Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Review by Fran Lewis, Author of My Is Bertha

Another wonder review for my cookbook Stir, Laugh, Repeat.. Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen.
(Order your own copy through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or by clicking on Stir, Laugh, Repeat in the right hand sidebar.)


Serving up some down home and down south great cooking
By Fran Lewis "Fran and Bertha"

Serving Up Some Great Southern Cooking and Hospitality:

Stir, Laugh, Repeat
By Martha A. Cheves

Reviewed by: Fran Lewis

Move over Paula Dean, Emeril, and Rachel Ray: Make way for the new Queen of Southern hospitality and cooking our very own Martha Cheves. From her home made pies to her delicious desserts Martha sends the reader into mouth-watering heaven as she describes in detail how each recipe was created and the stories behind them. As a total non-cook and someone who has trouble boiling water without burning it or making an egg hard without it exploding; even I can follow and create one of her clear, concise and easy to understand recipes.

As I read each one, I began thinking how great it would be to her as a friend and neighbor. Having Martha as a neighbor would mean never having to cook or bring in take out ever again. Hopefully including me as one of her food testers I would get to sample and gladly volunteer to try out her new recipes and never have to use a microwave or a stove ever again.

From her creative ways of dealing with leftovers and her fun filled family traditions, this book motivated me to try one of her recipes and share them with my friends and family too and finally break in my new and unused stove.

As a child, I watched my grandmother create homemade chicken soup, chocolate pudding and even grind her own meat. I loved licking the spoon while the chocolate was hot. However, she would never allow anyone, including my mom, to go near her stove or broiler. The kitchen was her domain only.

How great for Martha's children to grow up with a mom who made every meal an adventure and fun. Mystery night sounded great and her banana pudding story was funny.

As a true chicken lover, I decided to put the Basil Grilled Chicken Recipe to the test. If I can make it, anyone can. I agree with Martha that forty dollars for dinner is steep and that making your own meals is not only healthier because you know what ingredients are in it and you can enjoy the benefits of your own home made meal.

To make sure that I did total justice to this recipe I had my husband create it and make it. I read the recipe to him and went with him to get the ingredients. However, in order to make sure it came out the way Martha would make it, I watched as he created the best meal I have had in a long time. Martha's Basil Grilled Chicken gets five stars from me and so does this cookbook.

Bon Appétite Everyone:

Cookie Storage

Cookies, baked - Store up to 4 to 6 months in the freeze. Pack in an airtight container.

Cookies, unbaked dough - 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Up to 6 months in the freezer.

Form refrigerator dough cookies into rolls; wrap tightly, thaw in refrigerator before slicing or dropping on a cookie sheets.

Olive Oil - How does it help us?

Olive oil

Protects your heart

Promotes Weight loss

Combats cancer

Battles diabetes

Smoothes skin

Cake Storage

Angel food & sponge cakes - refrigerate up to 3 days. Freeze for 4 to 6 months. Wrap well.

Cheesecake - refrigerate 3 to 7 days. Freeze for 4 to 6 months. Wrap well.

Fruit cakes - Freeze up to 1 year. Wrap well.

Layer cakes - Store at room temperature. Best used within 3 to 7 days. Freeze for 2 to 4 months. Wrap well.

Butter frosting freezes well, fluffy egg white frostings don't

Oats - How can they help you?

Oats

Lowers cholesterol

Combats cancer

Battles diabetes

Prevents constipation

Smoothes skin

Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Book Review by Darden North, Author of Fresh Frozen

5.0 out of 5 stars

Darden North (Jackson, MS)

Stir, Laugh, Repeat: Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen
Author: Martha A Cheves Publisher: Tate Publishing
Submitted by Darden North, MD

My wife has often suggested I take up cooking. In fact, one of my physician friends was recently featured in our local paper doing just that. It seems that the anesthesiologist expertly prepares gourmet meals on his grill and makes it look easy. Anyway, I have never taken my wife's suggestion about cooking and instead have started writing books. And it seems that a major aspect of being a twenty-first century author is networking with other writers as well as with readers --- lots of readers, one hopes.

