Deliver Us From Evil
Book Review: The Vatican Christmas Cookbook
The Vatican Christmas Cookbook is a wonderful cookbook full of gourmet meal ideas which will please many foodies. It is also a lush coffee table book full of stunning photos as well as the history of the Swiss Guard's role as protectors of the Popes. Author and chef David Geisser teams up with author Thomas Kelly to combine their respected talents to produce not only a cookbook, but a work of “book art.” Thanks to the photography of Roy Matter, the book is a visual delight. The decided European flare makes this book a sophisticated blend of easy-to-read recipes, historic traditions (arranged in order from Advent to the Epiphany), Bible passages, and even a section about Christmas with the Popes. Chef David Geisser was an accomplished young chef when he enlisted in the Pontifical Swiss Guard in 2013 under Pope Francis.
The Christmas cookie recipes and cheese fondue section pleased me the most. I appreciated the authors offering a wide variety of recipes for all skill levels, from home cooks to well-advanced cooks. Some of the recipes are well beyond my skill level, but the fun of a cookbook is to be challenged I think.
Chef Geisser offers a unique look at life at the Vatican during the Christmas season. The recipes he includes in his book capture the essence of a family Christmas gathering. The book reflects our Chrisitan joy and exuberance marked with the best of everything food can bring to the sacred season.
The Vatican Christmas Cookbook is a follow-up to the successful The Vatican Cookbook. I love many things about this book which reminded me of my own tour of the Vatican many years ago. The book offers a beautiful glimpse of the pageantry and symbolism that connects us below to that which is above. Christmas is the ultimate season of faith, family and food. The Vatican Christmas Cookbook helps celebrate the joyous season dedicated to the birth of Jesus.
More Information:
The Vatican Christmas Cookbook
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About the Author
A long time ago I thought I was a writer. Because my parents were practical, I went into teaching. About eight years ago, I began to write again. So here I am.
I hold a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University (University Park). I enjoy gardening, reading, Pittsburgh sports, and cooking, but not in that order. My regular job is being a wife and mother.
