I was excited to win an ARC of Sweet Revenge from Bookish First. The photographs and graphics in the book are great - one of the most clever/creative cookbooks I've viewed. It is quite appealing to just flip through and read all of the snarky comments and check out all of the graphics. If I was judging only on the writing and visual appeal, then this cookbook would get five stars from me.
As for the recipes, I think this leaves a little to be desired. Many of the recipes require you to use other pre-made items and junk food often found in grocery stores. I honestly can't convince myself to add Doritos to cookies. I tried one recipe (the coffee cake with all of the sprinkles) which smelled great as it cooked, but was much too sugary for our enjoyment. Perhaps the cake mix I used for the topping was incorrect. Many of the recipes simply seem impractical, although cute, in design. I will keep this one on my shelf, but I have other go-to cookbooks to bake from. If I was judging this only from the recipes, it would get three stars from me.
Overall average - 4 stars. I think this would make a great gift and could be fun for mother/daughters or friends to use together.
As for the recipes, I think this leaves a little to be desired. Many of the recipes require you to use other pre-made items and junk food often found in grocery stores. I honestly can't convince myself to add Doritos to cookies. I tried one recipe (the coffee cake with all of the sprinkles) which smelled great as it cooked, but was much too sugary for our enjoyment. Perhaps the cake mix I used for the topping was incorrect. Many of the recipes simply seem impractical, although cute, in design. I will keep this one on my shelf, but I have other go-to cookbooks to bake from. If I was judging this only from the recipes, it would get three stars from me.
Overall average - 4 stars. I think this would make a great gift and could be fun for mother/daughters or friends to use together.