The Quarantine Cookbook

by Beth Carter

Romance author Beth Carter created THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK during the unbelievable 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. Nearly 200 easy, delicious recipes will provide a much-needed distraction while sheltering in place—and your family will thank you! Included are the author’s favorite five-ingredient recipes, plus plenty of comfort food, meatless meals, appetizers, salads, sides, soups, and desserts.

And when you don’t feel like cooking, Carter included a generous dollop of almost 60 Non-Stir Crazy Activities, a sprinkling of unique Six-Word Memoirs on Quarantine Life, and a pinch of hilarious food quotes that are sure to bring a smile during these trying times. Recipes include Quarantine Balls, Bacon Asparagus Quiche, Stuffed Pasta Shells, French Dip Sandwiches, Asian Salmon, Rosemary Pork Chops, Parmesan Chicken, Strawberry Yogurt Cake, Brownie Pie, and Chocolate-Covered Cashew Clusters, to name a few.

Easy on the pantry—and budget—these family favorite recipes using common ingredients are sure to become yours too. Since we’re homebound, let’s cook! Stay healthy, and happy eating.During the crisis, proceeds will benefit: Tunnel2Towers.org which is providing housing for fallen COVID-19 healthcare workers and first responders with young children.

237 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2020

About the author

Formerly a bank VP and hospital marketer, Beth Carter shed her suits and heels at mid-life to pen novels, nonfiction books, and children's picture books. The author doesn't miss the 8 o'clock meetings, nor heels, whatsoever.

Author of the popular six-book Coconuts series beginning with THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, Carter has also penned standalone novels including BRIDE SWAP, BRIDE GAMES (Book 2), SLEEPING WITH ELVIS, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO, and THE CHRISTMAS FIB.

During Covid, the author created THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK which benefitted charity and features nearly 200 delicious recipes. This cookbook received a gold medal from the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. Carter is also the author of I WROTE A BOOK. NOW WHAT? for beginning and aspiring authors, which received a bronze medal in 2021.

In addition, Carter writes kids' books and can't think of anything more important than encouraging reading from a young age. She is the recipient of multiple awards including gold, silver, and bronze medals in the 2020 & 2021 Reader's Favorite Awards, a coveted RONE Award for best Women's Fiction/Chick Lit for THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS and was named Best Debut Author in 2015 by BTS Books. Carter has also received multiple Raven Awards.

The author writes from Missouri and Florida. She loves dancing, board games, shopping, some reality TV, observing nature, reading, pickleball, and of course, storytelling. Follow her at www.bethcarter.com or find her on Facebook, X, or IG where she spends far too much time. Join her private group, Beth's Book Babes, on FB!

Reviews

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook has a lot of tasty easy recipes, some boredom busting ideas and a section on six word memoirs on the quarantine. It’s interesting and FUNctional. The recipes are set up in sections so everything is user friendly.
I made several recipes before writing this. I wanted to be able to judge how much I would use it before writing my review. I collect cookbooks. For me some are pretty to look at and read while others you use. This book falls into the cookbook you will use. The recipes I made were easy and had ingredients I mostly had in my pantry. My favorite was the bacon wrapped onion rings. My other half loves cheeseburger and fries casserole. Not every recipe is the healthiest. It’s a quarantine. You might not be able to get things easily. There are a number of healthier recipes though. We just happened to enjoy these two choices a lot. In a quarantine comfort food earns its name.
I have this on Kindle. There were no photos, which is something I miss. I will probably give this as gifts this year. I think it’s great to have on hand for flu season and natural disasters. I live in Alaska so natural disasters is something I’m always thinking about.
This will be a hand down to my granddaughter cookbook.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a ARC copy of this wonderful cookbook from the author because she is awesome.
She wanted to get the word out about this wonderfully written and easy to follow cook book. And all the proceeds go to charity!
Perfect for everyone at home because of the easy to read recipes and to change up the menu in these stay home safe days. I highly recommend this book.
The cover is so cute! and she has other books you can check out too.
I am trying a few of the recipes for dinner tonight and I ordered my paperback copy to have handy!
So grab your copy today and Bon Appetite !

