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A review by sparklingreader
Vegetable Simple: A Cookbook by Eric Ripert
4.0
I love cookbooks. Let’s get that out there first. I love trying new recipes or even visiting old ones with new twists. I am not a chef by any stretch of the imagination. I am a simple home cook who likes trying out new things. But I do not love reading a cookbook that even on the first page lists ingredients I’ve never heard of, can’t be found in my local stores, or are so expensive, I’d have to mortgage my home to afford them. Unfortunately, that’s what some of the recipes in this book have. Don’t get me wrong, there are some amazing recipes in here, like: Flash-cured Cucumbers. Aigo Boulido (Garlic soup), Vegetable Pistou, and more. I am eager to try them. But…the first recipe was for Yuzu-citrus Popcorn. I had to look up what Yuzu was (a Japanese citrus fruit) – and can only get it online. There’s nothing like that where I live. Or shichimi togarashi. Most of the recipes are much simpler with easy-to-find ingredients that are affordable, and there are tons of beautiful color pictures to accompany the recipes. Each recipe includes the list of ingredients, number of servings, and directions. What they don’t include are the time it takes to prepare the dish or nutrient information. For recipes that require special equipment, that is also listed.
I did like the Tips & Guidelines at the end as well as the Seasonal produce guide. Those are really helpful. And the book contains not just vegetable side-dishes, but main meals and desserts—all vegetable based—as well.
So…a balance of pluses and minuses in this book. It would definitely fit in a kitchen of someone who loves “fancy” food, even though this is “Vegetable Simple”. There are some really good recipes in here—actually a lot of them—but I wouldn’t purchase this for a simple cook without access to some higher-end ingredients. I would, however, purchase it as a gift for foodie friends. And I know I am going to enjoy trying some of these recipes for myself and my family.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. My thanks to Goodreads and Random House for providing this book.
I did like the Tips & Guidelines at the end as well as the Seasonal produce guide. Those are really helpful. And the book contains not just vegetable side-dishes, but main meals and desserts—all vegetable based—as well.
So…a balance of pluses and minuses in this book. It would definitely fit in a kitchen of someone who loves “fancy” food, even though this is “Vegetable Simple”. There are some really good recipes in here—actually a lot of them—but I wouldn’t purchase this for a simple cook without access to some higher-end ingredients. I would, however, purchase it as a gift for foodie friends. And I know I am going to enjoy trying some of these recipes for myself and my family.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. My thanks to Goodreads and Random House for providing this book.