Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Review by Shala Kerrigan

13 October 2009 @ 06:44 am

Stir, Laugh, Repeat

I really think that comfort cooking is going to be the next big thing. People will still love their gourmet seasonings and all their foodie toys, but there will also be a resurgence in familiar favorites, the sort of foods that your grandmother or mother might have made for family and company.
That's what this cookbook is. Classic homestyle recipes that have stood the test of time. The author wants you to play with them, to find what works for you and your family. Some of the recipes in here I have my own versions of already, but a lot of them, I don't. The recipes are easy and there are a lot of tips for making your time in the kitchen quicker and easier.
Unlike a lot of my cookbooks, this one actually has lots of recipes I can see becoming a part of our regular menu. My husband is patient enough with my experiments in hummus, tofu and white bean chilis and that sort of thing but he really prefers American classic home cooking.
Monkey Bread was one of my mom's standbys, and it was nice to see it in here. My daughter will enjoy making that. My son will love the mushroom bread, and my husband is looking forward to me trying the chicken fried steak recipe because I've never made that for him before.

You can find recipes and more about the cookbook at the author's blog Stir, Laugh, Repeat

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Review by Lou Allin

 
The Biggest Little Cookbook in the World,

October 19, 2009

By	Lou Allin "Islander" (Vancouver Island)

For all those who find preparing meals a chore, here's a little cookbook with a big attitude. Martha Cheves finds "joy while playing in the kitchen." Every time she emerges with a brimming pan or pot, she brings another gem to save time and money while pleasing the palate. Her down-home southern commentary reads like a personal diary and gives a special touch to each delicious dish. In this compact book loaded with fail-safe recipes, Martha starts with a winner: Banana Puddin'. This wonderful dessert vanishes faster than spring snow and always leaves guests cleaning their plates. Artichoke Chicken, Meatloaf Muffins, Rabbit Food Sandwich, and Pina Colada Salad. The turn of every page leads to more fun, imagination and taste that won't quit. Especially helpful are the clever tips at the end of each offering. Who could have thought that sour cream works magic in scrambled eggs or that leftover pickle juice could make cucumbers sparkle? As the final page turns, there's only one request for Martha, "More, please?"

Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Review

My son has adopted your cookbook and I swear every other page is rabbit-eared. He absolutely loves it. He tried the pork chops with mustard. I must admit it was unusual, but I liked the different taste instead of it being bland. Yesterday, when I got home, he had made pulled monkey bread which was out of this world. Loved it!

Joan Carter

A Different Type of Cook Book - Review

A Different Type of Cook Book - Highly Recommended!, October 13, 2009

By	CFH "chillnhill" (Blue Ridge Summit, PA USA) - See all my reviews

"Stir, Laugh, Repeat" is more than a just a great collection of practical recipes. In many cases, Martha Cheves has added personal comments and stories relating to the dish and has is also populated helpful tips after each recipe.

The structure of the book is different than I am used to seeing since there isn't a Table of Contents and the recipes are all mix up, with no real order. This was done to encourage the reader to actually read through the whole the book. Thankfully there is an Index so you can find the ones you like later.

Since I work from home most of the time and my wife works at our shop, I have been trying to make a few meals a week. This book has a lot of recipes that can actually be followed by someone with my limitted skills. Also, since I am not an expert in the kitchen, the included hints are very welcome and have taught me some very handy cooking tricks.


An enjoyable and practical cookbook! Highly Recommended!

Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Book Review by Laura Duksta

I received your book --it's great!! I love the cover--its got a beautiful energy and the colors, title and subtitle all work really well together!

"I grew up in a restaurant that my grandparents owned. When I received Martha's book my mom was visiting; she picked it up and proceeded to read every story to me while we both belly laughed. Stir, Laugh, Repeat is filled with delicious, simple recipes all topped off with Martha's secret ingredient-her amazing sense of humor!"

Laura Duksta
Author, New York Times Best Seller, I Love You More

Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Review by Marilyn Meredith

Martha A. Cheves has compiled recipes that are easy to cook, with a minimum number of ingredients--many of which you probably already have in your pantry--and best of all, each one comes out tasting great.

I'm not fond of baking and I get tired of cooking dinner since I've done it nearly every night for 58 years, one in awhile for two or three, sometimes for seven and often more. I'm always looking for something different, easy, inexpensive and delicious to fix--Stir, Laugh, Repeat does all this and more.

And, as a bonus, great cooking tips are scattered throughout.

Stir, Laugh, Repeat would be the perfect shower gift for a bride-to-be.

Marilyn Meredith

Frugal Cooking at it's Best!

Frugal cooking at it's best!, September 8, 2009
By Angela S. Sullivan "Angela Sullivan, MA" (Royston, GA)

I love to cook, but I get really frustrated when I try to use recipe books because I'm always missing one or two ingredients! This is not the case with Stir, Laugh, Repeat! Martha Cheves provides real recipes for real families using normal ingredients! She makes cooking for a family easy and inexpensive! I love how she is able to take an old dish and make it new by adding something I would have never thought of.

The best part about the book is that it is not only a cook book to reference, but it is also entertaining to sit and read like a novel! Martha tells wonderful stories about her family. I cannot tell you how many times I've reached for her book when I couldn't think of anything to cook for dinner! She also has a blog that is filled with great tips for making cooking easy and fun!

Well done! I am looking forward to her next edition!