Product Description
Whether your home is small or large, an apartment in the city or a country cottage, it is a space that should be at once beautiful and livable. The key to that is managing the upkeep without feeling flustered. Until now, there has never been a comprehensive resource that not only tells how to care for your home and everything in it, but that also simplifies the process by explaining just when. With secrets from Martha Stewart for accomplishing the most challenging homekeeping tasks with ease, this detailed and comprehensive book is the only one you will need to help you keep your home looking its best, floor to ceiling, room by room.

In Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook, Martha shares her unparalleled expertise in home maintenance and care. Readable and practical–and graced with charts, sidebars, illustrated techniques, and personal
anecdotes from Martha’s decades of experience caring for her homes–this is far more than just a compendium of ways to keep your house clean. It covers everything from properly executing a living room floor plan to setting a formal table; from choosing HEPA filters to sealing soapstone countertops; from organizing your home office to polishing your silver and caring for family heirlooms.

Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook is organized for clarity and maximum practicality:

Room by Room covers the upkeep of the appliances, tools, furnishings, and surfaces found in each room, from the entryway to the kitchen, from the attic to the laundry room.

Throughout the House instructs the reader on the proper ways to routinely clean and periodically maintain everything in the home, including dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, polishing, scrubbing, waxing and much more.

Comfort and Safety focuses on techniques to ensure your home is running properly and safely, such as recognizing when to clean vents, fixing a leaky faucet, and eradicating pests.

A-to-Z Materials Guide provides an invaluable resource that explains the unusual materials that many favorite objects are made of–from abalone to zinc–
and how to care for them so they last.

Encyclopedic yet friendly, Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook is a seminal work–a must-have for everyone who wants a well-cared-for home that will endure for generations.Amazon.com Review
Martha Stewart's new home reference book is a must-have for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it's gorgeous. Printed on thick, glossy pages covered with subtle sepia photos and that perfect Martha-blue as an accent color, Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook is a pretty and practical package for everyone: "all mothers and daughters, fathers and sons who have a room, an apartment, or a home to care for." Stewart's exhaustive handbook features a handy "how to use this book" introduction; a room by room guide with weekly, monthly, and seasonal checklists; tips for cleaning, creating a comfortable and safe home, and moving; and a guide for identifying and caring for materials in your home. Curious? Take a look at some excerpts below. You'll be sweeping and shelving your way to a happier home in no time. --Daphne Durham

Customer Reviews (176)

a classic
This book has a lot of great suggestions for caring for your home.In the book you will find useful cleaning tips, stain-removing suggestions, and home organization ideas (even a suggested cleaning time-table!).When I purchased this book I was looking for laundry cleaning suggestions and thought it might be good to own. I have come back to this book over and over to find really great suggestions for cleaning the entire house. It really is a classic and if you're looking for a book in this genre, this is It.
With all the positives mentioned, you do have to realize that it is not perfection. As many reviewers have mentioned, the jacket cover is annoyingly flimsy and will easily get bent out of shape. Also, I did manage to come up with the only question that Martha did not answer...but leave it to me to come up with cleaning catastrophes. Overall, I think most readers will find this book exceedingly helpful.

Basically the Homekeeping Bible!
This handbook truely covers the topics of EVERYHING home related!It would be the PERFECT housewarming present, as it is helpful and pratical.As a first time home owner, this book as provided me with great tips from everything from organizing to folding a fitted sheet (Which used to be quite difficult.)
I would highly recommend this book to others.

A great shower gift!
I personally believe that this is the BEST Martha Stewart book ever! It is so completely detailed! It talks about septic tanks; what books talk about septic tanks!! That is awesome! It touches on everything in detail. There is a fabulous section in the front of the book that breaks down a cleaning schedule. If you take it in bites and really prioritize what is important to you and your family, this book can be a great resourse.

I buy this book as a shower gift. I wish I had a book like this when I first got married. It helps you to understand the pros and cons of different cleaning product, kitchen tools, laundry aids, and so much more. I really appreciate the time and information that was put into this book. It is completely worth every cent! I am a huge fan of the FLYLADY and Emilie Barnes, but I still reference this book! Thank you to the team that helped Martha put this together. Great Job!

lynn
I have bought this book for newlyweds and I think it is a wonderful book for every household to have on hand.

Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home
This book is absolutely fantastic. It has helped me so much. It's very detailed. My home has never been so clean and clutter free. It keeps me organised (which I'm generally not!). Don't know how I survived without it for so long. Thank Heaven for Martha! This book is a must buy for every home, regardless of the age of the occupants. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Book Description
There’s no better authority on delectable desserts than Martha Stewart. She and her ingenious team of editors have consistently created the most delicious recipes, and their dedication to simple instructions, how-to photographs, and beautiful styling is unparalleled. And there’s no more in-demand dessert right now than cupcakes.

Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes

Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes also includes templates and clip art for decorative flourishes, an equipment glossary, and step-by-step instructions for basic and advanced decorating techniques, plus ideas for presenting and packaging the cupcakes in Martha’s trademark style.

From Martha Stewart's Cupcakes: Martha’s Meyer Lemon Cupcakes

The mild and sweet flavor of Meyer lemon is one of Martha’s favorites; these zest-flecked cupcakes are filled with Meyer lemon curd, which peeks out from the tops. The fruit, which is actually a lemon-orange hybrid, is generally available at specialty stores in winter and early spring. If you can’t find Meyer lemons, use regular lemons instead. The recipe yields a lot of cupcakes, so you may want to consider these for a bake sale or large gathering, such as a shower or special birthday celebration.

Cupcake Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Meyer lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice (from 1 to 2 Meyer lemons)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 3/4 cups (3 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 7 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
• Lemon Curd (made with Meyer lemons; ingredients and directions below)

(Makes 42)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together flour, zest, baking powder, and salt.

2. With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in cream cheese. Reduce speed to low. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in lemon juice and vanilla. Add flour mixture in three batches, beating until just combined after each.

3. Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 28 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes. Cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temperature, or frozen up to 2 months, in airtight containers.

4. To finish, dust cupcakes with confectioners’ sugar. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a coupler and a medium round tip (#8) with curd. Insert tip into top of each cupcake, and squeeze some curd below top to fill the inside, then lift the tip and squeeze more curd in a pool on top. Filled cupcakes can be kept at room temperature up to 1 hour (or refrigerated a few hours more) before serving.

Lemon Curd
A high proportion of lemon juice gives curd its intense flavor. As an acid, the juice also prevents the yolks from curdling when heated (unlike when making pastry cream, which requires the extra step of tempering). You can substitute an equal amount of juice from other citrus, such as lime, grapefruit, or blood orange.

Lemon Curd Ingredients

• 2 whole eggs plus 8 egg yolks
• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, room temperature

(Makes about 2 cups)

Directions

1. Combine whole eggs and yolks, sugar, and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat. Add butter, a few pieces at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Strain through a fine sieve into another bowl, and cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap, pressing it directly on surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled and firm, at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (101)

not impressed
I love to bake and try new recipes. I loved the pictures in this books, however I am not impressed with any of the final products. The cupcakes are all dry and not very flavorful.

Yummy!
The recipes in the book are easy and I love that there are pictures to go along.Highly recommended!

Baker's Dream
This is an excellent cookbook.Not only are there so many unique cupcake and frosting recipes, but there are so many decorating ideas and baking tips.There are pictures for everything, so you know how the finished product should look.Great book.Highly recommended for people who enjoy baking!

You will surprise yourself!
This book has got me thinking I should quit my job and open up a bakery! I've made cupcakes from scratch before and none have turned out as wonderful as the three I have tried from this book. So far, I've made carrot, yellow buttermilk, and snickerdoodle. This is a fantastic book with not only delicious recipes but some fantastic creative ideas.

Great cupcake book!
The Devil's food cupcakes are delicious and practically require no frosting. The decorating tips are very simple and helpful. I havent tried every recipe, but this is definitely a cupcake cookbook worth having. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you just bought your first sewing machine or have been sewing for years, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts will open your eyes to an irresistible range of ideas. A comprehensive visual reference, the book covers everything a home sewer craves: the basics of sewing by hand or machine, along with five other time-honored crafts techniques, and step-by-step instructions for more than 150 projects that reflect not only Martha Stewart’s depth of experience and crafting expertise, but also her singular sense of style.
 
Encyclopedic in scope, the book features two main parts to help you brush up on the basics and take your skills to a new level. First, the Techniques section guides readers through Sewing, Appliqué, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing. Following that, the Projects A to Z section features more than 150 clever ideas (including many no-sew projects), all illustrated and explained with the clear, detailed instructions that have become a signature of Martha Stewart’s  magazines, books, and television shows.
 
An enclosed CD includes full-size clothing patterns as well as templates that can be easily produced on a home printer. Fabric, thread, and tool glossaries identify the properties, workability, and best uses of common sewing materials. And, perhaps best of all, when you need it most, Martha and her talented team of crafts editors offer you the reassurance that you really can make it yourself.
 
The projects are as delightful as they are imaginative, and include classic Roman shades, hand-drawn stuffed animals, an easy upholstered blanket chest, a quilted crib bumper, French knot-embellished pillowcases and sheets, and Japanese-embroidered table linens, among many others.With gorgeous color photographs as well as expert instruction, this handy guide will surely encourage beginners and keep sewers and crafters of all experience levels wonderfully busy for many years to come. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (64)

Thanks Martha
I bought my first copy of this book at Books A Million along with Martha's sewing book and payed a lot more. I love both books.My daughter came to visit and reviewed it and told me it was on Amazon. She bought it for herself, and suggested I get my niece one as a wedding gift! I am buying this copy today for her as a wedding gift. I think it is a perfect gift for a new bribe and homemaker! Thanks Martha !

Excellent Book!
This is an excellent book! Beautifully put together, fun projects, very informative and well organized - I would definitely recommend it!

