4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Hay House, Inc. for an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
What a gorgeous little cook book! I have to say this looks like the perfect gift to give to someone leaving home for the first time and starting out in their own home and, more importantly, their own kitchen. It was like a little helping hand and a hug all rolled into a helpful cook book. Or is that just my mothering instinct going wacko? 😉
I will admit now I’ve not read any of Ms Stiles other works, but reading ‘Make your own rules cookbook’ makes me feel like I really should. If they are all as good as this, I have been missing out!
The format and layout of this book is clear, crisp and so easy to read. The little stories that introduce you to the work, plus those that lead into the very basic and simple (but so yummy sounding) recipes are great. They really let the reader feel at home and like they’re reading the right sort of book for them. As an old ‘veteran’ of the kitchen I really didn’t learn anything new in the kitchen set up side of things, but I felt they were great for a beginner starting out on their own, hence my feeling this would be a great book to give all fledglings leaving the nest for the first time.
Some very MINOR niggles I had with ‘Make your own rules cookbook’ however was the lack of a glossary. I know it did reference glossaries in other books by Ms Stiles, but it still would have been nice to include one in this book to help out those who only have access to this book. Plus, it is obviously only designed for an audience who uses imperial measurements. Seriously not an issue for me, as I’ve been cooking, making and baking for decades and can chop and change between metric and imperial measurements, but not really suited to a new cook setting out on their own here in Australia unless they’re good at their conversion tables. Though, there are plenty online so they shouldn’t have too many issues making the changes! Add to that my usual personal food intolerances and allergies preventing me from eating some of the recipes, or having to change others… and, yeah, I couldn’t give it the top score. Sorry! It is a gorgeous book and most of these faults are with me the reader!
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes I would. As said, I feel this is a terrific little cookbook to give as a house warming gift to someone new to cooking for themselves. It’d be a great little encouraging guide to get them not only into cooking, but into cooking healthy and tasty meals.
Would I buy this book for myself? Despite the minor niggles I mentioned, yes I would. There were enough recipes in ‘Make your own rules cookbook’ to make me want to own my own copy, even if it was just an eBook version (as I’m running out of space in my physical bookshelves)!
In summary: A light and easy to follow cookbook that helps ease a new cook into the kitchen and help encourage them to make their own healthy and tasty meals. Definitely worth a look!
Until next time,
Janis. XXOO
Janis's Journal 