138. Mom's Big Book of Baking by Lauren Chattman

BOOK REVIEW: Mom's Big Book of Baking by Laura Chattman

Being a mother is not easy, judging from the pinched face my mum used to have when I gave her hell during my younger days! Haha! Many mothers out there are juggling between work and family, striving to be the best they can in both worlds. They especially take an interest in the dining table.

As a busy mom you want to make memorable treats for family and friends, but you're realistic about the amount of time you have, and you want whatever effort you put into the kitchen to have a big payback.

With that in mind, Lauren Chattman has created simple recipes that produce the highest quality baked goods with the least amount of fuss. The recipes are guaranteed to please even the pickiest kids.

But that doesn't mean they're boring: they strike a comforting balance between comforting classics, such as Devil's Food Cake or Molasses Cookies, and delicious new ideas that are destined to become family favorites, such as Sweet Grape Focaccia or Coconut Ginger Blondies.

Sprinkled throughout the book are loads of tips on when and how to let kids participate in the kitchen, as well as invaluable pointers on such vital topics as how to mass produce cupcakes and how to make a birthday cake your child will remember forever.

Now thanks to this book, many of my friends and family out there who are mothers can greet any occasion with grace and style.

137. Dictionary of the Occult

BOOK REVIEW: Dictionary of the Occult

The occult has been defined as the supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena that surround something or someone. Special branches of study have cropped up all over the world to examine these in detail. In Dictionary of the Occult, an A – Z of the fascinating world of the magical, mystical and paranormal both in fiction, myth and legend and in real life are portrayed in detail.

An interest in the occult has existed from the earliest civilizations and has played a significant part in the in the belief systems of many cultures. This book is a complete explanatory reference of this fascinating and diverse subject.

It includes instances of paranormal phenomena and examples from ancient folklore, religion and New Age beliefs and also has an appendix on superstitions. A little snippet from the book:

“Borley: The rectory at Borley, Suffolk, was said to be the most haunted house in England. Although much of the evidence of spirits and poltergeists was manufactured by the fake psychic Harry Price, it is still believed by many that the house (which burned down mysteriously in 1939) was genuinely haunted, likewise the church close by, where the ghost of a nun has been seen.”

To get those mystics’ blood pumping and those interested in the world beyond the living, this is a great read especially in the middle of the night with just a flashlight with the sounds of owls hooting and whispers of the grave......

136. Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food by Paul Greenberg

BOOK REVIEW: Four Fish - The Future of the Last Wild Food by Paul Greenberg

Protein sources of all kinds are at man's disposal, from plant- to animal-based. However, the one that makes us dash to the dining table is the affable fish. From sushi to sashimi, grilled to baked, fish holds a special place in our hearts. Little do we know that this protein source is fast facing a threat brought on by us humans. In this enlightening read, we will learn that fish is best produced on a small scale in accordance with the rhythms of our planet.

Writer and lifelong fisherman Paul Greenberg takes us on a culinary journey, investigating the four fish that dominate our menus - salmon, sea bass, cod, and tuna. Examining the forces that get fish to our dinner tables, Greenberg reveals our damaged relationship with the ocean and its wildlife.

Just three decades ago nearly everything we ate from the sea was wild. Today, rampant overfishing and an unprecedented biotech revolution have brought us to a point where wild and farmed fish occupy equal parts of a complex marketplace.

Four Fish helps us to navigate this new landscape, offering a way for us to move toward a future where healthy and sustainable seafood is the rule rather than the exception.

After reading this book, I have a newfound respect for what we take from the sea to eat, and how, and why. Serious yet marinated in wit, this is the kind of environmental journalism that is easy to digest (pun intended), making you more aware of that fish steaming in front of you.

135. The Homeopathy Bible by Ambika Wauters

BOOK REVIEW: The Homeopathy Bible by Ambika Wauters

The saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ cannot hold more true. Our mothers and grandmothers used to give us cooling tea when the days were warm or a ginger poultice for that terrible menstrual pains. Natural medication has somewhat taken an upper hand compared to modern medicine and this book allows you to discover the potential of healing without the use of drugs.

This comprehensive introduction to homeopathy explains how this safe and gentle therapy can heal a wide range of physical and emotional complaints. You will discover how it works, its history and development, together with a complete guide to selecting the right treatment for you and your family.

