*Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and for all the fantastic cookbook recommendations! Congratulations to the following winners:
#479: Summer who said “My go to is a church cookbook from 1996…it’s got a great variety of recipes!”
#1024: Jill W who said “I just have to say, first of all, that I love your blog. I have been a faithful follower for years. I have made many of your recipes, and they’ve been a huge success with my family of seven! I have MANY cookbooks, but the one that I use the most is actually a family cookbook that I was given for a wedding present. It has many wonderful recipes.I would love to win something!”
I feel like I’ve been harping on quick, simple recipes and meals lately. Sorry if that offends your gourmet spirit. I promise that fast food (I’m talking fast food like homecooked fast food, not fast food like dollar menu fast food) can taste delicious even if it is simple and quick to prepare. Because of my latest fetish with easy recipes, I was thrilled beyond thrilled when out of the blue, America’s Test Kitchen sent me their newest cookbook, The Quick Family Cookbook, because the food in here is seriously talking my language. No-fail is the word that comes to mind with ATK’s tested, tested, tested recipes and the wonder of this cookbook is that you get classically delicious America’s Test Kitchen recipes with minimal fuss, time and ingredients. Oh, I am in love with this book.
And I’m giving away TWO today! Just leave one comment on this post telling me your most used, most loved cookbook. I have a feeling this is going to be the one haunting the counters of my kitchen (uh, when we get a house) for a long time.
In honor of the giveaway, I chose a recipe from the book to make and share with you. I should have made some stellar main course fare that will save your bacon on any given Tuesday night; however, I couldn’t resist these delicious cheese Danish pastries. They are so easy, so elegant and so delicious, if you close your eyes while eating one, you might just believe you are smack dab on the bustling streets of Paris – oh wait, think of some city in Denmark! – eating an authentic pastry. Not that I ever have had that experience, but take my word for it – these babies get the job done for a no-fuss pastry. Make them and love them. And in the meantime, keep an eye out for a truly sanity-saving recipe coming Friday and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Note: One copy of the cookbook sponsored by America’s Test Kitchen, the other giveaway copy provided by me. If you’ve been around this here blog long enough you’ll know that I don’t do product/cookbook giveaways hardly ever and trust me, I get a lot of snarky emails from companies and readers upset because I won’t accept their free food products and other “stuff” for shameless promotion on my blog. The only exception I really ever make is for America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks because I swear by their recipes and I have bought many of their cookbooks myself. I figure if I would go out of my way to buy it or own it on my own dollar then it is worth sharing with all of you!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, light or regular, softened to room temperature
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (9 1/2 by 9-inch)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water
Directions
- Adjust an oven rack to upper-middle position and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest and vanilla. Set aside.
- Roll the pastry into a 12 by 9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured counter, making sure it doesn't stick to the counter while rolling. Cut the rectangle into six 4 1/2 by 4-inch rectangles (cut it in half the long way and then cut each strip into thirds). Transfer the pastry rectangles to the baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Using the tip of a paring knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edge of each pastry, then brush the borders with the egg wash (no fear - if you don't have a pastry brush, using your fingers works just as well!). Prick the pastry with a fork every 1 inch or so within the border (see the picture below for a visual). Place a generous 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each pastry and spread it into an even layer leaving the border uncovered.
- Bake the pastries until fully puffed and golden about 12-14 minutes (watching carefully so they don't overbrown). Serve the pastries warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Source: adapted slightly from America’s Test Kitchen Quick Family Cookbook
Mel,
These look so yummy!!! I have an old community cookbook from the area I grew up in. So many great farm wife cooks. I love watching ATK on TV. Hope you get moved into a home soon.
My favorite and most used cookbook is one our ward put together. Every recipe is a tried and truely good one.
I love your blog as a “cookbook” too…but if it is a printed one, I trust old Betty Crocker.
I use the America’s Test Kitchen cookbook a ton. I love all the explanations/pictures!
My favorite cookbook is a family cookbook because it has all of my mom’s recipes.
My most used cookbook is my copy of The Joy of Cooking. I really do love the comprehensiveness of it, both recipes simple and complex.
I truely don’t have a “go to” cookbook. I’m one to try whatever sounds good to me at the moment – whether from Pinterest, Blogs (especially yours), word of mouth, or any other source(s). I love your recipes and can only imagine this cookbook is great, considering a lot of your ideas come from them! Thanks for the opportunity!
