"CookbookSpotlight" news and stories

'The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl'
by Ree Drummond
William Morrow -- 2009
Buy It on Amazon

Ree Drummond started her popular blog, The Pioneer Woman, in 2006 to chronicle her life on an Oklahoma cattle ranch with her husband, whom she dubbed "Marlboro Man" and her four children. Her blog has garnered a cult following -- in part because of the lush, step by step photos she takes for her cooking section.

"The recipes I share on this site are tried and true -- I've made them over and over," she writes on the blog. "And I use only the simplest of ingredients, considering the country market near our home has never even thought about carrying yellowfin tuna, star anise or wasabi paste."

That philosophy of hearty, simple meals carries through in this, her first cookbook.

See what we tested and whether the book is worth buying after the jump.

'Venezia: Food and Dreams'
Recipes by Tessa Kiros
Photography by Manos Chatzikonstantis
Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC - 2009
Buy it on Amazon

If you've had the opportunity to travel to Venice and experience its magic and charm, this book will immediately have you longing for a trip to the famed city on the sea.

Venice, a city known for gondola rides, masked Carnival goers and winding passageways, has captivated tourists for centuries. Between the sidewalk tables set up in St. Mark's Square to the candlelit restaurants hid deep in the city's nooks, the city long known for secrets has its culinary treasures revealed in "Venezia."

See what we tested and find out whether the book's worth buying after the jump.

"The Little Saigon Cookbook: Vietnamese Cuisine and Culture in Southern California's Little Saigon"
By Ann Lee
Photography by Julie Fay
Insiders' Guide -- 2006
Buy it on Amazon

Though exotic cuisines may be daunting endeavors for many cooks due to foreign and sometimes costly ingredients, "The Little Saigon Cookbook" is a clear, straightforward cookbook that sheds light on the culture while making its cuisine approachable and delectable.

Interspersed with interesting stories about Vietnamese culture and traditions, the book is a well-thought out tribute to Vietnamese foodways -- with delicious recipes to boot, ranging from the obvious dishes to lesser-known exciting ones like the Shaking Beef Salad with Watercress and Tomatoes or Pork Braised in Caramel Sauce.

See what we tested and find out whether the book's worth buying after the jump.

'Grillin' with Gas: 150 Mouthwatering Recipes for Great Grilled Food'
by Fred Thompson
Photographs by Ben Fink
The Taunton Press -- 2009
Buy it on Amazon

"Barbecue Nation" author Fred Thompson goes through the hows and whys of gas grilling in his latest book. Here you'll learn what to look for in a gas grill, how to use it and how to turn it into a meat-smoking machine.

Along the way, you'll find some solid recipes to keep you grilling all year long.

See what we tested and whether it's worth buying after the jump.

Photo: Amazon.com

'Quick From Scratch Italian Cookbook'
Recipes from Food & Wine Magazine
Photographs by Melanie Acevedo
Food & Wine Books -- 2009
Buy it on Amazon

Whether you're an avid subscriber to Food & Wine or you visit the website once in a while for a recipe, this is the book to add to your kitchen shelves. "Quick from Scratch Italian Cookbook" provides cooks of all levels with satisfying and healthy recipes. Classics are translated into practical weeknight meals with basic step-by-step instructions and there are recipes for every season.

And what would an Italian meal be without wine? There's a no-fuss wine-pairing recommendation for each and every recipe to take pressure off the cook.

Boasting everything from antipasti, soup and pasta, to fish, poultry and steak, recipes like linguine with cauliflower, garlic and bread crumbs and baked rigatoni with spinach, ricotta and Fontina will keep everyone at the table content. Finish the meal off with one of many tantalizing desserts such as honey-baked figs with ice cream or espresso granita with whipped cream.

See what we tested and find out whether the book's worth buying after the jump.