This networking has lead me to author Martha A. Cheves and her culinary creations in the beautiful cookbook Stir, Laugh, Repeat: Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen. Frankly, this is the first time I have ever paid any attention to a cookbook, other than the time my wife Sally proofed and wrote the index for one and the dishes she has whipped up from the many other cookbooks filling the shelves in our kitchen.

However, were I to take up cooking, the unique quality of Cheves's Stir, Laugh, Repeat would be a premium start. The value of Martha's work rests in its straightforward, easy-to-follow directions that even a doctor can follow. You see, a physician's true surgical talent lies in making the correct diagnosis, counseling the ailing patient, and successfully performing the corrective surgery. While reading and chuckling through Stir, Laugh, Repeat, it quickly hit me like a flying frying pan that Martha A. Cheves is clearly the a surgeon of the kitchen. Furthermore, she emerges as a soft humorist whose talents rival her celebrity contemporaries.

Through Cheves's incorporation into her recipes of items commonly found at the neighborhood grocery, if not already found in one's pantry, she makes easy use of leftovers, turning any kitchen into the envy of a popular restaurant and any cooking-illiterate male physician into a Chef Emeril Lagasse-wannabe. Cheves links clever anecdotes and personal stories to creations. One of my favorites concerns her invitation to a restaurant meal as the guest of her significant other's ex-wife. Throughout her unexpected enjoyment of the company as well as the chicken entrée, Cheves mentally dissects the delectable preparation even as she plans to recreate the ingredients into her own personal dish.

Another plus for beginner cooks, certainly to be appreciated by busy, no non-nonsense masters of the flame as well, is the book's index, which is alphabetized by food categories: breads, desserts, fruits, meats, etc. So if I were going to take up cooking like my doctor friend, I would start with Stir, Laugh, Repeat by Martha A. Cheves. Nevertheless, for now, I'm going to hang with my laplaptop and write mystery novels in my spare time, leaving my wife to try Cheves's pecan or meatloaf muffins, maybe the tasty fried pineapple, the spicy chicken salad spread, or the freezer clean-out beef veggie soup. I'll just continue to fire up my own outdoor grill, and thrill my family and friends with the occasional juicy steak, marinated chicken breast, or thick cheeseburger. I have those recipes in my head.
--- by Darden North, MD www.dardennorth.com
North practices medicine fulltime in Jackson, MS, and is the author of three mystery/suspense novels.

White Chocolate Noodles

I've just posted a simple recipe for a twist on the usual Butterscotch Chow Mein Noodles. To view the recipe click on Martha's Kitchen Korner on the right sidebar.

Bread Storage

Temperatures:
Room Temperature(70°F) - Refrigerator(37° to 40°F) - Freezer(0°F)

Breads, fresh:
Store at room temperature. Use the date as a guide or use within 3 to 5 days. Storing in the refrigerator promotes staling.
Freeze up to 3 months by over-wraping well to prevent drying out; thaw at room temperature.

Bread and rolls, unbaked dough:
Refrigerate 1 to 2 days.
Freeze up to 2 months. Sometimes dough doesn't rise as well if frozen.

Muffins, rolls, quick breads:
Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Freeze 1 to 2 months. Wrap individually, pack in rigid containers to prevent crushing.

Pancakes and waffles:
Refrigerate up to 2 days.
Freeze 1 to 2 months. Freeze with waxed paper between each. Heat without thawing in a toaster or under broiler.

Pastries, Danish, Doughnuts:
Store at room temperature using date guide.
Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Freeze up to 3 months.

Mushrooms - How can they help you?

