Those who know me know that I am 'kitchen challenged' ... and that seems to have inspired two wonderful books for gifts this year from Canadian Reader. The Quick Six Fix: 100 No-Fuss, Full-Flavor Recipes, by Stuart O'Keefe (with Kathleen Squires) boasts just six ingredients, six minutes prep, and six minutes cleanup. As a novice I'm betting it takes me a bit longer, but, the instructions are clear, and there are handy tips throughout. There are delightful stories from the author, too, as to why a particular recipe sparks a nice memory.

This is a Cookbook: Recipes for Real Life is by brothers Max and Eli Sussman. It is not just a book of recipes, but also a book of hysterical stories! Be sure to check out the chapter on Midnight Snacks. (You might not wait until midnight to try them). ;-)

Here's one to go with the January 14, 2017 post dealing with outdoor cooking. The Lewis & Clark Cookbook: Historic Recipes from the Corps of Discovery & Jefferson's America, by Leslie Mansfield. Granted, the recipes have been updated so as to be prepared in a modern kitchen, but I enjoyed the historic entries that were included.

I was hoping for a book about eating a bug to use with one of my cookbook posts, but alas, it seems to have gone missing so I may not have a chance to see it. However, I did find Extreme Food: What to Eat When Your Life Depends On It, by Bear Grylls and it includes a chapter on bugs (and other creepy crawlies). As a former camper (and that's camping, not glamping!!) I appreciated what the author is teaching here. And equally glad I never would have had to use said skills! Well written and with a nice touch of humor, there are chapters on finding, catching or gathering, and preparing everything from beast to plant to bug (or slug). Enjoyable even if you don't camp (or glamp). :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog