Fresh and Authentic Recipes for Pico de Gallo, Mole Poblano, Chimichurri, Guacamole, and More by Deborah Schneider

I spend quite a bit of time researching new and unique ways to use vegetables in my everyday diet and once Fresh and Authentic Recipes for Pico de Gallo, Mole Poblano, Chimichurri, Guacamole, and More by Deborah Schneider came across my table I knew I'd be set for life in this category.

I really enjoy using tomatoes and peppers in nearly every dish I prepare, be it authentic Mexican or even Indian cuisine, I love to use these 2 items. They bring out the flavors of every other ingredient without overpowering the recipe. They add a rich, creamy base and texture and expand the meal 2-fold.

One of my all time favorites in this book would have to be the "SALSA CASERA" [PAGE 24] mainly due to it's complete versatility as a side, appetizer or accompaniment to any dish I prepare, from any region, at any time of the day. It's a personal recommendation for Monday Night Football games, snuggling up to a movie night, or a spontaneous get together; I just simply whip this up and let the dish do the talking for me.

"The typical American experience with table salsa is too often a bland red tomato salsa with “bits” meant to be scooped up with chips as a first course. The chips-and-salsa routine-the antojito americano- is something that Mexicans find puzzling; it’s the equivalent of eating ketchup on crackers before you meal… The great thing about table salsas, along with their fresh flavor, is their versatility. These types of salsas are the kitchen’s all-purpose flavor base for making other dishes.” [CHAPTER 1]

Another interesting aspect of this book it how it teaches you to use salsa's and mole's as a primer for other dishes, for example there's a section called, "SIMPLE THINGS TO DO WITH SALSA" [Chapter 1, Classic Table Salsas] which breaks down exactly how to take advantage of something so simple as blended tomatoes, onions and jalapeño peppers to make dips, soups, fillings and much more.  Deborah Schneider also covers the finer point of Mole preparation and the introduction of radish and black beans to make the ultimate meal for your friends and loved ones.

 I RECEIVED THIS BOOK TO REVIEW FROM BLOGGING FOR BOOKS

The Healthy Mind Cookbook: Big-Flavor Recipes to Enhance Brain Function, Mood, Memory, and Mental Clarity by Rebecca Katz, Mat Edelson

This is a very deliciously written, health conscious cookbook. Heavily aimed at a diet of rough greens, grains and nuts with the occasional meat based protein. A beautiful aspect of this cookbook is how the authors Rebecca Katz and Mat Edelson included super foods to help promote positive brain activities and a weight-controlled diet.

The book is split up into roughly 7 categories to help narrow down what exactly you are craving and how to best control that hunger in a healthy manner. I've personally been reeling in excitement over the "Anytime Food" section [beginning at page: 133] mainly favoring the "Falafel Mini Sliders" [page: 139] mostly because Chickpeas [garbanzo bean]  is an essential ingredient in my current diet. I eat this bean nearly everyday. 

I've also been leaning towards the "Wild Salmon Scramble" [page: 134]  mostly because of it's excellent source of   protein, vitamin B12 and omega-3. My brain thanks me in the morning. Also, one of my absolute favorites at the moment would have to be the "Kale Quinoa Salad with Red Grapes" [page: 89], this is an excellent source of protein and a great afternoon snack. I like to add a few things to this, like black olives for a bit of zest to the flavor, some dill weed [I prefer dried] and a pinch of fresh curly parsley to top!

Overall this is a great guide to healthy eating and a wonderful go-to for a meal on an everyday basis. I would like to include a quote from the authors. I couldn't have said it better!


“I’ve come to see this book as a way to make friends with your brain, turning it into a trusted ally instead of a capricious companion. The inability to remember Aunt Sally’s husband’s name at a wedding, or to recall the year the first moonshot landed- for many of us, daily battles with our brains are given.”

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books for this review