Time for Fathers and Brides...
In This Issue
Father's Day
June 15 (USA)
June Weddings
Featured Shopping Resources
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A Bride's Cookbook

The Cookbook

Learn More about the cookbook that started it all, now updated, revised and better than ever! Give one as a unique wedding or shower gift this season!

A Bride's Cookbook

Just for Dad Gifts...
"He'll Wear it with Pride"

Remind Dad just how much he means to you with a personalized Father's Day creation. Select from hundreds of designs or send us a picture, drawing or text and we'll create a truly one- of-a-kind gift for Dad. Visit
www.givitup.com or click on the Apron above or shirt below.

Organic T

Other unique gifts for Father's Day...

Celebrate Mom this Mother's Day at CafePress


Quick Links

Not just about recipes, we're about a healthier lifestyle, fun and entertainment while making life easier and more enjoyable too!  Here are some of our favorite online hangouts for tableware, kitchen accessories, & gourmet food items. If you have a favorite resource we'd love to hear about it!

Save 10% at KlinQ.com

Shop Oneida's Sizzling Deal of the Week!

The Kitchen Collection, Inc. - Home Page

 
Previous Issues
Issue #4 May 2008
Greetings!
 
June is traditionally a popular month for weddings but it also includes Father's Day, Flag Day and even the official first day of summer.
 
Now that the flowers are planted, the decks are hosed off and all the spring cleaning is done, what better time to be moving outdoors and enjoying all life has to offer. Summer foods can be as cool and refreshing as a Mint Julip or as heavy as a pig on the spit but it's all about having fun this time of year, so let's dig in!
Father's Day June 15th...

What's So Good About Beer Daddy...?  
Newlyweds in Loving Pose

Impress Dad this year by sharing some little known facts surrounding his beverage of choice by brushing up a bit on some beer trivia.  Then surprise Dad with a few bottles of his favorite, a variety pack or even a home-brewing kit!

All About Beer...

Prohibitionists and other conservatives have long viewed beer as the devil's brew. Beer itself isn't so bad; it's people that have given it a bad rap. When used in a controlled, social setting, beer is nothing more than a cold, refreshing break time treat.

Rich History - There is evidence that beer has been around almost along as history itself. Pre-historic man is said to have created beer before learning that grains could also be used to produce another dietary staple called "bread". Noah is said to have stocked his ark with beer. Ancient Babylonian clay tables revealing recipes for beer date back to 4300 BC.

Social Acceptance - Clearly, beer has always been in important element in social gatherings. It's a staple at sport arenas, card games and dart matches. Problems can arise, however, when beer drinkers indulge privately or believe they can drink away their troubles. Of course, binge drinking or drinking in excess also brews trouble.

Worldwide Acclaim - Beer is consumed all over the world. North America, South America, Asia and Europe all have rich beer histories. Breweries can be found in Mongolia, many African countries, and Middle East countries including Iraq and Syria. Virtually anywhere a thirsty traveler stops to rest, a cold pint can easily be found. Many beers of the world are imported and readily available to North American beer drinkers looking to explore new flavours - complete article -

Related articles:
How to Taste Beer
Learn how to make beer at home

Almost all dads love the grill and what it stands for as well as what comes off of it. Suggest that Dad grill for the family on Father's Day and drop him these savory recipes for the big celebration.  He will jump at the chance!

Ultimate Father's Day Recipes for the Grill
Seasoned Grilled Fries
Stuffed Bacon Cheeseburgers
 
For more grilling and holiday ideas, check out our website at www.abridescookbook.com and coming soon will be a new blog allowing you to submit comments, suggestions, recipes and more!
June Weddings Abound...

Whether you are getting married yourself, helping plan a wedding for a friend or family member, hosting a bridal shower or throwing a bachlorette party, chances are you'll be thinking about weddings this month.
 
In the old days ladies would sit in a circle at a bridal shower, play a couple games, the bride would open gifts, punch and cake would be served and that would be it! Today 'couples showers' are popular and can be a casual pig pickin, an elegant cocktail party, or anything in between. There are no rules, just plenty of good food!
 
Try these for an absolutely up-to-date summer cocktail party, and if there no weddings in your neighborhood on the calendar just have some neighbors over to kick off the summer right!
 
