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Cook the Book: 'The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The Original Classics'

20071217-msclassicsoriginal.jpgThis week's Cook the Book is The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The Original Classics. Having worked at Martha Stewart Living magazine for a number of years in my pre–Serious Eats days, I know firsthand the amount of exacting work that went into creating, testing, and editing these recipes, many of which are from Living magazine's articles throughout the years. They've been the source of a number of delicious meals and treats I've made for myself and others over the years. I might also add that the recipes here are not only a pleasure to cook from but reside in a book that features some wonderful art direction—with elegant typefaces and beautiful and helpful photos. As always, we'll be highlighting some choice recipes from this cookbook this week.

And, as always, we'll be giving away five (5) copies of the book. All you have to do is tell us, in the comments here, if you've ever cooked from a Martha recipe and, if so, what.

Five winners will be chosen at random from among the commenters, and the comments will remain open until Monday, December 24 at noon. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.

Comments are closed: 628 Comments:

I've always found Martha's recipes to work well, and assume they're always well tested.

I think I made a batch of cookies that she once described on her show. I was sorry to hear that her mother, a fixture on her earlier syndicated show, recently passed away.

I've made more than a couple successful recipes from Martha Stewart's "Everyday" half-size magazines. I especially recommend her recipe for turkey meatballs with bocconcini mozzarella. Seriously good times.

yes, baked fruit of some sort many years ago.

Martha Stewart's macaroni and cheese recipe is wonderful. It features lots of grated gruyere which makes it especially delicious. But, I've found that the recipe is more than just great ingredients - it's a great method, as well.

I've made the low fat pumpkin muffins, and they're great! I recently saw a recipe for an autumn vegetable inspired pizza with ricotta cheese and I'm thinking of making that next.

yes! i made her new york crumb cake recipe from her BAKING cookbook. never baked with that much butter but of course was delicious!

Oh gosh, I use her recipes all the time! Just today I pulled out my Dec '05 issue for reference on "making rolled cookies". Tis the season! Let the good times roll..... ; )


I think I made a galette or couronne in one of her baking books...Certainly some kind of cookie.

Nope. Never.

nothing yet....

i've made some delicious butternut squash soup, and also butternut squash fries.

no,
never.
would.
sounds good.

the crumb cake is fantastic

I've never made a "Martha Stewart" recipe per se, but I have made several recipes from Everyday Food (both the magazine and TV show) which are Martha Stewart productions, so that counts...right?

spiced nuts, they were very good.

never have...will hopefully give that mac and cheese recipe a run soon, though

I helped my husband make his first pie for Thanksgiving--apple pie with crumb crust from the baking handbook.

I made Martha Stewart's Roasted Fall Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza and it was divine! I especially liked that the roasted vegetable recipe made twice the amount required to make the pizza. The extra veggies made a great snack while waiting for the pizza to cook! Great fall recipe!

i've made a ton of her recipes. i think they are fantastic for weeknight meals because they are always so simple.

my favorite is this chicken and lima bean stew that is extremely easy to make and very flavorful (probably because it uses about a half a bottle of worcestire - not gonna spell check that word).

I haven't used any of her recipes yet, but would love to have the new book. I have watched her show and think her recipes all make sense...not far out...

One of my favorite Martha Stewart recipes is the Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake. I'm also a fan of her Cheddar Cheese pie crust. Yum Yum!

No, but that Mac & Cheese recipe sounds delicious.

Sugar Cookies.

Cooked her turkey recipe for Thanksgiving one year. Very good.

I made a wonderful chocolate cake topped with fluffy white 7-minute frosting for a birthday several months back. It came out perfectly and the frosting has become my "go to" recipe ever since.

A fantastic braised chicken.

many of her cookies...earl grey shortbread, cream cheese walnut cookies.. her christmas cookie magazine is fantastic!

I have never cooked from a Martha recipe but would love to try!

i've made a few from the everyday mag. but my wife i believe has made some of the baked goods.

You know, I've always like Martha but can't think of a recipe of hers I've ever made. That should change! I think I'll start with a few of the above suggestions...

All sorts of things - especially from her comfort food book. I will say though - I love Martha a lot, but the perfect chocolate cake totally wasn't. But other than that, everything I've made of hers has worked out really well.

