"cookbook spotlight" news and stories

'Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast'
Recipes by Emeril Lagasse
Photography by Steven Freeman
Harper-Collins Publishers -- 2009
Buy it on Amazon

Emeril Lagasse needs no introduction. The Bam! man is arguably one of the first chefs ushered into celebrity stardom as a successful restaurateur and a long tenure on the Food Network.

This time, the world-famous chef brings his fun and approachable cooking to the family on the go.

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

"The New Thanksgiving Table: An American Celebration of Family, Friends and Food"
by Diane Morgan
Photographs by Leigh Beisch
Chronicle Books -- 2009
Buy it on Amazon

Thanksgiving may be all about tradition, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for a bit of experimentation.

In Diane Morgan's follow-up to "The Thanksgiving Table," she looks to new culinary traditions on the American Thanksgiving table. While there are old favorites like deviled eggs and giblet gravy, they share the spotlight with linguiça sausage stuffing and hazelnut popovers. This is not a T-day cookbook for your stodgy grandmother.

'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.

Photo: Amazon.com

'The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook'
Recipes by Allysa Torey and Jennifer Appel
Photographs by Rita Maas and Zeva Oelbaum
Simon & Schuster -- 2009
Buy it on Amazon

While we can admit that we're not the biggest fans of the extremely popular sugary concoctions (cupcakes) that Magnolia Bakery puts out, we are on the other hand, fans of their bars and squares. Yes, the cupcake movement has taken over New York City, but there's no doubt that this establishment still holds the market share with the longest lines.

"The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook" consists of recipes for muffins, quick breads, coffee and Bundt cakes, cookies, brownies and bars, cupcakes and layer cakes, icings, cheesecakes, pies, tarts and ice creams. Whew. Chances are if you've ever seen it in the front window of the bakery, the secret to that recipe lies in this book, along with some new recipes from Allysa Torey's home kitchen.

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.