Customer Reviews

California Sizzles: Easy and Distinctive Recipes for a Vibrant Lifestyle

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I received this book as a gift from of friend of mine who lives in Pasadena, after I raved over a fabulous salad she made. Now, I have all my friends in Boston raving over the same salad.

That recipe is a perfect example of the strength of this book: it combines easy-to-find ingredients (in this case Uncle Ben's wild rice) some interesting produce (chineese pead pods) a bit of flair (red and orange bell peppers) and a California twist (avocados and toasted pecans) and a secret ingredient (what is it? you'll have to get the book!) to create terrific rice salad with a great mustard-based dressing that is somehow much more than the sum of its culinary parts.

You can tell by looking at these recipes that they have been honed by cooks who enjoy food, both its preparation and presentation, but don't want to be tied to a stove while their guests are enjoying themselves. There are also great recipes for families that take ordinary ingredients in interesting combinations to make an every-day dinnner much more interesting.

I can say without exaggeration that every single recipe I have made out of this book has exceeded my expectations, and quite a few have joined my 'greatest hits' rotation.

Even if you already have 50 cookbooks, make a little room on the shelf for this one.

This is seriously the best cookbook around. Every recipe is outstanding and fresh. None of the recipes are overly complicated and each we've tried has a zestily different twist on old favorite flavors. My whole neighborhood in Alexandria, VA swears by this cookbook.

California Sizzles provides excellent recipes that are devoid of the blood-sweat-and tears with which many of us are too familiar.
I learned of this book at a lunch where one of the cookbook's praiseworthy recipes was served. There was almost a stunned silence when the group learned I didn't have it on my bookshelf. Well, I do now and don't regret it for a minute. American cuisine has long been extremely underrated.

Collecting and using new cookbooks has been a thiry-five year hobby. "Sizzles" is truly the book that I consult first whether I'm planning an event or a family meal. At least one half of the recipes have been tried and have become favorites at our house. I am ordering another copy of this today as a gift for a friend....this makes four that I've purchased.

Every receipe is easy, you usually have the ingredients and everyone loves everyhing I have made. There has never been a better cookbook published with such outstanding recipes. Thanks Junior League of Passadena!

Love the balboa broccoli salad and carrot cake made with baby food! great if you don't like shredding carrots! Lots of great recipes

My husband and I both like to cook. We have quite a varied collection of cookbooks, and this is still the best all around source for reliable, tasty meals. We make notes on the pages, recording dates we tried things, and ways we may have tweaked something. Now when I give a copy to anyone (I think I am on #10), I add my own notes of favorites. Recipes are not complicated, but sure to impress. From appetizers to desserts, you will not be disappointed.

I've been enjoying California Sizzles since my daughter gave me a copy several years ago, and had to find another one as a gift for a friend. I have had nothing but raves over anything I make from this collection, and think the book is a MUST on the shelf!

I love having the recipe on one page, written clearing enough to read as you work. In fact, I've changed to copying the pages, inserting in plastic page covers and keeping my favorites in a notebook. This makes it easier for me to find it again and handy to put on the work area!

Please don't stop stocking this book so more of the younger novices can have the treat of success.

I have had this cookbook for years and it is my "go to" book when I need new ideas or am entertaining. I have yet to have a "so, so" recipe from the book. My only complaint about the book is the title for the recipes. For example, "Santa Ana Salad" does not tell me what is in it, so I have to read through each recipe to find what I want. However, since each recipe is so terrific, I am more than willing to read through it to find what I want. Enjoy!

California Sizzles is a must-have cookbook. It has a wide range of dishes and contains suggestions for food combos for a variety of events. I've found that the menus produce quality results without those "oops" that you find with recipes in some cookbooks. It makes a great gift.