Martha is one of my fav recipe sources! Love her marinated flank steak, fettucini alfredo, spaghetti alla carbonara, sour cherry pie, blueberry pie, and more appetizers than I can name!

Never made a Martha recipe before--though if what you say about her mac 'n cheese is true, I definitely need to give her a shot!

I do not remember, but I'd really like a copy of the book. Thanks!

I have not yet made a Martha recipe, BUT... A good friend of mine was on Martha's legal team and she baked him fresh cookies and made lemonade. This isn't to say I haven't wanted to make a Martha recipe, but back when I did most of my Martha reading I was still afraid to bake. I have destroyed the fear.

No, but with her cookbook I could get started...

yes, i made excellent chunky walnut and chip cookies from a recipe on her website.

I've never cooked from a Martha recipe! I love her presentations, though, and I keep buying copies of Everyday Food without actually using them.

her sugar cookies are great.

I used her sugar cookie recipe for cut outs yesterday!

i'm about to make her lime melt-away cookies for christmas in a few days. i've never made them before but am excited to see how they turn out.

Not yet, but I'd like to try.

I made some great spiced nuts- got the recipe from the martha stewart website- they were a bit hit!

never made anything of martha's... but would sure like to try! cookbook me, please! :)

Lots...not ashamed to admit. She's got great recipes. My all-time favorite (know it by heart) is her simple tomato soup. SO yummy and a perfect way to use up all your extra summer tomatoes...

Mmmmmmm....summer....

Hopefully, this book will make that a reality.

Love Martha, haven't ever gotten a chance to try out her recipes. Would love the opportunity!

I've used a recipe from her magazine for sweet potatoes roasted with butter and maple syrup twice, but sung its praises often. It also turned me to the wonders of real maple syrup.

a long time ago, some sort of tomato sauce. i think it was good.

I haven't yet, but various things have looked tempting.

I've never made any Martha Stewart recipes.

Sure - I made her "Jailhouse Rock Candy".

Just kidding. Actually I don't have any of her books yet -and I will make one of her recipes if I win a book!

i havent actually made anything of hers yet

I've saved up a bunch of those little perforated recipe cards from her magazine, but I don't think I've used a one.

chewy, chocolate gingerbread cookies. Great, making a batch tomorrow.

At the holidays, I've made her preserves and chutneys to give as gifts to other people. They turn out quite nicely!

I love her fried chicken recipe!

Yes, Boston Cream Pie from her website - came out great.

No, but I could start.

I haven't yet but promise to if I win the book, and I'll even write about it here!

Nothing yet, but I'll start if I win this book! :)

I have watched Martha Stewart on TV and have read several issues of her magazine (my mom has a subscription), but I have yet to try a Martha Stewart recipe, unless I already have and didn't realize it.

Her chocolate chip cookies, and a fruit-crisp sort of thing.

I have made numerous baked goodies from her baking book and they always come out perfectly. Baking recipes are the only 'Martha' I have ever done, so I have this on my wish list! ...

No, but I've made recipes like hers. I always find her recipes to be slight variations on recipes I have in cookbooks I already own. She's good for ideas, though.

I've made her ricotta cheesecake once and it turned out quite well. It reminded me of a cake my grandmother used to make.

never have but definately would if i were to win this book :)

Yes, citrus shortbread cookies. They were wonderful.

Just this weekend I made baked farfalla with sausage. My husband responded with an enthusiastic, "This is *good*, Hon!" and said it was probably the best pasta I've ever made! It was quite tasty, I must say.

Almond Crescents for the Christmas cookie extravaganza.

her coconut macaroons, which are a snap to make and delicious. also, her honey roasted figs, totally addictive.

I've made stuff from Everyday Food. Her mustard/fennel/celery seed encrusted pork loin stands out as a favorite.

I'm not a baker, but I attempted to make a plum tart, turned out mediocre under my unskilled hands.

I have never cooked from one of her recipes

My first attempt at a pork tenderloin roast was Martha's sage- and garlic-rubbed version, and it turned out beautifully. I love the four-dish dinner recipe cards in every Living magazine; I've got probably four years worth saved in a binder.

I must admit that I've never cooked from one of her recipes, but if I win the book...

