annieb123
Written on Jul 11, 2020
No-Fuss Cookbook for Newlyweds is a tutorial and resource guide plus recipe collection by Ryan Ross. Due out 14th July 2020 from Callisto on their Rockridge Press imprint, it's 192 pages (for the print copy) and available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook is available now). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
The book has a straightforward and easy-to-follow format. Following an introductory chapter on setting up a first kitchen, the author covers the other necessary tools, supplies, and ingredients (with some very astute observations on what tools are *really* necessary and how to set up limited space for best use). The following chapters include the recipes, arranged rather oddly by prep time: no-cook, 30 minutes, recipes with 5 or fewer ingredients, one pot meals, and sauces and staples. The nutritional info provided is arranged with most major info given (calories, fats, carbohydrates, sodium, sugar, fiber). Almost none of the recipes are photographed, but the ones which are, are photographed well and clearly. Serving suggestions are attractive and appropriate. The lack of photography subtracts a bit (but not much) from the overall experience for me personally. (I like pictures, but realize and accept that they raise the production costs a lot on a book project).
The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are given in US standard only. Special tools and ingredients are also listed, along with yields and cooking directions. Special classifications for each recipe (30 minutes or less, 5 ingredient, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc) are included in a header bar. Most of the ingredients are easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store. The book also includes a short author bio and a metric conversion chart, along with a "what's for dinner" interactive index with links to recipes. The recipes are tasty and easily prepared, most requiring few ingredients and little prep time. One other thing I really liked was that the author included recommendations for cooking and spending time in the kitchen together. Although the book is ostensibly for couples setting up housekeeping together, there are a lot of good practical takeaways for roommates as well.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.