More Cookbooks ...

WHOLE IN ONE by Ellie Krieger describes “Complete, Healthy Meals in a Single Pot, Sheet Pan, or Skillet.” This cookbook has some great recipes and beautiful pictures – I would love to see more of both – easy recipes to make in just one container AND even more pictures for the ones that are included already.  Krieger, a regular contributor to The Washington Post and host of Ellie’s Real Good Food, divides her book into sections on plant protein/eggs/dairy; seafood; poultry; meat; and desserts. She begins by describing the six essential pots and pans (e.g., medium size oven-proof skillet) to use and then further divides recipes according to the type of pot or pan used. Although often containing numerous ingredients which can be a bit intimidating, each recipe lists calories and other nutritional information, including whether it is an excellent (or good) source of various vitamins and minerals. I am looking forward to experimenting with numerous options and taste combinations like Asiago-Crusted Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic Broccoli.

5 INGREDIENT MEDITERRANEAN COOKBOOK by Denise Hazime has “101 Easy & Flavorful Recipes for Every Day.” Hazime, whose Lebanese family has undoubtedly influenced her cooking interests, divides the cookbook into multiple sections such as snacks and small plates, vegetables and meatless mains, and pasta, pizza and breads. Personally, I am looking forward to trying several in the fish and seafood chapter, including Baked Swordfish with Herbs, Baked Salmon and Tomato Pockets, and Whitefish with Lemon and Capers. Although the spices and olive oil may cause the recipe to exceed 5 ingredients, the recipes focus on fresh and common main ingredients. Pictures are lacking, but Hazmine does include a short note at the beginning of each recipe, estimates prep and cook time, and also often provides ideas for substitutions and variations along with nutritional data.

COOKIES ARE MAGIC by Maida Heatter is described by its publishers as “the only cookie book you will ever need.” In terms of recipes, they could be right; however, those ingredient lists and directions are only offset with appealing and rather whimsical artwork. Having no photos is a big disappointment. Heatter, called “The Queen of Cake,” died in 2019 and this book contains some of her classic favorites, mostly sweet, but some savory, too. COOKIES ARE MAGIC definitely conveys a sense of nostalgia and even some happy childhood memories, with sections for Drop, Bar, Icebox, Rolled and Hand-formed cookies. There is no nutritional information for each recipe.  

30-MINUTE COOKBOOK FOR BEGINNERS by Colleen Kennedy contains “100+ Recipes for the Time-Pressed Cook.” Ideal for beginners, with sections on how to prep your 30-minute kitchen, creating a grocery shopping list, food storage, and measurement conversions. This cookbook’s time saving techniques might also appeal to more experienced cooks and I am looking forward to trying easy recipes like Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Puffs or the no bake Chocolate Oatmeal Energy Bites.  Sounds good, right? Sadly, there are not many pictures and while recipes are labeled (e.g., gluten-free and/or vegetarian), more detailed nutritional information is also lacking.

PAMELA SALZMAN'S QUICKER THAN QUICK by Pamela Salzman offers “140 Crave-Worthy Recipes for Healthy Comfort Foods in 30 Minutes or Less.”  The cookbook’s sections include Breakfast, Salads, Soups, Appetizers and Light Bites, Vegetable Sides, Starchy Sides, Instant Pot, Mains, Desserts, and Basics. Many recipes involve “health food” ingredients with examples like tofu, lentils, and quinoa or somewhat lesser known sunflower seed butter and Japanese Gomasio. Salzman also includes a long list of equipment and ingredients to have on hand; thankfully, she includes suggestions for substitutions, too. Overall, this cookbook seems geared to the more experienced, adventuresome chef who wants to try recipes like Superfood Apple Nachos or Marrakesh Salad with Bulgur and Dates. Most recipes are paired with photos, but nutritional and caloric information is not provided.