Wonderful deal on Martha's new sewing/craft book!
Every home with kids and crafters should get this book!I am an avid quilter/sewer and LOVE this huge information source.DVD included is worth the cost alone!

Decent book
Nice layout, I should have rented before buying... not many things I actually want to make out of this book... But 5-8 I will, so... ??

A must have for every crafter
This is a wonderful reference guide for anyone that enjoys crafting.It clearly explains all of the basics and leaves you plenty of room to create lovely projects.It is filled with pictures that make even the trickiest project seem easy. ... Read more

Product Description
The perfect cookie for every occasion.

Cookies are the treat that never disappoints. Whether you’re baking for a party or a picnic, a formal dinner or a family supper–or if you simply want something on hand for snacking–there is a cookie that’s just right. In Martha Stewart’s Cookies, the editors of Martha Stewart Living give you 175 recipes and variations that showcase all kinds of flavors and fancies. Besides perennial pleasers like traditional chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin, there are other sweet surprises, including Rum Raisin Shortbread, Peppermint Meringue Sandwiches with Chocolate Filling, and Lime Meltaways.

Cleverly organized by texture, the recipes in Martha Stewart’s Cookies inspire you to think of a classic, nostalgic treat with more nuance. Chapters include all types of treasures: Light and Delicate (Cherry Tuiles, Hazelnut Cookies, Chocolate Meringues); Rich and Dense (Key Lime Bars, Chocolate Mint Sandwiches, Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies); Chunky and Nutty (Magic Blondies, Turtle Brownies, White Chocolate-Chunk Cookies); Soft and Chewy (Snickerdoodles, Fig Bars, Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies); Crisp and Crunchy (ANZAC Biscuits, Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti, Almond Spice Wafers); Crumbly and Sandy (Cappuccino-Chocolate Bites, Maple-Pecan Shortbread, Lemon-Apricot Sandwiches); and Cakey and Tender (Lemon Madeleines, Carrot Cake Cookies, Pumpkin Cookies with Brown-Butter Icing).

Each tantalizing recipe is accompanied by a lush, full-color photograph, so you never have to wonder how the cookie will look. Beautifully designed and a joy to read, Martha Stewart’s Cookies is rich with helpful tips and techniques for baking, decorating, and storing, as well as lovely gift-packaging ideas in standout Martha Stewart style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (137)

Cookies - Martha Stewart
I would say that I got a lot ahead of time my book of Martha Stewart's Cookies, thanks! I loved the book is much more than I expected ... and I really enjoyed the tips and everything! is a beautiful book!

Awesome book
I just loved this book. I had seen it at the bookstore for a higher price. I came home and ordered it. I have made several of the cookies from it. They are great! The photos are good and directions are clear. You'll love it!

Amazing Variety! Fun & Easy!
Amazing book, it includes a nice number of recipes, each one with at least a picture showing the way it should end up.Most recipes are easy enough for novice bakers, but still REALLY good enough for near-pro bakers too!!... I'm not the usual Martha follower, but this one makes me feel like becoming one!You won't regret getting this one.

Posh Nosh
The Cookies Recipe Book is fabulous.An absolute delight to use.The family and Church group are most impressed at the variety I now present in cookies.Many thanks for such an excellent publication.The Amazon service is great too very prompt when it comes to delivering in Australia.

Martha Stewart Cookies
Saw the book in person at a store and found it at a better price on Amazon.Good recipes...eye catching pictures that peak your interest. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Book Description
For nearly 20 years, home crafters have turned to the pages of Martha Stewart Living for all kinds of crafts projects, each presented in the magazine’s inimitable style. Now, the best of those projects, including step-by-step instructions and full-color photographs, have been collected into a single encyclopedia.

Organized by topic from A to Z, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts contains complete instructions and brief histories for more than 30 techniques, detailed descriptions of the necessary tools and materials, and easy-to-copy templates. Martha and her team of crafts editors guide readers through each subject, from botanical pressing and decoupage to rubber stamping and wreaths, with characteristic clarity and unparalleled attention to detail.

Crafters of all skill and experience levels will appreciate the many variations presented for each technique. For example, candlemaking presents a comprehensive array of poured, rolled, and cutout candles, including instructions for making your own one-of-a-kind rubber candle molds, floating candles, sand candles, and more. Each craft in the book takes on charming new dimensions with innovations that could come only from the team behind Martha Stewart Living.

In addition, each entry in Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts is chock-full of tips and advice. Handy glossaries in the entries--such as a comprehensive gem glossary, a glitter glossary, and a color glossary for making tinted wax--are valuable references that crafters will refer to again and again. What’s more, the Tools and Materials section outlines the best essential supplies that every crafter needs to have on hand, and the Sources pages clue readers in to the vendors and suppliers that the magazine’s crafts editors rely on most.

Filled with solid technical know-how, and presented with gorgeous color photographs, this handy guide can be read page by page and kept as a lasting reference by crafters and artisans alike.

Sample Project from Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts: Bottle Cap Frames

Metal bottle caps can frame small black-and-white pictures for novel thumbtacks or magnets. Clear resin is poured into the caps to seal the photos and give them an appealing glossy finish. Twist-off caps are better than conventional ones because they don’t bend when they’re removed. For appropriately small images, try cutting details from large photos. Or, if your software has a contact sheet mode, use it to reduce pictures drastically.

Project Supplies

• ink jet paper

• 1-inch (2.5cm) circular craft punch

• white craft glue

• metal twist-off bottle caps

• clear casting resin

• bonding cement

• small magnets or thumbtacks

How-To

Using the craft punch, cut out pictures. Using white craft glue, attach 1 picture to the inside of each bottle cap. Let it dry. Cover a work surface to protect it from spills, and lay caps on top of it. Following manufacturer’s instructions for clear casting resin, fill each bottle cap to the rim. Let them dry overnight. Using bonding cement, attach magnets or thumbtacks to the backs of the bottle caps. Let them dry overnight before using.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (58)

Glorious
Martha Stewart in all her crafty glory. She's genius. TONS of amazing ideas in this book. It's inspiring!! Well worth the price!

great ideas
Loved the creative ideas - great fun for all ages and events - very inspiring

Really Martha
Martha is a national treasure. She's led the parade for the average person to create beautiful things. The variety in this book is amazing. I've read it through and now I'm rolling up my sleeves.

Brilliant Ideas
No matter how you might feel about Martha, this book offers really great ideas for home crafts and decor. This is apparently the digest version of a multi-volume set of craft books by Stewart, so it's not really an "encyclopedia."
The layout is beautiful and the steps clearly described. Note that with many of the crafts, you need special tools which are easily found at art stores.

GRANDKIDSARE EXCITED TO MAKE A PROJECT THEY CAN READ EASILY
THE GREAT GRANDCHILDREN ARE EASILY BORED ON THEIR WEEKEND VISIT, AND SO WE GO THROUGH THE BOOK AND TAPES OF MARTHA'S SHOW AND PICK OUT PROJECTS THEY UNDERSTAND. THEY ARE 4YRS AND 6 YRS AND ENJOY CUTTING PAPERS AND GLUE AND GLITTERAND SO ITS A FUN THING FOR THEM AND THEIR NANA. ... Read more

Product Description
Class is in session, and Martha Stewart is your instructor! This amazingly informative cookbook features over 200 delicious recipes with step-by-step photographs that don't just teach you what to cook, but how to cook it.Amazon.com Review
Book Description
Imagine having Martha Stewart at your side in the kitchen, teaching you how to hold a chef’s knife, select the very best ingredients, truss a chicken, make a perfect pot roast, prepare every vegetable, bake a flawless pie crust, and much more.

In Martha Stewart’s Cooking School, you get just that: a culinary master class from Martha herself, with lessons for home cooks of all levels.

Never before has Martha written a book quite like this one. Arranged by cooking technique, it’s aimed at teaching you how to cook, not simply what to cook. Delve in and soon you’ll be roasting, broiling, braising, stewing, sautéing, steaming, and poaching with confidence and competence. In addition to the techniques, you’ll find more than 200 sumptuous, all-new recipes that put the lessons to work, along with invaluable step-by-step photographs to take the guesswork out of cooking. You’ll also gain valuable insight into equipment, ingredients, and every other aspect of the kitchen to round out your culinary education.

Featuring more than 500 gorgeous color photographs, Martha Stewart’s Cooking School is the new gold standard for everyone who truly wants to know his or her way around the kitchen.

Customer Reviews (82)

Awesome
I purchased this for my niece as a bridal shower gift, but loved it so much that I bought it myself. I consider myself a very skilled home cook, but have learned so much. Great recipes, too! Thank you, Martha!

Martha's cooking bible
This book is awesome. I bought it recently and have loved reading it. I've been cooking for a number of years now and have learnt lots from this book. It is also a fantastic resource for friends of mine who are new to cooking. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in cooking it is a great reference book and has some awesome recipies that you can practice your new skills on.

Great Reference Material
I won an autographed copy of this book at a Christmas party. How lucky I was. I have stacks of cookbooks that I never use. Most often, going to the internet for guidance. However, this book gets pulled off of my shelf on a regular basis. I use it all of the time. For anyone that loves to cook and could use a little guidance along the way from time to time, I highly recommend this book.

Your best cooking reference guide!
This is a fantastic cooking reference guide. It's easy to understand with clear instruction. The material is well researched and tested. I have been cooking for many years and actually read this book from cover to cover and learned quite a bit. The book provides the basics and more advanced techniques as well. A fantastic gift to the beginning or more advanced cook. You will reach for it constantly.

a little disappointed
I was a little bit disappointed with this cookbook. I had wanted to get it for so long that I just caved. I consider myself a beginner to intermiediate cook but there were a lot of techniques and recipes that a beginner would be intimidated by. I expected to see things like homemade meatballs and bread and all the tips and techinques that go along with it. Instead of that there were recipes for things like duck and rabbit and caviar topped egg cups. I don't even think there is a place anywhere near me that sells caviar let alone duck. However, there are a few recipes I would like to try such as homemade angel food cake. Another thing I liked about the book is how it discribed the herbs and what they worked best with and what they tasted like. If I could do it all over again. I would have checked it out from a library instead of buying it. ... Read more

Product Description
Every new book from Martha Stewart is cause for celebration, and with Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook, she returns to bring the pleasures of baking to readers at every level, from beginner to expert and beyond. A culinary compendium packed with more than 200 foolproof recipes for the best baked goods, Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook takes readers by the hand and guides them through the process of creating an irresistible variety of cakes, cookies, pies, tarts, breads, and much more.

