The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Adult Reference Services
Genre: Cookbook
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: “Fearless cooking from a tiny kitchen in New York City.” This is the description of Deb Perelman’s blog, smittenkitchen.com. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook is a collection of new as well as favorite recipes. Perelman distinguished herself as a home cook who perfected classic recipes by repeated testing. She is also known for using practical techniques and ingredients. This cookbook includes a variety of main dishes, sweets, snacks, and party ideas. Most recipes feature full color photographs as well as cooking tips.
My Review: I have been a big fan of Deb Perelman’s Smitten Kitchen blog since I started cooking on my own several years ago. Happening upon it via Pinterest, I was amused by her tagline and came to really identify with Perelman as I was also living in a one bedroom apartment with a very small kitchen. What I like most about Perelman’s recipes is that they are all made from scratch and not pretentious. I dislike cookbooks that include unrealistic and expensive ingredients that you will only use once. Perelman is not always about quick and easy, though, as her pizza, tarts, and pies are all made from scratch but totally worth the effort. One recipe that I thought was a winner is her “Flat Roasted Chicken with Tiny Potatoes.” This recipe requires you to cut out the backbone of a whole chicken in order to shorten the cook time. It was delicious! I also enjoyed Perelman’s “Whole Wheat Raspberry Ricotta Scones.” I wasn’t sure about adding whole milk ricotta to a scone recipe but was pleasantly surprised at how moist and yummy they turned out to be. This cookbook is worth a try for those who want delicious, classic recipes that are sure to impress.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Approachable, Delectable (the recipes and photos), Practical
Give This a Try if You Like… The Love and Lemons Cookbook, Julie and Julia, Thug Kitchen, The Pioneer Woman Cooks
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!