Giveaway Closed!
I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about my thoughts on the new cookbook by Susie Fishbein, Kosher By Design Cooking Coach, and I am excited to finally share my thoughts on this fabulous cookbook with you. I should start by mentioning that if you aren’t a kosher cook, don’t stop reading. Susie’s ideas are amazing, and you don’t have to keep kosher to appreciate them!
At a first glance:
As is the case with all of Susie’s previous books, this is a visually beautiful book. I opened it up and marveled at the absolute wealth of information. The book promises to be more than just a list of recipes, and it certainly delivered. Each chapter starts with a “game plan” section which includes a whole ton of information on things that will be useful to the chapter. The book starts with information such as how to hold a knife, the correct way to dice an onion, and useful things to always keep in your pantry. As you get to each section, the game plan gives you information on how to plate an appetizer nicely, how to score a duck breast to sear it, information on cleaning and storing lettuce, and a pictorial guide to pretty much every cut of meat in the world. You would think that a more experienced cook wouldn’t have much to learn from this, but the information is comprehensive enough that there’s something for everyone to learn.
Some Features I Liked:
Firstly, I love the “playbook” section. The idea is simple. Rather than serve leftovers of the same dish, use a component in a creative way to create a new dish. For example, if you have leftover glaze from making Miso Glazed Eggplant, use it as a marinade for fish. Or, make extra dipping sauce when you cook up the amazing looking Grean Bean and Asparagus Fries, and dip chicken fingers into it. Cook once, eat twice…it’s something every cook can appreciate!
Next, I love Susie’s creativity. Those who own some of her previous cookbooks know what I am talking about. This isn’t “just another cookbook,” rather, it’s a book full of fabulous ideas, interesting flavor combinations, and lots of new ways to spice up your standard fare.
As mentioned above, I love the section before each chapter with full color illustrations of all the practical advice you could want when cooking. Think of it as a master cooking instructor at your side while you prepare Hot and Crispy Chicken with Mango Slaw. Less daunting with all that info there for you, is what I’m saying!
Some Recipes I Can’t Wait To Try:
Whew. This list is seriously long!
Orange Teriyaki Steak Salad: Seriously making this soon. Maybe tonight. I love asian flavors, especially in salad, and this one looks fabulous!
Cornish Hen in Port and Chocolate Sauce: How fabulous does that sound? Cornish hens are so elegant, and the sauce sounds divine. Totally making this next time I need to impress people.
Crustless Meat and Onion Pie: I think this recipe is more up my alley than anything else in the book. It’s delicious and comfort-food(ish) but it’s pretty and a beautiful presentation. And it sounds just plain dee-lish-us!
Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Bisque: I actually want to make pretty much every soup in this book (have I mentioned how I love soup??) but this one looks so hearty and comforting. Imagine having that when you come home from a long day of work on a cold winter night?
Cajun Quinoa: This was going to be the recipe I wound up posting. But then I made soup, so I have this on my to-make-very-soon list. Aside from how delicious it sounds, it’s molded into a bundt pan for a gorgeous presentation! Well, hello favorite type of cake turned healthy side dish!
And lastly…chocolate. peanut. butter. molten. cakes. Excuse me while I wipe this drool off my keyboard.
Who This Cookbook is For:
This is a great all-around cookbook for both kosher and non-kosher cooks. Anyone who enjoys cooking, enjoys new flavors, and enjoys getting creative in the kitchen would really enjoy the book.
Who This Cookbook Isn’t For:
Anyone who has a pretty limited palate, or is cooking for people with limited palates (read: kids) will find that there are a lot of unusual ingredients, which might stop you from making some of the recipes. I’m not saying you should write the book off completely, but it’s something to take into account.
Another bunch of people who might not find this book quite as useful are those with special dietary needs. For example, while some of the recipes happen to be gluten-free, there are lots of recipes that do contain glutinous ingredients. I found, when looking for a recipe to try out, that many of them have sugar, something I try to stay clear of when dieting.
What I Didn’t Like About This Cookbook:
It’s a case of both good and bad- the innovative recipes and unusual ingredients mean that there are recipes that are a little too far out of my comfort zone. Also, some of the recipes require ingredients may be hard to get, or at very least, not something you have on hand.
This is more of a personal thing, because I am trying hard to diet now, but a lot of the recipes use ingredients that aren’t very healthy. A lot of recipes have thus been bookmarked for holidays and special occasions. Again, it’s a personal thing, and this isn’t sold as a diet cookbook, so there wasn’t much of an expectation of super healthy recipes here.
Conclusion:
Any cook who enjoys cooking, wants to learn more about both technique and flavors, and is looking for creative new recipes will enjoy this book.
