When I saw this cookbook, I immediately put it on my “want to own” list. I hate to admit I was wholly unfamiliar with the blogger, but I was drawn in by the photography and the fact that I agree with her philosophies.
A cookbook that is low calorie, but not necessarily low fat. Another person who does not believe in artificial sweeteners and low fat dairy and who just thinks you should use the good stuff in moderation. Who thinks that eating real food and being healthy is better than being skinny (even if being skinny is nice, too).
First Impressions
The photography is stunning, and the food looks like something I would order in a restaurant. Not something that is “low calorie”. Huge plus there.
Personally I love books which are written “blog style”. As in, lots of high quality photos, a little story that goes with each recipe, and super easy-to-follow directions. That’s not to say I don’t appreciate more professional-level books. But for every day use, these are the books I am drawn to.
They are also the books that I recommend to friends. Not my culinary school friends, but my regular ones. The ones who would scoff at Keller’s The French Laundry and vow never to cook again. This is a book for an average person, who works full time, who maybe has kids, and who only has an hour to make dinner. This book is realistic.
The Recipes
So, I love the philosophy behind these recipes. These are recipes I would make (I AM going to make), they are my idea of healthy and they do not involve fermenting anything.
There’s a french onion soup recipe which I am going to make ASAP. I love French onion soup! And it is breadless. And I am trying to cut down my bread intake. That being said, it does not skimp on the cheese. And we all know that I NEVER, EVER skimp on the cheese.
I am currently debating if the first thing I will make from this book will be the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs or the spin on Chiles Rellenos (Roasted Poblanos Rellenos with Chicken). Both look incredible.
Final Thoughts
I would definitely recommend this cookbook. The recipes use and encourage quality ingredients, they have good proportions, and they look beautiful. I have no doubts that these recipes will be satisfying once I get the chance to actually try them.
But I’m happy just to read cookbooks. Actually cooking from them is a bonus!
If you’re interested in further research: The SkinnyTaste Blog, More Information About the Book, Author Biography
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.