Errant Dreams Reviews
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Archive for the ‘Beverages’ Category

“Zero-Proof Cocktails,” Liz Scott

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Pros: Wonderful and varied alcohol-free cocktail recipes!
Cons: Be prepared to search for some ingredients
Rating: 5 out of 5

Review copy courtesy of Ten Speed Press.
Also posted on Epinions.com.

 

There are times when I’m glad I’m not so fond of the taste of alcohol; things have been so crazy lately that it’s probably best that I’ve never even been tempted by the idea of using drinks to relax. (Hence the unfortunate break between reviews.) I love the other tastes prevalent in many cocktails, however, and the idea of mixed drinks that have their own lovely blend of flavors, so I was thrilled by the chance to review Liz Scott’s Zero-Proof Cocktails. My husband likes the taste of alcohol even less than I do, so we were the ideal audience to test this one out. Luckily for us, this unassuming little book is even better than I hoped!
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“Coffee Drinks,” Michael Turback

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Pros: Delicious flavors and exciting ideas
Cons: Impractical for anyone but a professional barista
Rating: 3 out of 5

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“Coffee,” Betty Rosbottom

Monday, March 17th, 2008

Pros: Great balance between technique & recipes; wonderful recipes; gorgeous photos
Cons: None
Rating: 5 out of 5

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“Hot Drinks,” Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

Pros: Delicious; adventurous; beautiful photos
Cons: Helps to have a well-stocked bar!
Rating: 5 out of 5

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“Mocha,” Michael Turback

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007

Pros: Exquisite; delicious; unusual; adventurous; nifty informational tidbits; beautiful photos
Cons: FATTENING; many drinks require espresso
Rating: 5 out of 5

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“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Coffee & Tea,” by Travis Arndorfer and Kristine Hansen

Tuesday, July 17th, 2007

Pros: Incredibly thorough; will help you understand every aspect of coffee and tea production and appreciation
Cons: Makes the appreciation of coffee seem unreachably expensive and complex; could be livelier in places
Rating: 4 out of 5

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“Smoothies: 50 Recipes for High-Energy Refreshment” Corpening

Wednesday, July 26th, 2006

Pros: Very easy recipes, lots of fresh fruit, frozen fruit instead of ice, extended nutritional info
Cons: Not an amazingly durable book
Rating: 4 out of 5

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“Cafe Nation: Coffee Folklore, Magick, and Divination” by Sandra Mizumoto Posey

Wednesday, July 26th, 2006

Pros: Poetic; responsible
Cons: Not what I expected; expensive for its size
Rating: 3 out of 5

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“Making Your Own Gourmet Coffee Drinks,” by Mathew Tekulsky

Wednesday, July 26th, 2006

Pros: Lots of good, easy recipes; good layout; doesn’t waste time; inexpensive
Cons: There aren’t enough recipes! Could use more hints for added flexibility
Rating: 4 out of 5

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“The Coffee Book,” by Campbell and Smith

Wednesday, July 26th, 2006

Pros: Yummy coffee; lots of cool information
Cons: Few spiffy recipes
Rating: 4 out of 5

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