This essential addition to every cook’s library is rich with tips, techniques, and the mouthwatering and stunning recipes for which Martha Stewart is so well known. Covering a delectable array of topics from simple to sophisticated, including biscuits, muffins, scones, cookies, layer cakes, specialty cakes, sweet and savory pies and tarts, and pastries and breads, she provides a dazzlingly delicious yet crystal-clear, vividly illustrated repertoire of recipes. There are cakes that are elegant enough for formal occasions, such as showers, weddings, and dinner parties, and basic favorites meant to be enjoyed every day and then passed down through the generations. Every chapter includes indispensable visual equipment glossaries and features vital make-ahead information and storage techniques. Organized for maximum clarity and practicality, the handbook also offers step-by-step how-to photographs that demystify even the most complex and nuanced techniques. These culinary building blocks will turn good bakers into great bakers, and make great bakers even better.

Filled with time-honored classics, such as Marble Cake with White-Chocolate Glaze, Apple Pie, Challah, Baba au Rhum, and Croissants, as well as lots of new surprises, Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook will be reached for again and again, no matter the season or occasion.


“Here, you will find the recipes and how-tos for the popovers you dream about, and for the simple crumb cake that you always want to whip up on Sunday morning, and for the double-chocolate brownie cookies that will make you a bigger hero with the after-school crowd, and for the citrus bars that you could only find in that little bakery that’s no longer under the same management. . . .Baking offers comfort and joy and something tangible to taste and savor. We all hope that these recipes provide you with years of pleasure.” —Martha StewartAmazon.com Review
Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook presents the doyenne of the Better Way in tip-top form. Or rather, it offers the work of a dedicated team who, under Stewart's stewardship, has devised over 200 baking recipes for both savory and sweet treats, ranging from the traditional likes of buttermilk biscuits, gingersnaps, blueberry pie, bagels, and chocolate angel food cake, to the more novel pleasures of Sausage and Feta Hand Pies, Cherry Fragipane Gallete, Carrot-Ginger Cupcakes, and even the buttery-sugary to-die-for yeasted pastry called kouign amans. Also present and accounted-for are Stewartian showpieces like Mocha-Pistachio Wedding Cake.

The greatest virtue of the book, apart from the clarity of its recipes, lies in its organization: the chapters, which cover all baking stops, begin with relevant tips, followed by notes on equipment and techniques, all photo-illustrated. These set-ups supply context that maximizes the possibility of pleasurable, goof-free baking. Photo-illustrated how-to's in the formulas further the cause. A quibble is the absence in many of the recipe headnotes of descriptive material about the baked good they introduce--it's important to provide info on techniques and ingredients, as the headnotes do, but baking recipes in particular cry out for descriptions of what, for example, sfogliatelle (an Italian pastry), or lime-glazed cookies are. This said, the book is immensely appealing and will excite as well as instruct a wide range of bakers, from the would-be to the accomplished. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Customer Reviews (107)

Remarkably easy but delicious
This book is just beautiful.The recipes are easy to understand and are simply delicious.She really is one of America's treasures...

Great Addition to any book shelf
I was so pleased with this book when it came! It has everything from cakes to bagels! As someone who thinks of baking as a hobby like I do this book is just good fun altogether. I haven't baked anything out of this book yet but the first thing I am planning to make is the focasia, bagels and homemade margherita pizza! the layout of this book is great the instructions are clear and everything you need might already be in your cupboards or pantry! It's a great price on here too! Before I bought this book I looked at Martha Stewart's cooking school at Barnes and Noble and I got sticker shock! It was $45 and this one was $40! As a person who might be interested in a new hobby such as baking this is the book for you, and as a person considering going to culinary school like I am this book provides a clear head start for someone about to jump into a baking career :D I can't speak more highly about this book!

Should be a staple for every baker
I first got this book from the library and loved it so much I had to buy it. I like that it's filled with traditionaland classic recipes that everyone should make at some point in their lives. It conveniently lists and shows all the baking tools you'll need and offers tips for creating the best product. I've never really been a huge fan of Martha, but this book is great!

Quality Book, but not a Favorite
I think this book deserves 5 starts because it is a great cookbook, but I do not "love it."The recipes turn out great.No room for complaints about the finished products.However, it does not appeal to my preferences in baking for a number of reasons.(None as a matter of quality, all of personal preference.)

This book changed my life
Yes, I mean what I say in the review title, corny as it may sound.I had never watched a Martha show or read a Martha magazine before receiving this book as a holiday gift.My baking experience was limited to the Toll House recipe on the back of the gold grocery store bag of chocolate chips.Then I moved from the big city, where great bakeries were an elevator ride away, to the mountains where the closest store required a 20+ mile drive.It was either Pillsbury dough tubes for life, or teach myself to bake.Within a year of receiving the book, I would have to agree with the reviewers who say it was like I went to pastry school. I just cannot believe how much I have learned and how much more I appreciate the art of baking -- honestly, until I had no choice but to learn, it was something I had never considered, but now I think we all owe it to ourselves to learn more about how our food comes together.When you compare what McDonald's calls a "turnover" to the real deal made with Martha's puff pastry, you will want to weep.The photos and explanations in the book made it easy even for a beginner like me.I cannot say enough good things about this book.As a final bonus, when the economy got worse, my baking skills have been helping me cut back on my grocery bill -- I can stock up on ingredients on sale or at the warehouse clubs -- I may pay one tenth the cost of retail for what I bake at home if I am careful, and the taste and quality are much better. ... Read more

Product Description
Who wouldn't like their living space to be more organized? Tapping into the popularity of the "Good Things" column in Martha Stewart Living, Good Things for Organizing provides practical, efficient, and pretty solutions for organizing just about everything, from spools of thread and the silverware drawer to your entire wardrobe and home office.

It is a law of nature: stuff accumulates. Good Things for Organizing shows how to live with stuff comfortably and creatively. In chapters organized room by room, Good Things for Organizing offers a wide range of ingenious ways to tame the clutter, from the basement to the garden shed.

With sections such as "Cleamng Up the Countertop" in the kitchen chapter, "Linen Closet 10" in the closet chapter, and "Organizing Correspondence" in the home office chapter, the editors of Martha Stewart Living have tested all of the possibilities and have created perfect solutions to the most frustrating organizing problems. Included are projects for every level of commitment, from tidying the junk drawer to building the right shelves to display a beloved collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

great ideas for home organizing
Martha Stewart's cornered the market on organization. Her ideas are practical, easy, and often inexpensive, all while looking pretty. Great book for brides!

I don't like Martha Stewart, but I love this book !
I don't know why but I don't feel comfortable with this woman and I don't have any background with her, since I come from France. I bought this book for $1 in a Japanese bookshop, just by curiosity, and I read it carefully.
I must admit there are smart and simple ideas. The pictures are beautiful and it is well explained.
I, of course, don't have such big houses as she has, but her ideas are useful even for small spaces. Nevertheless, she doesn't look more sympathetic to me now, because we don't really connect with her through her books, probably most of the ideas are found by a staff of very qualified people working for her, but it still remains interesting, neat, nice, smart, useful, elegant, convenient.
I will keep this book for sure. I am surprised myself to love it, but I do.

Ok but don't waste the money
This would be a good book for maybe someone just starting out with an apt or marriage.Most of the items have already been discussed in her magazines.

Good Things for Organizing by Martha Stewart
This book is great. It gives you so many practical ideas. I've really taken to Martha Stewart. I live in Australia, and we don't get Martha down under, but now that I've found her, I have purchased many other books from her. Will be putting into practice many of her wonderful ideas.

good ideas but a bit basic
good ideas but a bit basic - I expected some more original ideas than those in other magazines ... Read more

Product Description
There are certain tools no home cook should be without: a well-sharpened chef’s knife, sturdy mixing bowls, and The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook–The Original Classics. This indispensable reference book gathers more than 1,100 recipes published in Martha Stewart Living from its inception in 1990 to 2000–a decade’s worth of the best of the best from every issue. Now, well into the magazine’s second decade, the editors of Martha’s flagship magazine have revisited this landmark cookbook, adding new content such as suggested menus, an updated pantry and equipment section, a revised source list, how-to photos, and nutritional information to reflect the way we cook today.

From basics to breakfast, from poultry to pastry, The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook–The Original Classics is filled with recipes for every cook and every occasion. Whether it’s a special dinner party, a sit-down luncheon for a bride-to-be, or a casual weeknight supper, this updated collection offers wonderful options across 22 categories, including Starters, Meat, Poultry, Fish and Shellfish, Salads, Soups, Meatless Main Dishes, and Desserts. Throughout, there are essential classes (cooking 101s) for dishes that should be in every cook’s repertoire: roast turkey, whole poached salmon, glazed ham, prime rib roast, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes, as well as recipes that invite you to stretch your cooking knowledge and expertise.

Helpful tips and techniques, comprehensive equipment glossaries, plus a guide to finding unusual ingredients make the kitchen-tested recipes accessible to home cooks everywhere. The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook–The Original Classics belongs on every kitchen counter in America.Amazon.com Review
Glazed Ham 101 and Mrs. Kostyra's Babkas
From Martha Stewart, Author of The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The Original Classics and The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics

Throughout my childhood in Nutley, New Jersey, holiday meals--and even summer picnics--often included a delicious smoked ham. My father would take special trips into Manhattan to Mr. Kurowycky's shop on the Lower East Side, which specialized in Eastern European-style cured meats. When Dad returned home, we’d score the ham, brush on a thick layer of brown sugar, and bake it in the oven.

