Thursday, April 16, 2020

ABC Post 6--Spice Thyme Cookbook Review and Giveaway



UPDATE--The drawing is over.
The winner is commenter #75--Ellie!

When Angela Amstutz first contacted me about her book, I admit I was dumbfounded at the idea of two Mennonite women assembling a cookbook about spices.

Wasn’t that like kind of like an Inuit writing about hummus? Or maybe a Kenyan showing us how to make huevos rancheros?

Maybe, I thought next, the authors--Angela and her friend Aneta Wiebe--worked in India or Grenada, and they learned to cook the local foods and will show us how.

I paged through the book. Mashed potatoes? Wait. What? Chicken noodle soup? Biscuits?

This is what I figured out, eventually, and then it all made sense. See, I can put a hot meal on the table. Beef, pasta, vegetables. It’s nutritious, and it tastes ok.

My daughter Amy can make the same sort of meal, but as each bite hits your mouth, subtle flavors radiate deliciously into your tongue and up the back side of your nose. “Ooooh! Yum!” You say. “This is amazing.”

You take seconds and thirds.

This book is about replicating that sort of magic, breaking down the details so someone like me can master the skills. It’s more about taste and flavor than about being hot and spicy.

It’s actually right there in the subtitle—“Exploring the flavory world of culinary spices and herbs.”

Spice Thyme is also a textbook about spices and flavorings of all kinds. One section tells you how to grow your own herbs, another how to dry and preserve them, and a long chapter in the back shares all kinds of information about the history, sources, and uses of every spice you can name. You'll read why Holy Basil is called that odd name, for instance.

I was especially delighted with a section on making your own spice mixes. So far we’ve made a Cajun spice mix and also pizza seasoning.

I found that when I left my copy of Spice Thyme lying on the kitchen counter, family members walking by would pick it up and start reading, randomly. It is that interesting and well-written. It also has almost 600 pages and hundreds of recipes, many of them with color photos.



Most of the recipes feature traditional American-Mennonite food, but other cultures and their tastes are represented as well. There’s a section on Peruvian food, plus dahl from India, African bean stew, Delightful Guacamole from a contributor in Honduras, and seven variations of borscht, a Russian-Mennonite soup.

Our youngest daughter, Jenny, age 20, paged through the book, suggesting recipes to try, so I told her to put a post-it note on the ones she wanted me to make.

This was the result:

I also jotted down a few of her snarky comments, such as, “Scrapple? When you measure meat by volume, I’m not sure I want it!” [page 258]. But seriously, I have a notion to try it with the "extra" meats from the pig we got from the neighbors.

But then Jenny found Cheesy Biscuits on page 90 and couldn’t wait to try them.





Besides the biscuits, which were delicious, we tried the Cajun Chicken Pasta on page 319. Paul, who has very traditional Mennonite taste buds, found it a bit too spicy, but the rest of us thought it was wonderful.

Cajun chicken

I look forward to reading and using this cookbook a lot more.

GIVEAWAY--
Angela will be giving away three copies of Spice Thyme--one to blog commenters, one on my page on Facebook, and one on Instagram [@dorcassmucker].
Comment below to be included in the drawing. USA addresses only. Please include enough info so I can find you if you win.
Drawing is 9 pm Saturday, April 18.

Read on for Angela's guest post, a sample recipe, and ordering information.

Ask your local bookstore to stock it.

The need for a book
Ten times in the last two days, my inbox received what was labeled as a Quarantine Cooking Recipe Exchange, the kind of exchange that you pass on to 20 people and receive reems of recipes in response to your own small contribution. I thought chain letters and recipe trees were a thing of my teenage days, and back then I did them… and never received anything back. Why do they all say that no one drops out (not true) and that you will receive dozens of (in this case) new recipes (also not true)? Since I was required to forward the exchange to twenty people each time I received it, and since I do not have 200 people in my contacts who would appreciate this, I gave up and am not doing any at all.
                But I agree with the thought behind the exchange; the world needs recipes right now. Many women who usually work away are at home all day, and the rest of us are thinking twice about going away. What better time is there to spend extra hours creating delectable, home-cooked meals for our families?
                I have a solution for this recipe need, and it’s a whole lot simpler—and far more efficient—than forwarding this email to twenty of your unwilling friends.