I made her sweet potato pie with a graham cracker crust. It was terrific.

Because my freinds and family always enjoyed the apple and dried cherry pies I make, I decided to try Marhta Stewart's Pear and Dried Cherry pie recipe last year. It was quite good and remains among my repeatable successes.

cupcakes, for my grandmother's birthday party

Cookies! I love Martha.

I got my caeser salad recipe out of a Martha Stewart Living magazine. You make it right at the table - the dressing from scratch - and it's always a big crowd pleaser.

I haven't yet, but I loved looking through my friend's copy of one of her books

Not a thing (yet) - one of those shows where it all seems like a good idea, but... all the measuring. I need to give her recipes another go!

I must have because I look at her website all the time, but I can't recall anything in particular.

I used to work at Marthe Stewart Living here in Chelsea NYC and so have cooked more of her recipes than I can list here.

They all tend to be well tested and none of them make it into an MS-branded publication of any sort unless they're solid, reliable successes.

The descriptions, even for the more ambitious/complex recipes are always clear, and as I said, the recipes are always reliable.

My favorite of all time is her "underpaid, no benefits-having, soon to be suffering a nervous breakdown assistant" flambe.

Um, I am one of the Daring Bakers who had the "pleasure" of making the infamous Martha Stewart Deepest Darkest Crepe Cake from Hell! On a good note, I love the refridge cookies from her Baking Handbook and make them often.

So many. I am a huge fan of her recipes as the recipes always work! and are delicious. Onion Tart with Smoky Bacon, Muffuletta, Spring Cake (?) decorated with the marzipan vegetables on a bed of crumbled Oreo's (I go way back)... but my favorite was her recent recipe for Latke's (the ones with a shot of beer). I made them this year and they were perfection from the first to the last. No need to ever look for another latke recipe!

i haven't, which now that i think about it find strange cause i love simple recipes...

No, not yet. Her ingredients always intimidate me.

Can't remember if I have or not...

I've made so many Martha Stewart recipes, I cannot remember them all. The wonderful things about Martha is that she knows all the great chefs. What was wonderrful about her old show was that she introduced us to so many of greats and their recipes. Some of what I've cooked, Martha-wise: her macaroni and cheese, mini-meat loaves (amazing), cod cakes (requested by all my friends), her turkey (twice), turkey burgers, southwestern burgers, many hors d'oeuvres from her hors d'oeuvres book, a slew of cookies, rugelach.....and on and on and on....

I made her Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies....Wow! Not only did they turn out perfectly and taste absolutely delicious, but they looked just like they did on the show. Everyone who had one was impressed; they made me look like a real professional baker. I also made her Sweet Potato Biscuits at Thanksgiving and these were also a big hit. I have more of her recipes saved that I've been inspired by occasionally from her show, but have yet to try them.

I never thought about it before, but I don't think I've ever tried one of her recipes. I'm searching for some now...

i subscribe to everyday food and have made various recipes over the years. my favorite was a stir fry of bacon, corn, and scallions that is so simple and delish that i make it constantly during corn season.

I use her recipes all the time. I started out using my stepmother's copy of her Entertaining Book and also one of her first Every day ones. Now I use recipes from her website..her chocolate-cherry.oatmeal toffee cookies are amazing (actual a recipe from a friend of hers).

Her cookies are great.

I have made Martha's onion soup recipe from her original Entertaining Book - it is an excellent recipe.

I never have, but I am excited to try.

I've made her roast chicken and the mac & cheese

I have made her Lasagne with Spinach and Smoked Ham from her Entertaining cookbook.

I've made Alexis' Chocolate Chip Cookies, they're crunchy so if you like soft chewy cookies this recipe isn't for you.

super easy and amazing chocolate molasses cookies from Everyday Food

That Mac N Cheese recipe rocks....I would love to have more of her recipes....

I've made many Martha Stewart recipes in my day! Favorites include Beef Wellington, Sloppy Joes, Key Lime Bars, and the one I've been making almost every week for the last couple of months, Chocolate Chip Cookie 101 (I prefer the Thin and Crispy version myself).

I've made her mac n cheese. Fancy that.

