The Best Cookbooks Ever

In our tech-savvy world, there's no need to buy every cookbook in print. You can google most recipes and cooking techniques that come to mind.  Still you don't want to rely totally on the internet, as it's never a good idea to put all of your eggs in one basket.  You may have to prepare a meal when your service is down.   And, what if one evening nothing comes to mind?  There's something permanent and comforting about thumbing through the pages of a cherished cookbook.  Something tangible, you can pick up and return to time and again.

For the sake of prioritizing, lets say … you only have space or a budget for up to 10 cookbooks.  Which ones would be on your shelf?

My picks are:

1) Joy Of Cooking – 1931 by Irma S. Rombauer: A classic and respected cookbook for over 75 years.  If I only had space for one cookbook, this one is it.

2) Mastering The Art Of French Cooking – 1961 by Julia Child: This cookbook brought French cooking to mainstream America, plus inspired a lovely movie, Julie and Julia.

3) Smoke & Spice – 2003 by Cheryl & Bill Jamison: A complete A-Z barbeque premier.

4) Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking – (revised) 1995 by Marcella Hazan: Very expansive and easy to follow.

5) The Gift of Southern Cooking:  Recipes and Revelations from Two Great American Cooks – (revised) 2003 by Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock. 

6) Biscuits, Spoonbread, and Sweet Potato Pie – 1990 by Bill Neal: Southern baking explained.  The recipes are very authentic.

7) The Art of Mexican Cooking – 1989 by Diana Kennedy: If you love Mexican, this is the definitive cookbook for it.

8) Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, 2011: All of his cookbooks focus on simple, fresh, affordable meals. They are my go-to cookbooks. His recipes are hard to mess up.

9) Cabbage Patch Famous Kentucky Recipes – 1956, or 1972 by Cabbage Patch Circle: Delicious, home cooking.

10) Southern Food – 1987 by John Egerton: Ok, I love Southern food.

Personally, I'm more of a Jamie Oliver cook than a Julia Child cuisinier.  It's fun to get inspired to try to make fancy French food; but in truth, you will never find roasted pigeons or rabbit in cream sauce at my dinner table.  Duck, maybe.  I have enough to eat without looking outside my windows, thank you. How about you?

Below are favorite recipe websites:

1. All Recipes

2. 101 Cookbooks

3. Smitten Kitchen

4. Jamie Oliver

5. Rachael Ray

6. CopyKat Recipes

7. Cook's County Kitchen: Expert recipes; navigate with patience.

8. The Food Network


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Low Computer Ink And Battery Prices

Why are inkjet cartridges and laptop batteries sooo expensive?  At $130 a pop, I am on my third battery for my Apple computer in three years.  And as it turns out, my Canon Pixma All-In-One printer uses ink whether it prints documents, or not.  If the printer sits idle for long periods of time, it is still using the ink!  The cost for replacing a set of ink cartridges is a cool $75.78 at Staples office supplies.  That is nearly the price of the printer, itself.  After paying the piper several times, I decided to look elsewhere for a discount.  And I'm glad I did.

Though neither Apple, nor Canon would ever recommend the practice, my research lead to compatible, copycat accessories.

For a laptop battery, I ordered from BatteryEdge.  Cost: $50, saving a whopping $80.  The battery arrived in mint condition and is flawless.  I can't tell a difference in how my computer performs.

For inkjet cartridges, I recommend turning to Overstock, or Amazon and entering “compatible inkjet cartridges” in their search boxes.  Using Amazon, I found my knockoff Canon ink cartridges -- a 10 pack (2-sets) for a low $8.34, plus $5 shipping.  You can find individual cartridges at Overstock also.  Once inserted in my printer, the ink works exactly the same as the name brand.  However, you should unscrew the caps off of the cartridges very carefully. The plastic casings are slightly flimsier than the ones from Canon.  Nonetheless, the hugh savings make this compromise worth it.  Just remember to be gentle when breaking the seal.  More of a priority, my printer accepts the ink, and documents print as before, looking great.

When shopping online always read the customer reviews to see what others have to say about the product and company.  You always want excellent customer care in case you need to exchange, or return a product.  You want to order from companies who guarantee their products.  If a product is flawed, a reputable merchant will send out a replacement, or refund your money.

