Review by Glenn Kleier

5.0 out of 5 stars A delight, December 11, 2011

By 

Glenn Kleier - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Stir, Laugh, Repeat: 0 (Kindle Edition)

My wife and I were vacationing in the Hudson Valley recently and stopped at a quintessential northeastern town for lunch. Afterwards we browsed an antique store where we bought a very old and heavy wooden rolling pin. I thought at the time, what fascinating stories and recipes this antique must hold. Now I've some idea. "Stir, Laugh, Repeat" is a cookbook that delivers not only delicious snacks, meals and desserts, but stories behind them--real life events that contribute as much to the experience of preparing the meals as the recipes themselves. Martha Cheves has a refreshing sense of humor, a sweet lady--like having a favorite relative in the kitchen advising you. ("Chuck's Fruit Salad" is a quick fix and a favorite). "Stir, Lauch, Repeat" would make a nice stocking stuffer for anyone you know who'd enjoy a warm and friendly hand in the kitchen.

Newest Review for Stir, Laugh, Repeat

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Cookbook!, June 23, 2011

By 

Authors On The Rise Reviews (Columbia S.C) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stir, Laugh, Repeat (Perfect Paperback)

I found myself going through this entire cookbook, taking notes in between. I've always struggled making gravy and just gave up and brought packets of gravy from the store. Thanks to Martha I went into the kitchen and followed her recipe and my gravy was perfect.

I loved the stories she shared and the tips such as keeping lemons and lime fresh,making your own breadcrumbs, peeling tomatoes and many more are lifesavers. I found so many receipes that I wanted to try for the longest such as Monkeybread, chicken Pot Pie, and many others.

I really enjoyed the stories and tips. They were lifesavers.

Stir, Laugh, and Repeat by Martha A Cheves is the BEST cookbook I have read. You get more than just receipes; You get tips and stories.

Get this cookbook. You will Enjoy it.

Reviewed by AOTR: Dee Dee M. Scott

Amazon Review for Stir, Laugh, Repeat

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Scrumptious, May 3, 2011

By 

EE Wilder (PA - USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stir, Laugh, Repeat (Kindle Edition)

Now here is a lady who loves cheese as much as I do and is not afraid to use it. In Stir, Laugh, Repeat, Martha Cheves has compiled recipes based on down to earth cooking, perfected with patience. Her shortcuts make sense and more than once I slapped my head, thinking - why didn't I think of that.
Her personal notes about the recipes add to the fun and I have already started using some of her "TIPS". This would be a perfect gift for the bride to be. I can see it in a bridal shower basket of basic essentials. But I also see it in the library of someone like me who has been married for over 50 years and always looking for some wonderful, quick meals with a new twist - good old southern cooking. The new twist for me - I'm a New England 'girl'. My first cooking adventure with Martha will be the Salmon Puffs. I recommend Stir, Laugh, Repeat to anyone looking for a simpler way to make old favorites without losing the down home feel.

Elizabeth Wilder
author - The Spruce Gum Box

Quick Recipes - Review by Hank Quense

5.0 out of 5 stars quick recipes, April 17, 2011

By 

Hank Quense (Bergenfield, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Stir, Laugh, Repeat (Kindle Edition)

Cheves cookbook

I do a lot of cooking and consequently, I read a lot of cookbooks. All of them have many complicated recipes calling for a lot for ingredients. I always assumed that was the way of the cook. Until I got a copy of Martha Cheves' cook book Stir, Laugh, Repeat.

This cookbook specializes in simple recipes that should find favor with working couples who haven't the time or energy to cook complicated recipes. Martha's recipes call for pre-packaged ingredients that could be stocked in advance and used as the need arises.

As an example, Martha has a chicken and rice recipe that has similarities to the Spanish classic Arroz con Pollo, one that I make a lot. I use chicken, rice, onions, peppers, tomatoes, broth, saffron and other spices. It takes twenty minutes of prep work and an hour of stovetop cooking; adding ingredients, stirring etc. Martha's recipes calls for chicken and a prepackaged box of saffron rice and a few other ingredients with almost no preparation time and less than a half-hour in the oven.

All in all, this cookbook should find favor with many busy families and others who aren't thrilled by cooking but like to eat.

