#HolidayGiftGuide TASTOSTERONE, #Review The Best Cookbook for Men

I was given this product, free of charge, for purposes of this review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

About the Book:

There are many things men will instinctively purchase on their own, such as tools and technology; however, many tend to forego purchases that could boost their confidence and sex appeal. TASTOSTERONE, written by cook, blogger and author Debra Levy Picard, helps men to navigate around the kitchen, where they will ultimately find independence, health, nostalgia and love through cooking.

TASTOSTERONE offers men an attractive road map of more than 100 recipes, tools, techniques and tips for cooking up delicious dishes. The cookbook speaks to men of all ages – the son, husband, father, single guy, newlywed, college student, retiree, divorcé and widower. Whether he’s a top chef or has never set foot in the kitchen, he will be able to master the simple recipes found in TASTOSTERONE.

My Review:

I have to admit, I was really curious what the Tastosterone Cookbooks would be like!  My hubby doesn’t really like to cook, he just grills once in awhile and makes Nachos.  TASTOSTERONE is amazingly written and has even more amazing photographs.  The recipes contain REAL food, nothing is made from a box mix.  Some are simple-like Bacon-wrapped scallops and some are more for the culinary expert.  Each recipe has large photograph of the finished product that makes me want to drool.  Each recipe has a shopping list, prep time, cooking time  and how many servings.  And of course, it has very detailed, step-by-step instructions.

I am hoping that this amazing recipe book will get my hubby more creative in the kitchen.  The author says she is NOT setting the bar high, like Martha Stewart.  “She is setting the bar low, expecting less and getting great results from men in the kitchen.”  Gotta love that!

I love her section on getting boys and teenage boys involved in the kitchen.  She suggests building their confidence and independence through cooking.  TASTOSTERONE is made for young boys and Big boys alike.  Take some time to teach your son his way around the kitchen.  TASTOSTERONE can help him impress you and himself!!

Curious what the recipes are like??

Here is one of my favorite Recipes: Steakhouse Onion Soup!

There is something about a bowl of onion soup that warms the heart and soul. 
I find when I order onion soup at a restaurant it’s usually too salty. Keep in mind adding cheese to the soup also adds salt, which may be why the restaurant version overwhelms the sensitive palate.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 large yellow onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups low sodium beef stock
• 4 cups regular beef stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup Port wine
• 6 slices of French bread (one per bowl)
• 3 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt butter in a large sauté pan.
2. Add sliced onions and cook uncovered over low flame for 10 minutes.
3. Add sugar and continue to cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes (less if you prefer a broth that is less sweet) or until the onions caramelize.
4. Transfer to a large soup pot.
5. Add port, broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 30 – 40 minutes covered.
7. Remove bay leaf.
8. Preheat oven to broil.
9. Place ovenproof soup bowls on baking sheet lined with foil.
10. Distribute broth and onion in each bowl, put bread in at an angle, top with cheese and dot with butter (optional).
11. Broil for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. You can also bake soup for 10 minutes in a 350°F oven.

TIP