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun cookbook, and one of the things I really like about it, is you’ve probably got 90% of the ingredients in any recipe already in your pantry. Another thing is that these recipes are so easy to manipulate to your own personal tastes. The author gives you the main recipe, but doesn’t weigh the recipe down so you can’t experiment.

One recipe I really enjoy is the Rosemary Pork Chops. I did everything, browning them beautifully in the pan, but then taking them out and putting them in the oven to finish cooking and also opening a can of sliced peaches and dropped them on top. Some cookbooks don’t allow this type of freedom.

There are also some fun surprises in the back part of the book that will keep you smiling.

I can’t say that I’ve tried all the recipes yet, but I’m working on them. With all profits going to charity, this is a win win.

[Amanda]

You guys! This is such a great cookbook for beginners! Lots of easy recipes that you probably have tried over the years but couldn't find a recipe for as it was a 'family' recipe!

Today my kids and I made the cake mix banana bread! We didnt have a yellow cake mix so we substituted a spice cake mix and it was delish! I know it would be great with a yellow cake too♡

I can't wait to share more recipes with my kiddos!

Thank you for the ARC ♡

[Traci Westling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled up receive an ARC copy of this in exchange for my honest review as well as trying some recipes ! I’m SO EXCITED to share how fantastic this book is AS WELL AS ALL the proceeds go for charity !! I’ve already made 3 recipes which were all crazy good and SUPER EASY! The quarantine activity suggestions and simple notable quotes were a lovely addition to an absolutely wonderful book that’s sure to satisfy every persons palate once they dive into these simple recipes! Beautifully written and organized! I’ve already ordered multiple print copies for gifts just because of the cover and simplicity of the recipes featured ! Bravo Beth!!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

All proceeds will benefit #Tunnel2Towers which is providing housing for fallen COVID-19 healthcare workers and first responders with young children. This new release by romcom author and cookbook aficionado Beth Carter is full of easy recipes, famous and clever quotes, and quarantine activities. Feed your kindle or buy the 350+ page paperback for this worthy cause—feed your body and soul.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love collecting and reading cookbooks. I may not do much cooking, but I have a lot, and I mean a lot of cookbooks. I especially loved reading this cookbook. From the beginning to the end, the book was engaging. I loved reading the introduction, I loved the quotes throughout, I loved the recipes, and I loved the non-recipe parts such as give yourself a break and suggestions to keep from going stir crazy. One of my favorite parts was the six-word memoirs on quarantine life, which inspired me to write a few. As for the recipes, they are easy to follow and make. I made some of the recipes over the weekend such as Party Dip, Asian Cole Slaw, Low-Fat Cole Slaw and Barbecue Beef and Biscuits. All of them tasted great. I can’t wait to try Italian Pasta Salad and Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries. Once I can visit my family again, I plan on making some of the desserts. Too tempting right now to make a dessert because I would eat all of it, most likely in one sitting. I loved the cookbook so much, especially since proceeds are going to help a charity that I ordered a print copy for myself and two of my friends. I’m thinking of ordering more to give as gifts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Repost of my original review at Amazon.com.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth is witty. She uses her knack for humorous writing in this difficult time to put together a cookbook of yummy sounding recipes that look super simple to make. And I leaned about six word memoirs. I may start journaling this way!

Know how every time you find a recipe on a blog post and you have to scroll through all this mundane text about how the author stumbled across this recipe or why it’s so special to her. None of that boring stuff here.
Here is an excerpt of her introduction:
During this crisis, as everyone knows, restaurant dining was no longer an option. We’ve made friends with many servers, chefs, bartenders, and restaurant owners all over town. My heart broke for them as they shuttered their doors and furloughed employees. Schools closed which meant many parents were thrust into homeschooling. That didn’t affect us but I can only imagine how challenging it was to relearn math. Insert bug-egged emoticon here!
More frivolous, but much-enjoyed services, like hair and nail salons were also out of the question. Currently, my hair is akin to Phyllis Diller’s. Remember her? Not that old? Google her name“

