An interesting thing has been happening in the world of blogging over the past couple of years. You may have noticed the surge in “from blogger to book deals” happening. It seems like every time I open my browser, I see an announcement of a blogger who is now writing a cookbook.
There are some incredibly talented bloggers out there who have taken their success from their blog to the publishing world and have created some beautiful works of art. Over this next week, I’m going to highlight recipes from some of the cookbooks that have come across my desk recently from bloggers I am happy to call friends. I receive a lot of cookbooks in the mail…and I get to smile big when I see it is the cookbook of a friend. I know a lot of talented people and know how much heart and soul goes into putting a cookbook together. The books I’m sharing this week are some of my newest favorites. I hope you enjoy the peek into the books and order a copy or two of your own.
First up is the recently released cookbook by Jennifer Perillo titled Homemade with Love. Many of you know Jennie from her personal blog, In Jennie’s Kitchen. If you want to get to know Jennie a little better, I highly suggest taking a look at this fabulous video over on Foodcurated.com.
What can I say about Jennie’s cookbook? First of all, the photography, by the talented Penny De Los Santos makes this book truly a work of art. This book has found a permanent home on our coffee table, as it is just as much about the recipes as it is about the touching stories and beautiful photography that goes along with it. It’s a book to have out for people to peruse, not one to have hidden in a pantry or behind cabinet doors.
It’s taken me awhile as a home cook and as a mom to realize I can make just about anything. When we run out of snacks in the treat basket, I don’t have to run to the grocery store to pick up more cheese-its or goldfish crackers. I can make them, easily, with staple ingredients I have at home. I don’t always do that, but knowing that I can is a good feeling.
Homemade with Love is all about those kind of recipes… confidence building recipes for the home cook for everyday food and special occasion dishes. Recipes like Homemade Yogurt, Coffee Frappe, Homemade Cheese Crackers, Vegetable Fried Rice, and these Croutons I’m sharing today are all part of an ensamble of recipes within the book.
There is nothing snooty or pretentious about this book. It’s real food for real families to make and enjoy together. I think you will really enjoy this book… as a cook, as a photographer, as a parent, and as someone who loves taking a glimpse into the lives of others and how they live. You’ll get as much out of reading Jennie’s stories as you will making her wonderful recipes.
Can we talk about this Herbed Skillet Crouton recipe for a second? I had a total “why didn’t I think of that” moment when I saw this recipe. I’ve always either 1) bought croutons at the store or 2) made them in the oven. Never, had I thought about making homemade croutons in a cast iron skillet! Wow – this was the easiest and tastiest crouton recipe, ever. I adapted the recipe some based on the herbs I had on hand, but I can tell you, I won’t be making croutons any other way from now on. Nor, will they be finding a spot in my grocery cart in the future either. Skillet croutons are the way to go!
You can find Homemade with Love by Jennifer Perillo at Amazon.com and other major bookstores nationwide. Click here to pick up your own copy today… you won’t regret it.
Herbed Skillet Croutons
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed day-old baguette
- 1 Tablespoon Gourmet Garden Italian Seasoning or fresh Italian herbs
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Toss all of the ingredients together in a bowl until the bread cubes are well coated.
- Heat an 8-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned bread cubes to the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until golden all over, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
These croutons sound wonderfully delicious! I love the idea of making them on the stove.
And I cannot wait to read Jennie’s cookbook with all of the beautiful recipes and photos. She is so inspiring!
Those croutons look wonderful! Definitely need to get my hands on Jennie’s book!
I love homemade croutons!! Can’t wait to try these. Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Beautiful photo Kristen. I can’t wait to get my hands and eyes on this book.
Looks like a beautiful book with so much to offer!
Such a lovely book and lovely lady.
I can’t wait to get Jennie’s book! She is an inspiration!
Yummy herbed skillet croutons 🙂
I’ve been dying to check out her book but rarely get to the bookstore. Must make a special trip sometime soon. PS I love croutons 🙂
I wish I had thought of this too! they look so good. i think my kids would like them for a snack also!
Great idea, Kristen. I can’t wait to see what else you feature. Jennie’s book looks so wonderful. I love these croutons!
I love your idea of cooking out of your friends’ cookbooks. This is a wonderful tribute to show your friends love and adoration. I need to get my hands on Jennie’s book. It looks so lovely and I know every recipe in there is made with her full heart. Thank you for sharing your wonderful idea!! I can’t wait to follow along 🙂
Looks like a great book & these croutons look very addictive!
Homemade croutons!! These look delicious!!! Insane!
What fun you have going on this week with cookbooks! Those croutons look insanely delicious. And this book has definitely caught my eye, I can’t wait to check it out for myself!
I love cooking with cast iron – and those croutons are stunning and so crispy!! Can’t wait to read through your collection of cookbooks – this will be such a fun series!
I love homemade croutons, but have never tried making them in a skillet, so cool! Love the cookbook feature, this one looks especially stunning!
Amazing-looking croutons! (And super-cute little fingers!) 🙂
Funny you post this recipe – a good friend of mine had me over for lunch recently and made homemade croutons. So simply yet so insanely delicious and unlike anything in the box.
I love Jennifer’s blog and I was very excited to see her book coming out. The cover is gorgeous! Love this recipe for skillet croutons!
Those croutons sound amazing but seriously, Kristen. I just love your photography! That photo with your little one reaching for the croutons? Gorgeous.
I just want to snack on these croutons all afternoon – they look fantastic. Jennie’s book is absolutely wonderful.
I could just eat a bowl of these crouton nuggets, forget the salad 😉 Great book too..
I just made croutons in a skillet the other night…. But these sound way better!
Such a simple thing to make, but oh so tasty! And WAAAY better than the store bought ones! Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!
Kristen, thank you for the review of Jennie’s cookbook and for sharing such a simple yet tasty recipe. I am new to her, but collect cookbooks. (Just followed her at Twitter.) I will definitely buy her book since you recommend it, along with Lori’s, just placed in my Amazon cart! xo
What a wonderful recipe and a wonderful post. That cookbook looks amazing!
I really enjoy homemade croutons 🙂 this is a great recipe! I love the photo of your daughters little hand reaching for one, too cute!
Love the book!
Those photos look so gorgeous, and the cookbook looks amazing, as well as those amazing croutons!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful video and gorgeous cookbook. Jennifer….love her energy, smile, and love of life…