The Perfect Gift...Anytime!

Whether it be a baby shower, a bridal shower, a birthday, or Christmas gift you're needing, I've started making cookbooks to give to people. The cookbook can range from ultra simple to extremely detailed, depending on how much money and time you want to spend on it.

My best friend of 18+ years is getting ready to get married at the end of this month. For her bridal shower gift, I gave her a cookbook that I entitled, "The Mrs. Manual." I bought a black leather photo album with a window on the front that was supposed to be used for a photo. I, instead, made a little sign that said, "The Mrs. Manual" and placed it in the front of the book. I then divided the cookbook into categories: "Casseroles", "Crock-Pot", "Great for Kids!", "Main Dishes", "Soups, Salads, and Sauces", etc. I also included a section entitled, "Helpful Hints" with recipes for homemade cleaning supplies and great websites to utilize. Photo albums work best, in my opinion, because the recipes are protected from splashing sauces by the protective plastic. They're also relatively inexpensive!

Another friend of mine got married a year ago. For her bridal shower gift, I scrapbooked a cookbook for her. This took a lot of time and more money, but the finished product was worth it. Once again, this cookbook was split into categories. Her husband is a huge OU football fan, so I included a section called, "Game Day!" with different recipes such as buffalo wings and different dips.

These personalized cookbooks make great gifts for anyone. Gather up your best recipes and go to town!

Top 5 Cookbooks Every Woman Should Own...

If you don't own any of these, I suggest you buy one. You won't be disappointed.

1.) Gooseberry Patch's Meals in Minutes
Visit their website here!

2.) Taste of Home's 5-Ingredient Cookbook
Visit their website here!

3.) Betty Crocker's Cookie Book
Visit their website here!

4.) Betty Crocker's Christmas Cookbook

5.) The Lady and Sons, Too! Cookbook by Paula Dean
Visit her website here!

I've started checking cookbooks out at the library because I was tired of paying for cookbooks that I never used. However, I am hooked on the first two cookbooks listed above, and I plan on buying them at some point and adding them to my collection because I know I will actually use them. The last 3 cookbooks listed above are part of my collection, and they are awesome!

If you have any cookbooks you think are worth checking out, drop us a line in the comment box and let us know!

Helpful Hints!

Equivalent Volume Measures:

• 3 tsp=1 T
• 2 T=1 fluid ounce
• 2 T=1/8 cup
• 4 T=1/4 cup
• 8 T=1/2 cup
• 12 T=3/4 cup
• 16 T=1 cup
• 2 cups= 1 pint
• 2 pints=1 quart
• 4 cups=1 quart
• 4 quarts=1 gallon

Adjusting Measurements:
When adjusting measurements in a recipe, use this formula:

• Needed Yield/Recipe Yield= Factor (# used to multiply amount in ingredients)
• For example, If the recipe is for 10 servings, and 30 are needed: 30/10=3, so multiply the amount of each ingredient by 3.
• If the recipe is for 50 servings, and 25 are needed: 25/50= 1/2 or .5, so multiply the amount of each ingredient by .5.

When Baking:
Most baking recipes, especially for cakes, have been perfected for the exact sizes and serving portions mentioned. Never attempt to increase or decrease them. You are almost guaranteed to fail in such an effort. If you need more, cook multiple batches as directed instead of trying to double or triple what is in the recipe. If you need to reduce the recipe, go to a bakery.

Substitutions:
buttermilk: 1 cup of milk and 1 T vinegar
cornstarch: 2 T flour


Dictionary, please?

• Oleo = Margarine