December 26, 2009

Just a few more days, before the beginning of the New Year. Have you started making any new goals or resolutions. I have many short goals & some long-term goals. I have finally given up on one of my long-term goals. After six years, without going into details-it's time to call it quits. I hate to give up, but sometimes enough is enough. So today, I realize that I am a very lucky woman, but I am also a failure. I have always achieved all of my goals in life, until now.

So now, I have to figure out a new long-term goal. One of my goals in the long-term, at least 10-15 years from now will be a cruise-around-the-world. Unfortunately, my budget and work won't allow it any sooner. A short term goal that I have is to lose some weight-one pound at a time. Actually, I have been doing the starvation type diet for the last week, even with being sick. I have grown to enjoy turkey sandwiches with mustard on diet bread, as well as twenty-five calorie scrambled egg whites.

I have many weight loss books under Valerie2901-on my EBay listing-too many too list, if this is one of your New Year's resolutions-to lose weight or to take control of your body.

Yesterday's blog was about eating more often at home and bringing the casserole dish back. Recession type eating. Look under the general cookbooks heading on EBay or Valerie2901. Here are some more books to pursue with lots of casseroles to make:

Around the Kitchen with Club Mad-for a group at Northeastern State Univ., OK-published 1994

Vintage Recipes of the Northwest-Rose City Historical Society, Portland, OR-published 1992

Cooking With OCEAn-OnslowCounty Emp Assn, Jacksonville, NC-published 1996

30 Minutes or Less-from Home Economics Teachers-published 1999

Miracle Blender Cookbook-Tested Recipe Publishers-published 1967

I have to tell you I'm impressed-already some of the casserole cookbooks I have recommended have been bid on. Remember casseroles are not just about ground beef!

The Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas, attached to the Mandalay Hotel had 20 gingerbread houses displayed with a working carousel in the middle. Done by the chefs at the Four Seasons, these gingerbread houses were sold to benefit the American Cancer Society in Las Vegas. An impressive display, so well done, they didn't look real. They raised over $6,000-kudos to the Four Seasons.

The applications for the National Pie Championships are now in. Visit www.piecouncil.org/Events/NationalPieChampionships/ for information and applications. There are 4 categories: Commercial NPC/Independent Baker NPC/Amateur NPC (my category)/Professional NPC & Junior Chef NPC.

It's probably a little late to enter the competition, but there a NY Cake Convention scheduled for January 2-5, 2010 at the Hotel Pennsylvania in Manhattan, NY. Go to www.cakeconvention.com. Actually there is still time to enter if you're ready with that great recipe, but if you're in the area, it would certainly be fun to attend and plan for next year.

That's all for now.

Cookbook Val

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to All!

New day, new excuses. I have been home for the last 4 days, but I have had a miserable cold and only now starting to feels better. Since this cold started last week at work, I have barely have had energy to do anything. But today, I am starting to feel better.

Unfortunately, this meant I didn't jet off to my son's in Savannah, GA for Christmas. So here I am by my lonesome on Christmas Day. With no presents surrounding me, but I have had many friends and family calling me today and I feel better, so Christmas is not a total loss after all. My son woke me up at 7:30 am today to find out what his Christmas presents were (they were only mailed yesterday-when I decided I was to sick to fly out). Waking me up at 7:30 am-you would think he was 6 years old and not 26 years old. We spent an hour and a half talking, just like any other Christmas morning and a couple of times since. So today has been pretty good after all. My son's Christmas present to me was a much needed GPS-I get lost all the time-I wander the streets, until I finally find a main road-not too bad during the day, but at night it's kind of scary sometimes. He said he will do all the computer installations for me, set it up and then send it me-what a good son.

Lots and lots of new & used cookbooks on my EBay listing-Valerie2901. I have been busy during my cold, trying to get cookbooks uploaded and for sale. Today's push is going to be based on today's economy. Where are the one-dish meals and casseroles of the 70's & 80's. Trying to save money on food, try this kind of food-combining. You don't have to used ground meat for every casserole dish, there are lots of new and old and exotic recipes out there that you can try. Most casserole dishes are meant to feed a family of six. Not that many in your family, then use those freezer dishes in your cupboard or those seal-a-meal bags and start making freezer portions. First I try the casserole, then if I like it, I will portion my food into freezer bags for later meals. So what if you eat it once a week for the next 4 weeks-it was good the first time. And if it doesn't taste good, then toss it. You live and learn which foods work for you/and your family.

One of my co-workers made a comment recently on eating out. In my business, you bring your own food and eat in your hotel room or you eat out. She had been eating out alot recently and was on a tight budget, what with going to school full-time and working full-time at the airline and her mother said "What are you a celebrity? Only celebrities eat out all the time. Start saving money and bring your food from home" These days, everyone it seems wants to be a celebrity-eating out all the time. Yes, we are working alot more, but if you really want to save money in this depressed economy-then maybe eating at home a little more will help to save money.

So these are some of my one-dish casserole cookbooks for sale. I wouldn't be surprised to see some restaurants go back to this type of food servings. We love our big portions when we eat out and this with a salad, would save restaurants more money too. Everybody, every business is suffering in this recession.

Casserole Treasury by Lousene Rousseau Brunner-published 1964

30-Minute Meals by Ortho Books-published 1982

Great American Menus Cookbook by Pillsbury-published 1984

Sunset Potluck Cookbook by Sunset-published 1988

Incredibly Easy One Dish by Favorite Brand Name-published 2006

Classic Recipes for Everyday Cooking by Better Homes & Gardens-published 2005

The Complete Main Course Cookbook by Johna Blinn-published unknown

Casserole Cook Book by Better Homes & Gardens-published 1968

Healthy Favorites from America's Community Cookbooks-published 1996

Chili Madness by Jane Butel-published 1980

Easy as 1-2-3 Family Favorites Cookbook by Ladies' Home Journal-published 1985

I will try and put out more on my next blog, because there are so many. This is a good start: to a healthy nutritious money saving budget.

I saw the movie "Did You Hear About The Morgans?". Really bad, just one bad comic line after another. No real continuity to this movie. They did a good job on advertising it though, because the theater I was in was packed. I'm surprised it didn't go straight to video.

So everyone have a happy, safe and Merry Christmas!

Cookbook Val

I have lots of things to promote today that can be found under my EBay listing-Valerie2901. Usually, I do just cookbooks, but when I'm finished reading other books, I include those as well. I'm a big autobiography fan-so here a few, I've recently finished:

Losing It by Valerie Bertinelli-a Jenny Craig Superstar
Still Hungry-After All These Years by Richard Simmons-a Weight Loss Giant Superstar
Knee Deep in Paradise by Brett Butler-a Comedian Superstar
Lots of superstars today.

Like I said there's lots to promote today. First up is the Old Sturbridge Village Cookbook-a very unique cookbook-featuring Authentic Early American Recipes for the Modern Kitchen. Recipes come from 1829 and are adapted to modern measurements, ingredients & techniques. As well as a fascinating history of early cookbooks.

Next is a book called Carefree Cooking by Jacquelyn Reinach. For anyone, who has a summer or winter home- in reality 2 residences, an easier carefree way to survive the extra work involved. Lots of charming stories, great food plans & fun ideas. I remember my summers on the Muskokoa River in Ontario, Canada and the opening & closing of our cottage each summer.

I am promoting these books, because they are different from the norm, something new or interesting. Saucepans & the Single Girl by Jinx Kragen & Judy Perry. Reprinted in 1996, but this is the original book for the gal on the go-and on her own for the single girl in the big city. Lots of fun recipes, menu plans to hook the millionaire, plan a picnic or just comfort food. Well worth buying just for the entertaining stories included.

And my last promotion for the day: The Lean Rotisserie Cookbook by Ron Popeil. You remember Ron Popeil, he does those infomercials late at night. Actually this book sells fine all on its own, but I have included it because Rotisserie cooking is so in, right now and so healthy for you.

So lots of promotions. Book sales are up-thank goodness.

I love Las Vegas! Got to gamble at 2 casinos today, spent no money of my own, won at Bingo and had a deluxe Prime Rib dinner, courtesy of one of the casinos. It doesn't get any better than this!

I haven't done much cooking this week-other than baking chicken wings in my toaster oven. My toaster oven has a 30 minute timer on it, so they baked all day off and on when I was home and are so tender and much better for me. I slipped the finished chicken wings into a plastic bag, threw in some hot wing sauce and coated them. Hmm...

