BITE ME. A Cookbook Review and Giveaway

Not everything should be taken so seriously. Really. It’s something I’m diligently working on applying to my life. I have a tendency to take everything so seriously. Friends poke fun at me because they say I have no sense of humor.

Ha. I definitely lost my funny bone somewhere along the process. But, my younger sister, who happens to be a Dr. and whose profession is no where near as laid back as mine (at least not these days) has all the funny a girl can have. And the boys love it! She has a joke for everything and whips up the wittiest answers with impeccable timing.

Me? Not so much. The irony is that our striking opposite personalities creates a great balance and works extremely well in almost any situation we’re in. I’m the creative one. She’s the strategic one. I’m over-emotional. She’s practical.  She loves to be a student of the body and those things (and the like). I like to be a student of global affairs, food, fashion and music. She loves sneakers. You KNOW how I love stilettos. She’s the one that manipulates her body into a child’s colorful and plastic cart at the grocery store and peddles her way through the aisles. I’m the one begging her to get out and walk like a normal adult. She likes to pretend she’s Beavis and Butthead when going through drive-throughs. I sit in the passenger seat with a blank stare. I like to get fancy when cooking at home. She rolls her eyes and begs to just have a simple, uncomplicated meal — one of mami’s recipes.

We couldn’t be more different but have the clearest understanding of each other.

The beauty of our relationship resonated when I received a copy of “BITE ME, A Stomach-Satisfying Visually Gratifying, Fresh Mouthed”, cookbook written by sisters Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat. Their compilation of 175 easy, go-to recipes are inspired by their interpretation of what cooking is supposed to be– fun and full of joy!

And sometimes cheeky.

Lisa’s a skilled chef and likes to create beautiful and well-thought meals but is a self-proclaimed homebody. She was crafty and creative, always needing to be in the kitchen. Julie on the other hand, only went near the stove when it was time to feed the family. But, there are more elements of her that parallel both me and my sis: she’s all about the  music, entertaining in and out of the ktichen and a freelance writer. Less structure in her world, seems like, but with lots of laughter and great fun.

Their different skills brought them closer and allowed them to collaborate in writing a book that highlights each personality. Their goal was to bring the funny and ease to cooking. Blast the radio while you’re whipping is the impression I gathered while I flipped through the colorful and very jovial book. A lot of the food art incorporates playful iconography, probably reminiscent of their childhood. Some recipes are also prefaced with Q & A sections where the Q is so ridiculous that the A can only  be even more astounding. But in a funny way. Others start with a witty para about how the recipe was created.

It’s clear one was responsible for the recipe development while the other did the attractive, “buy me now” aspect of the book. While a lot of the recipes are basic to everyday homes, they were laid out in an uncomplicated manner that’s inviting and takes away the “chore” of cooking.

Naturally, as I read the book and visualized the love between this chica duo, I thought about  all the convo’s Dr. sis and I’ve had debating over what project we could successfully execute as a team. A cookbook is far from realistic options (though we do have some super sexy yet  practical inventions brewing). We have two very distinct palates and we’d never come to any kind of formidable agreement on what ingredient should go in what.

But, there were two recipes in particular that I know we’d have no qualms over if we decided to cook together: Deliciously Delectable Pecan Pie and Grilled Swordfish with Olive Relish. We both love fish and we both love to eat sweets; sis being the baker among the two!

(Swordfish with Olive Relish)

Go figure.

BITE ME isn’t the kind of book to be taken too seriously. It’s not the cookbook you pull out to become a Master Chef or even best home cook ever. But, it is a book to pull out when you and your sis or you and girlfriends what to celebrate each other, want to laugh uncontrollably as one tries to outdo the other; or you want to taste an undetermined amount of your quirkiness. And surely there’s no better way to do that than by cooking accessible food. Especially when the cooking is organized to be stress-free and the food makes you forget about all of this idiosyncrasies that would have otherwise driven you batty by the end of the kitchen date!

From the two sister’s, here is the pecan pie recipe to fight over. I wonder who ate it after it was photographed!

And, as part of my Latina Smart weekly chatter, we’re giving away some goodies! We’re giving away One (1) $25 Kmart gift card plus a Latina Smart tote with a retail value of $35. Take this chic tote with you when you go to the market… and share with your sis if you’re so inspired.

For now, only U.S. residents are eligible. We still appreciate the love and support!

What you have to do!?! Super simple.

Leave a comment sharing your experience cooking with your sister! And if you’re lucky enough to have sister, what’s the best kitchen experience you’ve had while cooking with a family member that’s proven to represent the complete opposite of your existence!?

Comments will be accepted through next Monday, June 20st. I’ll select 3 winners based on the answer I like best!  No random winners here! Just share a fun story. And all the legal talk I have to impart mean I have to ask you to please read here for Terms and Conditions of the giveaway. Prizes will be satisfied by the lovely people at Latina Smart.

GOOD LUCK and make this pie!

* all images appearing in this post were used with permission by the authors.

Eat well, love unapologetically, pray with true intention, and take care of yourself.

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Don't forget to check out my debut cookbook!