So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Should You Buy America's Most Wanted Recipes?

By Chef Pablo

I'm sure you've seen the ads for America's Most Wanted Recipes. It seems they're popping up on every cooking website I visit. After seeing them over and over again, I figured I should probably take a look at the book and give my review. Every review I read was 100% positive with everyone loving the product. I knew there had to be something Ron Douglas could have done better.

Who Uses Cookbooks These Days?

Cookbooks are a thing of the past! I know that's a pretty bold statement and probably a bit of an exaggeration, but think about it, how often do you look up a recipe in a cookbook rather than on your computer? If you're like me, you store most of your favorite recipes online or in a database on your computer. It makes it easier to find and even adjust the quantity of your recipes. Sure, there are some old favorites I still have in book form, but they're slowly moving over to the virtual world.

If you've tried more than a couple dozen online recipes, you know first hand that there are some BAD recipes online. I have even gone back and looked at the recipe to make sure I didn't measure something wrong or use the wrong ingredient. It's rare, but it does happen. It's a risk you take when you search for online recipes.

All of the restaurant recipes you'll find in Ron Douglas' Americas Most Wanted Recipes have been run through their paces on his cooking website by over 45,000 discerning cooks. It's not until the recipe receives the approval of those users that it makes it's way into one of his books. It's almost like an online testing lab with very honest researchers. Add a bit more pepper, less cream, cook this at a lower temperature and other modifications have perfected these recipes.

Will I Like The Recipes?

When I go out to eat, I enjoy going to The Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs, Olive Garden and on special occasions maybe even Ruth Chris Steakhouse. When I want to make a copy cat recipe at home, it's almost always going to be from one of these restaurants. So, I had to look through the list of recipes to see if I would even want to make them. Perfect! There it was, PF Changs Lettuce Wraps and even those Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. I found all of my favorites from Applebee's, TGI Fridays, Red Lobster and even Starbucks. Great, at least I'll want to make the recipes.

Was It Easy to Purchase?

My initial reaction to the website was "ugh... run away." Seriously, it seemed a little on the amateur site and made me feel like someone was selling something to me. I don't like that. But, I did find all the recipes I was looking for and I pressed the dreaded purchase button. I was really quite surprised with how well things went. The book was available as an instant download. I was able to look through my purchase right away.

I was surprised nobody tried to sell me up to a higher level. When you buy the book, you get volume 1 and 2 as well as several other cookbooks on sauces, comfort foods, grilling, special occasion foods, diabetic recipes, and even one that's "kid-friendly". These all came with my initial purchase. Nobody tried to bump me up to a different price for the extras. That's commendable.

The Bad Stuff

OK, every review I've read about Ron Douglas book has nothing but good things to say about it. But, I know there's no such thing as perfect product. What part of the book was going to disappoint me? To begin with, I didn't find any pictures in the book. Not to disappointing since I knew what they should all look like before I even started to cook them. But it would have helped. He also could have given a bit more detail on some of the recipes. For the most part, the things he left out could seem obvious, but it's always good to have the details spelled out "just in case." Anything lacking in the book, I found at his members only website. Fortunately a lifetime membership is included with the book purchase.

My Recommendation

If you purchased this book today, I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's definately worth the price. You'll recover this in savings from just a few meals eaten at home rather than at the actual restaurant. I was very satisfied with the book and find myself referencing it regularly. If for some reason you find it's not worth what you paid for it, Clickbank is the third party business you make the purchase through and they'll make sure you have a full 60 days to request a refund.

Over 700 recipes and membership to an exclusive community of other folks just like you for less than the price of a typical meal at one of these restaurants. I'd say that's a bargain.

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