Giveaway is over!
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: it’s Giveaway Time!
To enter the giveaway for Kosher By Design Cooking Coach
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment on this post telling me new flavor, ingredient or recipe you have recently discovered.
For Additional Entries:
Please note: Each entry requires its own comment! Multiple entries in one comment will only be counted once!
Follow @OvertimeCook on twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Leave a comment telling me that you did this.
Like Tales of an Overtime Cook on Facebook and post about this giveaway. Leave a comment telling me that you did this.
Follow @OvertimeCook on Pinterest and pin an image from this post. Leave a comment telling me that you did this.
Giveaway Details:
Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM on Thursday, November 29th. A valid email address or twitter profile must be provided.
Giveaway is open to residents of the US.
Giveaway is sponsored by Artscroll
Disclaimer: Artscroll hosted me at a launch party for this book, provided me with a review copy, and is sponsoring the giveaway. My opinions, as well as my complete awe at meeting the author are completely my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you are going to buy it, consider buying it through me and giving me a few pennies. 😉
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And now, who wants a recipe?
Let’s talk about Yemenite Beef Soup. It’s something I frequently ate at a neighborhood restaurant when growing up, so the second I saw it in this book, I knew I would be making a batch. This didn’t disappoint the childhood memories. It was even better, more delicious and richer than the soup I remember. Plus, it’s totally a meal in one pot, which is always a plus for me. Make this.
Yemenite Beef Soup
Adapted slightly from Kosher By Design Cooking Coach
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 – 2 pounds beef marrow bones
1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat cubes
1 onion, peeled and diced
6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thinly
2 teaspoons hawaij spice mixture (see here for more information)
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 carrots, peeled and cut in rounds
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2-3 russet potatoes, peeled and cut in large chunks
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the marrow bones and stir to brown them. Add the beef cubes, stir, cover and cook for about 10 minutes, until the meat and bones are somewhat browned.
Uncover the pot and add the diced onions, garlic, hawaij and tomato paste. Stir to distribute evenly and cook for about 5 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor. Add the carrots and stock.
Cover the pot and simmer on a low flame for one hour.
Add the potatoes, cover the soup again and cook for an additional hour.
Discard the bones and serve hot.
Enjoy!
Hope y’all try this soup- it’s too delicious not to! Good luck with the giveaway! Oh, and happy Thanksgiving! -Miriam
PS: I totally forgot to announce the winner of my last giveaway!
The lucky winner was Shaindy, who won for following me on twitter! An awesome cookbook is on the way to your house Shaindy.
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Simply superb. Nice post.. 🙂
A new ingredient I recently started using is ReineDijon dijon mustard that has whole mustard seeds in it. It makes marinades and salad dressings so good and also adds a lot of elegance!
I followed you on twitter!
A new flavour I recently discovered is mirin. It was weird initially but after a while, I kinda like it and got used to it esp after it has cooked down and caramelised into a sauce.
that meat & onion pie sounds amazing! yum yum!
Great review, I also love this soup. I have started using lemongrass, especially on chicken
Fresh ginger
I use to use CUMIN here and there….. Since marrying a Morrocan Israeli (who happens to be an AMAZING cook) I have started to use it in almost every dish!
Tweeted about the gibveaway
An ingredient i recently starting using in a lot of my recipes is fresh crushed garlic. i feel like it gives the recipe more of a boost as apposed to the regular garlic spice!
A recipe i recently made for shabbos and was a big hit was fried zucchini sticks!! with hot marinara on the side! It was yuumm!
Great review–I appreciate that you are so straightforward about what you don’t like as much as what you like. I have been using something called young ginger lately. It is ginger root, but less fibrous and less harsh.
caramel chips to make caramel mousse pie!!
Tahini. I had never been a big sesame fan, but I am now absolutely obsessed with Lebanese humus!
I shared the giveaway on Facebook!
I tweeted about it!
Toffuti Cream cheese. Makes a great Pareve Cheesecake.
Shared on Facebook.
Can’t wait to try this….. my newest discovery is shallots.,… makes any dish a thousand times better!!!!!
I’ve been committing to using only FRESH herbs and spices and find it makes a HUGE difference!
I retweeted your giveaway and follow you on twitter
a new ingridient i discovered is agave syrup.
i made your healthy chocolate chip muffins, they are amazing!!
A new ingredient I started using is herbs de provence! It is a wonderful spice, similar to Italian seasoning.
Loved the review ! A new ingredient that I’ve started using is butternut squash! I found an amazing recipe using it in a kugel.
I pinned a picture from pinterest to this post!!
I just bought Saffron for the first time. Excited to use it!
