More than 2 million people get married each year, leaving even more wedding guests struggling to find a gift that best reflects their feelings for two people starting a new life together. Uniquely combining one of the most popular cookbooks of all time with a how-to guide for newlyweds and a keepsake book that will help build lasting memories, “Betty Crocker’s(R) Cookbook Bridal Edition” (Wiley Publishing, Inc.) is the ideal gift for bridal showers and weddings.
The book offers all of the great features of the famous cookbook’s ninth edition, plus a 32-page special section to collect treasured memories and share unique “just-us-two” newlywed experiences, like the first meal she cooked, the first meal he cooked and who won.
The book is full of many other ideas and one of the nicest touches is a dedication area for the gift-giver. Offer this book as a cherished gift that will do more than just extol a wedding. It will give the sense that there will be a loving marriage to look forward to long after the honeymoon is over.
TOP TIPS
FOR NEWLYWEDS
1. Start a recipe library with you and your mate’s favorite recipes. It’s a great way to build new holiday memories as a couple and as a family.
2. Celebrate weekends with your spouse. Read the Sunday paper together over fresh-baked muffins, fresh fruit and coffee.
3. Even with the household responsibilities evenly divided, there will still be nights you wish someone else would make dinner. For a simple solution, invest in a slow cooker to do all the work. With just a few minutes of preparation, your meal will be cooking all day long and ready as soon as you come home from work. Your meal simmers all day for you.
4. If you’re just cooking for two, having leftovers isn’t that unusual. Instead of groaning or letting them go to waste, try incorporating cooked ingredients into a completely new meal. For example, you can turn leftover rice into a low-fat classic dessert — rice pudding.
5. Are you nervous about entertaining now that you are married? A good tip to remember is to start small. Have a few close friends over for a glass of wine and simple hors d’oeuvres. As your comfort level increases, so will the number of guests you can invite. Don’t worry if everything doesn’t go exactly according to plan — your guests probably won’t even notice and besides, they are there to enjoy your company.
Adapted from “Betty Crocker’s(R) Cookbook Bridal Edition”
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