I recently bought her Baking Handbook and her Fudgy Brownies have become my go to recipe. Not to compare them to fast food (but hereI go) they're the closest I've come to the dense chocolate-y-ness of a Pret brownie ("healthy" fast food here in NYC).

I have been cooking and baking from her books forever. I have many of them and they are very good. Every once in a while there is a recipe with a problem, but in general she (or actually her staff) does a good job. I am looking forward to her Wedding cake cook book coming out next week.

Yes, I've tried a few. I really liked the chive and cheese scones though.

I made several of her dessert recipes from her simple chocolate chip cookies to her apple galette... delicious.

Garlic bread and Mashed Potatoes.

I've got maybe 10 bookmarked, but haven't made any yet...

I never have, but definitely will soon...that mac and cheese recipe looks excellent.

No, but a cookbook should inspire me.

Meatloaf 101 and it was very good!

No, but I have a vivid memory of watching her sling molten hot sugar - with nary a care! - over some vased branches as some sort of presentation. Lady's got spunk, that's for sure.

Her Chocolate Chunk cookies and this bacon/brown sugar/mustard appitizer thing.

chocolate chip cookies
and some lemon cake

I made her scrambled eggs and they were fantastic . I also made her blueberry scones and quickly had to make more as they went in a flash . YUMMY !

I have made her Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies..Wow Chewy & delicious

I have her Christmas Cookbook and made homemade marshmallows (wonderful) and sugar cookies with royal icing (delicious and beautiful).

I haven't made one that I know of

i've made her carrot cake .. it turned out great!

I've made a few from "Everyday" and like the simple ones she offers.

Never! But If I win this book, I will start using some of her recipes!

I made a cake once. It turned out great!

I've made her mac and cheese, think it's as good as it gets.

I have made the Golden Carrot Soup recipe from her Weddings cookbook and Planner for years - it is AWESOME!! I will not make another carrot soup recipe ever - it is tops there is nothing that could ever compare in my books.

I have made a cheese suffle and it was superior.

Never have, but I would like to try!

Oh, I've cooked from many many Martha recipes and I'd say that some standouts have been: pea and mint ravioli, a ham, green bean, and fontina frittatta, any of her cookie recipes and, of course, Martha's mac and cheese! Although she's known as being a very precise cook, I find that her recipes are largely about common sense, e.g. paying attention to properly seasoning your food and so forth. Long live Martha!

No, but I would if I won a free book.

I've made Martha's recipes before--I just can't remember what. But the next thing I'd like to make from her magazine is her recipe for a Jelly Roll. I'm going to use the strawberry jam I made in the summer. I'm very excited.

Not as of yet which is why I would LOVE this cookbook as everything I have seen her make always looks so yummy!

I've made chocolate chip cookies and they are delicious.

I haven't ever made any because I haven't got a martha cookbook...yet.

The only Martha recipe I ever used was her marshmallow recipe.

Pate brisee is legendary. The mahogany fried chicken turns out delish!

way too many to list all the fruit pies....and many of her cookies..i love martha and this would be a great gift for me

I have made lots of yummy desserts. I love Martha Stewart!

Her recipes seem to concentrate more on looks than taste, however I still try her recipes on occassion.

I've made her caramelized lemon tart...I'm a tad obsessed with Martha.

No I have never but I would love to try her recipes.

Never have, but always on the look out for new recipes :)

The only recipe I've tried was for carrot cake cookies, and, um... er... no comment.

I don't have any of her cookbooks though Id love one!! I did use one of her turkey recipes last Christmas. It was fabulous!

I made her meatloaf. It is wonderful nice and juicy.

I have never made anything, but would like to.

Never have, but would if I won this.

The Hot Crab dip from the Hor d'oeuvres Handbook rocks! I bring it to parties all the time and everyone wants the recipe.

I've only made 1 thing using a Martha Stewart recipe...Light Chicken Parmesan. I served it on a bed of spaghetti. It was wonderful!

Never used Martha.

I have never made any of Martha's recipes. :(

I've made her wicked witch cupcaked. They came out so cute and the buttercream was fantastic! =)

Never have, but when I get this cook book, I will !

I have never cooked from a Martha recipe, but I just copied the Mac & Cheese recipe from her book and this site to try as soon as possible.