You are not going to believe this, but… macaroni and cheese. Yes, seriously.
kale and brussel sprouts are two new (healthy) things that i’ve recently discovered that can actually be made tasty. only had both for the first time in the last couple of years!
I love using chives & leek…they go in soups, kugels, eggs, latkas & more!
Just tried Sage in a sauce for homemade ravioli. I’ll be using it a lot more often now!
Just followed you and posted bout the giveaway on Twitter!
I’ve been experimenting with garam masala recently. I’ve gotten into an Indian food kick!
Following you on twitter.
I just found pareve cappucino chips and peanut butter chips! I am so excited to use them!
i love basil!!
I am a fb fan and I shared this post on my wall
I shared this post on pinterest too!
smoked paprika- i love it! I use it on salmon, tilapia and my cholent!
i started using cumin! love the taste of it on tilapia and chicken!!
Not entering the contest. Just had to say yet another great book review. Happy Thanksgiving!
I found out that beets, parsley, lemon juice and quinoa make a beautiful dish, both in presentation and in taste!
brussels sprouts — my newest veggie!
I tweeted about the giveaway!
… and i posted it on Facebook!
I recently started using Montreal Steak Seasoning!!! Try it on salmon. Drizzle with a little teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with Montreal Steak Seasoning!
I love turmeric!!!! good for veggies, chicken, etc
This soup looks delish! I must try it! Nice review!
I would love to try hawaij spice mix. I can’t wait to try Yemenite soup.
I just made chocolate mint bars for the first time – YUM! I have never really been into mint, but my husband is a great fan, so I made these for him after I saw him drooling over the picture in the cookbook. Turns out, I ate half of the bars as well!
I have fallen in love with parsnips.
I tweeted about the giveaway and followed you under @scarpetablog
i just discovered turmeric after it was put on yuck 😛 cauliflower. but i loved the spice so now i make it my won on other vegys….
Ps: Yemenite soup im my #1 meat soup and the only way i could eat cilantro
PPs: how come no cilantro in this dish ??
I liked you on facebook and shared a link to this blog post.
cumin is my new fav.
I started using ginger!
Liked you on Facebook and shared the giveaway hope I win!
Ginger and nutmeg – in coffee bars – make for great, unique taste!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now….love it!
My latest new taste is zaatar (especially with lime juice)! Love the way you tell us what’s good and bad about the book. Makes it so much more honest!
tweeted about the giveaway, did i need to include the link?
I just bought pumpkin pie spice for white chocolate pumpkin biscotti, can’t wait to try it
Liked and posted to my wall!
Followed you and pinned the picture of this cookbook.
I decided I like marrow bones!
I found hickory smoked paprika…yumm!
Fresh Garlic and Basil. MMmm… mix with some avo and tomoato, but thats justa side really. Its all about the Basil and Garlic…
My new fave ingredient is minced onion spice. I put it on EVERYTHING
I’ve beeen trying to use herbs to flavor stocks instead of using soup mixes. A bit of rosemary, thyme, and a couple of bay leaves are so much better than chemicals and MSG.
I tweeted
I facebooked
I always pin, no exception here.
I recently discovered the spice called zaatar and intried it on my family for Shabbos by making your roasted cauliflower .. They all loved it !
I made your baked nor fried cauliflower last week and we love it- making it again for shabbos.
Excellent review!! Thanks! I started using a new spice for grilled chicken.
Sesame oil!!! Great in stir fry!!!
My new favorite is quinoa. I especially love your salad recipe!
I love your mock breaded cauliflower recipe- i’m making this shabbos to impress my guests ;- )
I just got addicted to your website and slowly cooking my way thru it. So far the hugest hit has been the creamcheese tripple chocolate cookies (to say I dream about them is not an exaggeration!)
Fennel root in salads.. Yum 🙂
I started using garam masala spice
im probably the last one on earth- but i just bought my first container of panko crumbs for my chicken tonight!
believe it or not, i just bought and used dill for the first time in a potato recipe. and it was yum!!!!
looks good! how will this freeze?
Sorry, we finished it all before I could find that out! 😉
I started using shwarma spice on chicken cutlets. just sprinkle, grill and serve with some chumus and you have a super healthy version that almost tastes like the real thing! love it!
I’ve started using spaghetti squash and am really enjoying it!
I love using lime juice instead of lemon in salads. Gives it an extra ‘kick’ and most people can’t guess the ingredients
butternut squash is my favorite! Either cubed with garlic salt and a sprinkle of oil baked….or made into a yummy soup! i love it!
i have also been making quinoa alot recently. its is great as a side for supper a si try not to eat carbs so it is a great because its considered a veggy.
