Over the Counter #317

What books caught my eye this week as they passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Making things from scratch this week.....

First up is Kitchen Creamery: Making Yogurt, Butter and Cheese at Home by Louella Hill, photographs by Erin Kunkel.

From the publisher, Chronicle Books:

"As the DIY movement continues to gain momentum, it's no wonder home cheesemaking is the next hot topic. And from cheesemaking authority and teacher Louella Hill comes an education so timely and inspiring that every cheese lover and cheesemonger, from novice to professional, will have something to learn. Kitchen Creamery starts with the basics (think yogurt, ricotta, and mascarpone) before graduating into more complex varieties such as Asiago and Pecorino. With dozens of recipes, styles, and techniques, each page is overflowing with essential knowledge for perfecting the ins and outs of the fascinating process that transforms fresh milk into delicious cheese."

And how about some soap to wash your hands after making all that cheese? You might want to pick up DIY Artisanal Soaps: Make Your Own Custom, Handcrafted Soaps! by Alicia Grosso.

From the publisher: "Making your own luxurious and lovely soaps is easier than you think! With DIY Artisanal Soaps, you'll find everything you need to make all-natural, custom-designed soaps using locally sourced ingredients and beautifully scented essential oils. Featuring easy-to-follow instructions and tips for personalizing your designs, this book guides you through every step of soapmaking, allowing you to create unique bath and home products every time. Learn how to turn your garden or farmers' market finds into beautiful, handcrafted soaps, with invigorating scents like peppermint and rosemary or the summer-inspired pairings of ginger and papaya. You can even customize the fragrances and textures in the recipes to create the perfect product for your skincare needs.

Complete with stunning photographs and unique ideas for gifting, packaging, and selling your creations, DIY Artisanal Soaps helps you bring the vibrant colors and scents of nature into your home."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)