errored off. Well I thought it would be fun for you to get credited with my membership, sorry I wasted your time.

[KYHeirloomer]

Interesting selections, Cathy.

I'm in the midst of a major project dealing with the cuisines of the "other" Meditarranean---that is, the countries on the eastern and southern shores.

You're right: Mideastern food is spectacular. But don't confuse it with North African. Although there are similarities, and many of the same influences (particularly Turkish), they're really quite different. Morrocan food, particularly, is in a class by itself.

Enjoy the books. And the dishes you cook from them.