Apologies for the long delay between recipes! I've been pretty sick and haven't had as much time to cook or blog.
The last cookbook; the Paleo Chef. In the latest craze that's been sweeping the nation. In a cooking frenzy Matt, Kevin and I made a feast:
Tyrokopita
Indian Chicken
Rice Patties
Salad
and Orange
Heres a modified recipe from The Paleo Chef, Pete Evans
Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
avocado ranch dressing
ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and mashed
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp each chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and dill
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder
salad
1 Granny Smith apples (cored and thinly sliced)
1 head lettuce (chopped)
2 tbsp raisins
2 tbsp walnuts
mix dressing ingredients
add to lettuce and mix thoroughly
This is one of the best salads I've had in a while! Enjoy!
Overall: the cookbooks good on meat dishes (although the dishes require some more exotic ingredients). Desserts: awful. We made the avocado mousse. I know avocado has become popular in dessert dishes recently, but they haven't turned out great for me. So, enjoy!
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Relae: A Book of Ideas
As one might imagine, most cookbooks are similarly organized. In chef and restaurant owner Christian Puglisi's guide to cooking and eating the recipes are intricately linked. Instead of searching out specific ingredients to make a dish, the book strongly advocates using the ingredients you have on hand to find a recipe.
Relae delves into the history of Puglisi's restaurant of the same name. An interesting idea and an even more fascinating reality, the reality of Puglisi's dream restaurant in Copenhagen makes me want to simply wander on in (if only).
Relae's originality and unique format may be the start of a trend. We'll have to see if more writers take up this manner of addressing cooking.
However, I accidentally left this book at home over Winter Break, so I'll update my experiences with the recipes once I get it back.
Overall Recommendations: A very fun cookbook, abet a bit pricy.
Relae delves into the history of Puglisi's restaurant of the same name. An interesting idea and an even more fascinating reality, the reality of Puglisi's dream restaurant in Copenhagen makes me want to simply wander on in (if only).
Relae's originality and unique format may be the start of a trend. We'll have to see if more writers take up this manner of addressing cooking.
However, I accidentally left this book at home over Winter Break, so I'll update my experiences with the recipes once I get it back.
Overall Recommendations: A very fun cookbook, abet a bit pricy.
Friday, December 5, 2014
In Her Kitchen:Stories and Recipes from Grandmothers around the world
An interesting idea for a cookbook, author Gabriele Galimberti's love of food and cooking was developed and encouraged by his grandmother. He decided to travel the world and try the various specialties of grandmothers everywhere.
The genesis of "In her Kitchen", Gabriele compiles 70 recipes from the far-reaches of the world. After all, who doesn't love some good home cooked comfort food? The cookbook has a picture of each grandmother, her dish, a small paragraph about her and then the recipe on the next page. It was wonderful to see so many proud grandmothers. Gabriele also chose easier dishes, the comfort food of each grandmother so the dishes are also a little more accessible to those who don't cook was much.
I'm planning on trying the Thai omlette, a childhood classic. Although I am partial to my mother's (she's a fantastic cook) I'm excited to see how this one lines up.
Overall review: the perfect gift for a grandmother! (I mean, come on, does it get any better?). Also, if you want to try a variety of simple dishes from around the world, this is great way to start. 3.5/5 starts.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
The genesis of "In her Kitchen", Gabriele compiles 70 recipes from the far-reaches of the world. After all, who doesn't love some good home cooked comfort food? The cookbook has a picture of each grandmother, her dish, a small paragraph about her and then the recipe on the next page. It was wonderful to see so many proud grandmothers. Gabriele also chose easier dishes, the comfort food of each grandmother so the dishes are also a little more accessible to those who don't cook was much.
I'm planning on trying the Thai omlette, a childhood classic. Although I am partial to my mother's (she's a fantastic cook) I'm excited to see how this one lines up.
Overall review: the perfect gift for a grandmother! (I mean, come on, does it get any better?). Also, if you want to try a variety of simple dishes from around the world, this is great way to start. 3.5/5 starts.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
The Druknen Coobkook
Yes, you read that right. The Druknen Coobkook is my latest foray into the wild world of cooking.
This brilliant book pairs a hilarious sense of humor with a variety of mouth-watering recipes. The idea? That a slightly (or maybe more than slightly) tipsy version of yourself will one day find itself wanting to cook. However, kitchens are dangerous places, so the book helps you identify your level of inebriation (a downright fantastic read) and suggests you're cooking ability. The recipes range from simple burgers to extremely savvy curried monkfish and mussels.
I was impressed with the variety of recipes and the author's narrative flair.