Christmas is coming-back to Savannah to be with my son and his friends. This time he has planned a Ham with all the accompaniments. I'm still not ready, who is-who has any money either.

I love Wolfgang Puck, not much in his website-other than promoting his restaurants, but here it his- www.wolfgangpuck.com. But he does have some great restaurants and great food. Lots to use from.

Not much going on otherwise. That's it for now.

Cookbook Val

Did I tell you, my son the new cook, said that cookbooks are obsolete. Everything you need is on the Internet. To my son: there are still cookbooks out there worth buying, owning, reading and re-reading like a novel. An adventure to dream about and then to experiment with food and recipes. I will say, that I have copied recipes off the Internet-it is a new world out there, but there is no adventure in it. They are just recipes, the authors are unknown, contributed for the most part with no kitchen testing. Even on the Food Network, you watch the chefs make different foods and you enjoy watching them-otherwise they wouldn't be there. And these chefs enjoying working with food. Discovering new and old recipes, tweaking them for their public. Also, each birthday & Christmas, I contribute a new cookbook to my son's collection, based on his current skills in the kitchen. I think he would be very disappointed if I stopped this ritual, we've had going on for the last couple of years.

I am still reading "The Lazy Lady's Easy Diet" by Sidney Petrie. I will say it has caught my attention. The diet is all over the place-1st, Mr. Petrie wants you on a modified low-carb diet, that allows you up to 250-300 carbs per day, and has you losing 40-50 pounds over a 6-month period. This part is actually pretty interesting, with the case studies indicated throughout the book. But then, if you want to lose weight fast, then you need to do 800 calories per day. Like I said, the book is interesting. He also believes in that you need to believe in the beauty within you, if you're going to see the new beauty on the outside, once you lose the weight. He has lots of special "me" weekends, planned completely-with food, home spa tips and solutions. Lots of old-fashioned remedies to bring the youth and beauty to the front. Did you know that strawberries (mash them up), can be used as toothpaste and to help reduce discoloration of the teeth (whitening them) . Lots of tips for home facials, fading skin discolorations and lots of info on important vitamins that your body needs, whether from food or over the counter. It's alot to take in, but I'm half way through it.

I still want to be famous for doing nothing. I'm not working hard on it, but I'm thinking about it.

I wanted to let you know that the Sour Cream/Sherry Chicken dish, is even better when it's reheated. Richer-so lovely to taste. I guess the flavors really need the time to combine, to get this new taste.

And the pomegranate dip I made with the plain yogurt. A little tangy and tart. I don't think I will make this again.

That's all for now.

Cookbook Val

I'm sorry that I've been out of touch lately, but so many things going on since Thanksgiving.

I went to the Mega Bingo at the Gold Coast with my sister-total value of prizes over two days-$500,000. My sister and I didn't win anything, but it was alot of fun.

I went to the Pahrump Winery in Pahrump, NV. Only 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas, but it took going over two mountains to get there. I bought a bottle of there Cream Sherry, which is excellent, but I'm using it for cooking mostly-more about that later. The winery is small, compact and surrounded on two sides by homes & though their grapes come mostly from CA, they are doing a very good job on their wines.

Also, we went to Bootlegger Bistro on Las Vegas Blvd. I was trying to talk my sister into going to the bar, so she could meet some men. But she thwarted me and insisted on the dining room, where I had an excellent Pollo di Saltimbocca. Which translates to chicken stuffed with cheese and Genoa salami, rolled in egg batter and sauteed with mushrooms & wine. I'm going to say the cheese was cream cheese and I'm looking for the recipe. It took forever to cook, but it was well worth the wait-the best.

Plus, I've been working on my EBay website-Valerie 2901 and now have 156 books listed. It's taken alot of time and is great. Lots of really good books listed, more than to come. I have at least 100 more great books to list. And back to media mail, with .99 listing. The sales are back-thank goodness and I may start making money again.

I have two books listed, worth looking into. They've already been bid on-so you need to be quick. The 1st book is Edible Wild Plants in Eastern North America. Actually, I got the book for a friend of mine, but she's in Idaho, where she works in a gardening place. I thought this book was for edible wild plants all over America-my mistake, but lots of people are watching this book.

Also, Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin. This book is a memoir of a New York hostess, who remembers recipes from the 60's & 70's with charming stories of past dinner parties. Look under EBay-Valerie2901 or general heading of cookbooks.

My picture on this website, is couple of years old & about 20 pounds heavier (but it does show my smile). I still need to lose more weight & I'm searching for the diet for me. I looked into Skinny Bitches, which is really a book that wants to turn you into a pure vegan-not for me. Now, I'm reading The Lazy Lady's Easy Diet, published in 1969, to see if this is the right fit. Anyway I need your support-everyone's support to make this diet work. I only need to lose weight for me, not for anyone else & that's the best reason to diet! My health is great, but I hate exercise, but may succumb to it-we'll see. Pictures will be published eventually. You know what diet works if you like fruit, including alot of mango & papaya-The Beverly Hills Diet-the original one. I've done this diet before & I can eat fruit, just not alot of mango & papaya. But this diet does work.

So I decided that I want to be famous like Paris Hilton and Khloe Kardashian-famous for doing nothing. I may be middle-aged, but I can do this. So if anyone knows anyone, who can put me on a morning TV show or anything. I'm going to be famous too, for doing nothing.. This is my new goal in live.

So my first recipe, using Cream Sherry: Cream Sherry Chicken

So wonderful, very rich, worth trying.

1 cup sour cream, 1 can cream of mushroom, 1/2 cup dry sherry, chicken pieces, salt, pepper, garlic powder, 1 can whole mushrooms, mild paprika

Combine sour cream, soup and sherry. Arrange chicken in baking pan and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Pour sauces over chicken. Pour canned mushrooms over top. Sprinkle lots of paprika on to top to give it color (otherwise it will look kind of gray looking). Bake in a 325 to 350 oven for about 1 hour. This sauce as stated above is for about 6-8 servings-I served it with rice. Also, I only planned about for 4 servings-way too much sauce for 4, but oh so... good.

That's all for now.

Cookbook Val

Happy Post Thanksgiving!

And how did your Thanksgiving go? Mine was fabulous! The journey to get there and back though was incredibly long. I had slept my normal sleep up to the morning of the 25th and then did not sleep again, until late on the 26th. Didn't sleep on the plane, didn't sleep on the 4 1/2 hour drive to Savannah. Got a 30 minute nap in at my son's. Didn't sleep on the long drive back from Savannah. Finally got to bed/sleep about 10pm. So I was very sleep-deprived for a long time.

As I said before, my son made Thanksgiving dinner and the turkey was spectacular! He pulled a recipe off the Internet and it took him 2 days to complete. He did a wonderful job with the turkey-so moist and tender. Interestedly enough, the recipe said not to go by the timer/pop-out indicator. The recipe said those turkey pop-outs weren't reliable enough. The only time he wanted my help with the turkey, was when he wanted to make sure there wasn't any pink inside. The rest of the dinner was boxed, bagged, canned and pre-baked. He said the turkey was all he could focus on for this menu. So we had boxed instant mashed potatoes, canned cranberries, canned cream corn, package rolls, package stuffing-that you add broth and butter to, jar of gravy and pre-frozen pumpkin pie. He wants to do Christmas this year too. With Ham and a small turkey breast, and real mashed potatoes.

This is from the child I raised, who hated my experimenting with recipes while he was growing up. He pretty much grew up eating just cereal and chicken. Look at him now-all grown up-26 years old and experimenting with his own recipes. I am so proud of him. He has just set up his Christmas tree and he texted me its completion. After congratulating him on the Christmas tree, we discussed his Christmas dinner. Plus he wanted some of my recipes for a Christmas Party, he will be giving. I have at different times in my life-operated a catering business. With my speciality being Appetizers. I have been very successful with this in the past. I just don't have a large enough anything at this point here in Las Vegas to start again. Kitchen isn't big enough, no extra freezer, etc.

My ebay cookbook web site, is dying with very little business-so I'm going back to my listings starting at $.99 and media mail. And then I'm going to let the buyers decide if they don't mind waiting for media mail delivery or do they want to put extra money out for Priority or Express mail. Look for me on EBay at Valerie2901 or under general heading of cookbooks.

