Beat That!

I just finished reading this cookbook I got from the library. You heard right, I said reading a cookbook! I read it from cover to cover. If you like to cook at all, I highly recommend it. I have her first cookbook, "Beat This!" and love it. I found this sequel at the library last week, and now I have to have my own copy. Not only are there tons of recipes I want to try (preferably when I'm not on a diet, or for special occasions -- like book club!) but the way she writes is so conversational and hilarious that, like I said, I just had to read the whole thing! Here are a few tidbits to show you what I mean: "Crackers. Why make your own? It's not something you'd want to do all the time, obviously. But for maximum guest intimidation, there's absolutely nothing like homemade crackers." Regarding a recipe that uses frozen hash browns: "We all have to use convenience foods once in awhile. This recipe can be multiplied indefinitely. It tastes wonderful; people will scrape the bottom of the pan, and no one will ever guess your dirty little secret. You should thank me for having enough humility to give you this recipe." And for Another Drop-Dead Chocolate Cake: "It's basically my (exalted) brownie recipe baked in a cake pan and covered with a very rich, very easy glaze. People don't taste it and sneer, 'Hmm, tastes like a brownie.' They always think it's a cake unto itself." And finally, there's a recipe for hot chocolate that comes straight out of "My Friend Flicka". Ms. Hodgman says, "It's customary, when making this recipe, to reread all of Flicka before you get on with your life." See what I mean? I love her. I love her cookbooks. Do you think I could count this toward my pages read for the year? Kidding.