Lora Brody's Plugged In; The Definitive Guide to the 20 Best Kitchen Appliances
by Lora Brody

Publisher:  Morrow, William & Company
ISBN:  0688149618

Twenty electrical kitchen appliances were chosen from dozens of possiblities, representing the most time-saving and most versatile available. The book begins with a listing of favorites and "can't do withouts" from Lora and her team of helpers. The appliances covered are blenders (including handheld), bread machines, deep fryers, food processor (including mini), electric grill, ice cream maker, microwave oven, mixer (hand and stand), rice cooker, skillet/wok, slow cooker, electric steamer, tortilla press, waffle maker, and electric water smoker.

There's a chapter for each appliance offering basic safety and selection advice, food preparation and maintenance tips, and several wonderful recipes. If you wonder if you would actually use a rice cooker more than a few times, this book will help you make up your mind, and don't be surprised if you end up with a new "wish list."

The recipes are plentiful and wonderful. Lora's Carmelized Onions, made in the slow cooker, is an easy recipe you'll find yourself using regularly. If you only use your blender to mix cocktails and milk shakes, you might try the Blender Gingerbread or Homemade Fudgesicles. Or dig that electric wok out of the closet and make Beef Stew with Rosemary and Turnips. Which appliance made the best mashed potatoes? The bread machine!

Some of Lora Brody's other cookbooks include Bread Machine Baking--Perfect Every Time, Desserts From Your Bread Machine: Perfect Every Time, and The Kitchen Survival Guide.

If you love your kitchen gadgets, you'll appreciate this cookbook.

Diana Rattray, your Guide for Southern U.S. Cuisine