Lifestyle Book Reviews

Book Review: Recipe Scrapbook

By Sandy Amazeen Oct 16, 2008, 17:01 GMT

For generations, cooks have passed their special recipes on to friends and family, perhaps keeping a journal with cherished memorabilia and pictures. And that’s what Caroline Brewester has done, too: whipped up a Recipe Scrapbook with her favorite dishes from around the world that everyone can enjoy. Caroline has created an appealing and playful scrapbook format, filled with helpful information and little treasures to find. It features 16 pockets: eight ...more

Take an armchair, culinary trip around the world with Brewester’s unusual combination of travel and food. Designed as a scrapbook with 16 handy pockets, some with postcards and letters filled with recipes, cooking hints and regional fare highlights, this becomes a delightful treasure hunt as readers uncover 64 of the author’s favorite recipes. These include such treats as Seared Ahi Tuna and Pineapple Salsa, Spicy Chick Peas with Green Chili Relish and Marbled Brownie Bites.

Cooks have long horded and traded favorite recipes, sticking them in drawers, other cookbooks and overstuffed file boxes. While the concept of recipe scrapbooks is not new, Brewester has added a fun twist upon which to build. With recipes for family favorites carefully tucked into the pockets, this would make a treasured Christmas or wedding shower gift. The only complaint with this scrapebook is there isn't enough room to add more recipes.