Do you want to dive into a new book? Craving to get lost in a captivating podcast or TV show? The Women and the Law Division's #IMHO has just what you're looking for! Judge Helen Marchal has our recommendation for this month.
I love real books. I enjoy turning the right top corner down to mark my place. If I’m really into it, I might even write a note in the margin or highlight a sentence. I feel the same about cookbooks. I love big photos of the end-product. I even like the stains on the pages from past go-arounds. And, I appreciate (sincerely appreciate) not having to touch my phone or iPad screen to keep the e-recipe from going to sleep.
However, buying a cookbook can be somewhat hit or miss. Plunking over $29.99 with hopes you’ll find enough delicious, easy and practical recipes to make it worthwhile is a gamble some don’t want to take. I felt the same way until I stumbled onto Tieghan Gerard’s Half-Baked Harvest Super Simple.
Turns out, Tieghan is this cooking wunderkind who has already published two best-selling cookbooks. She’s also the creative director behind the "Half-Baked Harvest" food and lifestyle blog. Super Simple focuses on fresh produce with lots of bright flavors. I’d describe her concepts as company-worthy yet still family-friendly.
I’ve tried nearly every recipe in Super Simple and have never been disappointed. My daughters declared the "Penne alla Vodka" (p. 126) to be the best pasta on earth. This is a big deal because they are teenagers and I am rarely complimented by them. While my Kate was willing to show you the book’s recipe in support of the dish, she did wish to remain anonymous by refusing to show her face in the photo.
Now, in all honesty, I have tried the first Half-Baked Harvest Cookbook and it did not knock off my socks. Maybe it was a little too healthy for me. Having said that, I do have high hopes for Tieghan’s just-released third cookbook, Half-Baked Harvest Every Day. With recipes for Salty Chocolate Pretzel Rye Cookies and Pizza alla Diavola, I’m cautiously optimistic I’ll find another dish worthy of three teen-aged girls’ praise.
Do you have some favorites you'd like to share? Email WLDmembership@gmail.com!
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