A detailed directory provides information on each remedy and the conditions for which it is particularly suited. There is also a to-use therapeutic section, organized by system of the body, to help you diagnose illnesses and find the right treatment.

Complete with warnings about any potential contraindications and a guide to beneficial support remedies, this is the only guide to homeopathy you’ll ever need.

134. A Closet Full of Shoes by Jo Packham and Sara Toliver

BOOK REVIEW: A Closet Full of Shoes by Jo Packham and Sara Toliver

Shoes are a girl’s best friend. From her evening gown to a rough and tumble pair of jeans, the shoes are the babies who complete the look. Pairing a pair of killer heels with culottes pulls in the catcalls and whistles. This book is dedicated for all those who have an undying love for their footsies like me.

Who doesn’t love a great pair of shoes? There’s something about slinky pumps, funky boots, and breezy sandals that puts a spring in our steps. But not everyone can afford a pair of Jimmy Choos. So instead of buying something new, why not embellish the ones you already have?

Once you learn a few simple techniques, you can transform just about any type of footwear including sandals, flats, heels, sneakers, and boots into designer and wearable works of art. Jo Packham, crafts expertand author, has compiled more than 50 oh-so-chic projects that showcase these techniques. These designs will stand out from any others, whether their added flair is subtle or attention-grabbing.

Try affixing elegant silk flowers to a pair of strappy sandals to enhance their femininity. Adding ribbons and other trims to flip-flops or around the instep of a flat creates instant glamour. The beautiful colours you can use when working with paint are endless! For example, decorating a chunky heel or pair of rain boots with wonderful motifs and patterns provides a great touch of pizzazz.

Turning a plain shoe into a glam one that’s perfect for an evening out is easy if you attach brooches and other pins. Appliqué, beads and buttons, decoupage, even photographs can be used to amazing results.

Ever walked in and out of shoe stores finding for the perfect pair that suited your preference? Fret not, now you can add embellishments on your own shoes to get that much wanted flair.

133. Prince Charming by Valerie Khoo and David Smiedt

BOOK REVIEW: Prince Charming by Valerie Khoo and David Smiedt

Ok ok....so life is not a fairytale right...you can’t imagine as a young lady to always get swept off your feet by a knight in shining armour. Kissing a few frogs along the way is inevitable. But what you CAN do is to look out for those characteristics that deem a guy as Prince Charming and this is exactly what this book delivers.

This book is every girl’s guide to finding the right guy, keeping the relationship once you’ve found him, and remembering to pay attention to yourself. First off, relax. Don’t be in such a hurry to tie the knot. Nurture your own self-esteem. Enjoy the process if you can.

This tell-it-like-it is manual aims to minimize the number of toads you kiss along the way. You’ll learn how to banish a bad attitude and replace it with a positive attitude, because you’re worth it.

If he seems too good to be true he probably is. That’s one way to tell the Stayers from the Players. 

Prince Charming has a whole lot more. This book is a mile-a-minute, non-stop advice book to keep a gal’s confidence up and in working order.

It will show you warning bells and subtle signs to help you figure out if a guy should be deleted from your address book or if he as true partnership potential.

Funny but enlightening at the same time, Prince Charming is the book for those bachelorettes or maybe just a girl wanting to get the lurvvveee bug on. Happy Searching girls!

132. Flavoured Oils & Vinegars by Love Food

BOOK REVIEW: Flavoured Oils & Vinegars by Love Food

Aaaahhhh....olive oil....the much-coveted oil for health and flavor profiles akin to how wine is to connoisseurs...the tang of a fresh salad from the balsamic vinaigrette flavored with rosemary....oils and vinegars uplift food, giving dimensions unknown to the palate. In this Love Food series, you can learn to create infused oils and vinegars right in your own kitchen to enhance everyday cooking.

This book is a stunning new collection,containing ideas for making your own infused oils and vinegars, and delicious recipes using the oils and vinegars to impress family and friends.

Infused with herbs, spices, nuts or fruit, flavored oils and vinegars add a wonderful aroma and an unforgettable taste to your cooking. Whether offering a subtle hint or an intense layer of flavor, the use of flavored oils and vinegars will elevate your cooking to a whole new level and will help to transform plain dishes into culinary treats.

