What happens when 25 food bloggers get the same cookbook? What does everyone choose to make? Sara and Alicat at Weekend Cookbook Challenge and I were curious to find out so we invited a group of friends to join us and make recipes from Mitchell Davis' new book, Kitchen Sense.
When the book first arrived, I was a little disappointed because like most food bloggers, I'm all about poring over pictures of food -- and there aren't any pictures in the book at all. But, flipping through, I noted some interesting food recipes, not the least was this one --Potato Chip Cookies. At first I thought I was reading it wrong. Then I realized, no, I hadn't gone totally myopic. Intrigued, I started reading through more recipes and pictures or no --I'm really enjoying this book. My fears that it would be too cerebral were unfounded: it's a great basic cookbook with good recipes and a conversational tone that makes it easy to read. I can't say that I would have picked it up at a bookstore if I'd been on my own -- but that adage about never judging a book by its cover? Pretty true. This was an inspiring read and several of the participating bloggers and I swapped notes about how much we were enjoying just reading the book. It makes sense since Davis is the VP and Director of Communications for the James Beard Foundation -- so he knows a good cookbook when he sees one; and better yet, he can write a pretty good one too. After marking off countless pages for recipes to make, I came back to this one -- it was just too odd and intriguing to pass up.
I was talking to Stephanie and told her I was planning to make the potato chip cookies.
"Don't forget to use cheap potato chips," she said.
"Oh man, I forgot about that." The recipe calls for thin potato chips -- not fancy, organic chips -- they're too thick and taste like (surprise) potatos.
I never buy junk food, so when Hubby saw the bag of potato chips, he was confused.
"Potato chip cookies," I informed him.
He frowned. "Honey...that sounds like something a frumpy housewife makes. And you are not frumpy."
So here we have 'em -- verdict? Well, interesting, that's for sure. It tastes just like a yummy butter cookie -- except with a pototo crisp crunch to it. I'm not at all certain how to feel about them quite yet. Maybe I need to try a few more.
Hubby decided to be a good hubby the other night and make dinner. In a twist on Knock Knock Dinners, he checked the fridge for ingredients and found enough to make the meatballs recipe from the book. Stephanie made the same recipe -- and they're a knockout. I did get chastised for lack of oregano ("It's only one of the most important spices and we don't have it in our garden?!") but that didn't detract from the overall dish. There's a recipe for corn chowder I'm dying to try since I've got some fresh corn in the fridge. Actually, the book is fairly dog-eared with recipes to review and attempt.
And, I do know there are some other runaway successes in this book -- Sara and I will have the roundups of everyone's posts up soon so check back!
How funny!!
I think Matt wants me to make the cookies, too...of course, he wants me to make a *lot* of recipes fromt his book, so who knows when it'll happen?!
Posted by: Stephanie | July 10, 2006 at 11:35 AM
If the recipe does not work out, you might have some fun "junk food" ingredients to enjoy for a bit.
Posted by: beastmomma | July 10, 2006 at 04:38 PM
I am so glad someone decided to try these...they were on my short list :)
I remember thinking that they sort of reminded me of the Rice Krispie/Cornflake cookies we used to see at church bake sales...
j
Posted by: jasmine | July 10, 2006 at 09:23 PM
What an interesting recipe, I wonder if they have this cookbook available in Australia. I am trying to imagine how the cookies would taste and feel...but by the looks of your photo it seems delicious.
Posted by: jenjen | July 11, 2006 at 03:52 AM
I can vouch for the corn chowder recipe - it's brilliant.
Posted by: Haalo | July 11, 2006 at 09:12 AM
Oooh. I'm so glad that you tried these as I was very curious about them! Let me know what the final verdict is when you try a few more of them...
Posted by: Geneve | July 11, 2006 at 10:03 PM
Don't know how I've missed you. Really like your blog.
The reviews on this book are pretty much overwhelming. Seems a must have.
Posted by: Tanna | July 12, 2006 at 06:06 AM
OK, I'm ready to try this recipe! Thanks for the review. Very nice.
Posted by: Anne | July 13, 2006 at 08:08 AM
Sounds unique and interesting, but good.
Posted by: Duane | July 13, 2006 at 05:31 PM
Stephanie - -as it turned out Hubby and Matt think alike -- Italian meatballs!
Jaspreet -- I'm still not sure how I feel about the recipe. On the one hand, the cookies were great. On the other hand, my brain just could wrap itself around the concept!
Jasmine, I'd love to get your thoughts when you make a batch.
Jenjen, I don't know if the book is available yet in Australia -- hopefully soon. The cookies really were delicious -- I'm just struggling to put it together in my brain. :-)
Haalo -- oh thank you! I love corn chowder and there are few things more disappointing than a soup recipe that sucks.
Genve, I might have to bring these to you when we meet and get your opinion. I don't suppose you have any of your potato focaccia left that I can trade for?
Tanna, thanks so much for coming by and for the nice words! And I have to say -- I'm really impressed with the book.
Anne, email me if you'd like the recipe.
Duane, oh, interesting is definitely the right word! :-)
Posted by: cath | July 14, 2006 at 08:57 PM
I'll be making more of that potato focaccia so just let me know when you'll be heading over... ;)
Posted by: Geneve | July 26, 2006 at 01:00 PM
I've been wanting to make potato chip cookies for a while, but I never think to buy potato chips. Thanks for the review!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 30, 2006 at 07:44 PM
I love potato chips and cookies, but potato cookies? I wonder if it's as odd yet tasty as potato chip and chocolate combined - Royce Brand Potato choco-chip.
Is it possible for you to share the recipe?
Posted by: tabehodai | July 31, 2006 at 11:56 AM