No, I have not.

yes, I have. I watch her show daily.
I've made some chicken stock she recommends and it is YUM!

Not yet, but I'd love to start!
dansan826 at yahoo

Well, if I win the contest, I will be able to start!

I did make something once, from the "Everyday Food" digest, but it didn't work out very well and truthfully I can't even remember what it was. I do have a few bookmarked holiday issues of the "Living" mag that I keep meaning to cook from. Maybe next year!

I made some gorgeous cupcakes and decorated them with icing flowers of all kinds for one of my daughters birthday, sorry I don't remember what they were called exactly. I recently saw a guest on Ms. Stewart's show make marshmallows covered with chocolate and I'm going to try that one next!! Thanks for the contest.

No, I've tried one.

Martha's pie crust is pretty trusty.

I made a green bean dish once from her "Everyday Food" magazine. It was super-tasty!

I've made some things from the hors d'ouvres book, but mostly I just drool over the gorgeous pictures!

I've made her Pizza Rustica and it is now the Italian sauage bread that my family eats for Easter. Yum!

I've made several recipes from her website and dvds. Most recently I made a mustard and herb crusted chicken, and a beef and barley soup. Her recipes always seem to work, and I have been coveting a Martha Cookbook for some time!

I haven't tried on yet, but I'd be willing to give it a go

Not yet. I've only ever used her gardening projects.

I'm a devoted fan of one of her past Halloween recipes... it was called "Shoo-Vampire Soup," and it was a fabulously garlicky potato-leek soup. I make it all the time. That could be why I don't have many friends...

No I have never cooked from a Martha Stewart recipe.

No, I've never cooked a Martha Stewert recipe, but I might someday!

I made that 4th of July Shortcake that was on the cover of July 2007 issue of Martha Stewart Living. It's a giant shortcake with a filling of strawberries, blueberries, and cream... that poke through stars cut out of the shortcake top. It was delicious.

I also made some hazelnut blondies. Also delicious.

I know I've made some other stuff as well... and I've flagged her beef stew for a cold winter night.

Not sure if this counts, but I cook from Everyday Food all the time.

Hi, I have been a subscriber to the "Martha Stewart Living" Magazine since its' inception. I also own many of her entertaining and holiday books. My husband is the cook in our home. We have not served one of her recipes because our sons are so picky about what they will eat!!!!! One son is now in college and the other son will be in a couple of years. Watch out Martha Stewart, here we come.....Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

I baked a crumb cake recipe that was on her tv show many years ago, and I still make the recipe to this day. It is wonderful.

Never have. But I hope to!

I never have but will if I win this cookbook! Thank you for the contest!

I use her recipes all the time. Most recent was pasnips and brussell sprouts

I haven't yet; but let me win this book and I can guarantee you that I will.

I've made tons of Martha's recipes. I think my favorite one is her pumpkin pie - it was seriously one of the best pies I've ever eaten.

Thanks for the giveaway. Quite some time ago, I did bake some baked pears that had come out wonderful.

Made many, but my all-time fav is her Mac & Cheese - pure comfort in a bowl.

I baked a Irish Soda Bread from one of her magazines. It was an easy recipe to follow and the results were great.

Potatoe latkes they were ok

I haven't, but caramelized garlic and shallot pasta sounds good enough that I'd definitely try it.

I haven't yet had a chance to try anything of hers. I'm liking the look of the caramelized garlic recipe though. One to file away for the very near future :) Not sure if it is one for the kids though...

I would love to say yet but I have not got her cook book yet.

yes, her mac and cheese recipe is glorious.

nope. though i've been curious about the outcome of her recipes.

I haven't used any of her recipes, but this book would help change that!

Never have, but willing to give it a shot.

Not yet. I tried really hard to make her cherry pie, but couldn't find the cherries she called for in my area. I've torn out tons of her recipes, though, and they are in my "gotta try" pile.

Almond pound cake -- it was her recipe for wedding cake from the Baking with Julia series on PBS. Totally yummy.

sadly i've never had a Martha cookbook. I think it's about time that changed!

If I can't have Martha's kitchen, I'll take her book!

I never have, though I remember watching a show where she candied entire halves of grapefruit peels (not just little slices) to use as fruit cups!