Martha Stewart's Vegetables: A Review

You can be sure any time Martha Stewart publishes a book, it's going to be extra fabulous. So it comes as no surprise that Martha Stewart's Vegetables does not disappoint. At all.




The chapters are cleverly divided into categories such as Bulbs, Roots, Tubers, Greens, Stalks & Stems, Pods, Shoots, Leaves, Flowers & Buds, Fruits, and Kernels.

The recipes are approachable and a beautiful blend of traditional and creative, from Salt-Baked Potatoes, Shallots, and Chestnuts, to Green-Pea Burgers with Harissa Mayo and Smokey Brussels Sprouts Gratin.

And the photography is stunning. Absolutely stunning.

Since I've been wanting to cook with more seasonal vegetables, this is the perfect book for me. I can choose between making any recipe as either a side or a main course. And I know it will always turn out perfect. Martha wouldn't have it any other way.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Taste & Technique: A Review

For all the hype and anticipation of Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy's premiere cookbook, Taste & Technique, I was expecting a lot. An awful lot. And after I laid eyes on it for the very first time, I can honestly say I was not disappointed. In fact, it delivers all that it promises -- and more. Much, much more!

This book is elegant, picturesque, and chock-full of classic dishes that anyone would want to perfect. But then Naomi goes a step further and adds her own unique, modern twist to them. What a surprise...and a delight!

I personally can't wait to get started on the many recipes I've bookmarked, including Bread Salad with Asparagus, Pickled Rhubarb, and Flat-Leaf Parsley; Fresh Corn and Summer Vegetable Succotash; Quiche with Wild Mushrooms, Gruyere, and Chives; and Pistachio Meringue Cake with Fresh Citrus, Candied Kumquats, and Cardamom Caramel Sauce. Oh, my!

The only (and I mean, only) disappointment was the point size of the type on each page. It is really quite small and a bit hard to read. I imagine the publisher wanted to cram as much as possible in this beautiful tome. Can't say I blame them.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

A Modern Way to Cook: A Review

This cookbook came just in the nick of time for the type of cooking I'm craving right now: easy, simple, quick, healthy, and vegetarian. A Modern Way to Cook by the talented UK food writer, Anna Jones, is brilliant. Simply brilliant.

Imagine choosing how many minutes you have to get something on your table. 10? 15? 20? 25? 30? 35? 40? 45? Yep, it's broken down that specifically.

Then choose the vegetable you want to cook. Leeks? Celery root? Squash? Kale? Carrots?  Sweet potatoes? Parsnips? Corn? Green beans? Tomatoes? You get the idea.

Then choose the dish you want to share with family and friends. Crispy chickpea and harissa burgers. Bloody Mary salad with black rice. Pan-roasted lime, feta, and chile greens burrito. Charred broccolini with cucumber noodles and peanut sauce. Plantain, avocado, and black bean bowl. Avocado, tahini, and olive smash flatbreads. Yummmmm!

So you see, this book is full of mouthwatering dishes that are healthy, vibrant, and quick to make. What more can you ask for in a cookbook?

Now excuse me for a few minutes while I go make one of Anna's delicious recipes.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.