Both Overstock and BatteryEdge have live phone help, who will patiently answer all your questions and walk you through a purchase so you don't order mistakes.

If you do your research, you will reap big savings on compatible replacements for your battery-loving-computer and ink-hungry-printer.

Here are three bonus tips to lower expenses:

1. To prolong the life of your laptop battery: (a) Once a week, unplug it from the wall and use some of the charge.  Then, recharge it back to 100%.  (b) Once a month let the charge run all the way down to 0%, then recharge it to 100%.

2. If you know you won't be printing for a length of time, remove the ink cartridges from the printer, and store them in separate zip lock bags until you resume printing.

3. Leave your printer on "sleep" rather then turning it off and on. Turning it "off," then back "on" uses more ink.

4. If you buy a manufacturer's ink from Staples, return the empty cartridges for a $2 [each] Staples store coupon.

It all adds up to more money in your pockets.

Update: I ordered a laptop capatiable battery from Amazon for $22, including shipping.  It keeps the charge for 1.5 to 2 hours, which is enough for my needs. If more hours are required, I'd buy extra batteries for that low price.

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Thinking About Father's Day

My Father -- more than any other person -- gave me the love of music by example.  His musical tastes were surprisingly eclectic; even more so than mine.  He believed there were only two kinds of music, good and bad.  You either like it, or you don't.  My Dad was young when rock and roll began, so naturally we listened to Sam Cooke, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard and all of the pioneers of rock and roll.

As a matter of fact, when Dad wanted to keep 2-or-3-year old Debbie from getting underfoot around the house while he did paper work, or cut grass, he encouraged me to sit in my rocking chair and listen to an Everly Brothers' album on my box record player.  He said, “EB records worked every time.”  He'd pass through the room and see me rocking and mouthing along with Don and Phil:  “♫♫♫ Johnny wants to fly away to puppy love my baby ... He's a bird dog, ♫♫♫” and so, freeing Dad to accomplish his tasks.

In addition to rock and roll music, we listened to show tunes and pop voices like Doris Day, Teresa Brewer, Julie Andrews and Eddie Arnold.  Also, the Chad Mitchell Trio, Marty Robbins, Peter, Paul & Mary and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass.  I remember being introduced to Simon and Garfunkel, The Band and Janis Joplin when Dad brought their records home and gave them a spin.

We also watched every pop, rock, blues, country, talk-variety-awards show that hit the airwaves:  Merv Griffin, The Midnight Special, The Johnny Cash Show, The CMA Awards, The Grammy's, The Dolly Parton Show, The Porter Wagoner Show, The Wilburn Brothers Show and others.  Dad made popcorn and cocoa for these TV-music nights.

Chet Atkins

When my Dad was a boy, he listened to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio.  Early country music has many of the best and most expressive voices in the history of the music industry.  The songs and arrangements of early country [and bluegrass] are rich and timeless.  Not only is this old-time music preserved in The Library of Congress, it has influenced much of the music we listen to today across genres.  If you are in Nashville, TN, it is well-worth spending a day at The Country Music Hall Of Fame.  I could spend years there.

Sunday is Father's Day, so I'm remembering my Daddy by giving his perennial music a nod. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

Marty Stuart

Carlene Carter has such a sparkle and authenticity.  I love her!  She is the daughter of country singers June Carter and Al Smith and stepdaughter of country legend Johnny Cash.  The grandma she wrote about here, is Mother Maybelle Carter of the iconic Carter Family, who contributed so much to American music.  Carlene is a fine singer and songwriter in her own right.  She was once married to English rocker Nick Lowe and has put out some excellent country rock albums in her career.  The video is good-enough to watch, but I wish it were sharper.  The friends backing Carlene in this performance are some of the finest musicians, still active in the music industry, including Randy Scruggs, Vince Santoro, Alan O'Bryant,*Roy Huskey, Jr, Marty Stuart and Emmylou Harris.

Listening to Carlene's song reminds me of what once was and how the world goes on.  Over the telephone recently, my Mom asked me if I remember how pretty my Dad's [and her Mother's] blue eyes were.

Yes, I do … along with other sweet memories.  Happy Father's Day, fathers!  

Click the links below to learn how the day became a holiday and for ideas on how to spend it with the family.  Enjoy! 

*Roy Huskey, Jr. is deceased.