I've made many of my own trips to Kurowycky's until very recently, when the store closed. As for the ham’s preparation, I tinkered with the family recipe, incorporating different spices and sweeteners to create my own glaze. In this version, the spice from the yellow mustard and fennel seeds balances the brown sugar and molasses, while the fresh bay leaves wrapped around the shank bone add an ornamental and flavorful finish. --Martha Stewart

See the recipes for Glazed Ham and Mrs. Kostyra's Babkas in the Fall into Cooking store.

Customer Reviews (6)

Was good but...........
I liked the book and it will be helpful however it wasn't exactly what I thought it would be.Not sure what I was expecting.

Awesome as always
Martha does it again.A great collection of recipes and advice to allow readers to create great food.Worth the small price many times over!

Kindle edition is useless
Absolutely horrible. There is no index and the table of contents has no subsections. There is no way to find any particular recipe except to scroll through the entire book. Key word searches are not at all effective. For example, searching for "soup" does not produce a list of soup recipes, but a google like return with poor precision that might include references to stock pots but miss actual soup recipes that don't have "soup" in the title. If you are considering the Kindle edition of this book, I can only advise in the strongest terms you skip this one.

Love it!
Big Martha fan.Love the recipes in this great book.I prefer cookbooks with pictures and this book doesn't have any.

Nice!
I can't believe not many others have reviewed this really wonderful cookbook. So much thought and energy are placed into anything Martha does, either by Martha herself or by her fabulous staff that one can always be assured of excellent results. This compendium is no different. My only small point of contention is that there could have been more photos, a common complaint for me. I can never have enough photos. After trying several recipes and eagerly wanting to try many more I can give this cookbook a happy and sincere recommendation! You will be pleased. ... Read more

Product Description
Two hundred recipes perfect for dinner when you have a little time—but not all day—to cook. For meals that are meant for sharing with friends and family but created with busy cooks in mind, Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home is a new classic that cooks of all levels will depend on. Whether you're making a Sunday supper or hosting a casual get-together, Martha Stewart has put together 52 diverse menus that make the most of each season's flavors—and the various ways we like to cook as the weather changes.

The menus—featuring starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts—are cleverly designed with a simple preparation schedule that enables you to plan and cook dinner so that it is on the table in about an hour. Using easy-to-find ingredients from the grocery store or farmers' market (and Martha's helpful tips and shortcut techniques), each meal is fresh and inspiring without demanding too much effort. Examples include:  
•  Watercress-Cauliflower Soup, Roasted Pork with Sage and Garlic, Braised Fennel and White Beans, Pears with Candied Walnuts and Gorgonzola  
•  Asparagus-Parmesan Tart, Shrimp in Saffron Broth, Couscous with Golden Raisins, Apricot-Almond Ice Cream Sandwiches
•  Roast Chicken Breasts in Creamy Tarragon Sauce, Warm Lentils with Spinach, Caramelized Endive, Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce  
•  Avocado and Lemon on Toasted Rustic Bread, Seared Tuna in Tomato-Basil Sauce, Green Beans with Lemon Butter, Peaches in Honey Syrup

Martha has put so much thought into Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home that cooking for family and friends will be something you look forward to doing again and again.Amazon.com Review
From Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home: Braised Chicken Marsala

Ingredients

• 4 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 4 chicken drumsticks (about 1 pound)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 red onions, peeled and quartered through the stem
• 2 plum tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 sprigs thyme
• 3/4 cup Marsala (sweet Italian fortified wine)
• 1 1/4 cups chicken stock, homemade (see page 260) or low-sodium store-bought
• Sage Polenta

(Serves four)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 F. Rinse chicken, pat dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large, high-sided sauté pan over medium-high. Working in batches, brown chicken on both sides, turning once, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer chicken to a platter; tent loosely with parchment paper, then foil, to keep warm. After all chicken is browned, pour off excess fat.

Add onions, tomatoes, and thyme to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Pour in Marsala; cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Return chicken to pan and pour in stock; bring to a simmer. Transfer to oven; cook until chicken is cooked through and tender, about 35 minutes. Transfer chicken to a platter, and cover to keep warm.

Skim off excess fat from liquid in pan; simmer liquid over medium-high until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. To serve, divide polenta among shallow bowls and arrangechicken on top; spoon pan sauce over each.

---

... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Simple, delicious meals
This is my go-to cookbook when I am looking for something to make for dinner. I like that the meals are organized by season, since I try to buy my veggies at the farmers market or grow them myself.
Someone mentioned that the recipes are labor intensive, but I disagree. Obviously, these are not Rachel-Ray style 30 minutes meals, but I wouldn't call them labor intensive. There are some very simple, delicious desserts too.

Great for quick and easy dinners
The great thing about this book is how it's structured. The recipes are grouped as 3 course meals (starter or salad, entree with side, dessert) and the meals are grouped by season. It's quite easy to pick a menu, grab what you need from the store and cook a multi course dinner for yourself, family or friends. Most recipes are fairly simple and easy to adapt for 1-2 people if you don't want the leftovers. But so far, the leftovers have been good too.

looooove Martha
Honestly, the woman can't make a bad cookbook. Completely fabulous and accessible. And I love the images.

Awesome cookbook but.............
This is my first Martha Stewart cookbook and I have loved each of the 9 menu's I've prepared so far.They are NOT quick though and they are definitely not cheap to make.I thought maybe I was a cooking moron, so I was glad to read in the other reviews that others have had the same opinion.It has taken me every bit of 3 hours just to prepare each menu and that's not including time spent shopping for the ingredients!I've had a blast with the menus though and love the cookbook.

Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home: 52 Quick Meals to Cook for Family and Friends
//Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home// promises quick meals when you don't have "all day." Looking through the table of contents, you may wonder if shrimp in saffron and candied pears could really be considered a quick meal? And quail? Really? ||Indeed, it can be done, and Stewart does it masterfully by planning menus by season, thereby working your food pairings for you, and making sure that all ingredients are readily available--a service she calls "menu planning strategy."

Each season has a potential 10-12 meals which are laid out with descriptive names in that season's introductory page. The book should be used according to this system, which is key to its time-saving effect. As this menu page employs very specific names, the cook can preliminarily choose a meal with ingredients that are already available in the pantry or garden.

Additional features include suggestions on obtaining or substituting ingredients that may be hard to find, a "basics" section for the new cook, and several offerings of culturally coordinated menus--such as Spanish torrijas paired with Strip Steak Chimichurri.

In addition, each plate is beautifully presented, and the heavy hard cover and flat binding are perfect for the kitchen.

Reviewed by Allena Tapia ... Read more

Product Description
With 500 glorious full-color photographs, 300 original recipes, and hundreds of innovative ideas, Entertaining is the book that revolutionized the way people entertain today. 500 full-color photographs.


From the Hardcover edition.Amazon.com Review
This is the book that launched an empire. Martha Stewart'sEntertaining was the world's first exposure to the doyenne ofdomestication. Entertaining offers recipes and menusfor a number of different parties, including wedding receptions,afternoon teas, and a sumptuous Christmas dessert buffet. The book islavishly illustrated, and much attention is paid to the dishes'presentation as well as their preparation. Even if you use it only asa springboard for your own party planning, Martha Stewart'sEntertaining will provide fodder for many acelebration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Just what I was looking for
I was looking for a book that had both recipes and entertaining ideas.Sometimes I just flip through the book to get an idea, a way to prepare or a theme.I enjoy the pictures of her house and the stories that she inculded.This past summer I threw together my own destination wedding on the beach with just a few months of planning.I already had the book and it was wonderfully helpful.Using the book my mom and I made my bouquet, tea breads and all of the hors d'oeuvres.Reading about Martha doing her sister's wedding made it seems easy to plan, and as all of my guests tell me, they had a wonderful time.My mom and I have passed the book back and forth so much that I just bought her one as well.

Best Martha Stewart!
I've had this book since it first came out.It is my Go-To book when I'm throwing a party.The pictures are beautiful and the menus give good ideas even though I usually do simpler versions of them from other books.I've never been disappointed with anything I've made though, and her presentations are inspiring. It's really best for menu ideas, such as what to include in a Thanksgiving dinner, and how many items to include for parties of various sizes.

I'm a big fan of her dessert recipes and make them regularly.Favorites include Pear Almond Tart (gorgeous, delicious and easy to make), Apple Tart Normande and the Kiwi Tartlets - which I've made as a full sized tart.All much easier to make than you'd think.

Gotta have it!
This book is a must for entertaining ideas and recipes. It covers a wide variety of occasions and is very comprehensive.It's still timely and relevant.

My 18 year old copy is still an inspiration!
This is NOT A COOKBOOK!This book is more a guide to throwing a great party that includes recipes as a bonus.
The guide to setting up a bar alone makes it worth having.
There are so many excellent ideas in here, beautiful photos, an emphasis on presentation and beautiful food....that never goes out of style.

Christmas "Downunder" goes all out with Martha this year
My sister and I made a pact that this year was going to see 'Summer on the deck" this Christmas was done in style. A chance encounter of a lifestyle show celebrating the anniversary of this marvellous book on TV paved the way for us to embark on a "mission" to "Entertain as never before". The recipes, suggestions of menus and the details provided to create an atmosphere of celebration are incredible, sensible and motivating. Even though the weather will be toasty and warm during this holiday season in December, the options provided in this book will transform our day. ... Read more

Product Description
A culinary treasure, The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook—The Original Classics became an indispensable reference when it was first published. Now, years later, comes its companion volume, The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook—The New Classics, which includes an index for both volumes and collects more than 1,200 of the best-of-the-best recipes that have appeared in Martha Stewart Living magazine since 2000.