I always go back to my Cooking with a GE Food Processor cookbook I got back in 1980. The photos of the food are scrumptious and I have never made anything from it that wasn’t delicious. – I love cheese danish and just bought 3 lbs of cream cheese at Costco that I was wondering what to so with! Hey, it was only $5. How could I resist?
Does your website count as a cookbook?… I kid, sort of, but I mostly use online recipes and recipes collected from home. Otherwise it’s sort of a split between my Betty Crocker cookbook and my Better Homes and Gardens one.
My go to cookbook is my Betty Crocker one, although I have several others that I also frequent.
I LOVE America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks–especially the Family Cookbook and Healthy Family Cookbook and I recently bought the Family Baking Book. I swear by them and rarely if ever have made something I don’t love. My husband groaned when I read off the name of a new one, but it’s thrilling to me! I’m an America’s Test Kitchen evangelist and try and get everyone to buy them to replace some of their other less fabulous general cookbooks
My favorite cookbook is my compiled one – it has recipes from my favorite famous chefs (hello Barefoot), my favorite website searches (big shout out to Pintrest for this one) as well as recipes from my neighbors, old college roommates, sisters, mother, mother-in, great grandmother…I think you get the idea. I am continually adding to it which I love.
I use the Our Best Bites cookbook a lot!
My most used cookbook is one we put together for a Girls’ Camp fundraiser. There are so many good recipes in there — and all tried and true!
It seems that I always run back to my family cook book. It’s got all our favorites right there.
I’m definitely going to have to try this yummy Danish!
Funny, but it’s an old cookbook put together by the ladies in my mother’s church. I find the best things in there! And there aren’t even any pictures! And most of the titles are things like “Dad’s favorite pesto with pasta.”
Mine is an oldie but goodie and one I got like 4 of when I was married: The Bettty Crocker red and white checkered cookbook.
Until the last couple of years it was always my mom’s 1949 wedding present Better Homes and Gardens red plaid cookbook. Now, Pioneer Woman.
These Danish look delish! My favorite cookbook is one put together by the legal secretaries of Madison County – so many good recipes! Thanks for ALL the wonderful recipes you share!
I really learned how to experiment and enjoy cooking with Southern Living, many, many moons ago.
My current favorite cookbook is from Albertina’s restaurant. My aunt bought it for me when she was in Oregon and visited the restaurant. I have yet to make something that from the book that hasn’t been wonderful; my favorite is the French Almond cake.
I don’t even own a single cookbook, if you can believe that! Like some others have said, I reach for my binder with my favorite recipes in page protectors – some from friends and family, some from magazines, but mostly ones I’ve found online (and a disproportionate number of those from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe!). I’d love to own a real go-to cookbook though, and this sounds like a winner!
I love Rachel Ray’s 365: No Repeats, simple recipes that are delicious!
I use my family cookbook all the time. I’ve compiled all my favorites into it, so it is my go-to cookbook. My other go-to place is your blog! Thanks for offering the giveaway.
My favorite cookbook(s) are the local church cookbooks that I have.
My most favorite cookbook is the family cookbook my mother put together about 10 years ago. It took her forever, contains tons of recipes (and the stories that go with many of them) and is absolutely priceless, especially now that she’s gone.
But after that one, I’ll go to my ATK and CC resources. (I actually DVR both for regular and repeated viewing.)
I love reading cookbooks…. and blogs.
its hard to pick a favorite, but I’d probably say Taste of Home cookbooks.
I love ATK!
My favorite cookbook is probably Barefoot Contessa – I like her cooking style
My favorite cook book is the red and white betty Crocker cook book.
The trusty ol’ Better Homes and Gardens and a cookbook made up of recipes from those I go to church with.
I honestly only have one bona fide cookbook, and it’s a natural/healthy cookbook. I haven’t used it much. I rely on the internet a lot.
Your blog is one of my favorites b/c everything I’ve tried is fantastic, so if the cookbook is good enough for you then I am interested! haha
Nigella Lawson’s “Feast”
I have 2 old church cookbooks that are my go to for desserts, candy and breads. I just love that I know the people that the recipes are from.
I don’t use cookbooks too often because of the Internet, but I do love to collect them! My most used one is probably my good old Betty Crocker cookbook.
I use a little from a lot of cookbooks. Mainly my own that I have compiled of tried and true recipes. I love the American Test Kitchen and Cooks Country recipes. They are probably my favorite. They always turn out great. I also go online a lot. My favorite go to site is Mels Kitchen Cafe. Thanks
I haven’t found my favorite cookbook, yet. This sound right up my alley, though. Would love to try it.
