Here's My First "Old Cookbook Review"!

Better Homes & Gardens: Soups and Stews
Since we're in the midst of the cold weather months when everyone seeks warmth and comfort , I thought my first review should be a cookbook on soups. The next one may be a bread-baking cookbook...we'll see! The Better Homes and Gardens Soups and Stews Cookbook was published in 1978 by Meredith Corporation and it's ISBN is 0-696-00445-3.

I really like the handy way this book divides the different recipes into categories. There's nothing so frustrating as when you need to find a recipe for just a quick soup, but you have to wade through everything else from bisque to chowders to find it. I like the simplicity and organization that they use here! In every section, whether it's for poultry, beef, sausage or seafood, there is a subsection for quick soups of that type.

For the beginning cook, the back of the book offers a chapter on Soup-Making Basics. Oh, how I needed that when I was first married( I once made a pot of beans without rinsing them!). You can find out how to make your own stock, homemade noodles, dumplings and crackers.

If you like the idea of a hearty soup simmering on the stove or in the crockpot on a cold winter's day, this is the book for you. Cold soup recipes are offered for sweltering summer days, as well. Who wouldn't enjoy a cool cucumber soup or frosty fruit soup when it's" just too hot to eat"? I say break out the crackers and the iced tea! Good luck at finding this great cookbook in your favorite used book spot.

Here's a recipe to try...

Hamburger Soup (p. 47)

Ingredients-
1 lb. ground beef
1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes
2 medium onions, chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced
1/3 cup pearl barley
1/4 cup catsup
1 tbsp. instant beef boullion granules
2 tsp. seasoned salt
1 tsp. dried basil, crushed
1 bay leaf

Directions-
In large saucepan, cook ground beef till browned. Drain off fat. Stir in remaining ingredients and 5 cups of water. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Serves 6.