From the practical to the inspirational, from quiet suppers for two to dinner parties for ten, The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook—The New Classics has options for every meal and every cook, with family-pleasing classics, new fare, and twists on both. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner such as Tuna Steaks with Mint Sauce or a sophisticated hors d’oeuvre like Prosciutto Crostini and Fresh Figs with Gorgonzola or a rich dessert like the Ultimate Malted Brownie Sundae, The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook—The New Classics provides excellent choices across 22 categories. In addition to recipes for all-time favorites such as Lasagne Bolognese, Chicken Soup with Dumplings, the Best Onion Rings, and Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust, you will find helpful how-to photographs that demystify preparations for piecrust, gnocchi, soufflés, and more. Here, too, are cooking tips and techniques, nutritional information for healthy choices, comprehensive pantry and equipment glossaries, menu ideas, and a resource guide for finding ingredients.

With the same stunning color photography and easy-to-follow, comprehensive format that grace the pages of Martha Stewart Living and The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook—The Original Classics, this new volume is a must-have reference that will become a loved and oft-used favorite of every home cook.Amazon.com Review
Glazed Ham 101 and Mrs. Kostyra's Babkas
From Martha Stewart, Author of The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The Original Classics and The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics

Throughout my childhood in Nutley, New Jersey, holiday meals--and even summer picnics--often included a delicious smoked ham. My father would take special trips into Manhattan to Mr. Kurowycky's shop on the Lower East Side, which specialized in Eastern European-style cured meats. When Dad returned home, we’d score the ham, brush on a thick layer of brown sugar, and bake it in the oven.

I've made many of my own trips to Kurowycky's until very recently, when the store closed. As for the ham’s preparation, I tinkered with the family recipe, incorporating different spices and sweeteners to create my own glaze. In this version, the spice from the yellow mustard and fennel seeds balances the brown sugar and molasses, while the fresh bay leaves wrapped around the shank bone add an ornamental and flavorful finish. --Martha Stewart

See the recipes for Glazed Ham and Mrs. Kostyra's Babkas in the Fall into Cooking store.

Customer Reviews (16)

Excellent!
I was never very into cooking... mostly because no-one had ever taught me what to or how to cook. Feeling horrible that I could cook no more than basic pasta for my husband, after I got married, I bought this book for myself. I was fairly intimidated at first, but it turned out to be one of the best purchases I have ever made! I've never made a bad meal from this book and my husband is super impressed with my new cooking skills. My favorite is the Southwestern Corn Chowder. Amazing! I puree it and it's just so creamy and hearty with a little kick of spice... perfect for the fall. I've just ordered Martha's "Original Classics" cookbook. I hope that it's just as amazing!

My first Martha
I have never owned a Martha Stewart cookbook before.For some reason I was under the impression that they were "snob" cook books full of unrealistic recipes.Was I ever mistaken!There are some more sophisticated recipes in this book but there are also some simple ones.All I have tried have been good!

As many reviewers have noted, the index is confusing because it is an index to this book AND the older "classics" book.The type for this book with the blue cover is black; the type for the older edition with the orange (?) cover is blue--just the opposite of what you would think.It is rather interesting to notice the difference in the types recipes by looking at the index.For example, when I looked for "fried chicken", I found that there are no pan fried recipes in the new version, but there are some in the old.The newer version tends to be more modern and "healthy" in its cooking approach than the old.However, I just ordered the old one because I like both types of recipes and want to make the choice myself.

This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite cookbooks.Glad I gave Martha a chance!

The Index is a Mess
Thank goodness I read the other reviews just now, and I can see I'm not the only one who's suffered over the ridiculous Index in this book.Martha, why would you include recipes from another book in the Index for this one?It's horribly confusing.The recipes do look delicious though - when I can actually find them!!

best cookbook i own!
this is hands down the best cookbook i have ever used. normally i'll buy a cookbook and it will be filled with recipes i would never even think of making with ingredients that are hard to find. but this cookbook has so many amazing recipes that all i want to do now is cook!!!! i can't wait til christmas so i can try a bunch of them....especially the babka recipe. directions are easy to follow and the array of recipes in each category is plentiful. love it!!

Never too late to learn
I purchased this book as a wedding present.When it arrived, I had to take time to look through it before passing it on to the young bride. I have been cooking since I was seven years old, even had my own catering business and taken a few lessons at the Geenbrier Resort.I am sixty-eight years old and am now retired with time to devote to cooking.I no longer want to "wing" it. This marvelous book has given me the impetus needed to enhance my food preparation skills.It is never to late to learn! ... Read more

Product Description
No matter how busy you are, at the end of the day you want fresh, flavorful meals that are easy to prepare. And you want lots of choices and variations—recipes that call for your favorite foods and take advantage of excellent (and readily available) ingredients. In the first book from the award-winning magazine Everyday Food, you’ll find all of that: 250 simple recipes for delicious meals that are quick enough to make any day of the week.

Because a change in weather affects how we cook as much as what we cook, the recipes in Everyday Food are arranged by season. For spring, you’ll find speedy preparations for main-course salads, chicken, and poached salmon that minimize time spent at the stove; summer features quick techniques for grilling the very best burgers and kabobs as well as no-cook pasta sauces; for fall, there are braised meats and hearty main-course soups; and winter provides new takes on rich one-dish meals, roasts and stews, and hearty baked pastas. Finally, a chapter on basics explains how to make year-round staples such as foolproof roast chicken, risotto, couscous, and chocolate sauce.

Designed in a contemporary and easy-to-read format, Everyday Food boasts lush, full-color photography and plenty of suggestions for substitutions and variations. With Everyday Food, even the busiest on-the-go cook can look forward to meals that bring freshness, nutrition, and a range of flavors to dinner all week long.Amazon.com Review
If you are a fan of Everyday Food magazine (and you should be), you will be wowed by Great Food Fast, a gorgeous full-color cookbook filled to bursting with recipes for fresh, flavorful food that is easy to prepare. Organized by season, Great Food Fast features simple recipes for year-round cooking, including no-cook pasta sauces, main-course soups, one-dish meals, and more. --Daphne Durham

Great Food Fast Recipe Preview

Pan-fried Shrimp with Green Curry Cashew Sauce

Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

You can purchase bottled Thai green curry sauce in most supermarkets, but this recipe proves how quick and easy it is to make your own. Refrigerate any leftover sauce, covered, for up to 3 days.

1 slice (1/4 inch thick) peeled fresh ginger
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons roasted unsalted cashews
1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon curry powder
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 In a food processor, pulse the ginger until finely chopped. Add the 3/4 cup cashews; process until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.
2 Add the yogurt, cilantro, sugar, and curry powder; season with salt. Process until incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl; sprinkle with the remaining cashews.
3 Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the shrimp; cook until opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining tablespoon oil and remaining shrimp. Serve the shrimp with the sauce.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (167)

One of my favorite cookbooks ever!
I purchased "Great Food Fast" a few months ago, and my goal is to make every one of the 250 recipes in the book at least once (yes, the photos are really that beautiful).So far, I have completed 27 of them, and I can say that I have only been disappointed with two (Beef and Orange Stir-Fry, which I think called for too much liquid, resulting in poaching the beef, and the Turkey Meatballs, which weren't bad per se, the purist in me likes the traditional mixture of beef, pork, and veal better).All other recipes have ranged from very good to fantastic.Favorites include the Tortilla Soup, Shrimp with Green Curry Cashew Sauce, and Chicken in Mustard Cream Sauce.As far as I'm concerned, 25 out of 27 is a very high hit rate.

Whenever possible, use fresh herbs when the recipe dictates.It makes a big difference!I have a hard time using up fresh-cut herbs before they begin to wilt, so I bought the potted plants that are used a lot in this book: parsley, basil, cilantro, and snip off whatever I need.Recipes from the Winter section are less likely to require fresh herbs.

I don't think the recipes are "too fancy" (Joy of Cooking, anyone?), although most are certainly worthy of serving to guests.The "inconvenience" of these recipes stems from the focus on fresh produce, rather than frozen or canned, requiring more trips to the store.If you can deal with that, then this is a terrific collection of recipes.

great service
the book arrived in good time, was in excellent condition. No problems, would use this server again.

User Friendly and Great for Beginners!
Nearly every recipe in this book is a hit. I have so many favorites it is hard to pick just one out. I highly recommend this cook book for people who want to learn how to cook with this easy to follow book.

Very helpful
So far every recipe I have tried from this book turned out well.

Cooking for a family for the first time
I'd "cooked" for myself and been a special occasion cook-- but never had the responsibility of daily meals for a family until recently. This book saved me. Instead of poring through multiple cookbooks and magazines, I started creating menus, shopping lists and dinners based solely on the recipes in this book. My family loved them and so did I.

The ingredients are easy to find and the preparation is close to the time estimates in the book (it always takes me a bit longer). The recipes are flexible enough to alter slightly (for instance, using frozen cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp) and still turn out well. In fact, sometimes the recipes contain suggested substitutions. I like the organization by season, using seasonal vegetables and fruits. The breakdown of soups and salads, main courses, pastas, sides and desserts allows me to mix and match the recipes to create menus. Most of the recipes are low in saturated fats and it's easy to produce low carb meals for my diabetic mother.

My copy of this book is bristling with sticky notes as I mark the recipes I love or the new ones I want to try. I can't express how grateful I am for this book. Also the website, which I've used if I had a lot of one thing-- for instance a lot of broccoli-- and needed a recipe for that.

Once I'm more comfortable with recipes and menus, I'm sure I branch out, but for now, this book gives me a wealth of options. ... Read more

Product Description
Looking for the quickest way to peel tomatoes? Frustrated by tumbling bed sheets in your linen closet? Not sure how to space seedlings in your garden? Simple Home Solutions provides answers to these and other everyday problems in the kitchen, garden, and around the house. Practical, useful, and inordinately simple, the ideas in this book will help you solve household dilemmas, get and stay organized, and make the most of your time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

true to Martha
A true Martha book, great little and big ideas.Since I don't get her magazine the ideas were all new to me and got me coming up with my own ideas.