Really, the cookbook we open again and again is our Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. That and my New Best Recipe cookbook!
My most used cookbook is Bell’s Best – a compilation of recipes from employees of South Central Bell telephone. I’ve had it since the early 80′s and it’s in pieces from overuse.
With the ease of the Internet, I’ve really fallen from cookbooks. I love allrecipes.com and Pinterest! I enjoy reading other reviews before I try something new. The one cookbook I tend to still rely on is a slow cooker cookbook by Betty Crocker.
I have a wonderful cookbook from my church that I love and next to that I have some Taste of Home ones that I use. I would love an ATK cookbook for fast family meals now that we are all back in school!
I love The Perfect Scoop for desserts and ATK’S Slow Cooker Revolution for actual meals
I like my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. It has a lot of great general info as well as a huge range of tried and true recipes!
You’re blog is my go to cookbook! I also love anything Paula Deen.
My favorite cookbook is America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. I love it and can’t wait to try out this one!
My currently most-used cookbook is “The Food You Crave” By Ellie Krieger. So awesome.
My King Arthur Flour cookbook. I have a ton of cookbooks, but I end up using mostly your recipes! Thanks for all you do for us crazy busy moms Mel!!
My favorite is one called Favorites that a foundation put out in Utah.
I love my Taste of Georgia cookbook my granny gave me many years ago. Lots of favorites in it, and lots of notes on the different recipes.
Does your blog count as my cookbook?
I’ve always got it pulled up on my phone while I’m cooking in the kitchen. I need a cookbook! These look delish by the way… Mmmmm.
Sadly, I think cookbooks are being pushed out by online blogs, but I would love this one. My very first cookbook was a red Betty Crocker, and I still use it. It’s cover is missing, and the first few pages, and it’s a mess. You can tell our favorites by which pages are the dirtiest!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Aside from the interwebs these days, it would have to be one our last neighborhood put together years ago. It has some delicious recipes in it!
I love my Taste of Home and Cuisine books. When they come in the mail, I feel like it is Christmas!!
Hey Mel,
I love your blog and have not tried a recipe that didn’t turn out great. The refrigerator bran muffin mix is in my fridge right now! My most used cookbook would probably be the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. Lots of good basic go to recipes, huge variety and includes lots of pictures too, just a good basic cookbook any person should own! I have perused the America’s Test Kitchen cookbook at Barnes and Noble, I haven’t seen the quick version, love that as a busy mom of 3 little ones, I will definitely be checking this out! Thanks!
It is my mother in laws ward cookbook she gave me when I was married- the Hilladay 25th ward cookbook!
My latest love in cookbooks is “deliciously organic” by Carrie Vitt and my long time love came from my dad when I was 16, it is an encyclopedia of American cooking.
I don’t really use a cookbook that often. I have seven sisters and we frequently share recipes with one another.
My favorite cooksbooks have always been from community or church groups.
It’s good old Better Homes and Gardens for me!
My favorite cookbook is the one my mom made for her kids. It includes all the recipes that she made for us when we were growing up. Recipes = family history!
I love my Our Best Bites cookbook but I’m already in love with this one too! I love America’s Test Kitchen & all the better that it’s quick recipes!
Hi Mel! My go-to cookbook is The Cook’s Illustrated C00kbook. Really, how can you go wrong with it?
My good old red & white checked Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook. It has all my favorites from my childhood and I can secretly look up how to properly hard-boil eggs or bake potatoes without anyone having to know how pathetic of a cook I am
Jane Brody’s first cookbook – I think it’s called “Good Food” – I used that often and recently had to replace it as it was falling apart.
Lately its mostly been the internet, but I do have one that my aunt gave me for Christmas many years ago. It’s a cookbook that all her co workers (that work at a production plant making airbags) had rounded up their favorite recipes and made them into a cookbook. I really love it and you can tell it’s been used with all the food stains and crinkled up pages LOL!
I’m strange, but I like read cookbooks like novels. My current favorite is called Our Best Bites. It is a great family friendly, busy mom, easy on the budget cookbook. Thanks for the chance to win. I enjoy reading your post.
I compiled several hundred family recipes into a cookbook that I self-published and that is actually my go-to cookbook. But, I do have several others I reference and I would LOVE to win this one. Thank you
I love cookbooks! I think the one I use most often is my taste of home. Love it
I find myself using mainly recipes from blogs like yours, but the cookbook I probably use most often is Better Homes and Gardens.
