Fun and Artistic Cookbook

Every once in a while, I come across a cookbook that is unique.  That's the case of a new cookbook Storey is publishing by Lauren K Stein, illustrated by Katie Eberts.  Fresh Made Simple is actually full of simple recipes.  Most "simple" recipe cookbooks aren't actually simple.  But, this one is.

Lauren and Katie worked together to create a fun and artistic cookbook.  Each recipe uses five ingredients or less.  Directions are as simple as can be.  The only direction I actually disagreed with was the one for carmelized onions.  The authors wrote that you should cook them low and slow--they didn't happen to mention that you have to cook them low and slow for a very long time.  But, other than that, I agreed with the recipes and thought they were all well written and drawn.

The recipes cover breakfast, lunch, salads, spreads, simple dress-ups for desserts, and drinks.  I loved the two cheese plate pairings!  I never know what fruits and accompaniments to put with cheeses.  What I loved most, though, about this cookbook is that it straddles a tricky line.  Most gourmet cookbooks that are appealing use expensive ingredients.  This cookbook, on the other hand, used a lot of normal ingredients and just a few unusual cheeses for some of the recipes.  Most of these ingredients regularly inhabit space in my kitchen.  

On Amazon, you can see a preview of this cookbook and I'd recommend you go check it out.  It's fun to look at it.  Katie Eberts' artwork is creative, energetic, and visually appealing.

In honor of their cookbook, I made an attempt (see below) to illustrate my favorite avocado sandwich.  I find that trying to imitate art is one of the best way to appreciate art more and my attempt definitely made me appreciate this cookbook!  

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this cookbook for review from Storey Publishing.