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Treat The Triggers Of Allergies

I just watched an informative segment on The Today Show about how to lessen the symptoms of allergies.  Many people are allergic to pollen, dust mites and chlorine. The sneezing, red-itchy eyes and runny noise can be especially acute and annoying in the summer months as we spend more time outdoors.  If you suffer from summer allergies, here's what you can do to reduce symptoms:

1) When you come in the house from a day outside, shower and change your clothes and shoes.

2) Shower before bed instead of early in the morning to remove pollen from your hair and skin.

3) Keep antihistamines in your system to prevent symptoms from coming on.  You can take a regular antihistamine at night to help you sleep and a non-drowsy formula in the morning to get you through the day.

4) Make sure you wash your clothes and bedding in hot water that's at least 140 degrees F to kill dust mites.

[This next suggestion wasn't mentioned on The Today Show.]

5) Some allergy sufferers claim eating local honey builds up immunities to pollens where you live.  There's no scientific evidence to support the claim, but honey is sweet and delicious and worth a try.

6) If you are sensitive to chloride, you will be less bothered by swimming in an outdoor pool over an indoor pool, where the chloride will be trapped and more concentrated.  Also be sure to wash the chloride off your skin immediately after you finish swimming.

Hopefully, taking a few prudent steps to treat the triggers of allergies will stop some of the suffering.

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Save On Summer Fashion Essentials

I love how carefree and comfortable a summer wardrobe is.  In the summer there's absolutely no reason to buy anything that's high maintenance, or will require dry cleaning.  Articles of clothing can be thrown in a washer and dryer and be ready-to-wear in less than an hour.  And you can pay less for fun accessories, or a few basics than what it costs to buy a Frappuccino coffee at Starbucks.  Below are several darling, but practical essentials, along with places to go for the best value:

Old Navy – Old Navy is the place to go for summer tops.  It offers t-shirts, tanks and camis in every color, shape and style … with inexpensive, matching cardigans, shorts and flip-flops.  The t-shirts are 100% cotton and range from classic to smock to crocket-trimmed and ruffled jersey.  Usually, $6-$15, there are always promotions, so you can pick up a t-shirt for $3 and a pair of flip-flops at $1 on sale days.

Forever 21 – This retailer stocks a wide selection of ultra chic sunglasses with 100% UV protection.  Why wear sunglasses that don't shield your pupils from the sun, when you get fashion and protection for $6.50, or less?  I found a snazzy pair for $1.50.  If they are lost, no big deal.

Kmart – Has fashion-forward visors and hats.  The Joe Boxer visors keep the sun out of your face and the hair off of your neck.  They come in turquoise, hot pink, red, white, denim, navy and beige.  Attractive straw and cotton hats are priced between $10-$12.  Visors are $3.

H&M – Is the place to go for ankle and no-show socks.  Lots of colors and patterns at unbeatable prices.  7 pairs for $10 and less.  And while there, you will likely find a trendy dress, skirt, or trousers for a few bucks.

Express – Carries adorable, well-make, graphic canvas totes, leather shoulder bags and patent-leather, quilted wristlets with lots of compartments and other bells and whistles.  Costs: $15.90-$49.90.  Sign up for their emails to get $20 coupons and up to 40% off.

Lands' End – Lands' End is where men and women will always find great value and super, well-crafted clothes.  I love their assortment of "trekker" Mary Janes and sandals, as well as, the "water shoes."  If you work-out on a trend mill or run, you'll still need traditional sneakers.  For everything else, from riding a bike to long-distance walking in the woods, or on city concrete, Lands' End's trekker shoes will support your feet.  I love them because they add style when paired with dresses, leggings, jeans and shorts.  Wearing mine, I seldom put on sneakers anymore.  Look casual smart at $29.50-$39.50.

With prices like these, you can splurge without spending lots of money.  [Ideas for swimsuits here.]


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Vitamin D And A Little Sun Is Good For Your Heath

What's a patient to do?  For years doctors have warned us to stay out of the sun.  That's because one in five people develops skin cancer, so too much sun is definitely bad.  But, not getting enough sun is bad too.  When we are in the sun, our skins produce vitamin D naturally.  Studies show that vitamin D is more important to our health than even doctors realized.  No doubt, most of us know vitamin D promotes strong bones by helping with the absorption of calcium.  But recent medical studies link a lack of vitamin D in the blood to disease, including diabetes, muscle and bone pain and certain cancers.