Overall thoughts: GREAT GIFT idea for your friend who loves to cook (and drink). It's affordable ($10.00) and has a great variety of recipes.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
This brilliant book pairs a hilarious sense of humor with a variety of mouth-watering recipes. The idea? That a slightly (or maybe more than slightly) tipsy version of yourself will one day find itself wanting to cook. However, kitchens are dangerous places, so the book helps you identify your level of inebriation (a downright fantastic read) and suggests you're cooking ability. The recipes range from simple burgers to extremely savvy curried monkfish and mussels.
I was impressed with the variety of recipes and the author's narrative flair.
Overall thoughts: GREAT GIFT idea for your friend who loves to cook (and drink). It's affordable ($10.00) and has a great variety of recipes.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
A Kitchen in France
As I'm sure you've noticed from my last post I'm extremely fond of French cooking, so when "A Kitchen in France" popped on my list of cookbooks to review I jumped at the chance.
To review a bit about myself I'm a university student, which presents some limitations to my culinary budget, as well as to the amount of time I can spend cooking.
Whenever I review a cookbook there are several things I look for; commonly available ingredients, detailed-but-not -too-detailed instructions, pictures of the final product (I'm a visual person so I like having an idea of the end goal in mind) and a variety of dishes (especially when the cookbook represents a specific cuisine).
Mimi Thorrison's "A Kitchen in France" nailed them all. First off, the cookbook itself is a piece of art (indicative of the author's French heritage). All though the Mimi introduces herself and talks about her life, it's not the focus. She has a wide variety of dishes arranged by season, which varies from the haut cuisine of French socialite culture to the hearty peasant food typical of the French countryside. The melange of simple dishes and complex meals makes this cookbook something I know I'll be able to constantly use, not just the occasional reference to the offbeat-somewhat forgotten recipe.
Matt and I like to host supper for our friends, and we're looking to have a pie night this coming weekend, our last left something to be desired (although apparently no one else noticed our difficulties in the kitchen). For dessert we're planning to test out Mimi's Chocolate Torte, which looks absolutely decadent. I'll upload pictures and a review once we've made it.
My overall thoughts on "A Kitchen in France": If you've ever wanted a French cookbook THIS IS THE ONE. The variety of recipes is a phenomenal introduction to French cuisine for the newbie, as well as a great way to diversify you're repertoire if you've a bit more experience. I usually don't give raving reviews, but I'm doing one for this book. Again, the holidays are coming so if you have a francophile in your family, this IS the perfect gift. Or you've a relative that likes to cook, or...you get the point.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
To review a bit about myself I'm a university student, which presents some limitations to my culinary budget, as well as to the amount of time I can spend cooking.
Whenever I review a cookbook there are several things I look for; commonly available ingredients, detailed-but-not -too-detailed instructions, pictures of the final product (I'm a visual person so I like having an idea of the end goal in mind) and a variety of dishes (especially when the cookbook represents a specific cuisine).
Mimi Thorrison's "A Kitchen in France" nailed them all. First off, the cookbook itself is a piece of art (indicative of the author's French heritage). All though the Mimi introduces herself and talks about her life, it's not the focus. She has a wide variety of dishes arranged by season, which varies from the haut cuisine of French socialite culture to the hearty peasant food typical of the French countryside. The melange of simple dishes and complex meals makes this cookbook something I know I'll be able to constantly use, not just the occasional reference to the offbeat-somewhat forgotten recipe.
Matt and I like to host supper for our friends, and we're looking to have a pie night this coming weekend, our last left something to be desired (although apparently no one else noticed our difficulties in the kitchen). For dessert we're planning to test out Mimi's Chocolate Torte, which looks absolutely decadent. I'll upload pictures and a review once we've made it.
My overall thoughts on "A Kitchen in France": If you've ever wanted a French cookbook THIS IS THE ONE. The variety of recipes is a phenomenal introduction to French cuisine for the newbie, as well as a great way to diversify you're repertoire if you've a bit more experience. I usually don't give raving reviews, but I'm doing one for this book. Again, the holidays are coming so if you have a francophile in your family, this IS the perfect gift. Or you've a relative that likes to cook, or...you get the point.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Tamales; Fast and Delicious Mexican Meals
I've always been a fan of Mexican and Hispanic food so I was super excited to try this cookbook. My cooking experience has primarily been limited to tacos and enchiladas, and this book seemed like a great way to branch out.
Alice Guadalupe Tapp's "Tamales:Fast and Delicious Mexican Meals" breaks down an intimidating food into a manageable process for the adventurous cook. Unlike some of the other cookbooks I've reviewed recentl, this was much more user friendly. Ingredients are pretty straightforward. Other than some of the chapter of "Nose-to-Tail Tamales" which uses everything, from nose to tail, you should be able to find all ingredients in your local grocery store.
