The Complete Convection Oven Cookbook

Title: The Complete Convection Oven Cookbook
Author: Robin Donovan
Publisher: Rockridge Press
ISBN: 978-1-93975-474-5

“These dishes utilize convection cooking to its full advantage to produce not just fast meals, not just healthy meals, but mouth-wateringly delicious meals your friends and family will love,” Robin Donovan writes in the introduction of her book, The Complete Convection Oven Cookbooks: Essential Recipes and Easy Cooking Techniques for Any Convection Oven.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-forty-four-page paperback targets those who are interested in cooking with a convectional, not conventional, oven. After an introduction, the book is divided into ten sections that contain over seventy-five recipes, followed by listings of pesticides on food, measurement conversion tables, and recipe and topical indexes.

The first chapter explains what a convection oven is, the different types, and how to use and cook with it successfully, and the next chapter has four pages of cooking charts plus how to adapt regular recipes to convection heating. The remaining eight sections have recipes that are divided into appetizers and snacks, vegetables, fish and seafood, poultry, beef, lamb, and pork, breads, and cakes, cookies, and desserts.

Each recipe includes the type of convection to use, oven temperature, and setting under its title, followed by a short descriptive paragraph. The ingredients are on the outside of the page in using order, followed by the serving size, preparation time, cooking time, and if it is can be made in under thirty minutes or is vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. Numbered instructions are on the inside of the page. Several have added tips.

~ Why ~
When we remodeled our kitchen, the only available downdraft oven we could use included convection, which I never used until my daughter-in-law insisted we cook a holiday turkey in it. From that day forward, I have become a convection cooking addict. I like that there are varied recipes in this book, ranging from simple to complex.

Some of the notable recipes are Baby Dutch Babies with Fruit & Whip Cream, Bakes Eggs in Creamy Tomato Sauce, Crispy Barbeque Roasted Chickpeas, Oven-Fried Garlic Fries, Maple-Glazed Brussel Sprouts, Corn & Chard Gratin, Roasted Cod with Olives & Lemon, Salmon Potpie with Phyllo Crust, Crunchy Baked Dijon Chicken, Stacked Chicken & Green Chile Enchiladas, Juicy Oven-Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers, Rosemary-Balsamic Roasted Pork Loin, Easy No-Knead Bread, Focaccia with Olives & Oregano, Very Berry Pie, and S’Mores Brownie Bars.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a convection oven may not want this book, but the recipes could be altered to conventional cooking. Others may have issues with the many ingredients and more complicated instructions of some meals. Some may prefer recipes with caloric content due to dietary restrictions.

~ Wish ~
Knowing that all ovens are different, I have been testing mine when baking, unsure if I am under or over cooking meals. It would be helpful if this book included more charts comparing the times and temperatures of both types of cooking. Being a visual person, I wish there were colored photographs of all completed dishes.

~ Want ~
If you have a convection oven and are skittish about using it, take the plunge like I did as you love using this book’s ideas and recipes while your oven preheats and cooks fast, browns evenly, retains the food’s moisture, and produces tasty dishes.

Thanks to Callisto Publisher’s Club and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#convectionovencooking #onlyconvection #convectionoven

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/33VRgRU

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Dear Grandchild, This is Me

Title: Dear Grandchild, This is Me
Publisher: WaterBrook
ISBN: 978-0-525-65283-0

“Your tale is your own, as unique and special as you are. Modify–or skip–any questions that do not fit your distinct journey,” the instructions state at the beginning of the book, Dear Grandchild, This is Me: A Gift of Stories, Wisdom, and Off-the-Record Tales.

~ What ~
This eighty-page hardbound targets grandmothers and grandfathers who want to share their pasts and memories with their grandchildren. With trees as the main design throughout the pages, it is divided into four sections with the ending including a family tree and stickers to use. Each division has several pages of questions with lined spaces for answers, off-the-record memories, places for photos, and an envelope for a keepsake or special letter.