The birth of a book
                I am a spice enthusiast. When an email landed in my inbox several years ago, asking for different ways to use spices and herbs, I clicked “reply” and wrote an email, not to the person who sent it to me, but to the unknown woman who sent it to her. She also replied, and it wasn’t long until we began discussing printing a cookbook together that focused on spices and herbs.
                We sent notices to our friends, asking for spicy recipes, tips, and hints. As the replies dumped back into our inboxes, we began to organize, sort, type, and file them. I checked into many publishing options and we decided to leap into the world of self-publishing. We organized recipes, tested recipes, photographed recipes, and searched for editors and proof-readers and a designer. We wrote informative and inspirational articles, and solicited writing help from seasoned friends. It took a long time, a lot of work, and more dedication than we imagined.
                Now, more than two years later, we hold the finished product in our hands, ready to pass on to those of you needing something to fill these extra hours.

About the book
                Ever wish you had more knowledge of those spices in your cupboard? Did you ever wonder what cardamom or fennel is, or how to use them? What about when your hostess mentions what she put in the soup, and you have never heard of such an herb? Did you ever pause in the isle of your local bulk food store and puzzle over the bottles of tarragon and lemon pepper, wondering how you could use them?
Spice Thyme has the answers to all these questions, and more. Cooks around the world open their cupboards to share tried and true recipes, each of which contains at least one spice. This cookbook also includes essays on how to grow, harvest, and use herbs, how to make your own spice blends, and more. A spice commentary in the back introduces you to fun facts and useful tips about each spice. Broaden your culinary horizons by adding Spice Thyme to your collection!  

Spice Thyme cookbook, spiral bound hardcover, approximately 600 pages with over 600 recipes. Many full color photos throughout. $25.99 per book USA, or $31.99 in Canada.

USA retail customer special: Order one book for $5 shipping, two for $3, or three or more for FREE shipping! Bulk discounts are also available. Offer expires May 15, 2020. Please mention where you saw this ad to receive your discount.
Canadian retail customer special: Order one book for $15 shipping, two for $10, three for $5, four or more for FREE shipping! Offer expires May 15, 2020. Please mention where you saw this ad to receive your discount.


Distributor Offer: 60% off whole cases
Wholesale Store Offer: 40% off whole cases
10 books per case

USA Contact:
Angela Amstutz
15 Bromley RD
Huntington, MA 01050
315.408.9713

Canadian Contact:
Aneta Wiebe
Box 162
Eden, Manitoba R0J0M0
CANADA
204.841.1207



And, finally, a recipe for Life in the Shoe readers:


Broccoli Salad
Recipe from: Crystal (Mrs. Steven) Zimmerman, Wellsboro, PA

2 cups mayonnaise
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup distilled vinegar
1 tsp salt
½ cup water
1 tbsp. minced onion
Mix well with electric mixer. Str together the following ingredients and slowly add to the first mixture:
1 cup sugar
1 ½ tbsp instant clear gel
Mix dressing with desired amount of broccoli. Garnish with:
Shredded cheese
Cooked, crumbled bacon

Crystal’s Note: We made this to sell at the market where I worked as a teenager. If you think it’s a lot of bother for broccoli salad, try it! It’s the best!

Remember to comment to be included in the drawing. Include your name please!

UPDATE--comments are closed. Winner is Ellie--comment #75

100 comments:

  1. I have heard of this cookbook, but haven't seen it yet. Thanks for a chance to win! Sounds like you're enjoying it. :)

    Mary Beth Martin

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  2. I saw that cookbook in the GVS catalog and I was thinking about ordering it. I'll see if I win.☺

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  3. Looks interesting . . .I love using fresh spices and recently have been introduced to whole nutmeg- never knew what it looked like before . . . My daughter brought some home after helping an elderly couple clean out their cupboards. 🙂

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  4. I would love to have this! I love experimenting with all kinds of spices.

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  5. Susana Martin4/16/2020 1:10 PM

    That recipe looks like a winner for me! I was intrigued with this cookbook when I first saw the ad on PPITN.

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  6. That looks like a book I’d like! Anne Brickman

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  7. Ooooo! This cookbook looks so exciting! I’ve been wanting to practice using more spices to enhance the flavor of my meals!

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  8. I would love a guide to cooking with herbs and spices. Herb garden, here we come! --Regina Troyer

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  9. This sounds like a fun cookbook. I would love to win!

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  10. Wow this looks interesting! Would love to get ahold of one!

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  11. This sounds like my kind of cookbook. Love cooking with all kinds of spices.