Pairing lamb breast with a vinegar based chimichurri sauce really cuts the fat flavor
this looks awesome! cant wait to try it.
something I’ve just discovered is himalaya pink salt. tastes a bit softer, and looks real nice too!
another spcie i love (didnt just discover this one:) is 21 seasoning salute by trader joe’s its awesome in everything from chicken to scrambled eggs.
corn tortillas is the new bread in our house, we use them for fish tacos, sloppy joe, bbq shredded chicken with coleslaw, theyre yummy and stay good in the fridge for weeks.
Chives and zaatar! Now can I please win it :)?
coriander we made home made sausages and they were delicous!
I’ve been experimenting with greens lately-white bean and mixed greens soup was verygood.
Cumin. My new obsession is cooking Indian food. I make this really good chickpea “baji”
You start with onions (2 finely chopped) that you sauté in oil
Then you add ginger,cumin,coriander, and garlic
Then strain 2 cans of chickpeas and add those
Cook for 20 min till soft.
Its so good. Just like grandma used to make 🙂
Also I liked you on Facebook
i recently discovered quinoa, yummy and good for you too
I’ve discovered Sriracha sauce and have been squirting it onto and into just about everything! Love it!
I am the famous (or infamous) coworker who said that I don’t like chocolate or peanut butter. However, after being lucky enough to taste many of Miriam’s baked goods (more like baked greats), I now can honestly say that I can enjoy (some) chocolatey and peanut buttery things like the fudge bars that Miriam made. (Some people were heard saying they were the greatest things that they ever put in their mouth).
I recently discovered truffle oil. It is absolutely amazing on rice. Just a small amount provides the biggest flavor.
I follow you on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway.
I like Tales of an Overtime Cook on Facebook and posted about the giveaway.
I love your recipes, and all that comes along with them. I have begun using more spices in my cooking recently. Love to use cumin and tumeric. I love how easy you make it all, which really encourages me to try new things!
tweeted for the giveaway
Liked and posted on Facebook
I recently discovered tumeric. It smells great when cooking, makes rice turn yellow so my kids will eat it, and it fights cancer yay.
I already like Overtime Cook on facebook and liked and shared this post.
I am so glad I read your review. I love Susie’s books, and was considering it my next big splurge. However, I get grumpy when I find the ingrediants are difficult to come by. What I hope, is that I win this book, and decide for myself. I live near a supermarket that listens when a customer speaks. I discovered Malawa. A lovely bread that comes from Ethopia and replaces puff pastry easily, with out all the schmaltz.
Lots of fresh ginger!! Always used the powder, but now use fresh in so many ways!!
pinned on pinterest.
liked on facebook.
I liked the overtime cook’s facebook page.
My wife thinks that this recipe looks and sounds a lot like the Yemenite soup from Hapisga in Queens. And I it is the same then that’s awesome.
Recently discovered and LOVE your bakery style cookies! (Entry 1)
Liked on facebook and posted (on my wall) about the giveaway
i always thought i hated cumin but started using it recently and it can add a lot to recipes. yum!
I follow on twitter and tweeted about the contest (entry 3)
I follow on Pinterest and pinned a pic from this post (entry 4)
Like adding lemon zest to recipes!
Liked you on Facebook and posted about the giveaway!
I just discovered Jalfreezi sauce – awesome on salmon or vegetables.
I liked you on FB!
Cumin is my new spice I started using nice flavor
Follow u on fb
And got my friends to do the same
Follow u on pintrest
Discovered Xylitol, and love it!
I liked your fb page
just discovered brussel sprouts and we lovvvve them!!
liked you on FB!
I liked Tales of an Overtime Cook on Facebook and posted about this giveaway.
I recently discovered cumin! Sounds silly, but it gives food an amazing kick
i follow @OvertimeCook on Pinterest and pinned an image from this post.
I started using sriracha sauce
I love chocolate mint leaves!
Chocolate mint leaves – new favorite ingredient!
Great soup! I just made it and my 7 year old who is very hesitant to try anything new just gulped down 2 bowls. Thanks!!!
That port n chocolate cornish hen sounds sooo interesting. Just became a bit obsessed with smoked paprika ..finally got around to buying it..and nothing is safe from me 😉
Just made this yummy soup! My Hubby cant stop complimenting me. Its a winner!.
Thanks for sharing it
Is there a way to buy hawaij without having to make it?
thanks
My new ingrediant is beets! I never thought my kids would like them but I have discovered that they LOVE them!
Chipotle Chili Powder
Hi I want to make the yeminite soup…anything easier then that hawaij ingredient???
The flavor of the soup is really based on the hawaij so I wouldn’t recommend skipping it. You can buy it in most kosher groceries or even online.
I always wanted to try a yeminite soup defiantly one I will try next week