Review for Stir, Laugh, Repeat

Review for Martha Cheves book, Stir, laugh, repeat.

Martha A. Cheves has a wonderful sense of family, and it shows through this compilation of her tasty selection of recipes and quotes. As you read and study the delicious recipes, you’ll love the way she adds a personal touch of family and friends to make it more inviting and fun.

I have not seen a recipe quite the likes of this. My mouth waters and I chuckle as I read through the quips and quotes of her fun and catchy stories. Indeed a collection of recipes worth tasting and sharing! I have already tasted two of her recipes and you must own this book. Its worth every chuckle and morsel it contains!! She has many great tips as well, which we cooks always love to know, so if you like to eat as well as cook, this lovely cook-book is a must have!

   Reviewed by author, writer, poet and cook! Sharon Hays   www.SharonHays.com  

Books: Mysteerie Manor, Mysteerie Manor II, The Tumbleweed Family, (children’s book) and soon a compilation of Poetry and Art Coffee Table book that any art and poet will enjoy!  www.MysteerieManor.com, and www.TumbleweedFamilyStories.com

Comment by Author Mary Deal

Mary Deal bought my Cookbook Stir, Laugh, Repeat and decided to make my Carrot Muffins.  When I saw and read her comment, I knew I had to share.





Carrot Muffins from Martha Cheves's cookbook, "Stir, Laugh, Repeat." These muffins are so moist and light I had to eat them with a fork.

Stir, Laugh, Repeat Review by Mary Deal

“Stir, Laugh, Repeat” by Martha A. Cheves is not only a great cookbook, it is a fun read. The first day I received the book, I perused it to find a recipe to sample. In reading, I found these recipes, some for all meals and snacks, easy and quick. A recipe that takes only one paragraph to tell how to throw all the ingredients together for a scrumptious dish is my kind of book. Then Martha gives a little history for each recipe about how that food was used in her own cooking at home. But that’s not all. Following every recipe is a Tip for the cook. One of my favorites was:

“When my three kids were young, we would have a Mystery TV Dinner Night. Each night when I cooked dinner, before it went on the table, I would take a plastic sectioned plate and put a full serving of everything on the plate, wrap it in plastic wrap and then tightly wrap it in foil and put it into the freezer. On Mystery Night, everyone would go to the freezer and take out a dish. You couldn’t peek. Each plate would be microwaved and that was your meal for the night. You may have country fried steak, spaghetti, fish, even chili. It was fun watching the kids open their meals. They were never disappointed because I would make sure it was filled with food they liked.”

Martha Cheves knows how to feed her family and have fun too, and now shares her recipes with us. Oh yes, the recipe I chose to make first was the Strawberry Nut Crunch. I made it with Macadamia nuts. It was so delightful, I will make it again, and enough of it for about 50 people at a big celebratory potluck. I’ll also be taking this delightful book to share with others.

Cheers!
Mary
--

Mary Deal

Author, Painter, Photographer

2009 Eric Hoffer Book Award Winner

2009 Pushcart Prize Nominee

Writing site: http://www.WriteAnyGenre.com

Art Gallery: http://www.MaryDealFineArt.com

A Review for Stir, Laugh, Repeat all the way from Las Vegas!

This is a review that was just posted to Amazon for my book Stir, Laugh, Repeat

Stir, Laugh, Repeat (Perfect Paperback)
I highly enjoyed this book. The stories accompanying the recipes add a special flavor, making them even more delicious. It's a non-conventional cooking book, a little gem to be read and treasured.

By Liliana Badd (Las Vegas)

Review by Joyce White

Review by Joyce White
Stir, Laugh & Repeat

Like many noncooks, I have a distinct yearning for the taste of yester-year. Martha has compiled a cookery book of recipes that appeal to our palette as well as our memories. I hate recipes where I have to know what is what and where to find it and which wine to serve with it. All of Martha’s recipes are simple and the ingredients easy to find. I wish I had read this book when I was young. I got married at 18 and didn’t know how to boil eggs. Now I’m 63, I don’t boil eggs because I go to McDonald’s just to get out of the house. I do love deviled eggs but hate peeling them. I wasted so many eggs trying to get a pretty little container for my fillings. Thanks to Martha’s tips after each recipe, I now know, “While the egg is still hot, place a paper towel on the counter and with the palm of your hand roll the egg around until most of the shell is cracked. It peels in a snap.” Another fact I learned was “When a recipe calls for a baking dish, it’s referring to glass not metal. When it calls for a baking pan, it’s referring to metal.

Some of my favorite recipes brought back memories of my mom’s cooking. My favorites were:

Breakfast bars
Potato soup
No bake cookies
Monkey bread
Cracker bars

One recipe I am going to try soon is her Meatloaf Muffins. Many of us have cut down a lot on meat products but still crave the taste and energy we get from meat. I think the following recipe is a great way to sneak a little meat into our diet.

Meatloaf Muffins
1 lb. extra lean ground beef (90-905% lean)
1 6-oz. pkg. stuffing mix
1 C. water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix meat, stuffing mix, and water blending well. Press into 12 muffin cups lined with cupcake liners. With a spoon make an indentation in the center of each. Spoon in flavors of your choice. Bake 30 minutes or until meatloaves are cooked thoroughly. Top with cheese and bake until cheese melts (optional).

Suggested flavors:
Garlic
BBQ
Onions
Peppers
Worcestershire
A-1
Salsa

I’m going to leave you with one last tip I really liked. “Bury avocados in flour to hasten their ripening.” What a great tip! This is a five star book worth keeping handy in the kitchen. My thanks to Martha A. Cheves for sharing her wit, her knowledge, and her expertise in concocting recipes we can all enjoy for years to come.

This review was written by Joyce White, author and artist, at http://www.sculptingtheheart.com, where you can find her poetry, articles and meditation videos. Check out her books and ebooks, Sculpting the Heart: Surviving Depression with Art Therapy and Sculpting the Heart's Poetry while Conversing with the Masters (Picasso, Chagall, Van Gogh)

Short Note about Stir, Laugh, Repeat

This message was sent to me by a lady who has and says she loves my cookbook Stir, Laugh, Repeat.

All of us have shelves of cookbooks we never open--one really practical (and delicious) cookbook with no-fail recipes is what we need (and what you offer In Laugh, Stir, Repeat).
Mary Kennedy

Review by Rona Shively

Rona_Shively
Read Stir, Laugh, Repeat and then...Repeat!


Posted February 10, 2010, 6:26 PM EST: I pride myself in being a non-domestic type. Far be it from me to attempt cooking anything that requires the use of an actual stove. I was surprised at how inspired I was by Martha Cheves's cookbook, Stir, Laugh, Repeat. As I read through the recipes, so many of them jumped out at me as things I might actually be able to cook. I especially liked the one for Hash Brown Potatoes Au Gratin. Cheves has put together a reader-friendly cooking guide that gives you not only the information you need to attempt something new, but the inspiration. A wonderful read and a necessary addition to your cookbook collection. Nice work!

Review by Mary Kennedy

This is the cookbook you've been waiting for,
March 18, 2010
By Mary Kennedy (east coast)
Like many cookbook collectors, I'm always on the lookout for a new cookbook and I've found it in Stir, Laugh, Repeat. The range of recipes is enormous, and all of the selections are fun, easy and a joy to prepare. I can see that the Coconut Loaf Cake is going to be a family favorite, with Pina Colada cake also at the top of the list. This is a fun book and the recipes are terrific, I also love the comments that Martha includes. She offers little stories about her experiences making the recipes, the reactions of the taste testers,etc. Whether you're looking for something fabulous to take to a party (Coconut Ice Box Sheet Cake)or a quick recipe for Sunday breakfast (Monkey Bread) you are bound to find something here to delight you! I had tried several of Martha's recipes on her website and just had to have this book.

Review by Rebecca Benson

Stir, Laugh, Repeat...Repeat!, February 10, 2010
By Rebecca Benston "Fiesty, Fearless and Fabulous!" (Springfield, OH)

I pride myself in being a non-domestic type. Far be it from me to attempt cooking anything that requires the use of an actual stove. I was surprised at how inspired I was by Martha Cheves's cookbook, Stir, Laugh, Repeat. As I read through the recipes, so many of them jumped out at me as things I might actually be able to cook. I especially liked the one for Hash Brown Potatoes Au Gratin. Cheves has put together a reader-friendly cooking guide that gives you not only the information you need to attempt something new, but the inspiration. A wonderful read and a necessary addition to your cookbook collection. Nice work!

Review for Stir, Laugh, Repeat by Rita Freud

Caution! You Are About to Enter the Fun Zone!, February 9, 2010
By Rita Freud "book gal" (NJ)
(REAL NAME)
Step into your kitchen, cook "from scratch" and end up with a tasty dish to place before friends and family, that is assuming you have brought "Stir, Laugh, Repeat" with you. Tuck it under your apron. This way instead of Martha A. Cheves (the author), you get all the credit. Don't forget to dab your brow a bit to make it look like you have labored away to create this delicious meal. It's hard to say what I like the most about this book - the "dinner's ready" easy recipes, the anecdotes about each recipe or the tidbits of useful information. Each is served up with straightforward charm. All I know is that every time I open it to select something to make, I find myself reading page after page and smiling. The recipes are easy to follow. The anecdotes and tips make you feel like you have a friend in the kitchen with you, just chatting about cooking, offering some advice while you prepare a dish. My favorite kind of cookbook is a cookbook that tells how each recipe came to be and how it was enjoyed, or in some cases, adjusted. Martha's book is already a favorite of mine. I have a cautionary tale though. I have to accept that if I make Martha's scrumptious coconut loaf cake every week, there are consequences. In that case, I would have to stir, laugh, repeat, and do some extra sit ups.

Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Review by Robert Medak

Robert Medak's Review of:

Stir, Laugh, Repeat: Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen
Author Martha A. Cheves

This is not your ordinary cookbook. This cookbook, written for those that are not familiar with working in a kitchen; or did not have the luxury of being in the kitchen with their mother; grandmother, or even their father and learned the joy of cooking from them while spending time in the kitchen.

The recipes are simple comfort food and some that you may not have heard of. The point is to try them and learn to become comfortable in the kitchen and possibly pass on the joy of cooking to your children. There is no better way to spend time and have fun with your children then to work together in the kitchen as many children did years ago.

The anecdotes along with the recipes are fun to read on their own. What a treat to read while following the easy to prepare dishes in one pot. The recipes are easy to follow and create something special for one or a family.

This reviewer, thought back to the times he spent in the kitchen helping his mother by cutting up things, getting them ready for the pot. It does make for a special bond between child and parent.

For those that are single and avoid the kitchen due to lack of confidence around a stove, think of the sense of accomplishment when you create something yourself in the kitchen. We can’t live by take-out or the microwave all the time. We should strive to eat healthy most of the time.

This reviewer enjoyed Stir, Laugh, Repeat and awards it a five star rating.

Review by Vicki - Reading At the Beach

Reading At The Beach: Reviews, January 21, 2010
By Vicki (Florida)

I had a few reasons for wanting to read this book.

I get tired of the same things over and over.
I love trying new recipes.
I love laughing.

It has some of the strangest recipes I've ever seen.
Here are a few:
Mushroom Bread
Sausage Cookies
Meaty Mashed Potatoes
Rabbit Food Sandwich
Outside In Cake
Stuffed Cube Steak Rolls

Here are a few foods I love and can't wait to try:
Fried Pickles
Southern Chow Chow
Chinese Swiss Steak
Hash Brown Omelets
Key Lime Pie
No Bake Cookies
(My mom let me start making No Bake Cookies by myself when I was about 11 yrs. old and they are still my favorite to make...and eat!)

There is a tip at the end of each recipes which I thought was a great addition.

This book is a great addition to any cookbook library. I love love love it!!!

Review by W. S. Gager

Over the holidays I read Stir, Laugh, Repeat, Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen by Martha A. Cheves. I must admit I have never in my life read a cook book from cover to cover but this is much more than a cookbook, but a way of making people happy (and wanting to make them eat.) Not only is it filled with recipes that use ingredients that are staples in most kitchens or better yet leftovers, the recipes are in small quantities for couples or singles. That is where most cookbooks would stop. (Did I mention you will want to eat?)

Martha goes on to provide antidotes about her cooking, the trial and error that went into each recipe and information on her tasters. Those anecdotes kept me reading as did the marvelous tips after each recipe. Some I knew, some I didn’t, but they are all gems to help the newer cooks and well versed cooks on the menu.

Martha is a southern belle and it is clear in many of her recipes from Boiled Peanuts to Collards. She also loves cooking and experimenting which is why many of her recipes offer the key ingredient to any cooking – love.

Pick up Martha’s Stir, Laugh, Repeat and there is something in there for everyone who spends any time in a kitchen or family.

W. S. Gager

A wonderful Review for Stir, Laugh, Repeat

Jewel of a Cookbook, December 30, 2009
By Cynthia Chappelle - See all my reviews


Martha has written a jewel of a cookbook!! Great southern recipes! The recipes are easy to follow and the ingredients are easy to fine, most things you already have on hand. I love the helpful hints that are included. I have made several of the recipes and some of my favorites are the Cracker bars, Sugar Cookie Bars and the Outside-In Cake. I have received great response from everything I have made. My family exchanged food baskets this year and I included the recipes mentioned and everyone has enjoyed their treats. I also like the fact that you can change some of the ingredients like using milk chocolate in place of white chocolate without ruining the recipe. I can't wait for the next book to come out!!

Review by David C.

Stir, Laugh & Repeat is a must use cookbook. It's many recipes are dazzling and also a lot of fun to make. Different recipes for all types of tastes. I personally made the banana pudding which came out rich and tasteful the whole family enjoyed that recipe. So many great recipes come inside this book which is titled appropriately. I couldn't come up with a better name for a cookbook. And just to actually make the recipes are a thrill in themselves. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great tasting food and loves to cook...David C

Review by Reda Burk

A very very delightful cookbook that is compact, concise, easy handle, and containing such a variety of recipes that are simple and very appealing. They are easy enough for young people and new cooks to follow, yet they are not so simple that experienced cooks would not be interested in following them. I do not have time to spend on complicated recipes that take a lot of time to prepare, and this cookbook solves that problem. Also, I do not have to look beyond my own kitchen for most of the ingredients, a plus. I especially liked the tips throughout, most of which were new to me, and find them very useful. I will go over them and over them. I loved the stories which the author shared and found them so amusing,. They seemed to bring the cookbook to life and make you feel as though you personally know the author. They also made it more than just a cookbook. I found the suggestions in changes most helpful. In many cases, I had read or used a similar recipe but your suggestions really did improve them. I am particularly fond of southern recipes (as attested to by the fact that I am a Southern Living magazine subscriber), so I, of course, enjoyed those in the cookbook. I love Potato Soup and have always used my mother's recipe, but since trying yours I have decided to make that my permanent recipe. I would, however, omit the sour cream, for my own taste. I found the Sausage Cookies delicious and would not have thought of topping them with a pecan. That gave them a nice balance and even enhanced the taste.. I have used a similar Key Lime Pie recipe before but love yours. I agree with your "man friend" on the Mustard Pork Chops. They do seem kind of messy but I was so surprised at the delicious flavor. They will be a keeper for sure. My daughter makes the Monkey Bread but never thought to include the butterscotch pudding until we saw the recipe in your book. It really does give the dish a wonderful flavor. I must tell you a story about Boiled Peanuts. My daughter, my sister and I were on a trip south recently and stopped for gas at a mini-market. Inside, they had a pot of boiled peanuts going. Never having tasted them, we watched as a girl ladled a cupful. She said "I love these and make special trips here to get them." When she heard we had never tried them she offered us a taste. I did not try them but the other two did. They waited until the girl left and both spit them out as soon as they could. They said they had a terrible taste. I don't think I will be trying them. I also enjoyed the Chicken Marsala and will be using that again and again. I plan to continue using more recipes, and especially the ones for cookies for the holidays.

Overall, I think this is a great cookbook. I love it! The recipes are so simple and unique. The book combines delightful recipes with wit and humor, giving it a personal touch, and the tips themselves are worth the price of a book. I am a collector of cookbooks and have never come across one like this. You did not ask for comments on the title or the cover, but I must tell you that I think the title is excellent and the cover itself is eye-catching.

Thank you so much for allowing me to comment on your wonderful cookbook.

Sincerely,

REDA BURK