Mushrooms

Controls blood pressure

Lowers cholesterol

Kills bacteria

Combats cancer

Strengthens bones

Dough Storage

Tube cans of rolls, biscuits, pizza dough, etc. - Use-by-date. Don't freeze

Ready-to-bake pie crust - Use-by-date or freeze up to 2 months

Cookie dough - Use-by-date unopened or opened or freeze up to 2 months

Potato Pizza Casserole

I've just added a new dish to Martha's Recipes. This is a simple dish that even the kids will enjoy. Plus the preparation time is about 10 minutes.
To view the full recipe click on Martha's Recipes on the right sidebar. And don't forget to get your order in for my cookbook Stir, Laugh, Repeat.. Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen. Mother's Day just just a few weeks away.

Mangos - How can they help you?

Mangoes

Combats cancer

Boosts memory

Regulates thyroid

aids digestion

Shields against Alzheimer's

Drain Cleaning the Easy, Cheap Way

To clean my drains without using store bought drain cleaners that have to be bad for the pipes, I normally use hot boiling water. This usually takes about 3-4 pots of hot water for each drain. That's not so hard to do when the drains are all downstairs but my tub is upstairs and carrying boiling pots of hot water up the stairs is not only dangerous but also tiring. I now have another way to clean my drains that is a lot safer. I mix a cup of salt with a cup of baking soda. Pour the dry solution into the drain, and then add a pot of boiling water. I still have to take hot water up the stairs but only one using this method. And believe me, it does work at about 1/3 the price of drain cleaner.

Lemons - How can they help you?

Lemons

Combats cancer

Protects your heart

Controls blood pressure

Smoothes skin

Stops scurvy

Vinegar for Cleaning?

Did you know that you can use full strength vinegar to clean your counter tops? It gives a streak free clean and also prevents mold from growing. Plus, it inexpensive!

Honey - How can it help you?

Honey

Heals wounds

Aids digestion

Guards against ulcers

Increases energy

Fights allergies

Ground Beef Facts

Ground Hamburger - is made from the less desirable cuts of beef. It usually includes trimmings from other meat cuts, including sirloin, chuck, ribs and more, all mixed up to make ground hamburger. It may have added fat, but the USDA restricts the amount of fat to 30%.

Ground Beef - Has essentially the same makeup as ground hamburger, but cannot have added fat.

Specialty Ground Beef - is made up of specific cuts of beef ground into one package. For example - specialty ground beef is ground chuck, ground sirloin or ground round. The guidelines are - Ground chuck is 80 to 85 percent lean and 15 to 20 percent fat; Ground round is 85 to 90 percent lean and 10 to 15 percent fat and Ground sirloin is 90 to 92 percent lean and 8 to 10 percent fat.

Lean Ground Beef is similar to regular ground beef, but contains a maximum of 22% fat.

Extra Lean Ground Beef - It's also similar to regular ground beef, but containing a maximum of 15% fat .

Green Tea - How does it help you?

Green tea

Combats cancer

Protects your heart

Helps stops strokes

Promotes Weight loss

Kills bacteria

Salmon Patties

I've just made Salmon Patties for dinner tonight but decided to make a change. Instead of using cracker or bread crumbs I used crushed cheese-nips and added a few crushed French Fried Onions. They were great!

Another tip. When you find yourself short of Salmon use tuna. The flavor is slightly different but still wonderful.

Liquid in Beef Package is not Blood

I found this statement on Life Tips while playing around in cyberspace. I didn't know this and am interested in seeing how many of you did.

Many people think the liquid found in beef packaging is blood from the steer because of the color of the liquid and the color of the meat. However, it is important to note that blood is removed from beef during the slaughtering process. There is a minute amount remaining and it is contained within the muscle of the beef. Beef is about three-quarters water, so that natural moisture, combined with protein, is what is found in packages of beef.

Grapes - How do they help you?

Grapes

saves eyesight

Conquers kidney stones

Combats cancer

Enhances blood flow

Protects your heart

A Book and A Dish

I've just posted a new book review and the Author's favorite recipe on A Book and A Dish. To view the review and recipe click on A Book and A Dish in the right side bar.

Garlic - How does it help you?

