Congratulations to our friend, Elizabeth Karmel!  Her latest cookbook, Soaked, Slathered and Seasoned hit #1 in the outdoor cooking and sauce  categories on Amazon.com in the last two days!

Whether you are new to cooking or a professional cook, you should never stop learning.  Julia Child said, “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it”.  One of the best reference books you can buy is The Food Lover’s Companion.  This book contains detailed definitions of everything from Abalone to Zwieback.  It is a great book to have around the kitchen and would be a great gift for the gourmand in your family.  You can find it at any major bookseller or by clicking here.

Can you imagine going into a book seller and asking for a copy of “An Excellent and Most Useful Little Work Essential to All Who Wish to Become Acquainted with Some Exquisite Recipes“?

This was the title of a cookbook published in 1555 by none other that Nostradamus.  The book includes mostly jam and preserves recipes (probably due to his work as an apothecary);  there are also recipes for plague cures, candy and tarts.

The down side would have to be the dark humor included.  The last line of his Cherry Jam recipe says, “You’re going to burn this!”