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A review by thekuster
Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over by Alison Roman
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
This is the first cookbook that I have actually read cover to cover - not just flipping through pretty pictures, browsing lists and skimming recipes, but reading every little excerpt and footnote. I first discovered Alison Roman during 2020 pandemic lockdowns on some NYT cooking Youtube videos and found her unfussy and approachable attitude rather charming, but nothing I'd write home about. I made a note of a few of her recipes to try (Caramelized Shallot Pasta? Creamy Farro with Crispy Mushrooms...maybe?), but honestly never got around to cooking any.
Fast-forward to 2021, amidst a reading slump (caused by indecisiveness) and a cooking slump (caused by trying out a decent mealkit service but unwilling to continue with the cost and excessive packaging), I thought I'd sign out a few cookbooks from the library to possibly alleviate both slumpy issues.
Perhaps it was because it was the first cookbook I'd ever read as an e-book (rather hard to skim), or perhaps it was the scarcity of pretty food photos, but I found myself reading through the pages rather thoroughly. And well, gosh darn if Alison Roman's writing/voice didn't feel like hanging out with an old friend! A friend who enjoyed throwing unfussy house parties for people she loved, which brought on so many heartwarming reminders of pre-pandemic life and hope of a post-pandemic gathering.
Now, despite how much I enjoyed reading Nothing Fancy, I realize it can't really be a 5-star cookbook without some amazing recipes. And I am here to ensure you - THERE ARE!
#1) Coconut-braised chicken with chickpeas - INCREDIBLE! Make this, just do it! (I've already made this twice in the last 3 weeks)
#2) Spicy pork meatballs in brothy tomatoes - "Best meatballs you've ever made" says my husband (and I've tried A LOT of meatball recipes)
#3) One-pot chicken with dates and caramelized lemons - scrumptious with just the right balance of sweetness.
I cannot wait to try more recipes out of this book - including some rather interesting sides that normally would not be in my repertoire. I am rather confident when I say this is and probably will continue to be my favourite cookbook for a very, very long time.
Fast-forward to 2021, amidst a reading slump (caused by indecisiveness) and a cooking slump (caused by trying out a decent mealkit service but unwilling to continue with the cost and excessive packaging), I thought I'd sign out a few cookbooks from the library to possibly alleviate both slumpy issues.
Perhaps it was because it was the first cookbook I'd ever read as an e-book (rather hard to skim), or perhaps it was the scarcity of pretty food photos, but I found myself reading through the pages rather thoroughly. And well, gosh darn if Alison Roman's writing/voice didn't feel like hanging out with an old friend! A friend who enjoyed throwing unfussy house parties for people she loved, which brought on so many heartwarming reminders of pre-pandemic life and hope of a post-pandemic gathering.
Now, despite how much I enjoyed reading Nothing Fancy, I realize it can't really be a 5-star cookbook without some amazing recipes. And I am here to ensure you - THERE ARE!
#1) Coconut-braised chicken with chickpeas - INCREDIBLE! Make this, just do it! (I've already made this twice in the last 3 weeks)
#2) Spicy pork meatballs in brothy tomatoes - "Best meatballs you've ever made" says my husband (and I've tried A LOT of meatball recipes)
#3) One-pot chicken with dates and caramelized lemons - scrumptious with just the right balance of sweetness.
I cannot wait to try more recipes out of this book - including some rather interesting sides that normally would not be in my repertoire. I am rather confident when I say this is and probably will continue to be my favourite cookbook for a very, very long time.