Everyone is much too obsessed with the “new.”  The publishing world and the media only focus on the latest releases.  Libraries are afflicted with this problem as well, but while trying hard to keep up with the latest books, they also recognize that books sitting on the shelves are just what our readers need and want.

 

In light of the Thanksgiving holiday that is rapidly approaching, the library has virtually the perfect book even if it is a couple of years old.  For all those who need all the help they can get preparing this holiday dinner, Fine Cooking offers just the cookbook, “Fine Cooking Thanksgiving Cookbook: Recipes for Turkey and All the Trimmings.”

           

This is a cookbook that covers the gamut (and not just the turkey) when preparing the holiday feast.  There are sections on appetizers, soups, salads, turkey, stuffing, gravy, sides, desserts and finally what to do with all the leftovers.

          

For instance, those cooks who have heard about brining the turkey will now learn why as well as what every ingredient in the process does.  Sugar in the brine helps a turkey to brown.  And this cookbook explains the difference between organic and premium birds as well as what size pans you should use.

          

“Fine Cooking Thanksgiving Cookbook” has enough basic information and scrumptious recipes that it can be used all year long; novice or experienced cooks will find the answers they need in its pages.

          

“Taste of Home” is an immensely popular magazine that collects recipes from readers.  They have gathered these recipes and the culinary expertise needed to accomplish them into another basic holiday cookbook on the library’s shelves in “The Taste of Home Baking Book: Timeless Recipes from Trusted Home Cooks.”  They claim that it is the “ideal kitchen companion for anyone who enjoys making and sharing irresistible, fresh-from-the-oven treats.”  It contains 725 plus recipes and variations; all tested, tasted and approved by the “Taste of Home” food editors and test kitchen staff. 

 

There are 13 comprehensive chapters starting with Baking Basics and ending with Holiday Baking as well as chapters on muffins, quick breads, desserts, pies & tarts, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies and sweet yeast breads. 

           

Pineapple Layer Cake, Plantation Gingerbread, Green Tomato Pie, Triple-Chocolate Quick Bread, Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins, Pizza Poppers, Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, and Strawberry Cream Cookies are just a few of the to-drool-for selections.

          

 So, if you are tired of making the same old things every holiday, don’t forget that the library has shelves of cookbooks of all sorts to provide you with new ideas and recipes.