Doctors now believe a little exposure to the sun is beneficial. Getting enough vitamin D may reduce your risks for cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, ovaries, prostate and the lymph system.  It suppresses cancer cell growth, as well as, the formation of blood vessels, which feed tumors.  An adequate dose of vitamin D may also prevent heart attacks, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.  It reduces heart disease by lowering blood pressure.

Sunlight and/or vitamin D also seems to lessen migraines, depression and chronic fatigue, but doctors haven't established what the connection is, and scientific research is ongoing.

According to many doctors, including Drs Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz of the You books, adults need 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.  You can get some from fortified foods like milk, orange juice and breakfast cereals.  But it's difficult to get all the vitamin D you need from diet alone.  Vitamin D3 supplements help, but some doctors now advise us to expose our bare arms and legs to the sun [i.e. no sunscreen] for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week and use sun protection the rest of the time.  Your skin will produce 10,000-25,000 IUs (and safely store what it doesn't use).  That's all the sun we need to meet our vitamin D requirements without significantly increasing our risks for skin cancer.

Read more <here> on vitamin D deficiency by Dr. Frank Lipman.  He combines western, eastern and wellness medicine.


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Why Are Products Shrinking?

If it seems like you run out of dishwashing liquid or breakfast cereal much faster these days, you are not imagining it.  Many of the products we use everyday are shrinking.  It's a sneaky way for manufacturers to raise prices without a buyer noticing ... at least not right away.  But it's getting harder to miss because the products shrink over and over again.  Just where -- at what minuscule size -- will it stop?  Already I'm purchasing 6 ounces of yogurt when I used to get 8 ounces.  Yesterday I spotted a brand reduced to 5.3 ounces!  And as it turns out, I'm not satisfied eating the 6 ounces!  This is causing a dilemma where there shouldn't be one:  Consuming one yogurt isn't enough.  Eating two yogurts is two much.  For a while, I tried buying a large 32 ounce container and divided it into 4 servings, but most New York City supermarkets only stock plain and vanilla yogurt in the larger size.  And I missed the refreshing fruity flavors.

Sadly, yogurt companies aren't the only merchants doing it.  All products are shrinking:

• Recently canned tuna went from 6 ¾ ounces to 6 ounces to 5 ounces.
• Kellogg's Raisin Bran, once 22 ounces, shrank to 18 ounces, than to 16 ounces, and then again to 15 ounces.
• Dishwashing liquid, which was once 16 ounces, decreased to 14 ounces before going to 12 ounces, then 11-and now 10.3 ounces.  Are they kidding!
• 16 ounces of tomatoes and other cans of fruit and vegetables are today only 15 ounces.
• 5 pounds of Domino sugar is now sold as 4 pounds.
• 32 ounces of Hellmann's mayonnaise is now 30 ounces.
• 16 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips are down to 12 ounces.  I don't think Nestle's is trying to help me prevent cavities, do you?
• One pound of ground coffee is only 13 ounces.  Yesterday I saw a Folger's can at 11.3 ounces.
• 250 Kleenexes are now boxes of only 100 … while prices are still going up.

The practice and the list goes on and on.  And, I'm not sure how we can stop it.  Manufacturers often redesign packages to fool us into thinking the quantity is the same.  It's certainly not transparent and slightly dishonest.  And it's leaving some of us hungry!  For brief periods, consumers can compensate by switching to other brands, but eventually, manufacturers seem to follow one another.  Nowadays, I couldn't find a 6 ¾ ounce can of tuna without stepping into a time machine.  Aren't we really being cheated out of product?  Personally, I wish companies would leave quantities alone and just raise their prices.

Meanwhile, here's what we can do:

1. Compare unit prices between brands and sizes to find the cheapest one.

2. Buy store brands (before they shrink). Certain products like flour, sugar and dried beans are indistinguishable from a name brand.

3. Check drugstore chains.  Walgreens and Rite Aid have weekly sales on food and paper goods.

4. Stock up on stapes when they go on sale.

5. Buy in bulk when it makes sense.  Only if you use enough of a product, and it has a long shelf life is it a bargain.

Score one for team consumer: I'm skipping the 5.3 ounces of yogurt and the 11.3 ounces of ground coffee. Enough with not enough!!

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