After an ownership page and introduction, the book begins with a lined-page to write a letter to a grandchild. The first chapter done in green contains questions about being a baby, heritage, childhood, and high school years. The next section in yellow is about college, jobs, marriage, kids, trips, and food recipes. The orange third section is more personal with the indulgent years, facts, history, and technology.  The final area in light blue is about beliefs, faith, reflections, advice, and wisdom.

~ Why ~
This is an ideal way for a grandparent to tell one’s life story their way, in their terms without having to feel awkward about the past, mistakes, or regrets. I love the colored layout and the varied type of questions asked, and I appreciate there are a few Bible verses added. Since I am a grammy, I may have to buy several and duplicate them for each grandchild.

Here are some of the questions per each section:

What is your full given name? Why was it chosen?
What book(s) do you remember having to read in high school?
What was your craziest injury? How did it happen?
What is a favorite story from your travels?
What kinds of mischief did your kids get into?
When did you know you wanted to marry each other?
What heirlooms do you have that are meaningful?
What’s your favorite quote or Bible verse?
What was your first experience with video games?
What are five skills you think everyone needs to have?
What are your thoughts about colonizing Mars?

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like to journal may not want to spend the time and effort with this book dedicated to a great-offspring. There are some questions that may be too personal or cause pain for some to answer. If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you may not want to answer some faith-based questions.

~ Wish ~
The family tree only has the writer’s side and not their spouse’s going back to their great-grandparents. It would be nice to have one complete side, but there may not be enough room on the page.

~ Want ~
This is a creative book that starts the process of not only thinking about one’s past and upbringing, but it also gives the perfect opportunity to pass down the stories, personality, and wisdom that may be cherished decades later by a grandchild.

Thanks to WaterBook and Multnomah Book Launch Team for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2HlvGfE

* CONTEST * Little Finger Ballet ~ 1 Book Giveaway!

Win Ashley Marie Mireles’s children’s book,
LITTLE FINGERS BALLET!
ENTER TO WIN THE BOOK.

ONE WINNER will be randomly selected to win FREE from the publisher this book.

Book teaser: “The other swans on the lake make way for the lead swan’s magical fouettes!” ends Ashley Marie Mireles’s children’s book, Little Fingers Ballet.

SIMPLE steps to enter this 3-day contest

1.  Follow my blog if you do not do so already.
2. Click on the headline ** CONTEST ** to be sure you are on the Reply page.
3. Post in the “LEAVE A REPLY” section below why you want to read this exciting book (could be funny, clever, serious, or the words “I want” since the winner is randomly chosen).
4. Follow one of these social media links:

Twitter: @familiustalk
Instagram: @familiustalk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/paterfamilius
Websiite – http://www.familius.com

5. If you are the winner, please consider posting a review regarding what you thought of the book on one or two websites.

This is a FAST CONTEST ending THURSDAY, August 22, 2019, after 5 PM PST, so follow the requirements above and try for a chance to win a book that is mailed from the publisher directly to you! Winner’s shipping address must be in the U.S.A.

I read & reviewed this book & it’s 4 Stars! https://connywithay.wordpress.com/2019/08/19/little-fingers-ballet/

PolimerUnion 3-in-1 Large Coloring Tablecloth

PERFECT FOR A THEMED SEA-ANIMALS PARTY

~ What ~
Made of ButtenFilm, a paper polyethylene, this large white tablecloth with colored and non-colored illustrations is geared toward children who like to color. With themes available in sea or zoo animals, dinosaurs, and princesses, the cover measures 141 by 43 inches and has perforated tear lines so can be divided into 3 equal sections.

~ Why ~
Next weekend, our granddaughter turns 6 years old and is having a party at a local park. This tablecloth that can easily fit the length of a picnic table will be perfect to keep some of the children entertained as they color the designs with crayons or felt tip markers. I like how fanciful and fun the drawings are of fish, jellyfishes, sea turtles, seahorses, porpoises, sharks, starfish, boats, and more. Providing black and white designs next to pre-colored ones helps young artists know how to color them. I like that it is waterproof yet lightweight.