From first course to last, there is something for every occasion in this beautifully photographed collection.

131. Pairing Wine with Asian Food by Edwin Soon

BOOK REVIEW: Pairing Wine with Asian Food by Edwin Soon

A nice glass of wine, white or red goes most amicably with food, be it dinner or even a snack platter of cheese. However, as Asians, we encounter a dumbfounding situation when it comes to pairing wine with our food which is rich in dimensions of flavor. Edwin Soon puts the vogue on wine and Asian food in this small but comprehensive tome.

Dining out on dim sum and looking for the perfect wine to accompany your meal? Wondering which bottle to uncork when serving up Thai? In this book, enologist, wine judge, and wine writer Edwin Soon explores the most important theories of matching wine and Asian cuisine.

Discover hundreds of inspired food and wine marriages from Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam as well as from Burgher, Eurasian, and Nyonya cuisines.

Also featured is a special section on matching wine by occasion, such as an Asian finger food party or barbecue, or by type, such as curries, vegetarian dishes or seafood. Imagine serving a crisp, tangy aged Riesling with a steamed river fish with ginger, soy, and chili, or a peppery California Zinfandel with succulent Chinese barbecued pork ribs.

For sheer indulgence, savor Hainanese chicken rice with lashings of chili, ginger, and sweet soy and a glass of Sauternes - surely a match made in heaven.

Whether you're a wine lover or new to the subject, this book encourages you to have fun and experiment for there is no reason why you can't enjoy wine with all your favorite Asian dishes.

130. Soapy Love by Debbie Chialtas

BOOK REVIEW: Soapy Love by Debbie Chialtas

The giving of gifts is a gesture that many of us adore, it puts a smile on people's faces, tugs at their heartstrings and just to say how much they really mean to you. Store-bought gifts are nice, but how about a miniature bar of homemade soap that is bound to turn heads? Soapy Love is a book which guides you all the way through the process of making your own melt and pour soap.

This book shows you how to turn a glycerin melt and pour soap base into tempting, stylish soaps. You'll learn fun and easy techniques for 25 yummy projects featuring bright colors, amazing designs and delicious scents.

Glycerin melt and pour soap is very easy to use - a microwave and measuring cup are all you need! There is no messy boiling or complicated mixing.

You will also learn techniques not yet found in any glycerin soap project book, including how to make cameos, plaid patterns, soapsicles and even jelly donut soaps.

Discover the ins-and-outs of melt and pour soap supplies, allowing you to experiment with your own style.

Bath time has never been the same for me and my friends since we caught hold of this slippery book (pun intended!). Rub-a-dub-dub in the tub....

129. Extreme Entertaining Made Simple by Eduardo Xol

BOOK REVIEW: Extreme Entertaining Made Simple by Eduardo Xol

As Malaysians, we are not adverse to throwing a bash or two, whether it be a wedding, a birthday, or even a graduation. However, the one thing that we become allergic to is WE OURSELVES throwing a party. It's so hard right? Nope! Eduardo Xol pulls in all the ropes to make your next bash a breeze and enjoy it too!

The author, star designer of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, assures readers that if a home can be built and designed in only 7 days, you can prepare your own fantastic event in much less time. In this book, the author takes the sometimes daunting task of hosting your own party and makes it easy and accessible.

The secret is to utilize and stimulate all 5 senses to inspire the design, feel, mood, taste, and sound of any special celebration. Spanning from a Classic Dinner Party to an at-home Spa Party, Eduardo's book covers 6 unique and inspired party themes, which can can be applied to hundreds of occasions - each with event appropriate food and drink recipes, as well as event-specific design tips and suggestions.

He breaks down the design elements of a party and shows how to assemble stunning table ensembles, decadent entrees and delicious appetizers, fragrant and eye-opening flower arrangements, and delightful tunes by simply applying your senses and intuition. As you master your senses, creating spectacular celebrations can be a fun and stress-free experience, and eventually become second nature.

If you are a party planner, planning to become one or just would like to host a great event, this is the book for you. From setting the mood to the food to the groove, this book makes everything fall into place for that one party you'll never forget.

