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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

“On A Stick”—Book Review and a Giveaway

On A Stick

Ever since I discovered Matt Armendariz’s blog, Matt Bittes, I became his blog’s loyal reader.  I really admired Matt’s talents in food photography and enjoyed his sense of humor and creativity that shown throughout his blog.  When I found out the opportunity to review his first book, “On A Stick”, I jumped right in and signed up.  You wouldn’t believe how excited I was when I received the book in the mail.  I was like a kid in a candy store.  

Deep Fried Ravioli

Flipping through this book was truly a treat!  There were 80 mouth watering and party-perfect recipes all calling my name.  The photography was simply amazing.  Don’t we all eat with our eyes first?  I loved the fact that each recipe, including the sauces, came with a beautiful picture on the finished product.  So you know exactly how they should look like when they’re done.

Deep Fried Ravioli

The recipes instructed in this book were clear and easy to follow.  Many recipes came with extra tips on the side.  There are many varieties of recipes; I’m sure that there’s something for everyone… “from health-conscious vegetarians to carnivores of the he-man grilling club.”  (Just like how he said it.)  You’ll find some traditional State-fair food, and some others that you’ve never imagined to serve on a stick, such as Spaghetti and Meatballs and Strawberry Shortcake.  Matt was truly creative. 
My husband picked out this Deep-Fried Ravioli (the two pictures above) recipe to try first.  It was fun to make and fun to eat. If it’s not that we have desserts (see below) waiting, we would have made a second batch!  They were that good!

Frozen Bananas

The Frozen Bananas recipe was my choice to prepare.  Since my son has been asking for ice cream and frozen treats lately, these Frozen Bananas were definitely a healthier alternative, yet just as indulging.  Best of all, they were super simple to prepare. 

On A Stick

These are just a few recipes that I’ve named and prepared from the “On a Stick” book.  You’ve got to get a copy of the book and try some of these treats yourself.  And I confirmed, everything does tastes better and more fun to serve…On A Stick!  

On A Stick



Giveaway:
Here’s your chance to win a copy of “On A Stick”, courtesy of Quirk Books and Matt.  Simply leave a comment on this post to let me know that you want to win a copy of this book.  (No clicking numerous buttons or jumping through hoops to qualify this time!)  Deadline to enter is June 21st by midnight PST.  One lucky uTry.it reader (U.S.A. only, sorry international readers) will be selected through random.org.  Good luck!

***Disclaimer:  I received a copy of “On A Stick” for the purpose of this review and I am not compensated in any way to write this post.  All comments and opinions are 100% my own.




Deep-Fried Ravioli with Marinara Sauce (Recipe from On A Stick):
4 Wooden Skewers

Ingredients for the Marinara Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, Minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, seeded and roughly chopped
1/4 cup dry red wine
2 tbsp fresh oregano, minced
2 tbsp sugar
salt and pepper

1 qt vegetable oil
1cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried thyme
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
12 store-bought ravioli

1. Make the marinara sauce: Warm oil in a medium pot over medium heat.  Add garlic and tomatoes and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Deglaze pot by adding wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from bottom of pot; then stir in oregano and sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Transfer mixture to a food processor and process to desired consistency. Return mixture to pot and simmer 30 minutes.  Cool slightly before serving.

2. Preheat vegetable oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat.


3. Place flour in one shallow dish and eggs in another.  In a third, mix bread crumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.


4.  In two batches, toss ravioli in flour, gently shaking off excess.  Dip in egg and then in bread crumb mixture.  Thread 3 breaded ravioli onto each skewer.

5.  Once oil reaches 350F, carefully place skewers in pot, 2 at a time, and fry about 4 to 5 minutes.  Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.  Serve warm, with marinara sauce on the side.



57 comments:

  1. Mmmmm...those Fried Ravioli look fabulous!

    I'd love to win this cookbook..there, I've said it, lol!

    Thanks for visiting my blog, I'm so glad to have found yours!

    Patty
    Another cookie, please!

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  2. I'd love a copy of the book....thanks for the great post and for introducing the recipes! Perfect compliment to the cocktail shaker recipe giveaway at KnitOnePearlOnion!
    Joann

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  3. Please enter my name! I would love to win this book! I think I'll start with the Frozen Banana's also...love those!!

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  4. Everything is tastier on a stick! I'd love to win a copy of this new cookbook. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

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  5. Your deep fried ravioli looks delish! I would love a chance to win a copy, thanks for entering me :-)

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  6. I would love to win this book! That ravioli is making me drool right now. Thank you for hosting the giveaway!

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  7. Too bad I can't join this giveaway but I'll look for this book at the book store.

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  8. This looks like fun - I would love to win a copy of thise book! think Im still a kid at heart because food-on-a-stick is always appealing!

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  9. Great giveaway! Looks like a wonderful book!

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  10. Mmm...everything just looks better on a stick somehow! Unfortunately, I don't live in the US to qualify for this giveaway, but your review and recipe try-outs have given me ideas.

