Cookbooks
A few years ago, I argued that the days of recipe books were over and that due to the internet, nobody would have a need for cook books any more. I still agree to a certain extent, but at the same time I do think they have a place in today's society. If anything, you always have a range of recipes at hand. Sometimes the internet can be too vast and if you aren't sure of what you want, you won't know what to search for. Also, some of the most amazing recipes that I have found have been by chance, using ingredients that I might not have thought of.
So, long story short, you need some good recipe books and the below are my absolute favourites.
So, long story short, you need some good recipe books and the below are my absolute favourites.
Domestic SlutteryThere is so much I could say about this website and this book. I LOVE these girls. Unfortunately, the website is no longer updated but the content is still there for the time being at least. The Domestic Sluts gave me so many great recipes and ideas (as well as other fashion and accessory ideas) and helped me to become who I am in the kitchen.
They have a huge food and drink section (yummy cocktails included) with some great recipes. They have a gluten free section which I know is great and have used some of the recipes for my gluten free friends with success. I can think of only two downsides to this blog- 1) you WILL lose a lot of time and possibly money reading the posts that date back to 2009 and 2) If you wish to share with other people, make sure you are comfortable saying 'sluttery' to them. It was rather awkward when I had to share with my nan! Check out these wonderful ladies here or go straight to buy their book (not just recipes, but a complete guide to life) here. You can thank me later! NB. Photo taken from Domestic Sluttery website. |
River Cottage Veg EverydayI was introduced to this book by a good colleague. I wanted to eat healthier and was really struggling to find vegetables interesting. This book completely changed that for me. My husband is a complete carnivore, and I am a carbivore but we have been converted to making veg a main part of our lives and mealtimes.
The book contains no meat nor does it contain meat substitutes. It makes a main meal out of vegetarian ingredients in a exciting way. We have used loads of his recipes (we add meat on the side though!) and each one has been a huge success. Some of his recipes do take work and technical knowledge, but with simple and easy to follow instructions. If I can make a soufflé first time, so can you! Get the book here or try the River Cottage website for some recipes and courses here. NB. Photo taken from Amazon website. |
Home Cooking Made EasyWhen I got this book, I counted myself as someone that couldn't cook. I won the book in a game one Christmas, the main prize in the game, and I thought 'what a waste of a book'. But then I thought, I may as well try something to make it worthwhile. And I was successful and impressed with what I had done.
The book really helped to change me as a cook and made me more confident to follow recipes (which at the time, I was not). Each recipe has simple to follow instructions with step by step pictures so you can check that you have got it right, which is very useful for a nervous beginner. The recipes are yummy, simple and impressive and still do bring a smile to my face. Get this book or any of Lorraine's books here or try her website for more ideas and information here. NB. Photo taken from Amazon website. |
The Ultimate Protein Pow(d)er CookbookThis cookbook is a bit different from the others. My husband is a complete carnivore and a gym rat (don't tell him I said that) and is a bit anti carbs, especially bread. Protein is better than carbohydrates for building muscle and increasing fitness.
So in this book, it has a range of recipes that use protein powder instead of flour. That means that I can make cakes and breads and cookies in a more healthy way and hubby has to allow them in. I really enjoyed some of the recipes in this book, but it also gave me the confidence to try replacing flour with protein powder using other recipes. Please note that the flour is not completely replaced in these recipes so it does not necessarily make the dishes suitable for those of you who are gluten free. Get more protein in your life here or get recipes, ideas and a mobile app here. NB. Photo taken from Amazon website. |
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