~ Why Not ~
Those who think they are not creative may not like a table cover that can be drawn on, but the illustrations are pre-drawn and there are already colored examples so are simple to follow. It is a little hard to refold and fit in its packaging.

~ Wish ~
I wish the set included the crayons or markers so it could be complete, ready to use. Make sure your dog or cat does not walk on the cover when it is on the floor as their sharp claws can puncture the material.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a fun way to entertain several children at an indoor or outdoor party, in the classroom, or after school, this is a fantastic way to do it.

Thanks to PolimerUnion for this discounted product that I am under no obligation to review.

#RankBoosterReview #Sponsored by Nikita #PolimerUnion #KidsColoringTablecloth #KidsPartyActivities

This product can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2HcwtQ1

Little Fingers Ballet

Title: Little Fingers Ballet
Author: Ashley Marie Mireles
Illustrator: Olga Skomorokhova
Publisher: Familius
ISBN: 978-1-64170-155-6

“The other swans on the lake make way for the lead swan’s magical fouettes!” ends Ashley Marie Mireles’s children’s book, Little Fingers Ballet.

~ What ~
This ten-page board book targets children five to six years old who love ballet, ballerinas, and having a visual way to express dancing by using their fingers. With a clear plastic clamshell, the right side of the book has a reusable holder for two pair of mini-pointe shoes for young ones to wear on their fingers.

Focusing on famous ballets, this beautifully illustrated short book has two holes cut through the entire board so that a young child can put the blue or pink dancing tights on their first and middle fingers, stick them through the holes, and become part of the two dancers’ legs on each of the story’s pages.

~ Why ~
This is a fun way for an avid little ballerina to learn about famous plays or stories that contain dancing while using the puppet finger pointe shoes. I like that there is one page each dedicated to Coppelia, Cinderella, La Bayadere, The Snow Queen, Romeo and Juliet, and Swan Lake. The holes for the leggy fingers are perfectly placed on the pages so a child can move them around. The illustrations are vivid, detailed, and expressive.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like ballets, dancing, or using their fingers as puppet legs may not like this book that does not list the stories by name. It contains many foreign and multi-syllable words that may frustrate beginner readers, but it also is a way to learn new words about the ballet. Some children’s fingers may be too small or large to fit through the holes appropriately.

~ Wish ~
Children may not understand some of the ballet terms that are bolded such as releves, grand battlements, grand jete, arabesque, chasse steps, and fouettes so adding an explanation and the name of the ballets at the back of the book or on its jacket would be helpful. I wish it concentrated on only one ballet, not several, so the reader could understand and act out the scenes.

~ Want ~
If your child is fascinated with being a ballerina, this lovely illustrated book that comes with two pair of mini-tights for the fingers will charm and delight your up-and-coming dancer.

Thanks to Familius and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2Z8Xvhq

The Complete Ketogenic Diet for Beginners

Title: The Complete Ketogenic Diet for Beginners
Author: Amy Ramos
Publisher: Rockridge Press
ISBN: 978-1-62315-808-8

“When you eat a ketogenic diet, your body becomes efficient at burning fat for fuel,” Amy Ramos writes in the first chapter of her book, The Complete Ketogenic Diet for Beginners: Your Essential Guide to Living the Keto Lifestyle.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-fifty-eight-page paperback targets those who are interested in or want to learn about the popular keto diet. After a foreword by Amanda C. Hughes and introduction, the book is divided into three sections, followed by advice on eating out, pesticides on food, measurement conversion tables, resources, references, and recipe and topical indexes.

