There’s something rather lovely about a new cookbook landing on the kitchen bench. Suddenly, dinner possibilities seem endless, there’s a list of recipes you simply have to try, and even an ordinary Tuesday night feels like an excuse to cook something a little different. I’ve been having plenty of fun putting four new cookbooks to the test, from easy family favourites and everyday baking to growing your own ingredients and creating food that feels a little bit special. Needless to say, my “must make” list has grown considerably – and my kitchen has been a very happy place lately!
NO STRESS RECIPE QUEEN – TAKE THE CHAOS OUT OF THE KITCHEN EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK by
Steph de Sousa
I enjoy Steph de Sousa’s Instagram page. She creates some amazing dishes, so when I had the opportunity to review her cookbook, No Stress Recipe Queen, I was delighted to get into the kitchen and put some of the recipes to the test.
The book does exactly what its title promises – it’s all about taking the stress out of cooking while still putting delicious food on the table. The recipes are approachable, full of flavour and, importantly, don’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen.
I’ve already tried three recipes and loved them all. The Buttered-up Prawns & Chorizo was so delicious that it’s now firmly on my regular easy-to-prepare meals list. The Beef Stroganoff was perfect for a cold night, while the Crumble-A-Licious Pear Magic was my contribution to a bring-and-share dinner – and it certainly didn’t last long! I’ll definitely be making that one again.
What I particularly like about No Stress Recipe Queen is that the recipes feel achievable. Steph clearly understands that most of us want to eat really good food, but we don’t necessarily want to spend our entire evening preparing it. There’s no sense that you need a professional kitchen, a long list of obscure ingredients or hours of spare time to create something delicious.
If you’re a fan of Steph’s Instagram creations, you’ll love having her recipes gathered together in one place. And if you’re simply looking for a cookbook that makes cooking good food feel a whole lot easier, No Stress Recipe Queen is definitely worth a look.
SOMETHING SWEET – Cookies, cakes & slices for everyday baking by Jessica Holmes
If you love the idea of baking but don’t want recipes that are overly complicated, Something Sweet by Jessica Holmes is a tempting addition to the kitchen bookshelf. Packed with delicious, achievable recipes that are designed to work every time, it’s the sort of cookbook that makes you want to put the oven on.
I particularly liked the Baking with Kids section, which encourages children to get involved rather than simply watching from the sidelines. With easy, hands-on recipes where they can cut out scones, roll cookie dough and generally get stuck in, it’s a lovely way to introduce kids to the fun of baking.
I’ve already tried the Brownie Cookies, which had that wonderfully fudgy middle I’m always hoping for, and the Orange Passionfruit Sandwich Cookies, which my husband absolutely loved.
There are plenty more recipes tempting me, too. I’m planning to be a little more adventurous and try Jessica’s Chocolate Mousse Cake for a future shared dinner – which sounds like exactly the sort of dessert that could have everyone going back for seconds.
Something Sweet feels like a wonderfully approachable baking book, whether you’re an experienced baker looking for new ideas, someone who enjoys a weekend bake, or wanting to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
Family – Simple, healthy recipes for everyone by Claudine Boustridge
Finding recipes that are healthy enough to feel good about feeding your family but delicious enough that everyone actually wants to eat them can be a bit of a challenge. Family by Claudine Boustridge aims to make that a whole lot easier, with a collection of simple, healthy recipes designed to appeal to everyone around the table.
There are heaps of recipes in this book I’m keen to try, but I’ve already put several to the test.
The Lamb Lollipops with Mint Yoghurt Dip and Pickled Cucumber were a delicious combination, while the Homemade Sausage Rolls were a real winner – far healthier and, I thought, tastier than the shop-bought version.
I also made the Broccoli and Quinoa Fritters with Quick Tomato Chutney for a picnic and was really impressed. They were super tasty, held together beautifully and were easy to transport, making them a great picnic option.
What I like about Family is that the recipes don’t feel like you’re sacrificing flavour in the name of eating healthily. There’s plenty of variety, and the emphasis is on straightforward food that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
With so many recipes still on my “must try” list, I suspect this is one cookbook that will be getting plenty of use in my kitchen.
With so many delicious recipes across these books, it looks as though I’ll be making something new every day! At this rate, I’m thinking I should give up my daytime job and spend my days creating magic in the kitchen. Now, if only someone would pay me to eat it all…