Despite the Lacking Counter Space and High-Tech, Expensive Appliances and Gadgets.
I really enjoy cooking. I love the whole process from reading a cookbook or following the idea in my head, picking out the ingredients, the preparation, the feeling of victory when it’s served and the reward of eating it. I always mention that someday I’m going to have a much bigger kitchen. It’s my dream.
Then along comes Jennifer Schaertl, who has gone from dishwasher to Sous Chef and tells it like it is, “just because you cook in a crappy little kitchen does not justify a crappy meal!” It’s the entire theme of her new cookbook, Gourmet Meals in Crappy Little Kitchens. (HCI Books; Trade paperback/$18.95; ISBN-10:0-7573-1365-5).
If my husband catches wind of this, my dream will be squashed.
Gourmet Meals in Crappy Little Kitchens is a great spin on the traditional cookbook. It offers great tips, including kitchen necessities and what you really don’t need–like the big roasting pan. It’s about maximizing space and efficiency.
Throughout the book, Schaertl offers highlights of “did you know?” These are perfect conversation starters for the meal, and I found many of them fascinating, like did you know artichokes were from the flower family and not a fruit or vegetable at all?
The recipes are creative. The book starts with appetizers and works through soups, salads, entrees, one-pot creations, artful accompaniments, sauces, and desserts. The introduction is like reading a good book as the reader becomes acquainted with Schaertl and her numerous crappy kitchens.
While I have yet to make any of the recipes in the book, I have a shopping list where I will try Schaertl’s dad’s famous pineapple upside-down cake! On page 112 there’s a recipe, Sweet Merciful Scampi, piques my interest. I love gnocchi, and this book offers a delightful twist with Sweet Potato Gnocchi. You can even tune into this video of Schaertl making the Sweet Potato Gnocchi in a C.L.K.
I enjoy reading cookbooks and Gourmet Meals in Crappy Little Kitchens hits a home run. It’s filled with taste tantalizing recipes and personality.
This book would be an excellent choice as a home warming gift, a Bridal Shower gift, or just adding to your collection.
I received the book mentioned in this post as compensation for this post. No other compensation was received. The opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by the sponsor. Others experience may vary.