Kosher By Design Entertains

Customer Reviews

• Susie gets paid to fuss in her kitchen -- I don't!  Dec 6, 2005 (14 of 16 found this helpful)

  Kosher Palette was great. It was one of the first Kosher cookbooks I've used which featured original dishes with interesting combinations of ingredients, almost all of which were successful. Naturally, I was very excited about Kosher by Design, which was also good, if not quite as great as Kosher Palette.
  
  Kosher by Design Entertains, on the other hand, was disappointing. Many of the recipes seem to be more complicated versions of recipes I already have, and the results are often mediocre. For example, the Balsamic-braised roast is okay, but I have a recipe for Pot Roast in Wine Sauce which is nearly effortless and tastes, if anything, better. I have a Butternut Squash soup recipe which, in my opinion, is way more interesting than the Sweet Potato Soup she raves about, not to mention easier.
  
  I was disappointed in the lack of originality of many recipes. Recipes like "Angel Food Cake," "Apple Kugel," and "Yellow Split Pea Vegetable Soup," while presentable, are not exactly the unique recipes I've come to expect from Susie.
  
  Many of the recipes, in addition to being gratuitously complicated, require equipment that I have neither the budget nor the kitchen space to purchase. I suppose this would not apply to people whose kitchens are not kosher, but as a kosher cook I just can't see investing in a food processor to be used only for meat recipes, or a mini-bundt pan to be used only for dairy recipes.
  
  On a more positive note, the photography is beautiful and the party pages are a lot of fun. Although I'm not the type to throw these kinds of parties (and who is, really -- how realistic are those complicated menus if you're serving a crowd of people?), it's fun to fantasize and enjoy the beautiful pictures. I suppose the book might be worth it for that, and for the few recipes which are worth doing. Just don't expect the originality and ease of Susie's previous books. While you can definitely get more creative if you're paid by the hour to cook and have an expense budget for your equipment, most of us are not in that situation.

• Possibly the best cookbook ever!  Mar 9, 2005 (5 of 6 found this helpful)

  If I buy twelve do I get a bakers dozen because my friends keep swiping my copy that I cannot seem to keep one on my shelf?! If you can get past the blinding beauty of this book and start cooking, you would be even more impressed. I have shocked myself at what a great cook I have become because of this fabulous book. The recipes are unusual, interesting and easy. I have never had better soups and I have tried them ALL. I am always looking for new chicken recipes and the Roasted Garlic Chicken stuffed with dried fruit and nuts is my current favorite and out of this world. I love the carefully worded explanantions that go with each recipe and the helpful tips that the author gives. I love the resource guide in the back and I cannot say enough about this book! Do yourself a favor and buy this book...or twelve of them!

• Fantastic recipes!  Oct 19, 2007 (2 of 2 found this helpful)

  I purchased this book right before Sukkot, at my (21yr. old) daughter's request - before she was due to arrive for the holiday. Not only did it arrive (early) in time for the holiday - but the recipes were great!. We brought one of the salads to a friend for one of the meals, and she insisted on getting the recipe from us. The recipes are doable - and come out delicious. Would definitely recommend this book.

• This book has been better than therapy!  Mar 14, 2005 (4 of 5 found this helpful)

  Like most guys, I never know what to give as a gift. So when my mother's birthday approached, I felt that old tightness in my chest. Then I happened to see this new cookbook. It inspired me. So - I gave it to Mom and I think it made up for all the lousy gifts I gave her over the years - starting with that toad when I was five! She calls me almost daily to tell me what new recipe she tried. And I get invited over to taste test everything now! Thanks, Susie Fishbein. A therapist couldn't have improved things to this degree!

• WOW!!! This cookbook is over-the-top!  Mar 10, 2005 (4 of 5 found this helpful)

  This cookbook provides everything we have come to expect from one of Susie Fishbein's creations, and then some. The pictures are beautiful, the recipes are unique and straight-forward, and the results are fantastic. The 'pastrami stuffed turkey roast with pineapple glaze' has already become a family favorite! I had to pry the cookbook out of my husband's hands when I first brought it home - he was reading it like a beloved novel. I especially appreciate the resource guide - it is so helpful and really makes the book user-friendly. Thanks Susie - can't wait for the next one!