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!
i bought this from a book store in my town.. my new bride sister borrowed it from me and i hardly got it back from her .. gave my copy for my bride-to-be friend and about to order 3 copies, for me, for my sister, and for my other friend.. LOVE LOVE LOVE it ..it's nicely organized and the photos are very clear. you can get the idea without even reading the text. extremely recommended

Great for bridal shower gift
this is a great book!Lots of practical ways to organize, store and care for your everyday items!I got one for me and one for a shower gift for a friend!

Clever Ideas
This book is full of clever ideas and shortcuts. I only hope that I will remember to look them up when I can make use of one of them. As you look through it you will constantly think -- Why didn't I think of that? I never buy the magazine, so these were all new to me.Even if you have seen these tips before, it might be valuable to buy this book anyway as a convenience.You are probably more apt to use these shortcuts if they are compiled into one book rather than spread through a dozen magazines. I hope Martha comes out with more books like this one.

Lots of pictures and short tips
I read a copy fo this book from the library,but I liked it.I am a photo person ,so anything with pictures works for me.This books has lots of pretty pictures and tons of tips,mostof which are no-cost tips. I love MARTHA STEWART !! ... Read more

Product Description
No one knows better how to give a party than Martha Stewart-and as sheproves in this comprehensive and visually dazzling handbook, greatparties begin with great hors d'oeuvres. Three hundred all-newrecipes, each photographed in full color, show why Martha Stewart isstill America's style authority and most trusted party host.

It was fifteen years ago that Martha Stewart first turned hercreativity and talent for teaching to this subject, when she definedthe look and flavor of party appetizers for professionals and homecooks in Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres. Since then, America'stastes have evolved and Martha's own approach to food has expanded toencompass flavors from around the world, seasonal ingredients freshfrom the garden, and innovative preparations all presented with anunsurpassed eye for beauty.

In this book, after laying out the basic foundations and techniques,Martha presents chapters on different hors d'oeuvre categories thatare brimming with new ideas-Layered and Stacked; Wrapped, Rolled,Filled, Folded, and Stuffed; and Skewered and Threaded. Whether aclassic cocktail party food reinvigorated with her wit andstyle-chicken salad tea sandwiches turned on their sides and encrustedwith sesame seeds, for example-or deliciously decadent dips forcruditis and seafood updated with Indian dhal or white beans andmustard greens; tiny toasted breadboxes filled with Welsh rarebit; orsavory sips of soups in edible cups, these impeccable jewels are asexciting as anything Martha has ever invited her readers to serve onthe buffet or tea table or pass among guests.

Reflecting Martha's favorite way to entertain now-informal andrelaxed-there is also Bites and Pieces, a chapter packed with simplerecipes for parties that please the guests without undoing thehost. Marinated olives, spiced and seasoned nuts, handmade cheesecrackers, and spicy cocktail ribs can be prepared quickly and easilyin advance and arranged before the doorbell rings. Even the drinkshave been provided: classic and contemporary cocktails, imaginativelygarnished, are accompanied by a guide to stocking the bar and servingchampagne.

Everything about Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook hasbeen considered to create a book that is easy to use. The size waschosen to comfortably fit in the hand, in the cookbook holder, or onthe kitchen counter. Color photographs in the front of the book helpcooks select which hors d'oeuvres to combine for their own parties;the cross-referenced recipes in the back have been tested in Martha'sown kitchen and in the test kitchens of Martha Stewart Living; and twoplace-marking ribbons keep track of both picture and recipe. And everydetail has been covered-tips on techniques and ingredients, servingideas, menu suggestions, recipe variations, advice on party planning,and even a glossary of equipment, special ingredients, and supplies,with a guide to finding them. With its range of recipes, its wealth ofideas, its lavish photography, and its innovative format, MarthaStewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook is simply the most instructive,inspirational, and indispensable guide to hors d'oeuvres evercompiled.Amazon.com Review
With Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook, Stewart,along with Martha Stewart Living food editor Susan Spungen andphotographer Dana Gallagher, has created not just a handbook but adream book. The first 225 pages consist entirely of beautifullyphotographed, exquisite nibbles, tastes, and bites--and the following270 pages give you the recipes and instructions to re-create them athome. Pink and orange ribbons bound into the book allow you to easilymark photos and recipes. Only Martha and her staff would come up withsomething so beautiful and practical.

You can browse the photos forinspiration, or dive right into one of the chapters, all organized bypresentation, such as "Layered and Stacked"; "Wrapped, Rolled, Filled,Folded and Stuffed"; "Skewered and Threaded"; "Bites and Pieces"; and"Sips and Drinks," just to name a few. Having a few friends over forcocktails before the show? How about Crispy Asparagus Straws, adelicious combo of asparagus wrapped in prosciutto and phyllo andsprinkled with Parmesan? The sophisticated flavors belie the ease ofpreparation. Have a little more time to prepare? The Jicama and GreenPapaya Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce are tasty andbeautiful.

As gorgeous as this cookbook is, don't dismiss it ascoffee-table cooking--several helpful photos show technique as well asfinished product, and Martha's tips and notes are sprinkled throughoutthe text. For example, a lengthy sidebar on purchasing and preparingshrimp shares how to buy shrimp (the high quality of flash-frozenshrimp these days makes it perfectly acceptable), how to cook it (usekosher salt in your cooking water), and how best to peel and deveinthe little treasures. Similarly, reading the note on preparing phyllowill encourage even a novice cook to try her hand at Phyllo Triangleswith Feta and Spinach or Curried Walnut Chicken. If you're planning aparty and need fabulous finger food, you needn't look any further thanMartha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook. --RebeccaA. Staffel ... Read more

Customer Reviews (89)

Well done
I've owned this book for years and love it.I get it out every time I throw a party.I particularly enjoy hosting afternoon teas and so the tea sandwich recipes have become old standbys and guest favorites.I've tried several other recipes, though, such as "crispy asparagus straws," and "Roquefort grapes," which are to die for.By the way, I'm the type of person who gets a lot of satisfaction and pleasure from assembling armies of tiny, beautiful foods.

No, not ALL the recipes include expensive ingredients, only a few do.And, no, not ALL the recipes are fussy and time-consuming, but some are.It's not hard to figure out that as a host you plan a menu with mostly make-ahead things, and a very few last minute-prep things.It seems to me that those who gave this book a low rating had better stick with opening a jar of salsa and dumping a bag of chips in a bowl.Oh yeah, and maybe a Crockpot with cocktail sausages swimming in grape jelly.If these foods are right up your alley, this book is not.

And lastly, in flipping through it again for inspiration for this review, I'm impressed.This book was published in 1999?!I can't believe how fresh and modern the ideas still look!If it were published today, I would still be thrilled and impressed with it, and would buy it (especially at those used prices).

Great Receipes!
Beautiful Photography.Lots of easy to make Hors d'Oeuvres>The olive Biscotti is wonderful!

Hors d'Oeuvres handbook
I am one who needs to see photos of what the creations are supposed to look like after they are built
This book has them, it's very helpful
Also contains some 'classic' recipes
However, recepices are a little more time consuming than first thought

Full of information.
Lots of ideas, good photos. Typically 'chatty' from Martha. Both simple as well as more complex items (i.e. yeast bread straws).

Awesome
Only Martha and her staff could come up with a book like this. I really love the concept of this book. The 1st half of the book contains beautiful colored photos of every single item. The 2nd half of the book is all the recipes. There are 2 built in ribbon bookmarks. Take 1 ribbon and mark the photo and take the other ribbon and mark the recipe. The majority of the recipes you have never eaten or dreamed of. If I was wealthy and had a chef---I would hand the book over and show them what appetizers I wanted prepared for the party. Years ago my mother purchased the book and she made many of the recipes. They were delicious. I wanted my own copy. If you are a fan of fancy appetizers this is your book. If you are looking for chicken wings and potato skins this is not your book. ... Read more

Product Description
The paperback edition of the best-selling book in which Martha Stewart invites readers to join in her Christmas celebrations as she decorates her home, wraps special gifts, and prepares luscious meals for her friends and family throughout the holidays. Full-color phontographs.Amazon.com Review
Martha Stewart's Christmas remains a classic cookingand decorating guide for the Christmas season. The book can be viewedas an elaborate timeline for preparing for December 25--indeed, Marthaclaims the book was written and photographed in "real time" from theday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Along the way, Marthateaches you how to make plum pudding, 24 different types of cookies,and a holiday party menu featuring cassoulet for 100. For ChristmasDay dinner, a towering croquembouche is perhaps the finest culinaryfeature of the menu, which features roast ducklings with wild rice,chestnut, and cranberry dressing. Martha also provides tips ondecorating trees, making ornaments, gift-wrapping papers, and makingbeautiful wreaths and topiaries. There's even advice on making up giftbaskets of the cookies, conserves, and puddings that you've createdyourself. Martha herself admits that "it's true, we did get carriedaway"--she creates an elaborate gingerbread mansion--but most of therecipes and crafts are easy to follow and produce greatresults. Martha Stewart's Christmas is a real gift. C.B. Delaney ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Shallow book like the author
There are better Christmas books on decorating and entertaining.

The most beautiful christmas book!
I can see this book is not new. It is to me, and I find is very inpirational! I use it every year for Christmas, for getting the house ready, for baking, for decorating and setting the tables, for ideas on how to use my plates, bowls and dishes in different ways, for altering things I already own into new settings -
I do own a few of her C-mas books, this is by far the best one. If you celebrate this holiday - or just want to arrange a beautiful winter feast, you will not be sorry to own this book!(I use it as gifts for friends, and have already bought three..)