The only thing I wish this Ebook had was pictures of the recipes!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems Books.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really knowing what to expect when I picked up this title, I ended up pleased with the content. The best way that I can describe this cookbook is that it is very similar to a "community-“, or "church-fundraiser" cookbook. If you are unfamiliar with that type of book, it means that it is a terrific find. The recipes are family-oriented in the way that they are crowd pleasers. Whether it is a crowd you are bringing a dish to, or making it for your crowd of four at home. Tasty in ways that please-more-people-than-not kind of cookbook. I found the recipes were easy in execution and most had not a lot of ingredients. And the point of being a "quarantine cookbook" is that the ingredients are what most people have at home.

I found the whole thing very charmingly written and have marked a lot of the the recipes to make. For the most part, I would not label the majority of these recipes to be healthy, but the book is not marketed to be that way. In addition to the food portion, there are also some ideas for activities to do while staying at home, and information on six-word memoirs. So a lot is packed in this little book and the fact that the proceeds are going to charity is icing on the cake. Definitely recommend. I received a copy to review and all opinions are mine alone.

[Ambrosia Blasier-McCollum · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a cookbook collector, the Quarantine Cookbook caught my eye. My family was getting tired of pantry staples, and this seemed like a good way to mix things up. The book is full of delicious and simple recipes that I will be using for years to come, which earns it a solid four stars. Unfortunately, many of these recipes aren't what I'd consider quarantine-friendly. For those of us who try to limit our shopping trips, fresh produce isn't always on hand. There are plenty of pantry-based recipes in here, but no more than your average cookbook contains. The inspirational quotes and self-care tips make this a useful and uplifting souvenir of this historical time in our lives, and the recipes are ones that have stood the test of time. If you're looking for creative ways to stretch your budget and cook from your pantry, you might be better off looking elsewhere. If you enjoy themed cookbooks with well-rounded recipes, this will make a great addition to your shelf.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Developed while sheltering-at-home during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, award-winning, romance author Beth Carter has compiled a collection of approximately 200 easy and delicious comfort-food recipes that use pantry staples and readily available ingredients.

The recipes sound attractive enough that even the most inexperienced cooks will be inspired to try them and have quick successes as well as a great dish. In fact, there are anecdotes accompanying some of the recipes related to Carter making some of these dishes with friends while in college. Others, she noted, were successful potluck dishes or family favorites.

Bottom line – they all sound like good food using regular ingredients, no unusual, hard-to-find, or expensive items to buy.

Proceeds from the sale of the book support an awesome cause helping the frontline health care workers and their families.

[JeanneK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Quarantine Cookbook is a cookbook full of recipes that are easy to make, require few ingredients, some are healthy revisions of favorite recipes and simply delicious. So far, I tried the Kale Chips in the Snacks Chapter, the Taco Lasagna in the Entrees Chapter, and the Quarantine Balls (aka peanut butter balls) in the Dessert Chapter and all tasted great. The Cookbook is well organized and the recipes are perfect to make when you are quarantined and a long time to come after that. It is obvious the author put this Cookbook together with a great deal of thought, organizing and love. I also thought some of the recipes would be fun to make with children during the Quarantine. The charming, cute little sayings at the end of many of the recipes give a special touch. I recommend this book.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a fun read, and a very nice endeavor - my favorite recipes are turkey cranberry sliders in Hawaiian rolls, Quarantine snack mix, and Mexican corn bread! nom nom nom.....

I received this book through an ARC reading group that I belong to.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great surprise from one of my favorite romance authors! The Quarantine Cookbook is just perfect. There are a LOT of simple, tasty recipes that I can't wait to make and the bonus is all proceeds go to a charitable cause. There are so many great recipes I want to try. Tonight I made the Sausage Balls! She makes me smile with her clever quotes and quarantine activities all in a cookbook! The cookbook makes me happy! I downloaded the digital version so I could make my shopping list now. Ordering print books for me, and for gifts!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The recipes seem simple to read and understand. And were easy to follow the instructions.Most of the ingredients you could all ready had in your pantry.

I received a complimentary copy via Hidden Gems. This is my honest unbiased opinion.