Review Date: 3/30/2017

If you bake a lot, you need to seek out this cookbook! And not just for the recipes. I am a much better and knowledgeable baker because of this book. So many great tips and most every one is a tip that I have found in this book only. For example, conversions for active, fresh, and rapid rise yeast, grinding nuts with the flour or sugar so they don't get oily, two full pages on meringues, that separating eggs is more easily done with eggs straight from the refrigerator, and on and on. I found this book by searching the name of one of the bakers who was mentioned in another one of my favorite books, The Village Baker's Wife (a book that has received mention by both Dorie Greenspan and Nigella Lawson). Find this book, too if you can.

Share/Like this Review?

Review Date: 11/15/2009

Helpful Score: 4

I loved this book and its characters and I don't feel that way about a lot of books. This is definitely a keeper. Apparently, since this book is not posted (telling me everyone wants to hang on to it), neither could any other swap members. I can't wait to start reading The Girl Who Played With Fire. If you know someone who has recommended this book, take their advice.

Share/Like this Review?

Review Date: 5/3/2010

Helpful Score: 1

I could not put this book down. I agree with the other reviews in that it is mind boggling to think that this was someone's life and that the author's parents would choose to live like they did and make their children suffer by doing so. A rare glimpse at true poverty but heartening in that the poverty (and neglect) created unbreakable sibling bonds. Also, believe it or not, a pick me up. As it will make you feel like a superior parent on your worst days!

Share/Like this Review?

Review Date: 6/16/2010

One of my favorite cookbooks. And I have far too many, so that says a lot. Every recipe I have tried has been a winner. Great information and history on the entertainers and restaurants that inspired the recipes. An added bonus is a recipe section for kids that includes play dough. It is obvious that these recipes are tried and true. From easy but flavorful (and not cookbook typical) dips to an elaborate, but well worth the effort, meatless lasagna. I especially turn to it when it is time to entertain. If you love to cook and entertain you should definitely have this book in your arsenal. Though you really can't wrong with a Jr. League cookbook, I have several, this is by far one of the best.

Share/Like this Review?

Review Date: 7/19/2011

If you have a vegetable garden that (like most) has a bounty of squashes or belong to a vegetable co-op and need ideas for all that squash, you need this book! I have loved every recipe I have tried and have added the author's other books to my wish list. Appetizers, salads, mains, breads, desserts, preserves, pickles. You name it this books got it when it comes to squash.

Share/Like this Review?

Review Date: 9/25/2009

Helpful Score: 1

I feel I would have really enjoyed this book prior to having children when I thought that the whole world revolved around me. After reading just a few pages, I new I would add it to my shelf without finishing it. I can no longer relate to someone who sees every little inconvience as some kind of cosmic conspiracy to make her life miserable. If you are a mother who rolls her eyes when listening to the petty complaints of your single or childless friends and no longer has the time or money to go shopping for $500.00 Coach bags, you will want to skip this book.

Share/Like this Review?

Review Date: 9/8/2014

If you are ever anywhere near Capitola, CA, go to Gayle's Bakery!! Just don't go right after church services (one right around the corner) on Sunday. Or, perhaps you should just to see how keen people are on this bakery and what a well-oiled machine it is! If you love to bake, get this book so you can make cookies, cakes, and pastries just like the ones at Gayle's. I love mine and many pages are smudged with some ready to fall out. One of the cookies, the Coco's (fabulous slice and bake coconut cookies), has been reprinted in a book by another author, Dorey Greenspan, and another (though I can't remember which) was reprinted in one of Nigella Lawson's cookbooks. How's that for an endorsement!

Share/Like this Review?

Review Date: 7/24/2011

Helpful Score: 1

I have used many of the techniques and suggestions used in this book and have found every single one helpful. Most especially, but by no means only, not using 'okay, thank you, please, or can you...when telling (yes, telling not asking) my kids to do something.
Plus the advice in this book isn't just for toddlers and preschoolers. It can be used for teen-agers as well.

Share/Like this Review?

Review Date: 5/9/2020

'Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies' is a much better title.

Share/Like this Review?