Nick Sandler

Sausages are also one of the most satisfying foods to make at home and an excellent way to explore the world's diverse tastes and culinary traditions. Nick and Johnny first demonstrate how to make simple sausages and even cure and smoke them yourself. They then show you how to use your sausages whether homemade or store-bought in over 80 recipes, including Toulouse Sausage and Bean Cassoulet, Toad-in-the-Hole, Berlin Bratwurst Cooked in Beer, Chorizo and Goat's Cheese Tart and Herby Sausage Dumplings.

The Sausage Book is filled with intriguing historical and geographical information, making it a good read as well as a useful cooking resource. It also features artisan sausage makers from across Europe, bringing you the lowdown on Spanish chorizo, German frankfurters and Scottish haggis.… (mehr)

If you are like me, chances are you have one of these popular products in your pantry: Coca-Cola, Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Hellmann's Mayonnaise, Kellogg's Cornflakes, and Skippy Peanut Butter, just to name a few. But what if you are looking to try a new twist using these time tested favorite brands? Creative Chef Nick Sandler and writer Johnny Acton have the answer in their new book The Branded Cookbook: 85 Recipes for the World's Favorite Food Brands.

This cookbook was created around 17 brand name products; however, it is possible to make substitutions if you prefer. Each carefully selected product features a fascinating background history as well as classic recipes and newly created ones. The recipes are easy to follow and use ingredients that a probably already in your pantry. It also features lots of color photographs and colorful graphics that bring a sense of nostalgia to the pages. An index is included.

The Bottom Line: This cookbook is pure fun for foodies. Both seasoned chefs and the cooking challenged alike will enjoy this treat. It's bright and colorful, while the interesting trivia will keep you entertained. I know I'm looking forward to trying Nutella Brownies, Tabasco Spicy Potatoes, Basil and Philadelphia Ravioli, and Malted Camp Coffee Milkshake.

If you like cookbooks that feature brand name products, then try these classics: Favorite Brand Name Recipe Cookbook, The Old-Time Brand-Name Cookbook, and Hershey's Chocolate Cookbook.

This review also appears in The Mini Book Bytes Blog: http://minibookbytes.blogspot.com/… (mehr)