The first part explains the what and why of the low-carb, high-fat diet and how to switch to it in five steps by cleaning out your pantry, going shopping, setting up the kitchen, meal planning, and exercising. The second section covers a two-week meal plan plus shopping lists, and the third includes six chapters of over seventy recipes involving breakfast, snacks, fish/poultry, meats, veggies and sides, desserts, and staples.

~ Why ~
With the keto diet focusing on high fat and low carbohydrates, it tries to consciously delete most foods containing sugar. This book not only diagrams a two-thousand calorie daily diet into three-quarters percent in fat, twenty percent in protein, and five percent in carbs, but also its recipes list serving size, preparation and cook times, tips, and caloric content.

Some of the interesting recipes that caught my eye are Spinach-Blueberry Smoothie, Mushroom Frittata, Bacon-Pepper Fat Bombs, Crab-Salad–Stuffed Avocado, Shrimp and Sausage “Bake,” Turkey Rissoles, Nut-Stuffed Pork Chops, Garlic-Braised Short Ribs, Portobello Mushroom Pizza, Pesto Zucchini Noodles, Pumpkin Spice Fat Bombs, Vanilla-Almond Ice Pops, Strawberry Butter, and Herbed Chicken Stock.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not think a high-fat diet will help them lose weight or do not want to have their body experience ketosis, which could be dangerous for some people, may avoid this book. Others who are sensitive to iodine levels, may not want to consume more salt to avoid the “keto flu.”

~ Wish ~
Since I tend to eat a varied diet that does add meat but is limited in carbs and salt intake, I did not learn anything new about the keto diet, yet I appreciated the many recipes. Being a visual person, I wish there were colored photographs of all completed dishes.

~ Want ~
If you want to check out the keto diet and are unsure what it involves, this is a good elementary source of information on how to start it and what to eat.

Thanks to Callisto Publisher’s Club and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#ketogenicnewbie #ketogenicdietforbeginners

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2Zb8dnt

Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide

Title: Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide
Author: Rashad Jennings
Illustrator: Alan Brown
Publisher: Zonderkids
ISBN: 978-0-310-76743-5

“He wants the Triple T Token. He’s not going to get it. It belongs to me,” Arcade emphatically tells his friends in Rashad Jennings’s young adult novel, Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide.

~ What ~
The second in the Coin Slot Chronicles, this two-hundred-and-forty-page paperback targets those who enjoy magical time-traveling mysteries that contain Christian morals. With no profanity, the book is geared toward ages eight and older, especially tweens and preteens. The ending has fifteen discussion questions, acknowledgments, an excerpt from the next book in the series, and advertisements.

In this story based mainly in Virginia, young Arcade continues to time-travel with his sister using the Triple T Token. When they stumble on their parents being young and in love at a mini-golf course, they visit their previous hometown, trying to figure out why the entertaining location has fallen apart. With the help of Arcade’s friends, they travel to Egypt, Holland, India, the Golden Gate Bridge, Niagra Falls, and a hospital as they secretly repair the fun facility and are followed by someone who wants the magic token.

~ Why ~
This is an engaging, entertaining series that many third and fourth graders will enjoy and appreciate. I loved the way the author inconspicuously introduced topics such as choice, control, humility, generosity, and forgiveness without being preachy. The relationship dynamics between the kids are endearing and charming as the siblings watch out for each other and friends pitch in and help solve dilemmas.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like books that mention God, Jesus, praying, and the Bible may not like this read. While the book has references to Christianity, it does not offer the simple plan of eternal salvation. Others may find inconsistencies in some of the facts or the concept of time traveling through a glittered elevator unrealistic, but it is innocuous.

~ Wish ~
I thought the writer did a wonderful job connecting to his audience through the “dope” dialogue and interests of the age group targeted, but I was disappointed when he repeatedly used the supposedly cool word “namaste,” perhaps not realizing that its literal translation means “the divine in me bows to the divine in you,” which is based on Hinduism. Vulnerable young readers may now repeat the word, unaware that they are acknowledging false gods, not the One True God. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like a series for young tweens and preteens who enjoy adventures, time-travel, and mysteries with an undertone of Christian morals, this would be appreciated by the young adult market, but I have marked it down a full point for possibly misleading others about false gods.

Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2Hc35tp

Bible Gems to Remember Devotions for Kids

Title: Bible Gems to Remember Devotions for Kids
Author: Robin Schmitt
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-74625-6

“This book offers a year’s worth of inspiring, encouraging Gems–one per week–paired with insightful devotions to help readers understand the Gem and relate to it,” the note to parents states in Robin Schmitt’s children’s book, Bible Gems to Remember Devotions for Kids: 52 Devotions with Easy Bible Memory in 5 Words or Less.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-ninety-two-page paperback targets young children from eight to twelve years old who like applicable devotions gleaned from the Holy Bible. By using less than five-word “Gems,” the topics are easy to remember and memorize. The New International Version of the Bible is referenced, and colored photographs with highlighted areas that include pictures of gemstones are added.

After an ownership page, table of contents, and introduction, the book contains fifty-two devotions to be read one a week. Covering two to four pages, each chapter begins with a short title that can be memorized, followed by a written out Bible verse or two. Several paragraphs relate to the topic, whether about the Old or New Testament, a Biblical character, or current day event or object. The subject correlates how the reader can be closer to God or learn more about Him. Two to three Gems are at the end with corresponding verses to look up or research.

Some of the chapters are titled: Christ has set us free, The last will be first, Come near to God, Fight the good fight, Guard your heart, Set an example, Rejoice in the Lord always, and One person sharpens another.

~ Why ~
Teaching vulnerable young adults about God can be challenging, especially when they want to take a step further and do devotional reading. I like that this one is easy to read and relate to by its age group while using the concept of memorizing short “gems” from the Bible. It is thoughtful that the author has written an illustrated Bible in the same manner for younger kids, while this one is geared toward those older.

An example of one chapter I enjoyed is “There is Only One God” with Romans 3:30 written out. The contents explain how Elijah from the Old Testament was in a contest with the prophets of Baal to start a fire, and he won when he called upon God. The section challenges the reader to be convinced of God’s existence and power. The two ending Gems are “You alone, Lord, are God” from 2 Kings 19:19 and “There is none like you” from Psalm 86:8.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not want to promote teaching a tween or pre-teen about God and the Bible will pass on this book. It appears the book is mainly for those who already have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It may be too advanced for younger readers.

~ Wish ~
I could not find the eternal plan of salvation at the beginning of the book and wish Jesus dying on the cross for our sins was mentioned before the 48th chapter. I prefer all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want
If you are looking for a book for older kids of devotions from the Bible that can be read one a week throughout a year and contains memory words related to them, this would be a good choice for a young Christian who wants to get closer to God.

Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2KSdQSE

The Berenstain Bears: The Trouble with Tryouts

Title: The Berenstain Bears: The Trouble with Tryouts
Authors and Illustrators: Stan, Jan, and Mike Berenstain
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-76783-1

“Sister learned something very important that day. Things can go from bad to worse. But they can also get better. Sometimes they can even go from bad to great,” the ending states in Stan, Jan, and Mike Berenstain’s book, The Berenstain Bear: The Trouble with Tryouts.

~ What ~
An Early Reader Chapter Book, this numbered ninety-six-page paperback targets children six to ten years old, especially those that like a short story of the well-known family of bears. With no profanity or scary scenes, it is a chapter book with a few black and white expressive illustrations. Due to some complicated wording, it would best be read out loud to beginner readers. An excerpt to another book in the series is added.

This brief tale is about small-statured Sister wanting to be on the school’s soccer team but cannot get the attention of the coach. Because of her diminutive size, the young bear is offered the job as the team’s manager, which she must pick up balls, pass out water, and collect dirty towels and uniforms. Being repeatedly bullied by older team players, she picks up the balls with a kiddie wagon and accidentally spills a bucket of water on herself. It is only when she gets angry and kicks the bucket hard that the coach acknowledges her skills and lets her play on the team where she scores the winning goal.

