Book Review- The Cookiepedia by Stacey Adimando

A few weeks months ago, PGUK publishng very kindly sent me some of their crafty titles to review. I’ve been really slow in getting round to reading them and testing the projects out, but I’m planning to review a new one each week and I’m starting off with The Cookiepedia shown above.

The book is a fairly substancial hardcover spiral bound book. It is cute and quirky the kind of book I'd expect to see stocked in Urban Outfitters or some other cool bookshop.

The book has over 50 classic and unique recipes. (So many cookies, so little time!) Visually the book is stunning, lovely detailed pictures, cool illustrations, modern fonts- it is very pleasing to read.

I have only had time to test one recipe so far which was the Frosted Cookie receipe on the first few pages. I'm pleased to report that this was a sucess and you can see my effort by clicking here.

The only thing I would say is that I was very dubious about the book to start with because it is an American publication. I am a Brit and I felt that measuring in cups and other American formats could be a bit daunting. (I am used to, and prefer to measure in lbs and ozs) But luckily the book does have a conversion chart so I needn't have worried. It was simple enough to follow and the recipe came off without a hitch.

This book is pretty perfect regardless of whether you have an existing cookie cook book as it has the classic biscuits and the more interesting variety with a range of really scrummy sounding recipes. (I cannot wait to try the maple pecan or the green tea cookies!)

This book is avaliable now from all good bookshops or pick up your copy on Amazon for the bargain price of £10.79*

*Price correct when published.

Hello Kitty Cookies

I was bought a Hello Kitty cookie set for Christmas. Yay for me. Boo for everyone else as now every biscuit and cookie I make will be Hello Kitty shaped!! (Unless they like Hello Kitty as much as me!)

I made these using a recipe from this book and even if I say so myself, they tasted delicious! But I also think they looked pretty darn good. Needless to say I was pretty proud of this effort!

Busy Busy Busy!

As the title suggests I have been really busy this week. I haven't had a chance to really get up to many crafty or creative things! BUT I did have a spare moment to make this:

(Click to enlarge)

It's a backdrop for a Wib's band called Rhythm.(Duh!)...Anyway my friend and I Jonny Garrill (who also designed the album artwork for Rhythm and is the synth player) came up with it. It's made of a dust sheet, orange netting, black fabric paint and one of my old sarongs.  It was all in aid of Rhythm's first live performance that took place in Wib's house.. 

But as well as helping to organise an after-show house party and designing a backdrop with Jonny I also found time to make these:

Cupcake shaped cookies ftw! 

And on a side note.... the blog is totally playing up at the moment. I keep editing it and making it different because I'm so indecisive on how it should actually look..... BUT hopefully I'll figure out the HTML soon and it won't be so wonky looking! hmmm :-/

Book Review- Witch Craft Magaret (McGuire and Alicia Kachmar)

The kind people at Quirk books and PGUK have sent me a copy of Witch Craft to review. What with Halloween just round the corner I felt it was fairly apt to have a look and see what kind of craft ideas were on offer.

Witch Craft- Wicked Accessories, Creepy-Cute Toys, Magical Treats, and More! Compiled by Margaret McGuire and Alicia Kachmar

This book is a cute little manual for all things spookily sweet. It has a range of crafts from crocheting to cookery and with over 25 different projects there is sure to be something for everyone.

I was a little dubious that the book would continue to have a good standing after the Halloween festivities had passed, but a lot of the projects (though Halloween themed) are transferable to other holidays or can be made into more gerneral crafts. For example the sparkly mary janes and the gorgeous recipe for posion Ivy lip balm could be made at any time of the year and still make a wonderful gift of project.

Whatever level of craft you are at, the book will have something it can offer you... But I must warn that some of the projects involving crocheting or knitting can only really be completed with some prior knowlege of these techniques. The book seems to assume that most of it's readers will have basic knitting or crocheting experience so a little learning as you go along may be required.

Some of the projects are also suitable for more littler ones, such as the graveyard cupcakes and the spooky crystal balls. As well as some fantastic gift ideas it also offers decoration tips which is great if you thinking of planning a Haloween themed bash!

Overall it is a great little book, especially with Halloween just around the corner. You can currently buy it from Amazon for the bargain price of only £6.99 or for even more of a bargain you can enter my giveaway and win a copy for FREE!

8/10

 

Porcupine and a Hedgehog.

My cake decorating skills are a bit naff. I tried so hard to make a nice cake for for Ryan, but he had to make do with a thing that resembled a bloated porcupine and a dead hedgehog. That frosting was made from cream cheese though, so it tasted delicious! Oh well my skills may be pants but check out Sue B's!