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The subtitle says it all -- the new
book "Midnight Snacks" by Michael J. Rosen and Sharon Reiss
represents 150 easy and enticing alternatives to standing by the
freezer eating ice cream from the carton. For everyone who is a
"fridge-raider, insomniac, night owl or late night muncher," this
book is your dream come true.
Describing a midnight snack as
"furtive, indulgent, comforting, reviving, hasty meals," the authors
have assembled an eclectic collection of recipes that will answer
the "fickle waxings and wanings … of the body and soul throughout
the night." Chapters that represent the different hours of the night
cleverly arrange the book:
10:15pm
-- Past your bedtime repast
When you are just about ready for bed
or have finally put the kids down for the night, try some "Have a
Cow" or a "Buckeye Bar" (no baking required).
10:30pm
-- Comfort cooking
Sometimes it’s difficult to eat when
you’re under the weather. "Don’t be so Stuffy Soup" or "Gingery
Lemon Infusion" goes down easy and can chase those blahs away.
10:45pm
-- Slumber party time
This is "freezer pleaser" time, and
nothing is more pleasing than some "Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich
Waffles."
11:00pm –
After-after dinner treats
Once you have finished dinner and
dessert, you can satisfy that lingering craving with a delicious "Choco-Late
Night Martini."
11:15pm –
Last bites
Ready to turn in? Finish off that
hunger with a "Raisin Bread Crisp" and your favorite spread.
11:30pm –
Fireside fodder
It’s late and you are sitting by the
fire. It’s time to resurrect an old campfire favorite -- the "Shaggy
Dog" (marshmallows, chocolate sauce and Rice Krispies).
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this review] |
11:45pm –
Nightcapping
Prepare some elegant yet simple dishes
for a late-night finish. "Bedtime Blini" is a perfect choice. Blini
is great because it can be prepared in advance and warmed when the
festivities begin.
12:00am –
The bewitching hour
This is the time to indulge yourself
and eat whatever your heart desires. "Microwave Risotto" is an easy
dish that can be prepared, cooked and served in the same dish. If
you’re feeling more adventurous, try drinking a "Tiramisu Tower"
(tiramisu means "pick-me-up" in Italian).
The book continues through midnight
with other exciting ideas to take you into the early morning. They
include:
12:45am –
Crumbs in bed
You’re still awake? Hop into bed with
some "Pumpkin Seed Brittle." It’s a delicious year-round treat.
1:30am –
Toastwiches
Early to bed, early to rise…for a snack. When you roll over and
awaken to the pangs of hunger, try some "Sourdough Nectarine Tarts."
They are guaranteed to satisfy you without ruining the lining of
your stomach.
2:30am –
Late night rehab
You’re still awake at this hour?
Perhaps you should not have had that last alcoholic beverage.
Settle your stomach with some "Son-in-law’s Eggs," a classic
hangover recipe.
"Midnight
Snacks" is a unique book that fills a niche that most people engage
in but won’t admit to. The writing is light and entertaining, the
recipes varied and easy to follow. This book is recommended for food
lovers everywhere, especially those of us who are nighttime
"fridge-raiders."
[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln
Public Library District] |
