Tara O'Brady

I have to admit the cover of this cookbook grabbed my attention first. It’s beautiful, it’s a crisp photo and makes you want to know what sort of recipes are contained in this cookbook. Before perusing it, I was not aware there was a blog by the same name. I have since gone and checked out her website, it’s very pretty and well organized.

Pros:
This hardcover gem is packed with lots of good photos. You can just turn pages and give in to the visual pleasure of looking at food, beautifully plated I may add.

The conversational tone introducing you to each recipe is inviting and easy to read. More like reading a friends excellent journal than looking through a cookbook by a stranger. Does that make sense? The introduction gives insight to Tara O’Brady’s early life, how she met her husband and her food journey.

There is a good deal of talk about stocking your pantry, cookware, tips and techniques for recipes.

It’s set up as most cookbooks with divisions for breakfast, soups, snacks and suppers, etc.

Cons:

There were some specialty items which I would find hard to obtain or it just wouldn’t fit my budget. Some recipes were lengthy with the number of ingredients you’d need. Not necessarily a bad thing but it’s a con for me for this particular book.

The writing is awfully small and that may sound like I am being picky, but my eyes aren’t the greatest! I don’t require large print books or anything like that but the font used was particularly small, especially if I were to prop this book on the counter to follow a recipe.

Overall this is a lovely book but not one I would keep as a go-to for meal rotations and planning.… (mais)

The Good Stuff

Exceptionally inventive and delicious recipes
Incredibly beautiful presentation
Wonderful use of fresh ingredients
Cover makes me drool - unfortunately not a lot of fresh dates in Calgary
Enjoyed the stories before many of the recipes - makes it just a little more than just a cookbook - took me a long time to review this cookbook, as I read each and every fascinating sentence
Detailed index (yes I know, but I am a Librarian, dammit, and this is something I admire
A nice addition to the Intermediate to advanced chefs (yes that includes those who are not actually chefs) cookbook collection
Very personalized and fun
Very user friendly
Never boring
Canadian
This is one cookbook you want to leave out on the table for everyone to peruse

The Not So Good Stuff

Way too many ingredients and steps for this busy mom
Kids won't eat half of this stuff
Not enough pictures - I truly believe every cookbook should include pictures for every recipe

Favorite Recipes



A Burger Treated Like a Steak - Pg 92

Roasted Red Pepper, Almond, and Feta Salad - Pg 186

Baked Irish Mash - Pg 203

Caramel Apple Pie - Pg 221

Coconut Kheer with Bronzed Pineapple - Pg 230

Blueberry Poppy Seed Snacking Cake - Pg 236



4 Dewey's

I received this from Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review… (mais)