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"Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men"

Review & Giveaway: A copy of Debra Levy Picard's Cookbook

By Stacey Jones May 13, 2013
Admittedly, on most days, those of us who are Moms find ourselves preparing the meals for our families.  However, Debra Levy Picard's new book, Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook For Men, challenges that paradigm and invites men inside the kitchen.  With introductory passages for those ranging from "The Young Boy" to "The Retired Man" and everyone in between, Debra drives home her message that "A man's role may change throughout his life, but no matter what life dishes out, cooking will always nurture and feed his soul."

As a parent, I always involve my daughters in the food preparation at meal time.  Inside this cookbook, Debra Levy Picard challenges those parents of young boys to involve them in the kitchen as well and to begin to foster that love of cooking at a young age.   I actually firmly agree with this theory, as simple skills learned at a young age when kids are eager and excited to lend a hand will stay with them throughout their life.

Our family sampled the "French Dressing + Duck Sauce = Orange Chicken" recipe from the cookbook.  My husband liked that it was simple and quick to put together.  In terms of it's taste, let's put it this way:  the preparation took all of about five minutes, but it may have lasted less time on the plates of my children once it was served.  Now for complete understanding, I have the opposite issue of most parents in that my kids love fruits and vegetables but dislike having to eat the meat portions of their meals.  My oldest, who typically can be heard complaining "chicken, really?", even came back and asked for more and proceeded to completely consume two helpings of the Orange Chicken.  She then declared it her favorite chicken recipe.  My youngest had seconds as well at her own request.  It was enjoyed by all and will become a new staple that I will now ask my husband to assist in preparing once in a while!

Overall, I found this book to be a great tool for men and boys (as older teens may cook on their own sometimes, too) alike.  It's layout is easy to maneuver, and the text is upbeat and easy to follow.  There is a wide variation of recipe styles inside that all sound delightful. For those men that need an extra bit of help but wouldn't necessarily admit it or ask, there are basics in the back (ex: how to boil an egg) to get even the most inexperienced man in your life started in the kitchen. 

Thanks to Debra Levy Picard of Rumson for providing copies of Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook For Men for the purpose of this review and giveaway.  Here's how to get a copy for the man in your life: Tastoserone is available at River Road Books in Fair Haven, online here, and on Amazon.

Join Debra Levy Picard at River Road Books for her book signing and a sampling of recipes from her cookbook on Wednesday, May 22nd from 7:00-9:00 p.m. A suggested donation of $10 per guest is requested to support the work of the charity Move for Hunger. A representative from the nationally recognized organization will share news about its upcoming projects at the event.  R.S.V.P. requested to jen@inbloomcomm.com - simply let her know you heard about the event on Macaroni Kid and would like to attend.

Giveaway:
One very lucky Macaroni Kid Lincroft-Holmdel-Tinton Falls subscriber will win a copy of Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men by Debra Levy Picard.  Think ahead for Father's Day, what a great gift.  For your chance to win the cookbook, simply complete the entry form by clicking here.  You can enter once per day until May 17th at 12 p.m. at which time the drawing will close.  Good luck!