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  11. I have seen a couple recipes from this cookbook circulating the blogisphere. Food on a stick makes me giddy. That Melon Mojito Stick looks like a must make. I would love to get my hands on a copy of this cookbook. So much fun! What a great giveaway and very generous. The ravioli recipe and photos have my stomach growling. Yummy!

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  12. You know I love food on a stick:) This book looks fantastically fun! Thanks for the great giveaway, Amy!

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  13. Looks like a super fun book! Would love to be entered in this giveaway. Thanks!

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  14. I would love to win this book!!! I have a secret addiction to all things skewered :) what a wonderful giveaway Amy!!

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  15. I would love to win this book! I love everything on a stick! And every beverage with a straw! :)

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  16. Ohhhhh...pick me, pick me, PLEASE!!!

    I've got all the ingredients in the kitchen and I'm going to mix up the raviolis for tonight's din-din.

    You are such an inspiring and generous blogger!

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  17. After seeing those yummy pictures, how can I not want the book? Count me in.

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  18. I love food on a stick...I would love to have a copy of this book!

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  19. I want to win!

    ♥ sécia
    www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com

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  20. What fun looking recipes! I'd love to win the book!

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  21. Who wouldn't want to win this book?

    Looks great! PICK ME! :0)

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  22. I would love to win this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  23. This is a great giveway, Thank you. I would love to win this book. I love anything on a stick what a wonderful idea for a book why didnt I think of that. Cudos to Matt

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  24. sure mouth watering and fingers licking good!

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  25. Pick me. It looks like a fantastic book.

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  26. I want this book! Thanks for the chance to win!

    vickdn512@gmail.com

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  27. What a fun book! I would try the Frozen Bananas first!

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  28. thanks for linking to Tasty Tuesday. Come back again next week http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/

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  29. I would love to have a copy of this book!

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  30. The recipes look delicious! As always your picture make my mouth water! I would love a copy of the On a Stick book! I love Matt Bites too!

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  31. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I would love this cookbook. We're campers and everything is perfect on a stick. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  32. I hope I win! This book looks super fun! =)

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  33. I would love a chance to win too! Looks like everything might taste better on a stick :)

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  34. Looks delish!

    We'd love for you to share recipes with us at
    Simply Delish Saturday

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  35. I have lots of assorted "sticks". So I need this book to go with them

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  36. Your pics are beautiful and yep, everything is better on a stick! Thanks for a chance to win this fun book:@)

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  37. Hi Amy! thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a follower! I am now a follower of yours as well. You have beautiful photography and I totally agree, we really do eat with our eyes first!

    This book looks really cool. Everything is more fun when you eat it off a stick! :)

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  38. What a fun book. The frozen bananas look delish! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a sweet comment.

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  39. Hi Amy,
    I am so excited to hear about this book, you did a great review. I will be ordering this book. Great post! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you next week!
    Miz Helen

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  40. Everything is better on a stick! Just ask my kids :) I'd love to win a copy.

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  41. I love this idea, would love to add this book to my collection. Great giveaway! Thanks!

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  42. Hi Amy, thanks for your visit and sweet comments. I would love to win this book! If I had a ravioli in one hand, and a frozen banana in the other, I'd be one happy girl! xo,

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  43. Amy,

    You have a wonderful blog. I would love to have this book. Great job!

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  44. Who wouldn't want to win this beautiful book. I too love Matt's blog :-)And things on a stick makes all the difference esp for kids !
    Amy, you have a really beautiful blog.Can't wait to explore more :D

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  45. What a fun book. I would love to have a copy. My granddaughter would think I am so creative!

    Amy, Thanks for visiting our blog, The Paisley Cupcake.

    ~jan

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  46. Thanks for the giveaway. I'd love to win a copy. :)
    Btw, lovely blog, Amy.

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  47. Oh yum!!! I'd lvoe to win this recipe book! I am so glad I didnt miss this great giveaway of yours! ...catching up on some blog reading!

    Blessings & Aloha!

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  48. Hi Amy! Thanks for visiting my blog and following...and leading me to your blog! LOVE IT! This book looks awesome...we always enjoy good food on a stick! :) Esp. the bananas, I've been wanting to try to make those!

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Amy

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  49. This book looks like fun and good eating. I would love to win it.

    Thanks for the opportunity and the invite to participate.

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  50. It looks like so much fun! I'd love to trythis book with my kids.

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  51. What an amazing looking book and since I lost my sense of smell and taste since the RWOP... I have to rely on my other senses like sight, sound and feel! I would really love to have this cookbook!
    Thanks,
    Amy

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  52. Wow, what a great idea and book! Would love a chance to win it - thanks!

    Sirbarney@tampabay.rr.com

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  53. Would love to WIN.....I make homemade ravioli...great idea to put them on a stick!!!

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  54. Oh my goodness, that deep fried ravioli looks absolutely delicious. What a gorgeous picture. My sister's and I just started our own blog hop and the theme is appetizers. We would love if you would come over and share this with our blog readers.

    That book also looks fantastic! I have to get a copy.

    http://everydaysisters.blogspot.com

    Ellen

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  55. share this post on my blog~ thanks

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