Summer is slowly fading into fall here in middle TN, and I am ready for the cooler temps, apple picking, and all things harvesty. I was having a good chat about apples before pumpkins over on my Instagram recently. I’d love for you to join in the fun there, too. I hope you’ll enjoy my latest Friday Faves Book Edition. There’s a good mix of book subjects.
Recent Favorite Books
My thanks to Quarto Publishing for the complimentary copies of the books showcased in today’s book post. All opinions are my own.
About New Camp Cookbook Fireside Warmers- Drinks, Sweets, and Shareables to Enjoy around the Fire by Emily Vikre, Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, Hardbound, 144 pages. Genre: Cooking
If you’re ready to take your get-togethers outside this fall, whether that’s a bonfire in your backyard or a family gathering at the cabin, you are going to love Fireside Warmers.
It’s filled with recipes for drinks for happy hour, as well as cozy treats that go beyond simple S’mores (hello, Dutch oven apple cake!).
My Thoughts:
I love flipping through cookbooks to get ideas for seasonal meals and gatherings, and this one is a delightful addition to my growing collection. The photos of the recipes, whether it's a tasty drink or hearty stew, help you see how it all comes together in an inviting, yet straightforward way. From sweet and savory dishes to delightful spiked (or not) drinks, Fireside Warmers reminds us- everything tastes better by the fire.
If you’d like to learn more about this book, the author, or more cookbooks in this series, please visit Quarto.com.
About Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol -Lower Cholesterol and Support a Healthy Heart by Ashley Reaver, RD, Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, Paperback, 160 pages, Genre: Cooking/Health
Now that my husband and I are in our empty nest era, it's easier to focus on a meal plan and recipes for our way of life. One of the things we’ve both heard at our checkups is “watch your cholesterol”.
Easier said than done, as old habits are hard to break, and that’s why I was thrilled to add this book to my knowledge base. There are plenty of tasty recipes that focus on eating for a healthy heart.
Each recipe is broken down into preparation times of 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes, so you can select meals that fit with your schedule and energy levels. Plus, each recipe page contains the nutritional value, which helps us make better meal choices
Some of my Recipe Picks from Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol:
- Cobb Pasta Salad
- Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Chicken Gyros
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Flank Steak Fajitas
- Weeknight Beef Stew
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Walnut Honey Mustard Salmon
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Microwave Peach Cobbler
- Banana Oat Pancakes
- Chicken and Waffles
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Courtesy:Quarto Publishing |
My Thoughts:
I can’t wait to add some of these recipes to our weekly dinner lineup. The photos found in Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol make each dish look so appetizing. I/m going to start with the Chicken Gyros. With a prep time of 5 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, I’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal done in no time.
If you want to lower your cholesterol and improve your heart health while maintaining your busy lifestyle, finding quick, easy, and satisfying recipes tailored to your needs is crucial. This cookbook has you covered. There’s a syllabus to help you better understand the handful of things we can do to lower and sometimes reverse our cholesterol. If you’d like to learn more about this book, go to the books page on Quarto.
Next up is a book that’s going to be invaluable this fall as we conquer some of our outdoor projects.
About Black and Decker The Complete Guide to Patios (4th Edition): A DIY Guide to Building Patios, Walkways, and Outdoor Steps. By: Black and Decker, Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, Paperback, 240 pages, Genre: Home & Garden/Home Improvement
If you own a home, chances are you have a list of home improvement projects or plans that you’d like to tackle. Fall is an excellent time to get started on them, and The Complete Guide to Patios is a perfect companion to help us plan and execute some really cool projects. Whether that means redoing a problem area ( like we have with our front walkway), or designing a new pathway to a focal point, and adding new lighting features, this book covers these topics and a whole lot more.
Broken down into easy-to-search topics, starting with hardscaping basics like patio design, material selection, and practical considerations, and has five patio and walkway plans. It shows you how to draw up your own patio and walkway plans as well.
There are chapters on patio projects that detail the types of patios, such as a paver, brick, or flagstone patio. Then they cover the details- adding a fire pit, or maybe you need a pool patio, or nature-friendly patios with added lighting (my favorite!). There are plenty of colorful photos to help you envision the project.
Then there are different styles of patio rooms, a cool shade sail, I can’t wait to build for next summer's garden area depth. And in this fourth edition, there are new projects like the shade sail including:
- A versatile Custom Wooden Bar, adaptable to your preferred style, whether it’s tiki or traditional.
- A DIY-friendly Stacked Stone Outdoor Kitchen for those who prefer crafting their own culinary oasis.
- A Privacy Screen Planter to create a buffer from neighbors or carve out a secluded area within your space.
- Illuminating your outdoor space with Hardwired Landscape Lighting to define various areas, from cozy conversation spots to poolside surroundings.
My Thoughts:
Black and Decker has thought of everything in this patio DIY guide. They break down each project with photos, how-to text, and a handy color block Tools and Materials box. If you’re looking for inspiration and guidance for a patio project and other outdoor upgrades, this book is for you. Go check it out at Quarto.com.
Last but not least, fancy a trip to London? I sure did when I selected my final Friday Faves book, all about this enchanting city.
About London- The Hidden Corners for Curious Wanderers: By: Jack Chesher Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, Hardcover, 176 pages, Genre: Home & Garden/Home Improvement
“Whether you are new to the city or a seasoned traveller, London: The Hidden Corners is a must-have guide for anyone looking to uncover something beyond the familiar. Have you ever wondered where a notorious Victorian murderer was captured? Or in which backstreet can you find the pub that hid the masterminds behind the Great Train Robbery? Which pocket park contains the remains of a great medieval monastery? Have your questions answered and let London: The Hidden Corners reveal the capital’s unique and shadowy mysteries.
From the alleyways of Soho to the medieval remains of Moorgate, the second book from Sunday Times bestselling author Jack Chesher takes you on a journey through London and its history, showing you its hidden corners.”
Illustrated throughout and complete with a selection of maps to help you discover your new favourite locations, London: The Hidden Corners promises to bring the city to life for intrepid explorers and local Londoners alike.
My Thoughts:
I’ve always wanted to explore London with a local tour guide, so this book was a must-have when I saw it was available for review. It’s the next best thing to being there with Mr. Chesher!
The illustrations are beautiful and draw you into the story, like the one of Ely Court. According to the book, Ely Court is a delightfully crooked alleyway in Holborn that contains London’s most hidden pub and a Tudor feast.
I don’t want to give any spoilers here, but let's just say, a certain King Henry once partied. A party that lasted for five days and included 4,000 larks. I invite you to learn more about London - The Hidden Corners for Curious Wanderers, which is available now at Quarto.com
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Friday Faves Book Edition!
Please share in comments: Which of these books would you read first?
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