~ Why ~
For years, the Berenstain Bears have filled Christian homes with their wholesome, morally-promoted, and God-focused stories. I love that the books have a similar pattern of the bears facing an issue and learning to deal with it; this one concentrates on bullying and not getting everything you want instantly. The illustrations are descriptive and interesting for the age group.

~ Why Not ~
This story is not in the usual Berenstain format in that there is little reference or reliance on God as it only concentrates on one’s capabilities. A few readers may find some scenes stereotypical, such as the coach being on her cell phone and the teammates’ constant mocking. Some may not appreciate that the main character, although made fun of by her teammates, whines, contemplates revenge, and ends up being physically angry, yet she is awarded for her behavior without considering that God can deal with the bear’s attitude and actions.

~ Wish ~
Only mentioning once that the coach gives a pregame prayer, it would have been more apropos if  Sister’s parents took the time to pray with her or show her that God is there for her; this was not included, not even a Bible verse mentioned like prior books. I was disappointed that the story rewarded the protagonist for her anger by getting on the team instead of dealing with any repercussions for her outbursts.

~ Want ~
If you or your child like the Berenstain Bears series, this may be another one for the bookshelf, but I am sorry; I cannot pass it on to our six-year-old granddaughter as its undertones convey to have a tizzy fit to get your way without suggesting how God can help you when dealing with taunting peers.

Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for providing this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/33I2qcP

Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible

Title: Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible
Author: Robin Schmitt
Illustrator: Kris Aro McLeod
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-74688-1

“Children will learn 52 wonderful, pocket-sized truths from God’s Word, truths they can carry with them forever,” the note to parents states in Robin Schmitt’s children’s book, Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible: 52 Stories with Easy Bible Memory in 5 Words or Less.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-twenty-page hardbound book targets young children from four to eight years old who like fifty-two retold stories from the Holy Bible. Due to its complicated wording, it would best be read out loud to non- or beginner readers who like to look at pictures due to their limited reading comprehension level. The New International Version of the Bible is referenced.

After an ownership page, table of contents, and introduction, the book contains twenty-six stories from the Old Testament and twenty-six from the New Testament, with each being six pages long. Vivid, colorful illustrations are on every page with black font writing on solid background areas. Highlighted inserts with no more than five-word memorizations related to the topic but from other portions of Scripture are included in every story.

~ Why ~
For some reason, I love children’s illustrated Bibles, and this one covers the gambit of the most iconic stories from God’s Word. I like that each story is mostly accurate and that the illustrations are engaging. I appreciate that the simplistic plan of eternal salvation of Jesus dying on the cross for our sin and rising from the dead is promoted.

I enjoyed the chapter titled The Lord will guide you about Isaac’s servant trusting God when he searched for a wife for his lord and finding Rebekah.

The three highlighted gems are:
Ask God for help from I Timothy 5:5
The Lord is my helper from Hebrews 13:6
Show me the way from Psalm 143.8

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not want to promote teaching a child about Bible stories will pass on this book. It may be too advanced for beginner readers due to the two- and three-syllable words. Some may not realize this is not a fully-illustrated Bible but many stories are missing. A few young children may be frightened of the depiction of God giving Moses the Ten Commandments on a flaming Mount Sinai, Samson killing a lion and attacking people, Christ carrying a cross (the crucifixion is a silhouette), and Paul being shipwrecked.

~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. I found some of the stories did not include all of the outcomes such as God destroying the Baal worshippers, Daniel’s accusers being put in the lions’ den, King Herod killing the babies, and Peter denying Jesus three times.

~ Want
If you are looking for a book of simplified stories from the Bible that can be read one a week throughout a year and contain memory words related to them, this would be an excellent choice for a young one who wants to learn more about God and His Word.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2z4yzNw