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  12. I wouldn't mind having this cookbook...yay for more Friday night supper ideas!

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  13. Looks like a fun cookbook. I like cookbooks, but don't use them that much, maybe I need some inspiration!

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  14. I love exploring spices. Always looking for more delicious ways to improve old favorites.

    Jarita Bavido

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  15. Your post is the first I am hearing of this cookbook, but I love learning more about seasoning things in interesting new ways

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  16. This looks so interesting. I would enjoy learning how to use spices better.

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  17. I love using spices and herbs to cook and would definitely like this book!

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  18. This looks very interesting and informative!

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  19. I love cookbooks! I read them, and my children don't understand why I would enjoy that.

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  20. The biscuits and broccoli salad look delicious. The meals I'm picturing in my head with plenty of herbs from my garden this summer also look appealing. This cookbook sounds so fun.:)

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  21. This looks very interesting! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  22. Since I'm a sucker for good cookbooks.... =) Looks like it would be an interesting one. Glenda Mast

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  23. I love herbs and spices! Please enter my name!

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  24. This looks very interesting! It might. E good to “spice” things up a bit.

    Sherry Sherron

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  25. Would love a new cookbook .. esp. if I could learn how to incorporate spices into my menu!

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  26. Sounds fun! I am not very knowledgeable about what spices to use and don’t have many. I could use a little encouragement.

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  27. Looks so awesome! Loved the review!

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  28. This sounds like a great book! Thanks for offering a chance to win! Beth Zehr

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  29. I doubt that this book will contain recipes for some of the Japanese and Bangladeshi spices in my cupboard, but I might be surprised. I'd love to be surprised.

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  30. I love cookbooks and one that would help me use more spices? I say yes please!! Aurelia Glick

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  31. This is the first I've heard of this cookbook and would love to win it. Rosene Martin, Berks County, PA

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  32. I like cooking with spices. This book sounds wonderful! -Kaylene Mullet

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  33. I'd really be excited to win!!
    Geneva Bear

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  34. I have enough cookbooks.. I thought! Until I hear about this! Would love to win this one. -Carol Eveleth

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  35. This sounds like a great resource for any kitchen!

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  36. I never heard of this cookbook before, but I love experimenting with spices and herbs and this sounds like a cookbook I would use! Audra Horst

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  37. Sounds intriguing! My sons love studying about different spices as well!

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  38. This cookbook sounds mouth-watering! I have grown and dried some herbs over the years and I currently have an ever-bourgeoning sage bush but I am excited to learn more!

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  39. Spices from the store often smell musty even right when you open the bottle. Fresh or whole whenever possible.
    Amy Zimmerman

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  40. I am in a cooking rut. This book would be wonderful. Christie sheaffer

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  41. Everything you’ve mentioned sounds amazing. I would love to read this cookbook. Thank you.


    Amy Varnell-Miller

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  42. Would love it!! Thanks for the chance to win! Deb scearce

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  43. Darlene Miller4/16/2020 8:12 PM

    What an intriguing cookbook! Tantalizing!

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  44. I've been wishing for this cookbook!

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  45. I would be so excited to win this cookbook! :)

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  46. This sounds like a cookbook we need! We are slowly starting to grow our own herbs and trying new (for us!) spices.

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  47. This cookbook looks like just what I need!!! :) Berneda Kropf

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  48. Aaahhh! Saving my pennies! Spices and mixes are my thing!!! <3

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  49. Which is it, Saturday or the 19th? ML

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  50. I love reading cookbooks..so much I get mocked for it at times. :) one thing that really caught my attention is 7 recipes for borsch. All red borsch recipes? Or some for green borsch too? I’d love to find out.
    Linda Schrock

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    1. The funny thing is, I don't think any of those recipes call for beets! I thought that was a requirement for borscht.

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  51. I love cooking with herbs and spices. And my cabinet goes to show, so so many! ��☺️ Delores Kauffman

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  52. This looks really good! I do such plain Jane cooking (no insult to anyone named Jane ☺️). I would really enjoy spicing things up. This is the first time I've heard of this cookbook.

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  53. Looks like a cookbook I'd like to try.

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  54. I love cookbooks! I have never heard of this one. I would love to win it. Amanda Nolt

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  55. This cookbook sounds fascinating! I would love to win it!
    Also, I really enjoy your blog! Keep up the good work!
    Katrina Nolt

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  56. I love a cookbook that's more than just recipes and this sounds like one I could learn from.
    Angela Martin

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  57. I would love to give this cookbook to my daughter, whose love for cooking and herbs didn't come from me. Jane Weaver

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  58. This looks like such a great idea!