Our Lady's Kitchen from the Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church is my book to promote today. Look for it on EBay. It has over 225 pages with 2 or 3 recipes on each page. Must be 500 recipes in it. The uniqueness of this book is that many of the recipes are from the priests and friars of this Church. With very unique recipes, I guess Priests have to eat too and experiment with many unusual foods.

Company coming in town today, so that's all for now.

Cookbook Val

Happy Thanksgiving!

Off to Savannah. Have a nice Thanksgiving everyone!

Cookbook Val

Life on EBay is slow, but there are still sales. Not alot of books listed right now. Come January, I'll switch back to media mail and $.99 listing and then there will be many more books available. So if you are in the need of a cookbook, please look under Valerie2901 on EBay. Actually, there some good books listed.

Two books I'm going to promote are Chili Madness by Jane Butel and The Stew Cookbook by Johnrae Earl & James McCormick. Chili Madness has more than 35 best & tested recipes, plus legendary origins & spiritual beginnings. Also controversies & further craziness, & peppers & powders. Learn about the soup of the devil, the "strictly American" brew. The other book-The Stew Cookbook, because it's wintertime and though stew is good all year round, right now a good stew will keep your stomach, filled and warm. Learn about mulligan stew, basic stews, veal, lamb & mutton stews, fish & seafood stews, vegetarian stews, common'st creature stews, gourmet stews, wild game stews, the strange stews and stews from around the world. Did you know there were so many stews.

More Elvis/Las Vegas trivia: Elvis married Priscilla Beaulieu in a suite at the Aladdin Hotel on May 1, 1967 (Lisa Marie was born exactly nine months later.

Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis' manager, lost more than $1 million per year gambling at the Las Vegas Hilton.

On February 18, 1973, during Elvis' midnight show at the Hilton, four men rushed the stage, apparently intending to do harm. Elvis, employing his long-practiced karate skills, helped fend off the attack.

Ongoing is a recipe contest by California Wild Rice- www.cawildrice.com. The grand prize is $5,000. So what is your speciality using CA Wild Rice? Look on the website for complete rules.

I have come across one problem with all this cooking that I've been doing lately.... I AM GAINING WEIGHT. So the solution seems to be less cooking or cooking less. I am trying to get back to my one big meal a day while I am home-one big meal that I eat for lunch & dinner and some fruit for breakfast. I guess that means no more chicken wings for awhile and I do love chicken wings.

So what are your Thanksgiving Day plans? Mine will be in Savannah, GA with my son at his new home. This is his first Thanksgiving dinner to put together. My sister, Leslie will also be there from Atlanta, as well an assortment of my son's friends. So late tomorrow night, I will take the red-eye flight to Atlanta, my sister will pick-me-up at the airport and then a 3 hour drive to Savannah. Stay for about 6 hours, drive back to Atlanta for the red-eye flight and fly back to Las Vegas. Do I sound like a jet-setter or what?

What can you do with lemons: For Oily Skin, get a gorgeous glow with a lemon facial.

Lemon regulates excess oil, and cornmeal exfoliates skin so it's extra-soft.

Place a warm washcloth over clean face for 5 minutes. Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp. water, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup cornmeal. Massage onto face for 1-2 minutes, rinse and pat dry.

That's all for now.

Cookbook Val

THE MOVIE 2012

Yesterday, I went to see the movie 2012. The story is weak, but the special effects are tremendous. Plus it was almost 3 hours long-worth the movie theater dollars. Best disaster movie in a long time. Everybody was very quiet after the movie. Makes you really think about global warming and the long term effects it may have on this planet.

I made my pasta with mascarone cheese and walnuts-good, but still not the pasta dish I want. I want a pasta dish that will make me crave it over and over again-a nice vegetarian dish. I am definetly meat eater-I love steak, but some days I am a part-time vegetarian too. Macroni and cheese is probaly the only pasta that I crave so far, but only if it's fresh made. The box kind has too many chemicals in it now.

The Annual National Pie Championships will be held April 23-25, 2010 in Orlando, FL with Professional, Amateur and Commercial Divisions. Applications and more information can be found at www.piecouncil.org/Events/NationalPieChampionships/ . I may just enter myself for next year.

That's all for now. I'm on the plane, in the air.
Cookbook Val

Tonight Pasta Shells with Mascarpone Cheese and Walnuts

I listed a book by Suzanne Somers today on EBay, under Valerie2901 called "The Sexy Years". Women, look for this book. It explains so much about menopause, whether you are in it or not and the menopause that men go through. I have read almost every book Suzanne has written and you have to take some of what she says with a grain of salt. But in every book she does do her homework and the research. This has nothing to do with cooking, but it is a book I recommend.

Again not cooking, but at least something to do with food. Soften your feet with a lime and sea salt scrub. Sea salts smooth out tough calluses, the vitamin C in the lime brightens your skin tone and Epsom salts reduce excess swelling.

Dampen feet. Dip half a lime in sea salts and scrub over calluses. Fill a basin with warm water and 1-2 cups Epsom salts. Soak for 10 minutes. Dry and moisturize with a foot cream.

My chef for today is Brian Boitano. Not that well known, but he is on Food Network. Brian is a Former Olympic Figure Skater. His website is www.brianboitano.com , which will link you to the Food Network and his recipes. He has alot of fun with his cooking and the recipes are easy to produce and very tasteful. This is a chef worth knowing more about.

Last night I made chicken wings again, but I think this is the last time, I will be deep-frying them. Set off the smoke alarm many times-I'm sure my neighbors loved that whiny sound of the smoke detector. This time, I took the time and made my favorite wing sauce.

My wing sauce: 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 bottle Louisiana hot sauce, celery sticks, blue cheese dressing.

Melt butter in a small sauce pan. Add the hot sauce; stir until well-blended. If you like your wings hotter, add the rest of the hot sauce bottle.

After chicken wings are fried & drained, place in a serving bowl. Pour sauce over wings, mix well. Serve with celery and blue cheese dressing on the side.

Does it get any easier than this!!!

Tonight I will be cooking Pasta Shells with Mascarpone cheese and Walnuts. Why don't you make some too and we'll compare notes:

4 tbsp butter, 6 oz mascarpone cheese or double-creme, 1/2 lb pasta shells, cooked and drained, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 oz shelled walnuts, chopped coarse, salt, freshly ground black pepper.

In a heatproof serving dish, melt the butter and cheese. It must gently heat, not boil.

To this mixture, add the cooked pasta. Turn it round and round adding half the Parmesan cheese. Add the walnuts and and add salt to taste. Sprinkle liberally with pepper. Serve remaining Parmesan cheese separately.

Start planning now for the Whoopie Pie Festival, September 18, 2010 at the Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn in Lancaster, PA. There will be a Whoopie Pie Treasure Hunt, Whoopie Pie Race, & so much more. www.whoopiepiefestival.com

And last but not least, more trivia on Las Vegas & Elvis Presley:

Many people assume that Elvis lived in Las Vegas between 1969 and 1976. In fact, he performed her just eight weeks (often spilt between January and August).

Elvis helped design the Imperial Suite on the 30th floor of the Hilton, where he stayed during his engagements. The suite no longer exists (it does really, but now it's the Barry Manilow suite).

In 1964's Viva Las Vegas, Elvis marries Ann-Margaret at Little Church of the West. The church, in operation for almost 70 years is the oldest structure still standing on the Strip.

More to come.

That's all for now.

Cookbook Val

Pasta to die for!

You all know I love Pasta. Well, I have the best Alfredo sauce ever for you to try. It came from the book The Joy of Pasta, which is available for sale on my EBay listing-Valerie2901. This book has incredible recipes, that are rich and creamy and oh sooo... easy to make.

Alfredo Sauce

1/4 pound butter, 1 cup heavy cream, salt, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh ground black pepper, pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, 1 pound fettuccine pasta

In a heavy heatproof casserole, combine the butter and 1/2 cup of the cream. Simmer over low heat until the butter has melted; this should take less than 1 minute. Turn off heat.

Prepare pasta, drain, then transfer to the casserole with the butter and cream. Turn the heat on under the casserole and with 2 wooden spoons or forks, lift the pasta and toss well, coating it completely with the sauce. Add the remaining 1/2 cup cream, Parmesan cheese, some salt and pepper to taste,l and nutmeg. Toss briefly for another minute, correct the seasoning and serve immediately with more Parmesan cheese on the side.

