Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Girl Dinner is an interesting well curated collection of planned(ish) spontaneous no-cook dinner plates with serving suggestions by Alejandra & Jamison Diaz-Imlah. Due out 13th Aug 2024 from Cider Mill Press, it's 208 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is a very well photographed appealing instagram style guide to quick/instant/no-cook meals. This is primarily marketed for and aimed at younger readers, singles, students, and don't-have-time-to-cook folks. It's full of cute chapters: Quick comfort, Glow-up, What's the vibe, and Good company. Recipes rely heavily on premade instant ingredients and no-shop pantry staples.
Recipes are listed with a short intro, ingredients in a bullet list, followed by general assembly instructions. There are plates which rely on some odd pairings frozen mac'n'cheese bites, frozen broccoli & cauliflower blend, and ketchup (one of the odder combos), but many more traditional offerings.
The recipe suggestions are photographed attractively and styled professionally. The photography and serving suggestions are the highlight of the book.
Three and a half stars. It would potentially be a good choice for public or school library acquisition or "care package" moving out gift (bundled with some kitchen supplies and housewares) to newly fledged young adults living on their own for the first time.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 3 August, 2024: Started reading
- 3 August, 2024: Finished reading
- 3 August, 2024: Reviewed