Title:	Home Made Christmas
	Author:	Yvette van Boven
	Published:	October 16, 2018, Harry N. Abrams
	No. of Pages:	304
	Cover Price:	$12.99 Kindle

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It seems most of us want new ideas as the Christmas holidays come upon us. Home Made Christmas by veteran cookbook author, Yvette van Boven, is full of new ideas to make our holidays more exciting. Many of the recipes are make-ahead, which help all of us save time during the busiest time of the year. Since van Boven is Dutch, she brings a European ambiance to the book, and includes recipes that aren’t made as extensively in the US.

Mincemeat may not be popular in the US, but when it is made the European way, and especially van Boven’s way, it is over the top and perfect for filling tiny tarts, thumbprints in cookies, coffee cakes, breads, and pies. It can be made far ahead, which lessens the stress of the holidays.

Other excellent recipes include: Krispy Christmas Wreaths (not those green marshmallow things) are chewy, crispy chocolate wreaths decorated with colored cherries, Syrup Pudding with Ginger & Orange (Yum), Sausage Buns with Fennel (easy), and Apple, Walnut, Cranberry & Brown Rice Salad. The Chocolate Caramel Pie is decadent, and Pork Rib Roast with Prune & Pear Sauce. There is also an excellent recipe for Red Cabbage with Pears & Hazelnuts which is a tradition in many homes for Thanksgiving and Christmas in families with German or Dutch heritage.

The photographs in the cookbook are excellent, and make it difficult to choose which recipe to make next. All told, this cookbook brings a unique collection of recipes that will be welcomed in homes during the holidays. The recipes are well written, and most are simple to make. The book is well-organized and the recipes are suitable for cooks at any level of expertise. Highly recommended and lots of fun.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.