One of my Christmas gifts from Dave was a new cookbook: The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, written by the gal from The Smitten Kitchen blog. I’ve heard of that blog, but I’ve never really looked at it…but this cookbook is amazing. I read it cover to cover the day after Christmas when I was weak and flu-y.
She’s inspired me to follow recipes more closely…I’m usually a little lazy about that, leaving things out here and there…but carefully reading the whole cookbook showed me how some little details can make a big impact. I’ve already made several things from it and they’ve all been really, really yummy. :) Yesterday I took a crack at her Chocolate Brioche Pretzels…but I ended up taking a shortcut (hey! some habits are hard to break!). She encourages you to knead the dough for a full 10 minutes…and I just didn’t have 10 minutes to do that. But I decided Chocolate Brioche Pretzels without the amazing texture she promises with all that kneading, is better than no Chocolate Brioche Pretzels at all.
And I think it was a good call. Because these were pretty phenomenal.
The only down side is that they make 8. 8!! That’s really not enough in my book and next time I am doubling this recipe…and I might even invest in that kneading time. :)
Have a great weekend. The forecast is calling for snow and I’m hoping with all my might that the forecast is RIGHT. The boys have brightly colored snowpants that need some action! Come on, snow! Don’t be shy now!!
Email this post
I love that blog. I bet the book is great!
I haven’t seen very hopeful forecasts for snow. NYC is a real dud in that department lately.
I love new cookbooks! I have dozens of them. My latest was an Italian inspired one so there’s been much pasta eating in our house!
The snow’s still here if Isaac wants to come and get some. In places, it’s still piled up so high you’d only see the top of his gorgeous red hair!
My daughter got this cookbook also, and treated us to the meatloaf….it was excellent. With snow on the way…it might be a good “comfort food”…. (forgive me, if you are vegetarian…I cannot remember). It is a beautiful cookbook and I look forward to seeing more of your cooking skills shared on the blog. Enjoy!