I am a collector of cookbooks (most people who like cookbooks are, I think). I am great at trying them out and not so great at using them. The Joy of Cooking is an exception, but I digress. This cookbook will be one I go back to over and over. I am really -really- bad about hating to cook if I'm alone. I am edging toward empty nest syndrome and when it's just me, I tend to rely on quick toasted sandwiches and soup. I know myself well enough to know that anything complex which will require substantial cleanup isn't going to get a chance.
This cookbook provides a utilitarian alternative. The included dishes are arranged thematically by main ingredient (meat, poultry, etc) or meal type (breakfast, sides, soups/salads, veggies, and others).
The recipes follow the same format throughout. A short description with a header containing extra info labels such as 'comfort food', 'super quick', 'gluten free', 'vegetarian', etc is followed by a sidebar illustration which contains info about the prep method and yields. Recipe ingredients are listed in a sidebar bullet point list with measurements in US standard measures. (There is a measurement conversion table included at the back of the book, but it's a hassle not to have them included). The cooking instructions (listed in sequential order) are easy to follow and efficiently written. Nutritional info is provided in the page footer under the cooking instructions with calories, fat, carbs, protein, fibre, sugar, and sodium listed.
The recipes' ingredients are easily sourced and the resultant dishes are family friendly (if you multiply up) and appealing to kids and adults. My one small quibble with the book is that the recipes are mostly not photographed. There are some photos, and they're clear and attractive, but they represent about 5% of the recipes. Everything else is well done and I heartily recommend the book overall.
It's unclear from the publishing info available online, but the eARC I received has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references. I hope the ebook release version does also. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. Presumably that feature will carry through to the final release version.
Four stars. This is a solid recipe book which will be used. It would make a superlative housewarming gift to a friend or family member living on their own - new graduate, newlyweds, kids flying the nest, etc.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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