Don't take any shortcuts with this recipe. It changes the flavor alot. This is a very simple, but delicious recipe and will only add about 5 minutes to your cooking time.

Last night I went with a friend to the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay. They had the best happy hour special. Ever heard of the 1-2-3 deal. $1-beers, $2-well drinks & $3-house wines. Plus all the appetizers were half off. Lots of people, no one famous, but food was good, and there was plenty of music to listen too.

Make your whole body velvety with an oatmeal and shea butter treatment! Oatmeal gently lifts away rough dry skin and rich shea butter makes skin feel extra-supple!

Mix 1 cup ground oatmeal, 1 cup olive oil and 1 tbsp honey. In the shower, massage scrub onto skin. Rinse and pat dry. Massage in a rich shea butter cream or lotion.

Chef of the Day: Rachael Ray-visit her website and blog on www.rachaelray.com. In 2006, Rachael launched a non-profit organization that empowers kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking by teaching families to cook, feeding hungry kids and funding cooking education and scholarships.

That's all for now.

Cookbook Val

Pomegranates-what are they?

Today I discovered pomegranates at the 99 America store, that I go here to in Las Vegas. The Mexican produce guy called it Granada (maybe the spelling is wrong), but this is how it sounded. I wasn't sure what to do with pomegranates or much about them at all. I have had pomegranate juice, but that is my total knowledge of the fruit. I have learned that each pomegranate provides about a half cup of juice, but it's the seeds that are the best thing. You don't rinse them or dry them-you just eat the seeds as they come of the pomegranate. They can be frozen, whole as they are for future use. The health benefits seem to be that the juice provides 16% of your daily Vitamin C requirement and is a good source of B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and antioxidant polyphenols. In addition to that, studies show that pomegranate juice is effective in reducing heart disease, reducing blood pressure and dental plaque. I have found some recipes to try-Sticky Red Wings with pomegranate juice and seeds and a pomegranate yogurt dip, to be served with vegetables. I will let you know how they turn out, after being made.

Have super-silky hair with a mint and lemongrass treatment! Mint boosts circulation so hair grows faster and lemongrass oil leaves hair soft and shiny!

Steep 4-6 mint tea bags for 10 minutes. Let cool, and pour over dry hair and scalp. Blend 1-3 drops of lemongrass oil into a cup of olive or sunflower oil and massage into scalp. Apply shampoo directly to oiled hair (do not rinse first). Lather well, thoroughly rinse and condition as usual.

My recipe of the day is for Blackberry Pie. I used frozen, which worked out wonderful and I would highly recommend vanilla ice cream to be served with this.

3 cups blackberries, fresh or frozen, 1 cup sugar, 3 tbsp flour 1 tbsp grated lemon rind, 4 tbsp butter.

Combine flour, sugar and lemon rind. Add to the berries. Using your favorite crust, line the pie tin. Dot with 2 tbsp butter. Pour in berries. Dot with with remaining 2 tbsp butter. Cover, with a lattice crust. Bake in a hot oven (400F) for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325F and bake for 20-30 minutes more. Hmm delicious.

The cookbooks on EBay are starting to sell again. Thank you! I have a bunch of really good ones that I'm going to be listing over the next few days, so keep your eyes out for them under my EBay listing of Valerie2901.

Chefs of the day are Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger. They own two restaurants in Los Angeles-Borders Grill Santa Monica & Ciudad and one restaurant in Las Vegas-Border Grill Las Vegas at the Mandalay Hotel. I'm not familiar with these restaurants, but they must be doing something right. So I'm going to give them a try in the next week or so. Keep up with Chef Jeremy Tummel news at www.marysueandsusan.com/newsletter.htm.

New York was lots of fun and I have those Tiffany knock-off necklaces for great Christmas gifts.

More Las Vegas trivia: Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations and stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. Ancient remnants of early man can be found throughout the park in 3,000-year-old petroglyphs. The park is located 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

That's all for now.

Cookbook Val

2 Days In A Row!

Yes, I'm getting better at this, 2 days in a row. Lots of new information coming along.

The chef of the day is Mario Batali. For those of you with excess time and money on November 16, 2009, Mario will be hosting a dinner with wine tasting with winemaker, Chiara Leonini at the Babbo Restaurant in New York City. $495 per person, includes wines, food, tax & gratuity. For more information, please call 917-715-3599. www.mariobatali.com

Up is a cheese dip recipe that I tried last night. Very, very good-but you have to keep this hot, to keep the flavor going.

Val's Cheese Dip

1/2 cup diced onion, 1 cup regular or non-alcoholic beer, 8 oz shredded Cheddar cheese, 8 oz shredded Pepper Jack cheese, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning, 2 tbsp chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, 1 cup sour cream, tortilla chips for dipping

Place onion and beer in a heavy medium-size saucepan. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 3 to 4 minutes. In a large bowl, combine cheeses, flour and taco seasoning. Slowly add handfuls to hot beer until melted, stirring constantly. Repeat until all of the cheese is used. Stir in chipotle pepper and sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips.

My recommendations: this takes alot of work, to get this really hot-I would place the finished product in a chafing dish or fondue pot and let it go on its own. I have never worked with chipotle pepper in adobo sauce before, it smells so wonderful. I will have to find more things to use it in.

Extra smooth hands with a butter, sugar and squalene oil treatment:

Stir 3 tbsp sugar into 1 tsp softened butter. Massage sweet scrub onto hands for 1 minute. Soak a kitchen towel in very warm water, squeeze out excess water and wrap around both hands. Leave on for 3 minutes. Wipe away excess scrub and wash hands with moisturizing hand wash. Pat dry and massage squalene oil into cuticles and hands.

Las Vegas Strip Trivia:

Gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931.

Howard Hughes moved to the Desert Inn in 1966.

The world-famous inexpensive Las Vegas buffet debuted at the original El Rancho in the early 1940's.

March is the busiest month for tourism in Las Vegas. Except for Christmas and New Year's, December is the slowest month.

Visitors arrive by car (41%), air (44%), bus (8%), RV (6%) and train (0.4 %).

Useless, but interesting information about the town I am living in now.

Still working my EBay cookbook listing, but sales are way..... down (almost non-existent). Look for me at Valerie2901 or under the general listing of cookbooks. 117 cookbooks listed , there must be something you need!

That's all for now.

Cookbook Val

No news is good news!

I know it's been awhile, but life happens. Here I am today and let me tell you, I have been cooking up a storm.

Remember the Coconut Pie I made-what a success & so easy. Try this sometime, it tastes like a macaroon cookie.

1 cup sugar-2 eggs-2 tbsp flour-2 cups milk-1 cup grated coconut-3/4 tsp vanilla extract-1/4 tsp almond extract-1 baked deep pie crust

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, flour, milk, coconut, vanilla & almond extract. Pour into a deep, 9-inch pie crust. Bake until golden brown.

I made adjustments to the recipe-like I always do, so now it is mine and yours.

And remember the electric fondue pot, I bought awhile ago. Last night, I christened it, making chicken wings. It would only hold 3 large drummettes at a time, which I defrosted from frozen to cut down on the cooking time. Normal size chicken wings would probably hold 4 or 5 at a time. But I was making this just for me, so it was perfect. The only thing that was disappointing was the chicken wing sauce. Normally, I make my own chicken wing sauce (after all I am from Buffalo, home of the chicken wings), but I decided to use Frank's Chicken Wing Sauce (again home of the original chicken wings, from the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY). Obviously, the economy has hit Frank's Chicken Wing Sauce-you could tell it's now being chemically produced, with very little real butter in the sauce. Sad, how we have to cut out the key ingredients in certain products to make a profit these days.

In keeping with food ingredients (not necessarily cooking, but a cooked up recipe)-try this f0r your dry skin: PINEAPPLE FACIAL!-why it works: Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapples, quickly softens, hydrates and brightens your skin.

Wash your face with a moisturizing cleanser. Wet a washcloth in warm water; squeeze out excess and place over face for 5 minutes. In a blender, puree 3 pineapple slices, 1 tbsp plain yogurt and 3 tbsp honey. Smooth mask onto face, leave on for 10 minutes, rinse and pat dry.

