LIGHT THE FIRE
By Linda Matthie-Jacobs
“Fiery Food with a Light New Attitude”
 

 

 

  

A review ----

Introduction: This book is an electic collection of Mexican and southwestern flavors, food that celebrates flavor and fun with fat content kept to the minimum.  It is a spicy and innovative array of sizzling and satisfying recipes. Matthie-Jacobs wrote this book to be an easy-to-follow food book for busy lifestyles. Linda uses red, green and chipotle powders available from her website, www.cookingwithfire.com. 

In addition to the usual, Linda’s Table of Contents includes Brunch Dishes, Vegetables & Side dishes, Preserves, Snacks, Salsas & Sauces. She presents each recipe in both U.S. Standard and metric measures. Her recipes have been tested in U.S. Standard measurement. Every page carries an informative sidebar. 

She opens the book with a collection of menus including: 

Summer Brunch on the Deck
Barbecue Dinner
Spring Dinner Party
 Vegetarian Dinner
Caribbean Dinner
Cocktail Party
Great Food Gifts 

Here’s but a few of her interesting presentations:
 

  • Green Chile Frittata:  seasonings with eggs cheese sour cream and cilantro.
  • Cornmeal Pancakes with Serrano and Ginger
  • Tempting Two-Pepper Biscuits with Parmesan cheese, oregano and buttermilk
  • Jicama with Lime and Red Chile with radishes, cucumber and oranges
  • Baked Brie with Roasted Garlic in frozen puff pastry with jalapeno pepper jelly
  • Thai Salad with spinach vermicelli includes hot pepper flakes and soy
  • Fiery Chilled Soup (hot yet cool and refreshing) includes cantaloupe, cucumber, honey, jalapeno pepper and yogurt.
  • Spicy Black Bean Pie with chiles and bell pepper, tortilla chips and Cheddar cheese
  • Linguine with Roasted Red Peppers and Capers includes feta cheese
  • Chimichurri Flank Steak with Chimichurri (an Argentine condiment)
  • Corn on the Cob (eight distinctive flavorings for serving)
  • Couscous with Black Beans and Corn
  • Cantaloupe Dessert Soup with lime, honey and vanilla yogurt
  • Decadent Strawberry Nachos includes chocolate, almonds and more
  • Green Chile Chocolate Chip Cookies (unusual, to say the least)
     

These are but a few of Linda’s recipes using exciting fiery southwestern style. It is a very friendly book of exciting recipes presented in a pleasing format. Linda ends the book with an order form for those who would rather order chile products via mail. 

This is a fun book to cook with.

© Marty Martindale, Largo FL, 2003