Cookbooks Galore

Cookbooks Galore

I started collecting cookbooks for my personal use and pleasure about 15 years ago.  I have always enjoyed cooking and have been fortunate to have been raised in an extended family of great cooks.  I enjoy reading cookbooks both old and new.  Unfortunately, my collection outgrew the space I allotted and my books have been stored in boxes for several years.

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While looking around Hobby Lobby for items to finish my Fourth of July crafts I happened to see this shelving unit and I thought it might be perfect for the one and only corner in my house that would accommodate it. You need blinders to get in and out of Hobby Lobby with just one item!  I used my phone coupon and got if for 40% off and had Davis bring it in and set it up.  Now the question was, would all my cookbooks fit?

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I try to keep them grouped although some defy categorization when they are all-purpose cookbooks.  I have never counted my books because the collection is often changing and I’m not really an enumerator by nature.

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The cat and dog helped on this dark and stormy summer night.  And my mom sat in a chair reading cookbooks as I pulled them out of boxes.  That’s help, I think. (Actually I needed her sage advice from the corner…”Add that one to the yard sale box!” “Get rid of that one.”  etc., etc.)

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dog

The cat thinks he’s hiding.

Apple Dog Bones

Two shelves done.  Holiday cookbooks and Baking Cookbooks. Next is the international books and then outdoor grilling books.

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They did all fit with some room to spare!

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Hmmm….I have a Barnes and Noble gift card left over from Christmas. I could fit a few more in there.

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Here is my feature cookbook of the month.  Great American Cookout.  I got it at the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA on a class field trip.  It was my personal consolation prize for having to go.  I’m not big on hour-long bus rides with 50 children and no air conditioning on a big yellow school bus. I use retail therapy whenever possible.

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At this point, you may be thinking, “That is way too many cookbooks” and that may be true, but you would only be half right, because I have three more shelves of cookbooks in my kitchen and 4 more shelves downstairs.

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NOW  you can officially be thinking, “That is way too many cookbooks!”  I will say that I have slowed down in the purchase of cookbooks and I currently ascribe to the policy of Cookbook In — Cookbook Out.  If I buy a new cookbook, I give one away or put it in the yard sale pile.   This is my current pile of giveaways.  Soup anyone?

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With the vast array of internet cooking sites, I don’t use cookbooks quite as much as I used to so I can imagine that I will slowly whittle down my collection.  Also, I guess I do actually feel a little encumbered by having a plethora of cookbooks, however I do enjoy reading them and looking at the photos. I will keep them for now.

So what did I pick to cook after getting all the books out of the boxes?  I chose carefully. Something healthful and nutritious.

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Apple Oat Squares

1 cup rolled oats

3/4 all-purpose flour

3/4 grated cheddar cheese

1 egg

1 small apple grated (about 1/2 cup)

1 small carrot, grated (about 1/2 cup)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together dry ingredients and cheese.  Add the egg, apple, and carrot.  Place the dough on a floured surface and pat into a square about 9 X 9 X 1/4 inches. I cut the dough into 36 squares. Place squares on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes.  Turn off the oven and leave the trays in the oven for 2 hours.  Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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Pat out, cut, and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet.

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Tasty!  Crunchy!  And… for your fur babies!  Ha Ha!

I chose a dog treat cookbook from my shelves today.  Hope your sweetie pie enjoys them!

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Chupa certainly deserved them after all the “hard work” he did helping put up the books.

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Humans could actually eat them because they are full of good ingredients, however I will save mine for this sweet face.  Westminster here we come! Shine up the trophy!

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One Response to Cookbooks Galore

  1. Gina July 1, 2015 at 9:48 pm #

    Those sounded like people treats. I know Chupa loved them!!

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