When I can find them, I will now list Chef's newsletters and blogs. To start with I have Emeril Lagasse, who has a new cookbook out "20-40-60", and soon to be promoting it nationwide with a book tour. www.emerils.com

Last week layovers included New York City. We stay near the La Guardia Airport and I was not prepared to go downtown, clothes wise, now that it's getting colder. I have another layover next week and I'm ready this time. Stops planned-1st Canal St-where you used to be able to get the best knock-off's in purses in the US. Now the item to buy if the Tiffany necklace, still in sterling silver, but only $10 each (bargain, baby). I will be buying some for Christmas presents next week. Also, a new store to look out for is Century 21 Department Store. A cross between Ross and TJ Max, located at 22 Cortlandt St (between Church & Broadway), New York, NY 212-227-9092.

That's all for now.
Cookbook Val

A New Day, A New Beginning

Lots of changes for me. The blog as it is, is not giving me what I want. I want to speak my mind about many things and I have allowed myself to be restricted in my blog and my life. Changes come slowly-so all we can do is try.

I will still be promoting cookbooks that I sell on EBay, but my listing site will also have changes and new prices. I have been trying to keep everyone happy with low starting prices and media mail prices, but that is not working out so good now. Everybody wants something for nothing (me included). So unfortunately, I have to increase my starting prices and I will now be switching to USPS Priority Mail shipping, which is definitely higher costs. And my customers want books packaged now more securely. I understand this, I really do, but packaging costs money. So sales will be slow. Cookbooks will still be new and used and used means used. Sometimes with writing inside, sometimes with previous water damage. Used is used and brand new is brand new. It doesn't get any easier than this.

Over the next few days, new shipping prices will be started, prices raised, new & exciting cookbooks will be available for sale. But it all takes time & lots of energy. So please be patient with me, as I re-start, re-invent this blog and my EBay listing-Valerie2901. I will try and blog more often, if not for you, but for me.

Right now, I'm away on a trip on a Denver layover. As many of you have guessed, I am an aging Flight Attendant. I work with a discount Airline, based out of Atlanta. My crew and I have planned for dinner at Uno's down the street. Because the happy hour has 2 for 1 drinks & $1.99 appetizers. Such is the life of a glamorous flight attendant.

I made an easy Coconut Pie the other day (finally), but by the time it was cooked, and chilled it was time for me to start this trip. I don't have the recipe with me, but after I sample and taste it, I will print it and post the recipes and result. I also made chicken trying out one of many El Pollo Loco recipes. El Pollo Loco is a fast-food, fresh made grilled (never fried) chicken place, available in many major cities. I have tried the dark meat, used it on salads for work-it was wonderful. Still haven't tried the most important part-the chicken breast. Will have to let you know how it goes.

I want to go on an Around-The-World on a Cruise. If you know of anyone who wants a paid companion for this, please let me know. At this stage in my life, I personally can't afford it, but would love to do it. I have been around the world many times, but always by flying in out of different cities.

Cute story on the plane today. At the end of de-planing, this woman was taking quite a bit of time, getting her things together. I asked her if she needed assistance. She laughed and said no.
She had in her hands, a stuffed Moose. This was a family stuffed moose and traveled everywhere with different family members. Since she was traveling to Denver and the moose had never been to Denver before, it was her turn to entertain the stuffed moose. She had just taken pictures of the moose, strapped into the seat belt. And told me that the moose was going snowboarding the next day. The family has a huge photo album of all of the moose's adventures.
How much fun is that.

Cookbook Val

The Pineapple

January 11, 1813, the first pineapples were planted in Hawaii. They may have originally come from Brazil, though other sources say that Columbus encountered them first in Guadeloupe, their true home. As if in tribute, it was also on this day in 1935 that Amelia Earhart took off from Honolulu to make the first solo flight from Hawaii to California.

Fragrant and impressive to look at, most pineapples now come from Hawaii. Fifty years ago the Royal Hawaiian Hotel had a fountain in the lobby that provided fresh pineapple juice.

Pineapples do not continue to ripen after picking. They will keep for some weeks but should not be refrigerated-temperatures below 45 degrees F are not beneficial. A distinctive aroma is one indication of a good pineapple as well as being heavy for its size. The fruit is sweeter at the bottom, so if is to be served plain, it should be cut lengthwise.-Life is Meals by James and Kay Salter.

A week later. That seems to be all I can do these days. But it's better than nothing. After the sinus infection, I developed a head cold, that is thankfully all gone now. Seems to be my year. But I am a lucky woman, sinus infections and colds aside-I am a very lucky person. So not to say, that I have ever won the lottery or I even win at Bingo very often, but I am a lucky woman.

I don't know if I mentioned before, but as I joke, I did a stand-up routine on me being "A middle-aged sex goddess". I do not want to do this as a career, but it seems there is a need in life for a middle-aged sex goddess-I've even been offered paying jobs. It just won't be me. Instead, I'm trying to talk my sister into doing this or my girlfriend in Dallas. Both very funny people, with attitudes that could work on stage. Not me, I want to be Paris Hilton. A woman who is famous, for doing nothing.

Selling lots of cookbooks lately-doing something right. Today, I'm going to promote Chocolate. I have 3 interesting Chocolate books that haven't sold:
Hershey's Cocoa Cookbook
White Chocolate by Janice Wald Henderson-the cover alone should make you want to buy it
BH&G Chocolate
All with luscious desserts and treats await you. Look under Valerie2901 on EBay or under general heading cookbooks.

Live a little, love a little, be happy.
Cookbook Val

I have a new plan with my blog and cookbooks that I sell on EBay. Listing the books each week is so time consuming and wears out my tiny little brain, trying to think out new and exciting things about each and every book. So I have 63 books left to list and then I'm going to take more time actually trying out recipes in some of these books. I will still sell books on EBay, just not as many, since I will be going into a slow time anyway. Look for my cookbooks non EBay-Valerie2901 or under the general heading of cookbooks. And I will still do my blog and maybe become more creative in my writing.

Today, I'm going to talk about Crepes-when was the last time you made Crepes? In the 70's or 80's maybe? But these delicious little French Pancakes can be an economical family meal or elegant party fare at so little cost. I have two of these books available and I highly recommend both of them. Try something different, something new. Look under cookbooks or Valerie2901 on EBay: You Can Do Anything With Crepes or Better Homes and Gardens Crepes Cook Book.

I have more to say, but it will try and do on a separate post today. I have been locked in this house long enough and need to lie out in the sun for awhile.
Cookbook Val

Small Cookbooks

You know those cookbooks, the paperbacks found by the cash register that cost $3.99 and up. I consider those small cookbooks-small gems. Typically those cookbooks hold about 100 pages in recipes. The average hardback cookbook is about 125 pages. And yet, I sell these small gems 5 for the price of 1 and people rarely buy them. These are pretty good buys, at least I think so. I probably have 100 that I keep for me. If you are a future Pillsbury Bake-Off Contestant, you should be getting some of these small books-at least for some ideas. Look under Valerie2901-EBay or cookbooks

Speaking of Pillsbury Bake-Off Contestants, one of the girls I work with, was one of the finalists a few years back, and her sister-in-law actually won it one year. She lived (still lives) in Kansas and she said entering food contests, was a way of supplementing the family income. I have never had any of my recipes considered for the finalist competition, but I'm going to keep trying.

Last night in a hurry to get to Bingo-I am not obsessed with Bingo, just something to do in Las Vegas with big returns, I got out of my car and heard the car next to me still running, I thought to myself how odd. Locked the car door and realized, it was my car still running with the car keys still inside. What a mess! I walked home (thank goodness it wasn't too far), retrieved my extra keys and 30 minutes later, got back into my car. Must have something to do with the blonde hair. Didn't make it to Bingo last night. I did go this afternoon, playing cheap Bingo and still won $17 (cheap bingo is a small buy-in-mine was only $10). So I won my money back and a little extra.

Today, I started going through clothes I haven't worn in a year. Tossing those I would probably never wear again into the Goodwill bag-filling the Goodwill bag.

It was pretty cool today in Las Vegas, almost to the point of being cold. The weather has definitely changed here in the dessert.

My sinus infection is almost gone. It just takes alot of rest and some sun for me to get better.