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  59. Looks delicious! I love using spices...
    Rachel Friesen

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  60. This does sound like a great cookbook .I tend to use just a few herbs and spices over and over.

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  61. A newlywed wife from church asked me for my cookie recipe. I told her it was found in a popular local cookbook; assuming she would have received a copy as a wedding present. She looked at me like a had suggested she churn her own butter. No,she did not own cookbooks, she used Pinterest. Being the old fashioned thiry-something that I am,I love a good cookbook! I think the idea is catching on with the you get crowd as well. I also love growing and using fresh herbs, so I'm sure I would find this book informative and enjoyable.

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  62. I will definitely need to check this out!!! Love love love growing herbs and using different spices from around the globe!

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  63. What is "instant clear gel"? I must know! :-) Crystal Kupper

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    1. Wait. Do normal people not use this magic powder?
      It's a cornstarch-y substance that gels instantly when mixed with a liquid. It's often used in fruit pie fillings and such.

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  64. I love all things herbs/ spices! This would be a great book to have on hand ! Miriam Hershberger

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  65. Please add me to the list. Dawn Harshbarger

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  66. Sounds like an awesome cookbook to own! Ruth Nissley

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  67. I thought I’d given up on entering giveaways. But this looks too interesting to not try!
    bethwagenius@yahoo.com

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  68. I'd LOVE this book! Mushroom soup makes my soul shrivel because it makes everything taste the same. But spices and herbs make the world go around and give a party in my mouth. Yes please!

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  69. I'm one of your male readers, who cooks. I also need to up my culinary skills when I marry my fiancée this summer! :) todd.hawbaker @ gmail.com

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  70. You've made me want to try out this cookbook myself! :) mrsd1997@gmail.com

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  71. I love new cookbooks, especially ones that incorporate lots of spices.

    Sara Deppen (saradeppen@gmail.com)

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  72. Sounds delicious! If I don't win the giveaway, I'll be sure to purchase a copy.

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  73. This looks like fun! Kaitlyn Zimmerman (takingthenews@gmail.com)

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  74. I love cookbooks. Enter me!

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  75. Sounds like a good cookbook! Enter me! Delphine Horst delhorst93@gmail.com

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  76. I also read cookbooks like a book and the more pictures the better! This one sounds very interesting!
    brenatmiller@gmail.com

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  77. I'd love to win this cookbook. I enjoy learning how to cook and season recipes popular to different cultures. Ruth A. W.

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  78. I tend to get into a rut when it comes to herbs and spices. New ideas would be great!
    -Sharon Mast

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  79. I love love love spices and am so delighted someone from my culture has compiled this!! I have made an attempt at a herb garden and wished for advice on the best herbs and how to use them. If I win this cookbook it would most certainly be put to use.

    Dorothy Hostetler

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  80. Loretta Miller4/18/2020 8:17 AM

    Hadn't heard about this one yet, but it sounds delightful! I have a collection of unique cookbooks and they are fun to 'read'! :)

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  81. Since we're not really supposed to be travelling now,I'd enjoy reading this cookbook. It would be next best to tasting the food as you make it.

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  82. Sounds delightful!!
    Joanna Horst

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  83. I've been studying how to use more herbs and spices in my cooking. this looks so good! Margretta

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  84. Kelsie Troyer4/18/2020 12:34 PM

    I think I would enjoy this unique cookbook, and it might help me use some of those odd spices I have!

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  85. I would like this! Julie Glick- laverneandjulie@gmail.com

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  86. This looks like a fun cookbook! Spiral bound is always good in my book! :)
    Dorcas Siegrist

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  87. Well I have been a silent reader for a few years.. I don't personally know you, but have known your sister Margaret since I was a young child. I grew up in Kutztown, Pa and as a young teenager would go help Margaret at times when her children were young and they lived in their small trailer. :)
    I love to cook and am one that loves to sit down and browse through cookbooks.
    I am not a "winner" when it comes to things like this, but hey I guess I finally worked up enough nerve to comment on your blog.
    Amy (Martin) Unruh
    Amypeppergirl@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! And for helping Margaret when she needed you most.

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  88. I would love to have this cookbook! Sounds wonderful! Irma Miller

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