My very favorite cookbook is the one I am compiling from the many food blogs I follow as well as from my hard copy cookbooks… BUT- my current favorite hard copy cookbook is the one my local church group put together. I feel like Cookbooks from church groups are the best ones. Always filled with tried and true recipes. I love going to Goodwill and Deseret Industries in search of church cookbooks.
My most used cookbook from my collection is my BHG New Cookbook. I got it for my 18th birthday so it is one that I’ve had forever which is why it is the most used
. After that it is probably How to Cook Everything and then half of all the cookbooks I own…
My Mrs. Fields Cookie Book…by far…
honestly, i stick to recipes i find online and recipes from family and friends. i use my betty crocker cookbook as a reference, so i suppose that is the one i use most? i just haven’t found one that we have loved! this one looks awesome though. i love that show!
I don’t use a cookbook much — just my tried and true collection of written recipes. I would love to have this book though!
My most used cookbook is a homemade one that I compiled of all my mom and grandma’s tried and true recipes.
i still use my tried and true betty crocker, although I feel like as my cooking improves, I tend to use it less and less.
i’d have to say ‘the internet’ as a whole. whenever i need a recipe i turn to my computer first!
Fully one quarter of the recipes I make for my family are either from ATK Family Cookbook or ATK Healthy Family Cookbook. I especially use ATK stir fry recipes. They are ALWAYS great! BTW, your blueberry cheesecake pie was the easiest pie I’ve ever made in my life. Delicious, too!
Well my own recipe binder is what I use everyday. If I had to chose a cookbook it would probably be pampered chef, 29 minutes to dinner.
I love love love cookbooks, but I am lacking in shelf space and had to get rid of most of my cook books…so, I don’t really have a favorite… I have your blog instead
Hope that counts! I would love more ATK stuff though…seems like their books would be worth having around!
The recipe book that I use the most is one that is made up of all our family recipes. It would be nice to get a new cook book to add to the favorites!
I have a cookbook that I put together for the local Alzheimer’s Association. It is filled with recipes that have been handed down for generations, I Just Love It!
The classis red and white checkered Better Homes and Garden cookbook that I have had for 13 years. The binder is broken but it’s still my “go-to” for the basics.
The danish looks fantastic – of course it must be from America’s Test Kitchen. My #1 place to look for recipes is Cook’s Country, then your blog (I’ve even pinned a few of your recipes), then an old Betty Crocker cookbook. Thanks for all the awesome recipes!
My favorite cookbook is Always in Season: Junior League of Salt Lake City.
I don’t have a favorite cookbook anymore since I pin everything on pinterest now! If I had to pick, then Cook’s Illustrated Slow Cooker Revolution.
My favorite cookbook is the neighborhood one called Ensign Favorites. We are so short on time in this house we require a cookbook that has recipes which only take 45 minutes or less to put together. I’d love the ATK book.
Gourmet Cookbook.
Thanks great giveaway!
To be perfectly honest, your website is my go to “cookbook”! When it is time to plan out my weekly meals, I sit down and browse here!
Love your stuff!
Does pinterest count as a cookbook? Seriously I have shelves of cookbooks but for the past year or so I’ve been using nothing but the internet to find new recipes. I love their show though so I would love to win their cookbook.
Have not used cookbooks in a while as everything I need is found on the Internet. I have a list of favorite blogs that are my favorite, yours included. This is how I found what I am making tonight – Broiled Parmesan and Lemon Chicken
My favorite is an old family one. I use it all the time and all love it!!!
I check out all sorts of cookbooks from the library when I want to look at a book, but I usually just peruse the internet for recipes.
I seem to always use “Joy of Cooking” mainly for information as opposed to recipes. Like many people I have created my own recipe book.
My most used cookbook is ATK Family Cookbook, but I must admit that I mostly just print off your recipes!
If I am not looking at your blog we use the red and whit BHG Cookbook.
As a student, I love ATK and wish I could afford all of its products!
My most used and loved cookbook is actually one I got from a compilation of the elementary kids who brought in their favorite recipes for a school cookbook fundraiser. We use it for a lot of different dishes – especially the banana bread on cold winter days when we have way too many bananas in the freezer.
My favorite cookbook is definitely a local cookbook put out by a seed corn company nearby….nothing like tried and true country cooking!
Those look delicious! My favorite cookbook is the Our Best Bites cookbook. Like your recipes, they are mom friendly and family friendly, and I haven’t found one I didn’t like.
My favorite cookbook is one that a friend put together with some of her favorite recipes and gave to me as a wedding gift. I have loved everything I have made.