I have received an Internet message, I am about to lose Internet-high winds in the dessert. More later.
Cookbook Val

Weight Watchers Unite!

Weight Watchers has done so much for its customers over the years. Constantly changing their programs to meet today's needs. I have many Weight Watchers Cookbooks and I'm going to list them for you to pursue. Whether you're on the Point Program, the Quick Start or whatever program they've had in the past and now continue to operate, their recipes and their cookbooks are well worth owning. You can see these under Valerie2901 on my EBay website or look for me under general heading: cookbooks. Keep it up Weight Watchers and America and the rest of the world will continue to lose weight!

Weight Watchers Favorite Homestyle Recipes

Weight Watchers Quick Success Program Cookbook

Weight Watchers Meals In Minutes Cookbook

Weight Watchers Fast & Fabulous Cookbook

Actually these books sell quite well on their own, but who knows maybe this is something you're looking for and didn't know it.

Well, Christmas is coming, lots of mail delays and my prices will be increasing due to this. So buy up all you can now and save. Starting November 15th-January 1st, my starting price will be $1.99 per book on EBay-Valerie2901. Shipping and handling will only be by U.S. Priority Mail, which is much more expensive than media mail. Last years experience taught me that during the holidays, media mail can take up to a month and by then my buyers were very mad at me. Multiple shipping will also be by Priority Mail, using the expensive Envelopes, Medium and Large Flat Boxes. Most Priority envelopes, can only handle 1 regular size book. Medium boxes can hold 2-4 books and the Large Box only about 6 books. Keep this in mind for sales after November15th. I know sales may be slow for that 6 week period, but I'm planning for it.

What's new and different. Well, last week on a plane, I received 2 spider bites, that made my arm swell twice its size. Most have come out of some carry-on boxes, that passengers bring on board. My arm is finally down to normal size, but I am down with a sinus infection, but living in Las Vegas, I am blaming it on the Santa Ana winds.

I have been trying to read different food memoirs and am struggling to get through Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin. The narrative is good, the recipes questionable, but I will continue to read it through. I ran across another interesting book for you beer drinkers out there: Travels with Barley-A Journey Through Beer Culture in America by Ken Wells-a former Pulitzer Prize Winner. Selling it on EBay-Valerie2901, looks very interesting, but I am not a big beer drinker and their are so many other food memoirs I want to read.

Last night I won at Bingo-$50-made my night!

Cookbook Val

Today is Friday, September 25th

G-G-Green Chartreuse-Anthony had lost his stammer in the deep waters of his old romance. It came flowing back to hi, momentarily, with the coffee and liqueurs. "Real G-g-green Chartreuse, made before the expulsion of the monks. There are five distinct tastes as it trickles over the tongue. It is like swallowing a sp-spectrum.-Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh, 1945.

When I feel stress in my life or I am exhausted, I sleep-walk. I have done this all my life. Last night I went to bed hungry. Woke up to find a food bowl and napkins, next to my bed and a open tortilla chips bag in the kitchen. Turns out I nuked shredded cheese on tortilla chips last night & then ate them-sleep eating. I guess it's a combination of stress and exhaustion that starts the sleep eating, not the first time this has happened. But it is the first time, I used the microwave while sleeping.

I know there are people reading my blog out in Internet Land. I appreciate it. Makes me feel less alone.

I'm surprised that my Christmas & Holiday cookbooks haven't sold yet. Christmas is coming. So tonight, I'm going to list my cookbooks for the Holiday season. Look for it under Valerie2901 on EBay or under the general heading of cookbooks.

Best of Holiday Recipes by Taste of Home Magazine

Ladies Home Journal Handbook of Holiday Cuisine

Holiday Cookbook by Miriam B. Loo's

Homemade Christmas-a fundraiser for Marine Toys For Tots Foundation

Treasury of Christmas Recipes-From Your Favorite Brand Name Companies

The Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan

So what about that 18 pound baby? Poor mother, I can only imagine her pain at childbirth.

Offered free tickets to Gino Vanelli on Sunday night. Unfortunately, I will be in Los Angeles. I would really like to see him again. Nobody ever offers free tickets for Barry Manilow either, wouldn't mind seeing his show either.

Well, I had plans to make Coconut Custard Pie, but I have run out of time today. Maybe on Tuesday, when I get back from my next trip. Lots of people don't like coconut, but I do.

Cookbook Val

Five Days Later!

Five days later, I am back to this. Really hard to do this, when I'm on a trip. Not much energy on my down time, the airplane pressurization is really getting to me these days.

Choosing The Wine: Red Bordeaux is like the lawful wife: an excellent beverage that goes with every dish and enables one to enjoy one's food. But now then a man wants a change...-My Life and Loves, Frank Harris, 1922-27.

In my ode to fund raiser cookbooks, I have four new ones for you to look over. There are gems in here I tell you.

Hip Kids Cook! by the Junior League of Omaha, NE-standard recipes for kids functions & parties, but a new twist to some familiar recipes

Gourmet Gallery Cookbook by the Stuart Society as a fundraiser for the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, FL. 440 pages of recipes-there has to be something in here for everyone.

Seasoned With Love by the Women's Ministries of Calvary Christian Center of Buena Park, CA

From Our House To Yours by the Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley Assn. of Realtors of Huntington Beach, CA

Look for these cookbooks and other cookbooks on EBay under general heading of cookbooks or my listing area-Valerie2901. Many times, people have asked me about my listing name. I have had this EBay listing area for many years and as much as I would love to change my listing name, to something like Cookbook Val, but every time you do, you need to open a new bank account for the new name. Too much work.

I just finished a book (now listed on EBay), that I thought was fiction, but in fact turned out to be a memoir (definitely non-fiction). Psychic Junkie by Sarrah Lassez. It actually was quite interesting, though a little slow at times, it was worth finishing. A true story of a women addicted to psychic readings.

So while on this past trip, I'm in my bed and look down and see something black with legs. We've had some issues lately at work with hotels and bed bugs, so immediately, I jumped up and stripped my bed for other little creatures. The thing is though, I didn't feel any bites, and anything that sucks blood out of me, I definitely feel. So I look again at this black thing and realize it is one of my mascaraed coated eyelashes-that's me with the "blonde hair". I found another one later (I rub my eyes too much, hence the loss of eyelashes-luckily they grow back fast). Speaking of which, I have yet to talk to anyone who has used that new product Latisse. I'm interested in feedback on this new prescription only product that grows long great eyelashes.

I really have lots to say, but it's bedtime now. Cookbook Val

True Connoisseurs

True Connoisseurs-As long as the wine is in the mouth, one receives a pleasant but indistinct impression; it is only when one has finished swallowing it that one can really taste, appreciate and identify its particular bouquet; and a short while must elapse before the gourmand can say: "It's good, or passable, or bad. Bless my soul! It's Chambertin! Good grief! It's Suresnes!"

connoisseurs sip their wine; for as they pause after each mouthful, they obtain the sum total of pleasure they would have experienced had they emptied the glass at a single draught.-La Physiologie du gout, Brillat-Savarin, 1828.

I have more to say, but out of time.

Cookbook Val

Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.-Death in the Afternoon, Ernest Hemingway, 1932.

Today I went to the Greek Food Festival at Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Greek Church in Las Vegas. The music was great, the food was fabulous (I had a gyro, with a cucumber type sauce and greek fries), but it was 110 F in the sun and I couldn't stay longer than an hour. I don't usually eat lamb, but this was seasoned and sliced very thin.

I just finished a cookbook mystery called Bread On Arrival by Lou Jane Temple. It was very good and will now be listed on my EBay website-Valerie2901. The mystery was based on bread bakers in Kansas. I'm going to include a recipe from the book. Most were about baking breads, but I quite enjoyed this one:

Vegetable Root Bake

1 lb. each turnips, parsnips, sweet potatoes, new potatoes. Other options are "Granny Smith" apples, rutabagas, butternut squash & acorn squash. Apple cider. Heavy cream. Parmesan cheese. Kosher salt and white pepper.

Slice the root vegetables and layer them in a non-stick sprayed casserole with the apples somewhere in the middle. Season with salt and pepper on each layer and cover roots with apple cider. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes at 350 F. Remove from the oven, uncover and add enough heavy cream to cover the vegetables. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and cook to tender, uncovered, about 30 minutes.

