Review: Mary Engelbreit's Fan Fare Cookbook

Summary: Mary Engelbreit's Fan Fare Cookbook collects 120 delicious recipes submitted by some of her most devoted fans and brings them to you all wrapped up in Mary's delightful original artwork.

Prior to being included in Mary Engelbreit's Fan Fare Cookbook, these scrumptious recipes from Mary's fans underwent extensive testing and resulted in resounding approval by their families! Rest assured that these recipes offer easy, mouth-watering dishes for any occasion, including appetizers, breakfast foods, breads, soups, salads, side dishes, entrées, and desserts.

Although Mary Engelbreit's Fan Fare Cookbook is a perfect addition to the cookbook shelf for anyone already a fan of Mary's warm and witty work, anyone who cooks or bakes will find this handy collection of family-favorite recipes to be an entertaining introduction to Mary's world. -- Andrews McMeel

When I first picked up MARY ENGELBREIT'S FAN FARE COOKBOOK: 120 FAMILY FAVORITE RECIPES, I wasn't exactly sure that it would appeal to me. While I think Mary Engelbreit illustrations are cute, I was afraid that this book would be filled with recipes that I would never make. Wow - was I ever wrong! I was pleasantly surprised by how many recipes I marked to try, and I think this cookbook will quickly become one of my favorites!

Once I read the premise behind this cookbook, I realized that it is exactly the type of cookbook I enjoy. It's chock full of recipes from friends and fans of Mary Engelbreit, and usually individuals only submit their "best" recipes to cookbooks like this one. I found that there was a wide range of recipes from appetizers and beverages, to breakfasts and breads, to soups and stews, to salads and sides, to main dishes, and finally to desserts. I recognized many classic recipes as well as some very original new ones.

Ms. Engelbreit admits up front that she is not what you would call a cook. And that's why she asked her fans and friends for recipes. She does say that she appreciates good food though (who doesn't?) and these recipes were each tested in her studio. What I love is that these recipes are easy enough for those of us who don't have the time to cook or the desire!

As I mentioned earlier, there are dozens of recipes that I want to try, but I decided to first try the Pull-Apart Caramel Buns. I have seen recipes similar to this one, but I decided to make them for myself since the recipe was so easy. You start with thawed, frozen bread dough and you add butterscotch pudding and a caramel mixture that you make over the stove. I made these rolls up the night before and put them in the refrigerator. Then, I threw them in the oven first thing the next morning. The recipe couldn't have been easier or more delicious. My only problem was that it made a lot of cinnamon rolls (a 9x13" pan) and I didn't want to eat all of them! I think it's an ideal make-ahead recipe, and I can't wait to make it the next time we have overnight guests.

There are also quite a few main dishes that I want to try including Peppy Pasta (see below), the Hot Chicken Pasta Salad, the Sun-Dried Tomato & Chicken Pasta, the Penne with Artichoke Hearts, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Herbs, and especially the Chicken Limon! Some of the recipes aren't exactly low-fat, but quite a few definitely lean towards fresh and healthy side!

Peppy Pasta
Makes 4 servings

8 ounces angel hair (capellini) pasta
1 large tomato, chopped
1 (3.5-ounce) package sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 (2 1/2-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (4-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (6.5-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, combine the tomato, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, olives, oil, salt, garlic powder, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts. Add the cooked pasta to the tomato mixture and toss to coat.

- From MARY ENGELBREIT'S FAN FARE COOKBOOK

Of course the cookbook has loads of adorable Mary Engelbreit illustrations throughout as well as little personal tidbits from the authors of the recipes. MARY ENGELBREIT'S FAN FARE COOKBOOK is an extremely nice (and useful) cookbook that would also make the perfect gift!

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this cookbook.

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