It’s no secret that I love books. If I had my way, I’d live in a space like this. I know, I know. It’s not practical. I mean…we have earthquakes here in California (BTW, I’m currently knocking on wood). Every few months I go nutso on Amazon. Maybe it’s cuz I enjoy a package in the mail or maybe I love reading good books before bed. I just LOVE me some knowledge.
Knowledge is sexy/smart/productive/attractive/amazing. I’m happiest when I’m learning.
It’s just what I do.
Here’s my latest book loot!!
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The Cheese Board: Collective Works: Bread, Pastry, Cheese, Pizza
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I’m pretty excited about this book. The Cheese Board Collective is a popular food destination here in the Bay Area. It’s no wonder! Their baked goods, pizza & cheese selection are aces! They’re cheesy bread sticks make me cry & their pizza is like WHOA.
I once recreated one of their pizza recipes not knowing they had a cookbook. DOH. Turned out pretty good, though!
Corn Onion Cheddar Bread? YES. PLEASE!
In this book, you can read about how the Cheese Board Collective is an employee owned/operated business. This book gives the whole history behind that. Fascinating! They also talk about ingredients & ingredient sources. I love that.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Also, there are lots of shots of the bakery & people doing their thang. So rad.
Wait! They also talk A LOT about CHEESE. That’s pretty cool too. Cheese plate ideas galore!
Recipes I can’t wait to try:
Sourdough Starter, Raspberry Orange Muffins, Cheese Scones, Sticky Buns, Ginger Shortbread, Pesto Foccacia, Cheese Onion Curry Bread, Roasted Wild Mushroom Pizza with Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Pizza with Feta & Olive Tapenade.
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Mrs. Lilien’s Cocktail Swatchbook
by Mrs. Lilien
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Do you know Mrs. Lilien? I think she’s the most talented artist/ graphic designer on the internet.
I love love LOVE her aesthetic like you wouldn’t believe & her sense of humor is like WHOA!! Get out of my head.
Here’s here latest creation! Mrs. Lilien’s Cocktail Swatchbook
Cocktails in swatchbook form??! Who doesn’t love a swatchbook? I know my mother-in-law travels with one!
Here’s what a sample recipe looks like. If you’re a visual person (or if you’ve had one too many to drink…this is for you!).
It’s all so cool. I can hardly stand it. Also…I want to drink with her one day. Just saying!
Recipes I can’t wait to try:
Mrs. Limeade, Mrs. Basil Rita, Mrs. Julius, Rock Lobster, Bourbon Whistle, Gilligan’s Island, Ginger Daiquiri & Lawn Party!
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Dinner: A Love Story: It all begins at the family table
by Jenny Rosenstrach
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I have this one hanging next to my bed right now! Do you know Jenny? She has the website Dinner: A Love Story and now she has her own book! She kept a journal for YEARS chronicling her cooking adventures both before and after getting married and having children! What makes this cookbook different is that she give CONTEXT to the meals. That’s what eating together/with family is all about!
Chapters are broken up by date starting spanning from 1998- 2012.
It’s about making dinner easy & interactive. Memory building!
There are illustrations throughout. Look at this gem! How to Fold a Burrito!
Family meals were super important in my family growing up. I hope I can instill that in my offspring!
Big bonus- There’s some tips for feeding kids & getting them to eat what you make!
I can’t wait to carve more time out with this book. I think it will be really helpful.
Recipes I can’t wait to try:
Chicken Soup with Orzo, Salad Pizza, Herbed Barley Salad, Zucchini Fries, Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cookies, Fishcakes, Chickpea Fries, Playdate Cookies, Apricot-Mustard Baked Chicken & Back Pocket Risotto.
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Knot Thread Stitch:
Exploring Creativity through Embroidery and Mixed Media
by Lisa Solomon
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My friend Lisa is sooo talented with mix media. Her book is FILLED with projects combining her love of embroidery with her savvy skills at re-purposing & treasure collecting. There’s also some projects from some of my favorite artists too!
I’ve been thinking about Christmas (ugh! I know!) and I think there are SEVERAL projects in here that I’d like to tackle.
How cute is this necklace? I want one!
I think this Pet Portrait project was pretty adorable. Don’t you?
Projects that look awesome:
Arrow Pillowcase, Customizing Tea Towels, Drawing with Thread & Felt Finger Puppets.
So that’s what I have hanging out next to my bed!
What about you??! What are you reading?