Cookbook Val

Venting A Little, Venting A Lot

The Explosive cork-The sound of thy explosive cork, Champagne, has, by some strange witchery, of a sudden taught men the sweet music of speech. A murmur asof a rising storm runs round the table: badinage commences, flirtions flourish...We might tell of breakfasts, and of suppers, suddenly converted from Saharas of intolerable dullness into oases of smiles and laughter by the appearance of Champagne.-Wit, Wisdom and Morals-Distilled from Bacchus,Charles Towey.

Let me vent for a minute. As I have said before I love cookbooks and I enjoy selling them to others on EBay. Yes, to make some money, but it's not alot of money. I buy some of my books at yard sales, but mostly at thrift stores-my maximum purchase price is $1.00 per book. When I sell them on EBay, the starting price is $.99. Look under cookbooks, as a general category or Valerie2901, where my books are listed. I have a single book shipping price, media mail of $3.99 regardless of weight. For multiple purchases I charge $1.99 per each additional book shipping. My local post office sees me once or twice a week, and though I am not Chinese, they refer to me as their Chinese shipper. Why? The Chinese historically sell things for a little bit, but they sell alot and that's how they make their money. Most of my books sell on EBay for $.99, some for more-I'm happy that people want to buy them and to find that unique recipe. On a single book, I make $1.00-1.50 profit. Sometimes with multiple shippings, I make a little more. But people forget about the gas to drive to the thrift stores, yard sales and post office runs every week. Or the supplies I need to purchase to package these. Or the re-listing of some books, week after week and the amount of time, I spend in listing and relisting. Or the fees I pay Paypal, when the book is sold. So its not a big profit, but I'm doing something I enjoy doing, with a product I enjoy selling. So when you ask for big discounts on my books, I think I'm already being fair and after reading this, I hope you will think so too. End of venting.

I really love the quest I have for searching for cookbooks. Today, I bought a Times Life Library series for me. At least for now. Most of these are International cooking books and I look forward to reading them. It was quite a find for me at $1.00 a book for 8 books. Actually, if I had bought the set last week, I would have had all 12, but alas, since it was a purchase for me, I had to think about it for awhile.

So those gems, I told you about before-those spiral cookbooks, used for fundraisers. I think these are the best deals going. Who knows what you're going to find. Here a few more to look for on my EBay site:

"Homemade is Bestmade" for the Sunset Ward in Henderson, NV

Treasured Recipes from Charlotte Hill Elementary School in Las Vegas, NV

Deseret Recipes from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, UT

Cooks in Print, Taft Branch Library's 10th Anniversary, Orange, CA

More to come!

I didn't make it to the Lets Make A Deal Show. It is so hard for me to get up early, after coming back from 4 days on the road. I really wanted too, but the energy wasn't there. Maybe next week. The show seems to have the tickets available, so I will see what my energy level is next week.

More to come. Cookbook Val

Another Day

For two minutes, lovers or comrades, to spend a quiet evening with a magnum, drinking no aperitif before, nothing but a glass of cognac after-that is the ideal...The worst time is that dictated by convention, in a crowd, in the early afternoon, at a wedding reception.-New York Vogue, Evelyn Waugh, 1987.

It's not so easy writing a book. I got my 1st five pages done and since then I have blanked out. I will persevere.

You know all of those spiral cookbooks that are used for fundraisers. I sell lots of them on my EBay site-Valerie2901 or look under a general listing-cookbooks. People tend to overlook these books and there are some real gems of recipes in there. Sometimes handed down family recipes, sometimes from contest winners-all worth scavenging for the perfect new recipe to try. Here a just a few of the ones I'm selling:

What's Cooking At Saint Mark's by St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Carmel, IN

The Epiphany Preschool Cookbook from Vienna, VA

A Haven of Delights for Child Haven, Las Vegas, NV

Culinary Capers-Volume Two for the Nursing Division, San Luis Obispo County Health Dept., San Luis Obispo, CA

Look for more cookbooks like these in my next blog.

The GA Dept. of Revenue is still auditing me, but they are being very nice about it. I don't know about you, but doing my taxes always sends me into full panic mode. I know I don't ever owe anything, but still...

Cookbook Val

In the Name of Bacchus

A man who sets you down to a dribble of champagne-who gives you a couple of beggarly glasses between the courses, and winks to John who froths up the liquor in your glass, and screws up the remainder of the bottle for his master's next day drinking-such a man is an impostor and despicable snob... If money is an object to you, drink water...but if there is to be champagne, have no stint of it, in the name of Bacchus... When people have had plenty of champagne, they fancy they have been treated liberally. If you wish to save, save upon your hocks, Sauternes and Moselle's, which count for nothing, but disappear down careless throats so much toast and water...

Incomparably the best champagne I know is to be found in England. It is the most doctored, the most brandied, the most barley-sugared, the most winy wine in the world.-Miscellaneous Papers, William Makepeace Thackeray, 1885.

Today's book promotion is Fondue-big in the 60's & 70's, dinner this way seems to be a way of the past. The Melting Pot, with restaurants throughout the country is one of my favorites, also one of the few still serving fondue, allows an intimate sharing of appetizers, dinners and desserts. I only have one Fondue book-Gourmet International Fondue-The Fine Art of Fondue, Chinese Wok and Chafing Dish Cooking. Look under cookbooks on EBay or under Valerie2901. Looking for ways to spice up your romance? Try an intimate fondue party for two.

Earlier this week, I had dinners with friends and we had brisket and corn relish. I thought when was the last time I had corn relish-I love corn relish. So I came up with this recipe which is supposed to be served hot (the way I like it) or can be eaten cold later. This is considered a summer salad.

Corn and Red Pepper Salad

2, 15.25 oz. can corn, drained, 1 jar roasted red bell peppers (drained), cut into small pieces , 3/4 cup chopped Spanish olives, 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. black pepper, 1 tbsp. oregano.

In a medium pot, add 2 tbsp. of oil, corn and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add olives, remaining oil, salt, pepper and oregano. Mix to combine, then serve.

Makes 4 servings. Hmm, hmm, good.

My mother's missing diamond ring, showed up late yesterday and retrieved today. Yeah! My hair color has had some added highlights, which covered up some of the brassy parts from stripping before and using cheap hotel shampoos to try and strip more color. Back to being dark blonde, looks good.

I am off for a 4 day trip and will try and post, but while away, I use one of those new real small laptops and my fingers are bigger than the letters on the keyboard. It's frustrating to use and write with, but the 2.5 lbs works in my travelling luggage better.

I said yesterday, I was going to try out for Lets Make A Deal on Thursday, didn't mention, that I made it into the costumed audience, about 20 years ago (showing my age), but wasn't selected for games. Last time, I was a playboy bunny with bunny ears, outfit, serving tray and all (back when the Playboy Club was in vogue and I was still young and pretty enough to carry it off). Let's hope as "Gaudie Gertie", the funky chicken, I will get picked for the games this time!

On a final note, how many of you have the George Foreman Grill, in one size or another? One of my friends, told me, that she uses hers' to make pressed sandwiches. I never thought of that before, but it is perfect for that. I bought some gorditas, that would be perfect to make some stuffed pressed sandwiches with!

Cookbook Val

The Sparkling Touch

Champagne is for cheer, for formality. Champagne, and only champagne, is an adequate potable for the Special Occasion when an engagement is announced, or a marriage culminated-when you have sold your first book, been made a partner in the firm, or written a successful play, broken par, or own a Derby winner-or been granted a divorce, or become a father. It is drunk because you desire to usher in the New Year properly, or when you drink a toast to the sainted Robert Burns or Guy Fawkes. An ingenious citizen can manufacture a reason for tippling champagne at the drop of a magnum, but the drinking thereof should be delightfully formal, spiced with a little spurious dignity, predicated on traditional formulae.-Esquire Drink Book, edited by F.A. Birmingham, 1957.

'You know my way with the women; champagne's the thing; make 'em drink, make 'em talk;-make 'em talk, make 'em do anything.'-The Paris Sketch Gook, William Shakespeare Thackeray, 1840.

I should write more in the daytime. In the nighttime, I am tired or cranky and writing doesn't come as easy. I think I'm about to write and finish my first novel now. Twenty pages a day, that's what they say you should aim for-double spaced. All my un-finished novels will remain un-finished for now, I'll come back to them. All my cookbooks will remain the same-un-finished for now. This is at the perfect time for me in life now-no real responsibilities, except to work 3 or 4 days a week and to work on selling my cookbooks on EBay.

