It’s been a while since I reviewed a cookbook, my last cookbook review was last year and you can read it here. Today, not only do I have one cookbook to review but 3 and I’m super excited to have received these books and experimenting with the recipes provided.
Disclaimer: 500 meals for one, the guilt-free gourmet and summer food were kindly sent to me by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.
For me, I find that this time of the year is perfect for me to start experimenting with new recipes as the holiday season is near and you get time to experiment.
500 Meals for One by Carol Beckerman
500 meals for one brings a fresh take on cooking for one. It contains a comprehensive collection of classic and contemporary dishes for every meal- as well as breakfasts ans salads, you’ll find simple meals to cook when you’re short of time, meals to make ahead and a selection of sweet treats.
Book Details
Title: 500 meals for one: the only compendium of solo recipes you’ll need; Author: Carol Beckerman; Page count: 288; Publisher: Penguin; Published: September 2019; Buy: loot
My Thoughts
Firstly, the title was the first thing that Grabbed my attention. I haven’t seen any cookbooks directly aimed at people who live alone. As someone who live by herself, I knew this would come in handy for me.The introduction for me is perfect and it suits the aim of the book perfectly. I loved that in this section Carol included ingredients to have in handy in your cupboard and refrigerator and this list can be modified to suit your needs.
Recipes: these are written in a way that is understandable even for beginners. Ingredients used can easily be used for other recipes and eliminate the possibility of wasting. The idea of wasting is addressed in this book and I really enjoyed that. Because most of the time it is easier to end up wasting ingredients especially when you stay alone. Carol provides options for Vegans, Vegetarians and Gluten free at the end of each recipe.
At the end of each section i.e. Soups, there is a section of variations. Whereby, 4 variations are provided for each recipe included in the main section. I find this to be helpful in changing the way you make something so that you don’t get stucked in just that one recipe. The images are amazing. I managed to try a few recipes and I know I’ll be trying a lot more in the future. It’s going to be my go to cookbook and I liked the fact that it’s small and compact. These are the recipes I tried but I wont be showing the recipes as that is not allowed. I’d highly recommend this cookbook especially if you stay by yourself. You’ll not regret it.
The Guilt-Free Gourmet by Jordan and Jessica Bourke
The Guilt-Free gourmet is not about diet, weight loss or denial; it is simply showing you the various ways you can use alternative ingredients to achieve the same decadent results as the original, but as the strapline indicates, the recipes are without wheat, dairy or cane sugar. Recipes range from simple sharing plates to more exotic dishes such as Thai curry and fiery Korean noodles to Japanese tempura and Moroccan tagines.
Book Details
Title: The Guilt-Free Gourmet: indulgent recipes without wheat, dairy or cane sugar; Author: Jordan and Jessica Bourke; Published: September 2019; Publisher: Penguin Random House; Page count: 144; Buy: loot
Review
I think the first thing I need to comment about are the images. The photographer Kate Whitaker did an amazing job with the images and this is maintained throughout the book. I love how some recipes just blends in with the images. Overall the design is amazing.
The main aim of the book is maintained throughout all the recipes (recipes without wheat dairy and cane sugar). At the end of each recipe, the author’s included facts as to why a certain ingredient is considered guilt free which I found to be very insightful. I liked how diverse the recipes are i.e. Thai, Korean, Japanese etc. Some of the ingredients are things I don’t normally use my daily meals. However, most of them are easily accessible.
I’d highly recommend this cookbook especially if you’re looking for wheat, dairy free recipes.
I’ve had this, for a couple of weeks but I’ve tried quite a bit of recipes.
Summer Food by Tjaart Walraven
Tjaart Walraven may trace his ancestral roots to the North Sea, but his heart is firmly set in Africa – its sun, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality and long summers. And it’s precisely those seductive, lazy summers that has prompted him to write a cookbook that celebrates our summer lifestyle. Accompanied by Tjaart’s charming background stories, gorgeous colour photography and packed with tips throughout, his recipes prove that enjoying summer on a plate has never been simpler
Book Details
Title: Summer Food; Author: Tjaart Walraren; Published: September 2019; Publisher: Penguin; Page count: 192; Buy: loot
Review
The introduction is so concise and clear as to what the cookbook aims to achieve. A few cooking points are shared accompanied by amazing step-by-step images.
Recipes: the format is so amazing because the ingredients are properly separated from the instructions. Also tips are included at the end of each recipe. The photographer did an awesome job, the images are amazing. These recipes are perfect for the summer season which ties in perfectly with the title. These would be perfect for the holiday season (so if you need to get someone a Christmas gift, do consider this one). These recipes are inclusive of all levels.
I liked how the author included how to’s throughout the book i.e. How to carve etc. These are so handy and the accompanying images makes it easier to understand. This is perfect for this season and I’d recommend you get yourself a copy.
Let me know in the comments section which cookbook you’d like to get?
Until next time