Fruited Brie
 
3 1/3 Tbsp brandy
1/3 C golden raisins
1 2/3 Tbsp currants or dark raisins
7/8 Lb Brie
3 1/3 Tbsp toasted walnuts -- chopped
1. Place brandy, raisins, and currants in a small bowl. Microwave on 100% power until raisins absorb brandy, 30 to 60 seconds.
2. Place Brie in a microwave-safe serving dish. Microwave on 100% power until cheese is warmed and begins to melt (30 to 60 seconds). Sprinkle raisins and walnuts on top of Brie.
 
Serve with crackers or sliced baguettes.
 
Crab Meat Mousse

2 cans crab meat drained,
1 can cr. mushroom soup,
1- 8 ounce pkg cream cheese
1 finely chopped onion,
1 cup diced celery,
1 cup mayo,
Method:
2 1/2 tbsps.(2 1/2 envelopes) unflavored knox gelatin , dissolved in 1/2 cup water

combine everything and heat on stove
-while still warm, stir in gelatin mixture
remove from heat
pour in 5 1/2 cup mold and refrigerate
serve with your favorite crackers
Use a fish mold and put an olive in it's eye area!

Swedish Meatballs

1/2 cup Fresh bread crumbs
3/4 cup milk
1 pound ground meat (beef, veal, pork)
1 egg slightly beaten
3 tablespoons onion -- chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cube beef bullion
Boiling Water
1/2 cup half and half
1 tablespoon fresh dill -- or 2 teaspoons dried

Put bread crumbs and 1/4 cups milk in small bowl. Stir with fork and let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. Put ground beef, veal and pork in a large bowl. Add egg, onion salt, pepper, allspice and soaked bread crumbs. Toss mixture gently with a fork until thoroughly combined. Shape meat mixture into a loaf about 5x6x1 inch. Cut meat mixture into 30 equal sized pieces. Press together and shape each piece into round meatballs. Put butter in a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add meatballs, about 15 at a time and cook 10 minutes until meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove meatballs as they are done and put in a large bowl.

When all the meatballs are browned and cooked, remove skillet from heat. Add flour all at once to the drippings in the skillet, and stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add bouillon cube and 3/4 cup boiling water, stirring constantly as you add.

Return skillet to medium heat and bring flour mixture to a boil, stirring until bouillon cube dissolves and mixture is smooth. Add half and half and 1/2 cup milk; bring to a simmer stirring constantly, and cook 3 minutes longer or until sauce is thick and smooth.

Add meatballs to sauce in skillet; toss gently to coat well. Remove from heat. If desired, recipe can be made up to this point and refrigerated overnight. To serve, reheat over medium heat. Transfer meatballs to serving dish; top with sauce and garnish with dill.
 
Serves 8

For the more casual affair indoors or out try this pig pickin' on for size...
 
Pig Pickin'
 
-Liquid smoke flavoring and/or spice rub (recipe below)
-Fixins: cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, rolls or buns
-Hot sauce and/or barbecue sauce

Basic Pork Rub
1/4 cup of black pepper 2 tablespoons of salt
1/4 cup of paprika 2 teaspoons of dry mustard
3 tablespoons of sugar 2 teaspoons of cayenne

Mix all ingredients.
Work half of mixture into meat 12-24 hours before cooking.
Apply remaining rub immediately before cooking.

To prepare indoors, simply baste the pork with a smoke flavoring and/or a basic rub, place it in a 250-degree F oven and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 180 to 190 F degrees.  Of course cooking the pork butt roast on a smoker grill with hickory chips is a great alternative and will surely having the neighbors climing the fence to come on over.

Oh, and of course be sure to bring a copy of "A Bride's Cookbook or Surviving Your First Year" as a gift for the hostess.  Purchase online now for delivery right to your home!
Shopping Resources of the Month...
This month it's for his cooking resource.
It's not too late to start off the summer with some of the hottest smokers and grills on the planet!
Your Ultimate Grill and Smoker Source!     
I hope you will take the chance to share your love of food and your own personal style with family and especially Dad this coming month as Father's Day and the Wedding Season heat up just in time for summer. Make a habit of celebrating life! 
 
In the mean time for more tips, recipes, and ideas visit our website at www.abridescookbook.com and Happy Celebrating!
 
Sincerely,
 

Nancy Geiger
A Bride's Cookbook