Garlic

Lowers cholesterol

Controls blood pressure

Combats cancer

Kills bacteria

Fights fungus

Potato Chip Chicken

Boy is this an easy and tasty dish! Get the full recipe by going to Martha's Recipes.

Now is also a good time to order your copy of my cookbook Stir, Laugh, Repeat... Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen. Remember, Mother's Day is just around the corner. You can place your order here on my site or by going directly to Amazon.

Strawberry Pudding Cake

For an easy but really pretty and delicious cake, go to Martha's Recipes and check out my newest cake.

Flax - How does it help you?

Flax

Aids digestion

Battles diabetes

Protects your heart

Improves mental health

Boosts immune system

Easy Homemade Seasoning Salt

Your own Seasoning Salt is really easy to make. This is one that I like to use on just about anything.

2 Tbsp Salt
2 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/4 tsp Turmeric
1/4 tsp Onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Mix all ingredients together, I usually put them in an airtight jar with a lid and give it a few shakes. I also shake them well before using.

And if you like you can add pepper to your own taste.

Fish - How can it help you?

Fish

Protects your heart

Boosts memory

Combats Cancer

Supports immune system

Baking Powder Freshness

I know you should mark the date purchased on items before storing them but sometimes I get in a rush to put things away and simply forget. Herbs, spices and especially baking powder are items that I seem to always forget to mark. Here is a way to test your baking powder for freshness. Put one teaspoon of baking powder in 1/3 cup of water. If the water does not fizz toss the baking powder. It's too old to use. Simple!

Figs - How can they help you?

Figs

Promotes weight loss

Helps stops strokes

Lowers cholesterol

Combats Cancer

Controls blood pressure

Macaroni Caesar Salad

If you want a simply delicious salad check out my Macaroni Caesar Salad recipe. This dish and more can be found on Martha's Kitchen Korner.

Chili Peppers - How can they help you?

Chili peppers

Aids digestion

Soothes sore throat

Clears sinuses

Combats Cancer

Boosts immune system

And you thought all they did was burn your mouth!

Turkey Cutlets with Spaghetti Sauce

I've just posted one of the best recipes I've ever made. The taste is wonderful and of course the dish is so easy. Check it out in Martha's Recipes.

Chestnuts - How can they help you?

Chestnuts

Promotes weight loss

Protects your heart

Lowers cholesterol

Combats Cancer

Controls blood pressure

Cooking Safely

I have burned myself many times while adding veggies or meats to hot oil, butter or grease. Splatting from the saucepan while adding veggies and meats can cause serious burns. There is a simple way to avoid this. Simply tilt the pan in the opposite direction whenever you add food to the pan.

Easy Oven Cleaning

I hate to clean an oven so when I had to replace my old oven I bought a "self cleaning" oven. Then I read the instructions and saw how long it takes plus hot hot the oven actually get. I hate to say this but I don't use the self cleaning. This is what I do instead.

I put a small pan of ammonia in the oven in the evening and then close the oven door. In the morning, I remove the pan of ammonia. The grease inside the oven wipes off very easily. Ammonia is cheap, electricity to reach 700 degrees isn't.

Cherries - How do they help you?

Cherries

Protects your heart

Combats Cancer

Ends insomnia

Slows aging process

Shields against Alzheimer's

Frozen Bananas with Chocolate

With summer on it's way and kids out of school, here is a great snack to have ready when they come in from playing. Take bananas that are ripe and ready to eat, peel and freeze. After they are frozen dip them in melted chocolate and freeze again. They make a great treat!

Melted Butter and Grilling

Having corn on the cob for dinner? Melted butter in a small bowl, place it and a pastry brush on the table with the corn. This makes buttering corn a lot easier.

If you have a small metal bowl you can put a chunk of butter in the bowl and set on grill to melt while meal is grilling.

Cauliflower - How does it help you?

Cauliflower

Protects against Prostate Cancer

Combats Breast Cancer

Strengthens bones

Banishes bruises

Guards against heart disease

Almond Toffee Candy

I've added just added a candy recipe that has many variations and only takes a few minutes to make. Find this recipe on Martha's Kitchen Korner which appears on the right side bar.