Lovely book
I loved the 'feel' of this book, very festive. The presentation is beautiful.
What disappointed me a little was that there was no pattern for the gingerbread mansion that was featured in the book, which was the main reason I bought it. It's a little too easy for me to just be told to 'use your imagination' and 'the possibilities are endless'. I expected more!
Other than that, it is a very nice addition to my book collection with timeless ideas and inspirations, or just to browse through when christmas season comes around.

Something for every ability and interest level
Yesterday I made Noel Nut Balls and the chocolate-dipped almond cookies for the fifth or sixth Christmas in a row, and chances are I'll make several of the other recipes before the end of the holidays.The cookie recipes are easy to follow, guaranteed to please and the cookies themselves can be frozen for weeks without any change in texture, appearance or flavor. However, I can't imagine many busy people whipping up the cassoulet or even the fruitcake unless they are experienced cooks who can confidently evaluate and execute rather expensive (in terms of ingredients) recipes.
The craft and gift ideas run the range from easy and very rewarding (such as making your own wrapping paper, which turns out to be a great activity to do with children-- and those gold and coppery designs look sensational under the tree) to the fantastical...like using a jeweller's drill to make holes in nuts for decorative purposes.Still, this is a book full of ideas for holiday activities and creations for people with the full range of abilities and available time and it really is enjoyable to read and to look through.
I am buying a second copy because the first has literally fallen apart.This is the second Martha Stewart book to have broken into pieces (Entertaining did, as well) and I do question the quality of binding.

The Most Useful Christmas Book I've Found
I adore Martha Stewart.She's a terrific teacher and this is absolutely the best Christmas "idea" book I've ever read.I love the recipes and photos.It's a book I will treasure and one I will use overand over again.Thank you, Martha! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
When you look past the cover of Martha Stewart's latest effort, you findit's not all about framing your fern collection. (Whew!)It is, however,about defining your home's style using accessories that look expensive but(generally) aren't.There's some very practical and budget-consciousadvice here in the chapters about pictures, tables and stools, lamps andshades, shelves, screens and mirrors, and pillows and throws.You candisguise the humble origins of inexpensive adjustable shelving by addingwood trim around the edges and painting everything, including the metalstandards and braces, to match the wall color. You can break up or concealspace with screens you make yourself from plain wood panels or old windows.You can update small outdoor tables with do-it-yourself mosaic tile thatgoes on in one piece.You can, of course, make a large framed entrywaymirror from an $800 slab of mirror glass, as Martha does-- but really, noone will check your bank statement to see how much you spent, and it willreflect just as clearly with inexpensive hardware-store mirror glass.Someof the best projects are for sofa pillows, bed and table linens, andlampshades.Though Martha's voice isn't much in evidence in the text, herconcepts are definitely here: the instructions are simple andstraightforward and the look clean, comfortable and unfussy. --BarrieTrinkle ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Great ideas!
This book is very typical Martha, if you like her style you;ll like this book. I do think some of the craft stuff would be easier and cheaper to buy than make but I think you always have to remember above all it's an idea book. And yes, a lot of Martha's stuff tends to be expensive but you can achieve that look if you buy (I borrow from the library)some of her books and take them with you when you're shopping! Anyone can duplicate some of the most expensive rooms and furniture as long as you put in the time to research and shop around and have a clear picture of what you're looking. I'm the kind of person who likes so many styles (from modern to country) I use Martha's books to help me streamline my ideas and create a cohesive room.

Decorating Details Marth Stewart
Really nice book, to read and to have as a coffee table book

I had a bad experience
I spent a few weeks following her suggestions and thousands on the materials.We had a dinner party to show off the ideas I used and some people were polite with compliments.My husband found a few of our "friends" laughing at Martha's ideas.

A friend later confided that some of the people thought the Martha ideas I implemented were pathetic.I changed most of the things back and my husband was furious. I cried for a week. Maybe she deserves jail time after my experience.

Interesting, practical ideas
This book is the follow-on to "How to Decorate," Martha's first book. This book concentrates on the small details: how to display pictures, how to arrange your collections, and so on. The introductory chapter on how to display pictures and photographs is particularly good, giving ideas (complete with beautiful photographs) on how to display pictures and explaining principles such as where to place pictures, how to arrange them, and why certain arrangements of pictures work in certain places and not others.

The book emphasizes Martha's trademark, which is finding inexpensive but beautiful pieces at garage sales, refinishing them, and adapting them to new uses. Many of the ideas she presents, such as refinishing an old footstool and turning it into a stereo stand, are practical and attractive.

Another winner by Martha
In the long line of excellently crafted books, Decorating Details qualifies as very useful, quality speaks highly for Martha. Detailed photos on top quality paper, have become a mainstay with her books. The book covers pictures, tables & stools, lamps & shades, shelves, screens & mirrors, and pillows & throws. Each section has detailed instructions, for making in making lamp shades there are detailed photos, as well as, written instructions for drafting, decorating, and making a lamp shade.Decorating Details give simple and easy ideas for decorating any space. ... Read more

Product Description
"Will you marry me?"

If you or someone you love said yes, let America's wedding experts help you create a day as romantic as the day he asked. For more than a decade, Martha Stewart and the editors of Martha Stewart Weddings have guided brides down the aisle, onto the dance floor, and over the threshold with thousands of ideas for making their wedding day unforgettable. In this breathtakingly beautiful volume, brides-to-be -- or anyone participating in planning this joyous event -- will find ideas and inspiration for every element of a wedding, including decoration, flowers, cakes, food, favors, and photography.

The very best ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings have been organized here in four sections--For the Ceremony, For the Reception, Forever, and For Reference. For the Ceremony is filled with bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, and bridesmaids flowers. There are decorating ideas for every kind of ceremony imaginable -- a classic clapboard church, a grassy meadow, or the family living room. For the Reception features exquisite lighting ideas, a selection of drinks and hors d'oeuvres, charming favors for guests, and, of course, cakes. There are more than 30 cakes to inspire you, and there is one to suit every style, taste, and budget. Novice bakers can learn how to make a basic wedding cake in Wedding Cake 101. Forever includes albums, guest books, and keepsakes. In the For Reference section there is information to help you plan the ceremony and reception, select music, chose stationery, prepare hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, and find supplies to make many of the projects pictured.

Designed to evoke the grandeur with which a wedding day should be celebrated,The Best of Martha Stewart Weddings is the ultimate guide to creating a wedding day as touching as the words "I do."Amazon.com Review
The maven of all things tasteful, Martha Stewart has impeccable style whenit comes to weddings, and The Best of Martha Stewart Living:Weddingscompiles the finest ideas from the magazine of thesame name. The book is designed to provide inspiration for the big day,whether it is for the ceremony or the reception. Wedding apparel isn'tcovered, but all of the other significant parts of the wedding are:ceremony and reception decorating, bouquets and boutonnieres, weddingcakes, favors, guest books, music--even storage and display ofphotographs and other memorabilia after the wedding.

Stewart encourages readers to use the book's ideas as inspiration for weddingelements unique to the bride and groom, and to avoid simply incorporating the book's ideas into their wedding day. She emphasizes that a weddingshould reflect the couple's personality and wishes, as well as any customsthey choose to follow. There are few rules of etiquette à la Emily Post.Instead, the book provides historical explanations of common weddingtraditions, then gives examples of variations on that tradition that couples have decided to use in their weddings. Stylishly arranged colorphotographs of the bouquets, wedding cakes, reception decorations, table settings, party favors, and more bring the ideas to life; instructions for reproducing them are often provided.

Many of Martha's suggestions are doable even on a budget because they stickto simple, classic design. The reference section at the end of thebook includes ceremony and reception planning and seating tips; musicsuggestions; recipes for cakes, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres; andsources for wedding supplies. The Best of Martha Stewart Living: Weddings should prove a rich source of inspiration for couples lookingto add stylish and meaningful touches to their wedding day. --KrisLaw ... Read more

Customer Reviews (60)

Great Wedding book
Great Wedding book!I gave this to my best friend for her wedding, and it worked out very well!Great gift idea, lots of good information, ideas!

Love all things Martha!
A Beautiful book that gives all that you expect from Martha for Weddings! A great help for decor, flowers, food, and more!!!

The Best of Martha Stewart Living Weddings
I was looking for something for a wedding.This book was just what I needed.Lots of pictures.Highly recommend it.Shipping and correspondence with seller was great.I love amazon.com....Thanks, Angie

Fantastic for wedding ideas in any budget!
I checked this book out at the library and had to keep renewing it!I used this for so many ideas for my wedding, and we spent less than 10k on the WHOLE thing by doing a lot of the things ourselves.Many people remarked it was the best wedding they've ever been to. I would have bought the book if I could have found it used, but it was too much new for my budget.Get this book!You won't regret it!Another great book for modern but charming wedding ideas is Jo Gartin's Weddings: An Inspiring Guide for the Stylish Bride.You can have a charming wedding without going into debt!

excellent
Martha Stewart has been my role model and continues to inspire me.Her magazines are worth subscribing to.They are filled with lots of ideas.she is a remarkable teacher. ... Read more

Product Description
Nothing is more thrilling and romantic than a beautiful wedding. Here, in a simply spectacular book, Martha Stewart takes us behind the scenes of some of the most lovely weddings ever. Over 40 weddings and receptions, from small, intimate celebrations for 18 to lavish parties for 400, are documented in more than 700 full-color photographs. The settings are as varied as an idyllic country farm in New Jersey, a gracious mansion on eastern Long Island, an elegant townhouse in New York City, a private island in New Hampshire, a ranch in Texas, and the oldest and most beautiful cathedral in Montreal. We see the choices the brides, grooms, and their families made and how they planned every detail of their special day.

All the essential elements of a wedding are discussed in depth in chapters filled with information and ideas: Style, Organization, Invitations, Wedding Dresses, Bridal Bouquets, Ceremony, Music, Decoration, and, of course, Wedding Menus and Cakes. More than 120 recipes are included for varied wedding receptions, from cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to buffets, sit-down lunches and dinners, and even barbecues. Twelve different recipes for traditional as well as nontraditional wedding cakes (including carrot, lemon, and even a cheesecake) are included along with step-by-step instructions for assembling and decorating them.