I haven't had a chance to try anything yet with midterms and lab reports and whatnot, but I've picked out the Sirloin Beef tamales, a bit of a splurge for a college student with the sirloin, but looks extremely promising. The instructions are clear without being overly descriptive (like the Bahn Mi Book) and ingredients are all easy to find (unlike Cerviche, Peruvian Kitchen)
I'll write up and update once Matt and I get a chance to make these.
UPDATE: THEY WERE DELICIOUS. We made the pork tamales, and the dessert tamales with bananas and nutella. The ingredients were straightforward (other than finding the masa) and we used parchment paper instead of corn husks. Once assembled, the tamales steam and its very low intensity. Absolutely recommended :)
Overall thoughts on this cookbook: Very good if you like tamales. Straightforward instructions using accessible ingredients that shouldn't be too expensive. Definitely recommended for any Mexican food fan who doesn't mind trying something a bit more adventurous.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
Alice Guadalupe Tapp's "Tamales:Fast and Delicious Mexican Meals" breaks down an intimidating food into a manageable process for the adventurous cook. Unlike some of the other cookbooks I've reviewed recentl, this was much more user friendly. Ingredients are pretty straightforward. Other than some of the chapter of "Nose-to-Tail Tamales" which uses everything, from nose to tail, you should be able to find all ingredients in your local grocery store.
I haven't had a chance to try anything yet with midterms and lab reports and whatnot, but I've picked out the Sirloin Beef tamales, a bit of a splurge for a college student with the sirloin, but looks extremely promising. The instructions are clear without being overly descriptive (like the Bahn Mi Book) and ingredients are all easy to find (unlike Cerviche, Peruvian Kitchen)
I'll write up and update once Matt and I get a chance to make these.
UPDATE: THEY WERE DELICIOUS. We made the pork tamales, and the dessert tamales with bananas and nutella. The ingredients were straightforward (other than finding the masa) and we used parchment paper instead of corn husks. Once assembled, the tamales steam and its very low intensity. Absolutely recommended :)
Overall thoughts on this cookbook: Very good if you like tamales. Straightforward instructions using accessible ingredients that shouldn't be too expensive. Definitely recommended for any Mexican food fan who doesn't mind trying something a bit more adventurous.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
French Roots
I've always had an interest in French culture. It all started with Madame Martin, my 6th grade French teacher. Since she sparked my initial interest in all things French I continued my taking classes until I graduated high school, a couple semester at college, and proceeded to study abroad in Montpellier, France. So yes, I might be what most people consider a Frencophile.
Whenever I get wind of a book on French cooking it piques my interest. I got to cook with my host mom in France and I'm always eager to try out new recipes. I'm no culinary expert, but I do enjoynew recipes, as you can tell from this blog.
Unfortunately, most of these will be outside of my college-student price range, but there are a few simple classics that I'll be able to make, My host mother Isabelle got her recipe from a friend in Bordeaux, and made them for us on occasion. I was eager to compare the recipes, and see what Jean-Pierre and Denise recommended. Although I don't have a cannele pan, perhaps one day, I gave these a try and was pleasantly surprised with the result.
The cookbook itself is a combination between a traditional French cookbook, (no pictures, continual recipes and less descriptive instructions) and a narrative about the authors', Jean-Pierre and Denise. It was fun to read about their lives, and the food plays in it.
My rating: Only if you're really into French recipes and don't want to invest in the traditional Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French cooking.
Overall, I enjoyed this cookbook. However, if you don't have more exotic taste, and aren't willing or able to drop a bit of money on a single meal, this isn't for you. Although there is a range of recipes, most call for more expensive and somewhat harder to find ingredients, this isn't for you.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
Whenever I get wind of a book on French cooking it piques my interest. I got to cook with my host mom in France and I'm always eager to try out new recipes. I'm no culinary expert, but I do enjoynew recipes, as you can tell from this blog.
Unfortunately, most of these will be outside of my college-student price range, but there are a few simple classics that I'll be able to make, My host mother Isabelle got her recipe from a friend in Bordeaux, and made them for us on occasion. I was eager to compare the recipes, and see what Jean-Pierre and Denise recommended. Although I don't have a cannele pan, perhaps one day, I gave these a try and was pleasantly surprised with the result.
The cookbook itself is a combination between a traditional French cookbook, (no pictures, continual recipes and less descriptive instructions) and a narrative about the authors', Jean-Pierre and Denise. It was fun to read about their lives, and the food plays in it.
My rating: Only if you're really into French recipes and don't want to invest in the traditional Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French cooking.
Overall, I enjoyed this cookbook. However, if you don't have more exotic taste, and aren't willing or able to drop a bit of money on a single meal, this isn't for you. Although there is a range of recipes, most call for more expensive and somewhat harder to find ingredients, this isn't for you.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. However, all the opinions are entirely my own.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)