Chicken Dressing Casserole

I've just added a new chicken recipe to Martha's Recipes. This one is very simple and so delicious. To view, simply click on Martha's Recipes on the right side bar.

Stir, Laugh, Repeat.. Find Joy While Playing in the Kitchen

My cookbook Stir, Laugh, Repeat is coming up on it's first year in publication and I have to say that the sales and reviews are wonderful. Stir, Laugh, Repeat is a cookbook that's perfect for young adults learning to cook. It's also great if you need to whip up a quick, easy meal after spending the day at work. Go to Amazon and check out some of my reviews.

Toasted Oatmeal

Sometimes when I make oatmeal cookies I find I'm missing something in the texture. Try this. Toast oatmeal in the oven before adding to other ingredients when making oatmeal
cookies. This really gives a wonderful texture to the cookies.

Carrots - How can they help you

Carrots

Saves eyesight

Protects your heart

Prevents constipation

Combats cancer

Promotes weight loss

Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Book Signing

Last weekend a friend and I traveled to Florida for book signings. It was a wonderful trip and the signings were a success. The signings were in Port Richey and Clearwater which is near the Gulf but we were so busy during the 3 days we were there that we didn't make it to the beach. We did eat well! I was able to finally meet in person 3 people I've corresponded with over the internet for almost a year. One lady named Lillian is a wonderful cook and the inspiration for the Grape Salad recipe that I've posted on Martha's Recipe Cabinet. If you haven't checked out this recipe yet, you are really missing out. It's simple and so delicious. Find this recipe and more at http://marthasrecipecabinet.blogspot.com/

Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Did you know that if you add one teaspoon baking powder to mashed potatoes the baking powder will make them fluffy. I use this when making enough mashed potatoes to serve 6-8

Cantaloupe - How does it help you?

Cantaloupe

Saves eyesight

Controls blood pressure

Lowers cholesterol

Combats cancer

Supports immune system

Freezing Parsley

I used to buy chopped frozen parsley in the grocery store. It came in small containers, was so simple to use and I always had parsley whenever a recipe called it. I can't find it now so here is a way to make your own frozen parsley and always have it on hand. Buy fresh parsley, wrap it in foil first, then freeze. When you need parsley for your next recipe simply shave off as much as needed, rewrap and return to the freezer. It will retain its flavor and freshness.

Cabbage - What it can do for You

Cabbage

Combats cancer

Prevents constipation

Promotes weight loss

Protects your heart

Helps hemorrhoids

Grated Orange and Lemon

Have you ever needed orange or lemon peel for a recipe just to find out that you had no lemons nor oranges. Here is an easy solution to that problem. Grate orange and lemon peel before peeling. Dry and add to spice cake or any cookies or puddings. The dried grated peel will keep well in a covered jar.

Broccoli - How Does it Help?

Broccoli

Strengthens bones

Saves eyesight

Combats cancer

Protects your heart

Controls blood pressure

Gravy

Does your gravy come out lumpy? Add your salt to the flour used for thickening gravies, etc. This will help prevent lumping.

Bouillon Cubes

Cook vegetables with one or more bouillon cubes instead of salt will improve the flavor. Tossing in a few garlic cloves when boiling vegetables makes things tastier too. I even throw in a small, whole onion now and then for flavor. The onion can be removed but it's wonderful taste will stay.

Blueberries - How do they help?

Blueberries

Combats cancer

Protects your heart

Stabilizes blood sugar

Boosts memory

Prevents constipation

Grape Salad

I'm in the process of doing away with my website http://www.marthaskitchenkorner.com
I'll be posting recipes in my new site http://marthasrecipecabinet.blogspot.com/
To see a really wonderful and simple recipe for Grape Salad visit Martha's Recipe Cabinet.
You won't believe how easy this dish is to make and just in time for those family Easter gatherings.