Cortney Burns

One thing I adore about cookbooks is the photos! I am always disappointed when a cookbook leaves them out. How can I compare what I have done without a photo? Happily, this cookbook has loads of photos! Many of the recipes in this book are new to me so having the photos was a big deal to me. Before moving unto talking about the recipes I would like to say that the author writes about two things that truly struck a chord with me. The first was the use of natural sweeteners. I prefer to use honey over refined sugar. I believe some foods we don’t think of as sweet can change to sweet by cooking them. Yes, I definitely am talking about onions. I was delighted to see the author mentioning this. The other is to think of meat as the side dish. I honestly had not thought of this simple act. We have been trying to cut down on meat but often the revolved around a meat and the sides. Switching my thinking allowed me to see how meat does not need to dominate to nourish. The author also uses plenty of herbs, something I love!
Now for the recipes, some of them I needed to change a little as I live in small town Alaska. We just don’t have everything available or reasonably priced. So some ingredients I omitted when I tried them, others I tried to find a substitute for. Some I passed by. Perhaps I will make them when I visit family in the Midwest. I would not suggest this book for a new, inexperienced cook. I think most of the recipes would be too difficult. I don’t think you need to be a master chef though either. A cook with good skills could manage most recipes. Some of the recipes look like they are complicated just my the ingredient list. Don’t worry about that. As I stated above, the author enjoys herbs. Some of the long list of ingredients are lengthy because of the various herbs used. What I suggest you do, is read though the list and then read the recipe. After that, decide if you want to try that recipe. I am a bit on the fence as to the recipes. This book has a wonderful variety of recipes. While I found a number that I would make more than once, I truly think this cookbook is more of a niche cookbook. Those who will enjoy it best are those who like to experiment with food. I think it makes a fun gift for those who enjoy cooking and eating special dishes. I would recommend it to specialty cooks and to those who enjoy a nice cookbook to sit on their coffee table. I think the recipes would spark conversation, creativity and would be tasty to enjoy.… (más)