Speaking of which, I am going to focus on Pasta today, because I am the only one that likes Pastas cooking I think. It doesn't seem to be in fashion right now and yet, it is the perfect accompanient to a main dish or by itself. Today, I made a pasta dish, that I found on the back of pasta carton, but I added a few things extra to it:

Pasta with Tomatoes & Corn

1 box mini pasta, 1 can (15.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drain any juice), 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped onion 1 can (15.5 oz) drained corn, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, 4 leaves basisl, chopped, salt and pepper to taste

In a medium skillet, saute onion in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add tomatoes to skillet and simmer for 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add corn and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain pasta and toss with sauce. Stir in cheese and basil before serving.

Nice, light, & tasty!

As I said before, I am selling cookbooks on Ebay-Valerie2901 or you can find me under cookbooks. I have three pasta books available: Better Homes & Gardens Italian Cook Book-a good primer for the beginning cook; Italian Cooking by Poppy Cannon that focuses more on the vegetables and sauces in different regions in Italy, but does offer traditional pastas, I also found a unique recipe with a different twist for Fettuccine Alfredo, that I'm going to try; Great Meals in Minutes by Time-Life Books, that has traditional pastas, but also things like Mozzarella Tart in it.

These books have not been selling and they should, for anyone that loves pasta.

In the last week, I have seen the movie "All About Steve" with Sandra Bullock-was supposed to be funny, lost my mother's diamond engagement ring (first I lost it down the sink of my hotel, was retrieved later that morning, now supposedly in transit with Federal Express), now Federal Express has lost it, threw out my blood pressure medicine by mistake (but it turns out after 5 days, my blood pressure is normal-so the doctor is going to keep me off it and monitoring the situation & I'm being audited by the GA Department of Revenue on Monday. Though I only was given notice of the letter today, to show up Monday morning at their office. I don't think they know I live in Las Vegas right now.

Next week, Lets Make A Deal with Wayne Brady starts filming in Las Vegas and I have tickets. I am going as "Gaudie Gertie", my persona in my chicken wings cookbook. Will post a chicken of me in a funky chicken suit, in the next few days. Actually, I have 2 tickets for the taping, but there is only me going at this time. If there is anyone in Internet land in Las Vegas for next Thursday for the 12 pm taping, that wants to go with me, let me know. I want to win a wonderful exciting trip somewhere or a new car or a new house or just about anything!

Cookbook Val

The Martini

I don't really drink Martinis, too strong for me. One time, I had a severe head cold, was out with friends and they convinced me to have 3 martinis-the next time my head cold was gone. The alcohol was so...strong, it killed all the cold germs in me.

There is something about a Martini,
A tingle remarkably pleasant;
A yellow, a mellow Martini;
I wish that I had one at present.
There is something about a Martini,
Ere the dining and dancing begin,
And to tell you the truth,
It is not the vermouth-
I think that perhaps it's the gin--Collected Verse From 1929 On, Ogden Nash

Last night, after my blog, I think I had the best "box" pizza I have ever had! All Natural French Pastry Pizza Singles-goat cheese & onion. Vegetarian, no trans fats. It is put out by Alex & Liz, founders of Olive Street Table LLC in Santa Barbara, CA or www.tfppc.com. The pastry was actually a light fluffy pie crust. Honestly, it was the best pie crust (or pizza crust), I have ever had, so rich, buttery-perfect.

Today, I spent some time and money at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. It is beautiful, but I'm trying to figure out what the big deal is about it. Very understated, in an elegant way. The marble tiles in the bathroom were good. And unfortunately, I don't have the monetary budget for their shopping arcade. By the looks of the lack of traffic in the stores, neither does anyone else. I did win and lose hundreds of dollars for a couple of hours and ended up breaking even-thank goodness.

I got my bi-monthly pedicure and then went on to the shop next door to get my hair layered. The hair-raisers shop is at Jones & Flamingos in the Smith shopping Center. My hair dresser, Debbie, a former showgirl, now in her 40's, proceeded to give me a teased, big bouffant hair from somewhere in the 1960's. Is she kidding me or what! Plus the sign, said haircuts, $13.99. My bill came to $35.00, plus tip-needless to say, her tip may been bigger, but not when she charges me more than double the price, plus an out-of-date hairdo, shes lucky she got any tip at all. Being the nice person I am, I left without saying anything, went to my car and flattened out my hair. Luckily, I have good hair, that responds to just about anything.

Tonight, I made this great easy chicken recipe that you need to follow exactly:

Burnt Mushroom Chicken

1 to 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 to 3 tbsp. butter or margarine, 4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, 4 to 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Melt butter and lemon juice. Saute' chicken breasts and mushrooms on medium heat. Remove chicken when done (3 to 4 minutes per side, or until no longer pink inside). Continuing saute'ing mushrooms until crispy (burnt). Serve with mushrooms on side or top of chicken.

I used no salt or pepper, and this was wonderful. I will definetly use this in the future.

Now, a plug for my ebay cookbooks website-Valerie2901. 3 books that have not sold in a long time and they should have. "Quick from Scratch-PASTA" by Food & Wine Books. Easy pasta, tasty menus, little time. Another Pasta book-"Great Meals in Minutes-Pasta Menus". Pasta is just not in these days and I don't know why not. The third book is "Classic Recipes For Everyday Cooking" by Better Homes & Gardens-a great starter book for the new cook in your family. All have great, easy recipes, some simple, some elegant-all wonderful. Pasta does not sell easily. I love cooking pasta, in fact I have made many pasta recipes from the Food Network with Giada-great cook, easy recipes. My thing with pasta is easy, a few ingredients, not too greasy, even light if possible.

Tonight, I also went to a show at the Southpoint Htl & Casino to see Ronn Lucas, a ventroliquist. I have seen him many times on cruise ships and always enjoy his show. He will be playing there for the next 5-6 weeks on Thursday night at 7:30pm, well worth the small fee of $20 per person. Maybe the best and least expensive show in town right now.

Cookbook Val

My niche in life

I think I have found my niche in life-filling you with useless and not-so-useless information. As well as recipes to keep you cooking and your stomach filled. I think that's it. That's what this blog is for, my unrequited need to teach people about food and the flavors, tastes, scents and seasonings.

My Wine Tribute: SHERRY: A self-willed wine!

Sherry is a self-willed wine which gives a good deal of trouble to its guardians during its early years; it must have its own way, but like many a difficult child, when Sherry reaches the age of sweet reasonableness, it is the most amenable of all wines, the only one that will not let its nose be put out by being left overnight and even for some days in a decanter; the only one to put up cheerfully with cigarette smoke and over-scented women-A Wine Primer, Andre Simon 1986.

This next book up, I would love to own, but I'm afraid if I did, I would use it all the time. Look for the next 2 books under cookbooks on EBay or Valerie2901. "Mini-Fryer Cookery" by Barbara Melhven. 211 tested recipes from hot appetizers to main dishes, beef fondue to desserts-all deep-fried. Just the way I like it. I had chicken wings about 2 months ago and felt so guilty. I still have french fries once in awhile, that is my comfort food, when I'm not feeling good-so I save it for that time. I think my writing my chicken wings cookbook is the way I can warrant eating chicken wings once in awhile, because I have to test the recipes.

The other book I can recommend is: "Grilling With The Perfect Flame Cookbook". The author is the Grill Company published in 1995. It is not a big book by any means (only 36 pages), but good easy grilling recipes, great marinades, sauces and ideas.

An example: Key Lime Shrimp

1 lb. large raw shrimp, 1/4 cup- lime juice, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1 tsp. garlic, minced.

Peel shrimp, leaving tails intact and thread shrimp on skewers. Mix remaining ingredients in bowl. Grill skewers for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Brush on sauce while grilling. Arrange on platter and serve immediately.

I don't even have to make this recipe, to know it will work and taste good.

I spent the day scouring thrift stores for cookbooks and hit the mother lode at the Outreach Community Center on Lake Mead Blvd in North Las Vegas. Overall today, I bought approximately 70 new and used cookbooks.

I also hit the Poker Palace for bingo-me and all the old people. Of course, I didn't win, I never do, but I was throughly entertained.

Cookbook Val