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Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans
by Michelle Tam, Henry Fong
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
Michelle Tam’s Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans provides a vibrant and visually engaging introduction to paleo cooking, blending her background as a pharmacist with her passion for whole foods. Co-authored and designed with her husband, Henry Fong, the book serves as both a practical guide and a playful family album. Organized by recipe categories, including sauces, snacks, and full meals, the cookbook features over 100 paleo-friendly dishes, all presented with Michelle’s signature humor and accessible voice. “Umami is exponential,” she writes, and this philosophy permeates the book, encouraging home cooks to build bold, satisfying flavors without relying on grains, dairy, or processed ingredients.
One of the book’s most appealing qualities is its personality. The cartoon-style illustrations and family anecdotes create a cheerful tone that complements the instructional content without overwhelming it. This is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s about cooking for loved ones and enjoying the process. The step-by-step photos and clear formatting make the book particularly useful for beginners or busy home cooks. Even as someone who doesn’t strictly follow a paleo diet, I found the focus on whole foods refreshingly practical, with an emphasis on accessible ingredients and techniques.
That said, the recipes didn’t resonate with me as strongly as those in Tam’s later work, Let’s Go!, which I found more adventurous and memorable in terms of flavor. While Food for Humans covers a broad range of dishes, few stood out as particularly exciting. Many of the recipes are undeniably reliable but feel more foundational than innovative. For experienced cooks seeking creative twists on paleo staples, this book may not offer the same level of inspiration as Tam’s more recent publications.
Nevertheless, the book has undeniable strengths. The design is inviting, the photography is crisp, and the tone remains approachable rather than dogmatic. It’s a cookbook that meets readers where they are, whether they’re fully committed to paleo or simply exploring healthier meals. As a resource for family-friendly cooking, it succeeds in being enjoyable, readable, and dependable. For those new to paleo or looking to incorporate cleaner, home-cooked meals into their routine, Food for Humans is a warm and practical starting point, even if it doesn’t revolutionize the genre.
Ultimately, I admired the book’s thoughtful layout and welcoming tone more than the recipes themselves. While I didn’t discover any standout dishes I’d eagerly revisit, I also never felt misled or frustrated. It’s a friendly, accessible cookbook with genuine heart, even if the food occasionally leans toward the familiar rather than the extraordinary.
One of the book’s most appealing qualities is its personality. The cartoon-style illustrations and family anecdotes create a cheerful tone that complements the instructional content without overwhelming it. This is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s about cooking for loved ones and enjoying the process. The step-by-step photos and clear formatting make the book particularly useful for beginners or busy home cooks. Even as someone who doesn’t strictly follow a paleo diet, I found the focus on whole foods refreshingly practical, with an emphasis on accessible ingredients and techniques.
That said, the recipes didn’t resonate with me as strongly as those in Tam’s later work, Let’s Go!, which I found more adventurous and memorable in terms of flavor. While Food for Humans covers a broad range of dishes, few stood out as particularly exciting. Many of the recipes are undeniably reliable but feel more foundational than innovative. For experienced cooks seeking creative twists on paleo staples, this book may not offer the same level of inspiration as Tam’s more recent publications.
Nevertheless, the book has undeniable strengths. The design is inviting, the photography is crisp, and the tone remains approachable rather than dogmatic. It’s a cookbook that meets readers where they are, whether they’re fully committed to paleo or simply exploring healthier meals. As a resource for family-friendly cooking, it succeeds in being enjoyable, readable, and dependable. For those new to paleo or looking to incorporate cleaner, home-cooked meals into their routine, Food for Humans is a warm and practical starting point, even if it doesn’t revolutionize the genre.
Ultimately, I admired the book’s thoughtful layout and welcoming tone more than the recipes themselves. While I didn’t discover any standout dishes I’d eagerly revisit, I also never felt misled or frustrated. It’s a friendly, accessible cookbook with genuine heart, even if the food occasionally leans toward the familiar rather than the extraordinary.