Cookbook Review: Dollars to Donuts

This is the first of (hopefully) many cookbook reviews I intend to post here on Food From Thought. Cookbooks are my favorite bedtime reading material, for some reason -- probably because I'm not obligated to remember a plot or characters or anything! And it makes for some sweet dreams, if you're reading about dessert. :)

Dollars to Donuts is billed as a cookbook for those who want to cook meals that "taste great, don't break the bank, and don't keep you chained to the stove all day." Heck, I could go for that! Dawn Welch owns and cooks at the Rock Cafe on Route 66, as well as being a mom. Her recipes clearly reflect both aspects of her cooking credentials, with a variety of American comfort foods and kid-friendly fare included in this book.

What I like about Dollars to Donuts:
First of all, the variety of recipes in this cookbook is amazing! I like to vary my diet as much as possible, both because it's healthy and because it's exciting to try something new. This book provides many different kinds of cuisine without being overwhelming. Even better, the recipes are organized into categories, like "Covering Your Bases" (basic sauces and a couple different ways to use each one); "The Doorbell Dash" (last-minute meals); and "When The Pantry Is Your BFF" (what to cook when you haven't been to the grocery store in three weeks [maybe because of finals] so all you have left is a few dry goods in the cupboard). But best of all, each recipe has a cost per serving, useful if you're trying to eat well on a budget. Recipes are also marked if they are especially quick to make, if they're good to make ahead, or if they freeze well.

Favorite recipes: Shakshouka Eggs, Tomatoes & Peppers; Salmon Penne, Charred Cherry Tomatoes & Basil; Chicken with Mushroom-Wine Sauce & Roesti Potato Cakes

Readability: 9/10. The recipe introductions are sometimes unnecessary but they're short and generally interesting so that's okay. I like the tips and recipe pairings.
Usability: 9/10. Nice size font -- you don't feel like you have to squint to read while you're cooking. I like how the ingredients and recipe steps are organized. The instructions are clear and detailed.
Layout/General Attractiveness: 10/10. There's a ton of information on each page, but it still looks clean and uncluttered. Additionally, there are a lot of food photos, which I always like!
Bang For Your Buck:  $19.99 list price / 134 recipes = 15 cents per recipe


Official D2D website -- Includes sample recipes and weekly meal planners

Have you used this cookbook? What are some of your favorite recipes? Let me know in the comments!

Alcohol Makes Everything Better: Derby Pie

I'm always in charge of desserts for Thanksgiving and I love making Bourbon Pecan Pie. I had a friend tell me about Derby Pie and I thought I'd give it try. What's better than alcohol AND chocolate in your dessert? Also, I had all the ingredients at home, which meant I didn't need to go out shopping.

I found the recipe at http://americanfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/chocwalnutpie.htm

Derby Pie

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1 ready-made piecrust

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the eggs and butter; mix to combine. Stir in the bourbon, walnuts, chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt. Pour the mixture into the unbaked piecrust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

* Note: If you ever include a similar recipe in a cookbook, you can't legally call it a "Derby Pie" recipe. The name "Derby Pie" is trademarked, and t he owners of the name are very aggressive protecting the name "Derby Pie."


This is what the gooey inside looks like: