Sharon Bowers

If visions of peppermints, fudge, gingersnaps, rum balls, sugared pecans, and pralines have been dancing in your head, then check out this holiday cookbook to make your dreams come true. With recipes for Homemade Ribbon Candy, British Christmas Cake, and Salted Caramel Sauce, cookbook author Sharon Bowers has come up with a holiday winner. She also includes recipes for a few savory treats like Hot Spinach Dip and Spicy Cheddar Coins.

Sweet Christmas includes an introduction with notes on ingredients to clarify some items like which size eggs to use or what kind of flour is best. There are also notes on equipment and storage suggestions. The recipes are grouped into eight sections including a chapter for making ornaments and decorations (some edible, some not), and a chapter with ideas for making edible homemade gifts to give at the holidays. Each recipe features an introduction, and the ingredients are listed in a different color from the main text. Finally, this cookbook includes at Conversion Guide and a Recipe Index at the end.

The Bottom Line: This holiday cookbook featuring candies and sweets is highly recommended for foodies and chefs of all levels of expertise. This cookbook is also recommended for public libraries and personal cookbook collections. There is a wide variety of treats to choose from including vintage sweets like Christmas Divinity and Peppermint Bark. There are also cookies and cakes and some savory treats as well. This cookbook features beautiful food photography by David Bowers, so even if you don't cook or bake, you'll have a great time looking at the photos. I will definitely be buying a copy to include in my own cookbook collection. My only (tiny) complaint is the rather small print.

For the complete review, including Taste Test Notes, please visit the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog.… (meer)