128. Drink This Not That! by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding

BOOK REVIEW: Drink This Not That! by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding

We diet on end, eat lean meats, take less fatty foods, restrict to many small meals a day...hmmm...but the kilos don't seem to be budging! Arghhhhh! Have we ever taken a minute to ponder that maybe our drinks could be one of the reasons for those kilos to rise? Sounds illogical but after reading this book, I found out that masses of hidden calories are actually in the beverages that we take for granted everyday!

Eat and drink what you want, when you want - and watch the pounds disappear! You can burn fat and sculpt the body you want, without ever dieting or ever watching what you eat. The secret? Smart, simple beverage swaps!

New research reveals that it's not just our food that's making us fat - it's the beverages we wash it all down with. Hidden calories in our coffees and soft drinks make up more than 20% of our daily calories - more than 400 calories a day on average! But you can strip away calories and fat - up to 23 pounds this year alone - simply by changing your choice of drinks (and still eating all your favorite foods)!

Did you know 1 bottle of Sunkist orange drink has more sugar than 4 packs of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or a White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks has more than 100 times as many calories as their regular coffee!

With this illustrated guide to hundreds of drink options - and eye-opening nutrition secrets for fast and permanent weight loss - you'll make the smartest choices for you and your family, every time! So readers, think twice before reaching for a can of energy drink or even your bottle of juice as there may be more in it than you have ever imagined....

127. Perfect Pies: The Best Sweet and Savory Recipes from America’s Pie-Baking Champion by Michele Stuart

BOOK REVIEW: Perfect Pies – The Best Sweet and Savory Recipes from America’s Pie-Baking Champion by Michele Stuart

Mere mention of the word pie or the smell of a pie baking in the kitchen immediately conjures up feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and love. The author vividly remembers standing at her grandmother’s apron hem as a child as she fine-tuned (and improved!) family recipes that had been passed down for generations. Eventually, Stuart’s lifelong passion for pie-making inspired her to open what would become the world-famous shop Michele’s pies.

You don’t have to travel to Michele’s Pies in Norwalk and Westport, Connecticut, though, to taste her mouthwatering creations. This book shares nearly 80 delicious recipes, many of them National Pie Championships winners.

There are desserts bursting with fruit, crunchy with nuts, cream-filled delights, and pies perfect for a party. Let’s not forget sensational savoury creations, from Quiche Lorraine to Italian Wheat Pie. The author also passes along easy recipes for Hot Fudge Sauce, Raspberry Jam, and Whipped Cream to top it all off.

Stuart’s secret, she says, is that her pies are “made by hand with love”, but she doesn’t neglect to advise you on the basic kitchen tools you’ll need as she reveals essential tips and techniques, from how to roll out dough to the best way to make light and flaky crust. She stresses the use of fresh, seasonal fruits and other wholesome ingredients.

So whether you’re a pie novice, a weekend baker, or a seasoned pastry chef, Perfect Pies will make everything you bake worthy of a blue ribbon.

126. Dress Your Cupcake: Bake Them! Dress Them! Eat Them! By Joanna Farrow

BOOK REVIEW: Dress Your Cupcake – Bake Them! Dress Them! Eat Them! By Joanna Farrow

Don’t we lovvvveeee our cakes, from slices to cups to minis, cakes have been on the go-to list of comfort foods. Cupcakes are all the rage now bedecked in all their glory. From buttercream icing to marzipan animals, what pulls you to a cupcake is at first the look of it. This book lets you go wild with your imagination to decorate those cupcakes and eat them too!

Give your baking a makeover and add a whole new lease of life to everyone’s favourite sugar-sweet treat, the cupcake! Whether you want to whip up a batch of fairytale faces, or pile a plate high with adorable animals, this book has no end of decorating inspiration.

You can create great cupcakes with real personality. With 50 fantastic creations to choose from, baking, dressing, and eating them has never been more fun. From jungle creatures to jack o’ lanterns ad tea parties to treasure chests, each set of step-by-step decorating instructions is easy to follow and guaranteed to please.

Even everyday objects like cars, soccer boots, and rubber duckies have never tasted so good! And with plenty of themed suggestions perfect for parties from Valentines to Christmas, your cupcakes are sure to always be dressed for the occasion.

Including 4 foolproof cupcake recipes and a comprehensive introduction to ingredients, icing techniques, and equipment, cupcakes have never been so simple...or so sweet!