Weddings are back in style, and anyone who is getting married or is involved in some way with a wedding will want to read and use this wonderfully inspiring book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Substance stands up to test of time
As 'The Best of MS Living Weddings' proved to be a winner for my family, and another wedding recently came on to our horizon, 'Weddings' was ordered.
Relatively few wedding books explore 'at home' celebrations, so I was glad to invest in a copy.I was prepared to overlook the c1980s details because I had every confidence that Ms Stewart's abilities as a caterer and competent authority on nuptials would stand the test of time.
I must admit that the appearance of this book truly is outdated (caused mostly by its now unfashionable pictorial format and photographs of bad couture, some hopelessly ridiculous bridesmaid costumes, etc). Nevertheless, the substance hasn't been at all compromised.
'Weddings' contains the introductory information that I was looking for: sensible points worth mulling over.In particular, it offers a good introduction to the concept and process of planning.
Since reading this book, I have had plenty to consider and reconsider. Unexpectedly, this book showed me that what appear now to be kitsch or faddish details are really sobering reminders of the importance of keeping everything as simple and as timeless as possible.

Great info though some is outdated
It's great information for someone planning a wedding.Some old info, but one can change things to make their own perfect wedding.

Dated like her picture on the cover - Avoid
I bought this at a garage sale for $2.00.Our neighbor's daughter was getting married but the book was not very good.The ideas are very dated.If you want to plan a 1970s style wedding and want to spend a lot of money for a picture of Martha when she was young and not grossly overweight than this is your book.

Martha Stewart Weddings
I was very disappointed with this particular book. I was looking forward to a book with many wedding ideas, however, this book is less of ideas and more on weddings meanings and tradition. The ideas it does share are very out-of-date.

French readers will love it.
Gaby deLourdes-Renoir reviews(a Top-10 Amazon.com reviewer) made us love Martha Steward books. "Wedding" is full of extraordinary pictures. You just dream you were there! Will your daughter ever know suchbeautiful moments? Martha Steward helps you to think "yes" as ananswer. Just because she explains you how to cut into small pieces a huge"wedding-cake" (the wedding party you will have to organize).Chapters are divided into specific subjects that can easily be handled byone specific responsible in your family. In the "lightning"chapter, you will discover through artistic (and useful) pictures how tocreate a cheap impressive range of lights in the garden with yellow paperbags and ordinary candles. All chapters include bright ideas for beautifulpeople (like you and me...). I love books that make me feel "I can doit". Especially when they show me beautiful people a a help in theidentification process. ... Read more

Product Description
With 250 tempting recipes to take you from breakfast all the way through dessert, Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast is the indispensable collection that home cooks yearn for. Organized into familiar categories—including sandwiches and pizzas, appetizers, salads, soups and stews, pastas, main courses, and side dishes—this highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling Everyday Food: Great Food Fast helps you whip up the perfect dish any time of day.  
 
Here is a book for the way we cook and eat now, with an emphasis on stretching meals (for example, leftovers from a roasted chicken are used to make a quick gumbo and roasted vegetables perform a second act as a vibrant pizza topping), turning to economical ingredients that deliver great results (such as flank steak, served with a piquant parsley-garlic sauce), and making healthier versions of comfort foods without skimping on flavor (like a lower-calorie chicken potpie). A section on enticing vegetarian main dishes as well as a roster of irresistible desserts round out this comprehensive collection. Here’s a taste of what’s inside:  
 
Breakfast: Jam-Filled French Toast  
Sandwiches and Pizzas: Eggplant and Mozzarella Melt  
Appetizers: Goat Cheese Crostini  
Salads: BLT Salad with Buttermilk Dressing  
Soups and Stews: Minestrone  
Pastas: Spaghetti Puttanesca  
Main Courses: Meatballs with Rosemary  
Vegetarian: Mushroom and Parmesan Risotto  
Side Dishes: Roasted Sweet Potato Fries  
Desserts: Gingered Blackberry and Plum Shortcakes   
 
Brimming with great time- and budget-saving tips as well as smart kitchen techniques, Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast helps you use what you have on hand to make everyone’s favorite foods. With an easy-to-read format, a photograph of each and every dish, and plenty of ideas to keep you inspired, this is the cookbook you will turn to day after day for wonderfully simple, delicious meals.  Amazon.com Review

Sample Recipe from Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast

Lamb Chops with Parsley Pesto

Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Pesto made with parsley and sharp Pecorino Romano cheese (and without nuts) makes a colorful topping for tender lamb chops. It could also be tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or mixed with cream cheese for a dip to serve with crudités.

Lamb Chops
8 lamb loin chops (each 4 ounces and 1 inch thick)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup Parsley Pesto (recipe below)

Heat a large skillet over medium. Pat dry lamb with paper towels. Season chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook (in two batches, if necessary) 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Serve immediately, topped with pesto.

Parsley Pesto
Makes 1/2 cup
2 cups packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (2 ounces)
1 small garlic clove, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for storing (optional)
Freshly ground pepper

In a food processor, finely chop parsley, cheese, and garlic. With the motor running, add oil in a slow, steady stream; season with pepper. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and cover with a thin layer of oil; refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Freezing Pesto
Pesto keeps very well in the freezer, so it’s worth making extra. Freeze it in small airtight containers, covered with a thin layer of olive oil. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.

Customer Reviews (27)

Did Martha taste these before she published??
I admit, I've only tried one recipe so I was generous in giving it TWO stars instead of the one my recipe deserved.But my husband, 9 yr old, and 3 yr old say it is the worst thing I've EVER made so that doesn't really inspire me to try another one.I cooked the udon with edamame and chicken dish....it was flavorless--unless you count tasting vegetable oil, which is something I don't really enjoy.Common sense should have told me that salt, pepper, rice vinegar, and 2 TBS of soy sauce were not going to make this a tasty dish.

One thing I will say is that it has some good ideas for recipes and the next time I try cooking something out of it (if I ever do) I will take Emeril's advice and "kick it up a notch" or two or three!:)

My Favorite Cookbook
Every recipe in this book looks delicious, and the ones I have made so far have tasted great.This book is so so easy to use; I understand all of the directions, and can easily find all the ingredients at the store.I love having a picture for every dish, and there are a lot of helpful hints throughout.GREAT cook book for quick, yummy meals.Highly recommend.

I Like It....Lives up to the title!
I actually bought this a few months ago at Costco, looked through it and was very unimpressed and returned it. I have a HUGE much used/perused cookbook collection that includes the 1st book in this series which gets underused, and thought this one did little to grab me, at best. Fast forward to a few weeks ago...was browsing at a store and picked this up. Saw it with different eyes this time so re-bought and and have been using it.

It is a great collection of fresh quick recipes. The Pan Bagnet, a pressed tuna/egg sandwich a la Nice France, is fantastic. The super easy black bean stuffed baked green chilis, a quick and healthier alternative to chili rellenos is also fantastic; the coconut and beef curry with noodles, made w/shrimp and tofu as we don't eat beef, its superb.The Lighter Chicken Pot Pie made with a phyllo top crust is a keeper. And I could go on. It is just what it claims to be: a collection of mostly fast recipes made with fresh ingredients. There is a commendable nod to pan-Asian (ie, using or referencing Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other Asian food traditions) and Latin dishes (some Mexican, a Jerk Chicken recipe that is workable for the average kitchen and more) and some predictable Italian/pasta/pizza recipes that are good and straightforward. What I like about their recipes is that...they work! This is an experienced crew under M. Stewart's exec. direction: they KNOW how to build and test recipes. All things considered, the seasonings are nicely balanced.

Okay, here are two thoughts that I think noteworthy:
1.) If you live somewhere where you cannot go to the "International Foods" section of your supermarket and get things like Thai Curry Paste, coconut milk, some grains like quinoa, and a few other ethnically-specific condiments ingredients that might possibly be unavailable outside of metropolitan areas, well, there is still plenty to work with here, but you might be a bit frustrated. For alot of us this is NOT an issue, but I know from reading reviews of other books that it drives some people crazy to not be able to get what they consider exotic ingredients...so, consider that.

2.) I would have considered this for 5***** but I think there is one area in which they could have made it more versatile and usable, consistent with the theme of the book. They could, and don't, suggest possible substitutions/creative alternatives. Mark Bittman is stellar at this. Especailly helpful if you are touting a Fresh theme. We don't eat beef or pork and constantly sub out recipe items. More and more people are leaning toward poulty, fish/seafood and veggie proteins, so making suggestions for that would have been appropriate. Or for ways to be creative: we added marinated artichokes to the pan bagnat one time, tomatoes another, and roasted red peppers and capers another time....throughout the book it would have made sense to include ideas for a spin on the main recipe. And that is how folks cook now...so, for that I would add the 5th star.

I do recommend it... great easy book to just grab and go with, even if you are an experienced cook. I am just that with great foodie resources within easy reach, but I have a super demanding job and a book like this is a no brain-strain way to whip up just what the title says when I need something good, fresh, and fast.

Very practicle cookbook!
My favorite thing about this cookbook is that there is a color photo of every recipe so you know what your creation should look like.There isn't a requirement of odd ingredients that cost a fortune.Directions are easy to understand and there are great cooking tips in the back of the book.I highly recommend this edition of Everyday Food!

Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living
The recipes in this cookbook are just what the title states, Fresh Flavor Fast.I bought this cookbook as a companion to Great Food Fast, also a Martha Stewart Living book.When I visited my sister recently in Arizona, she cooked out of both of these cookbooks and everything she made was delicious, so when I got home I had to order both cookbooks for myself and I am delighted with both of them.It is possible to make beautiful, very tasty food very fast using these cookbooks and I highly recommend them both! ... Read more