[product review: "BRAVO! Best of Bridge Cookbook" and SPICED PECANS Recipe]

I got a little giddy when I saw this at my local Costco:

I am a MASSIVE fan of the Best of Bridge cookbooks ... I remember my mom using the "red one" when I was growing up - and it continues to be my favourite series with trendy, yummy, eye-pleasing recipes.

This book is NO exception.

First off, it's a hardcover PLUS coil rings (reminds me of the Betty Crocker book ...). It's super sturdy, and easy to flip through. Want to hear some of the yummy recipes? Ok ... in the "Brunch & Lunch" section, how 'bout "Overnight Raspberry French Toast", "Lemony Zucchini Flaxseed Muffins", "Whole Wheat Cinnamon Waffles" or "Frittata Muffins"??

Or in the other sections ... "Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Flatbread", "Green Salad with Orange-Walnut Dressing", "Chicken in Tarragon Cream Sauce", "Apple & Pecan-stuffed Pork Tenderloin", "Cranberry Baked Beans", "Coconut Mango Rice", "Pasta with Broccoli & Bacon", "Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti", "Brandied Caramel Bananas", "Strawberry Tiramisu" or "Hazelnut Blueberry Cake".

Obviously, I could go on ... and now I'm hungry *grin*. Good thing this isn't a Monday "Biggest Loser" post ... The book is on sale at Costco for $17.89.

Well - I won't let you drool without a recipe to leave you with ... I created this recipe many years ago after falling in love with them in a salad at Milestones. I GRINNED when I saw something similar in this book ...

"SPICED PECANS"

1/3 cup pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4tsp powdered ginger
1/4tsp cayenne pepper
3 tbsp water

In a frying pan, toast pecans (you'll start to smell the nuttiness ...). Cover with brown sugar & spices. Add water (3tbsp is a guess ... the brown sugar should be submersed in the water (damp)). Continue cooking over medium heat until the water evaporates and the sugars crystallize. The pecans should separate and be crunchy.

And just to wet your appetite for tomorrow - I'll be posting another set of "renovation 09" pictures ... Have a great one!