Open Sesame

by Rachel Belle

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Open Sesame is a well written, attractively presented, niche collection of recipes featuring sweet and savory twists on sesame by Rachel Belle. Released 12th Nov 2024 by Sasquatch Books, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

The book has a friendly, funky, retro graphic vibe which suits the slightly offbeat focus, to put sesame in the limelight. It's full of tasty recipes which, if they aren't instant classics, will definitely be a hit with brunch loving foodies. Sesame is surprisingly versatile, and although the collection does a good job of representing the cuisines where sesame (and tahini) feature large, it's by no means exclusive to the middle and far eastern countries. The author has developed and included some unexpectedly adventurous recipes which will either delight or perplex readers (or a bit of both?) such as Basil-lime pasta with sesame chicken bolognese (interesting!).

The recipes utilize ingredients which will mostly be readily available in any well stocked grocery store in North America - however some feature ingredients (tahini) which will require specialist retailers, probably online; not prohibitively rare, but requiring some planning for readers who live outside NYC or LA. They're arranged in the book thematically: morning meals, party snacks, mains & meals, and sweets. 

Each recipe includes a description/intro, yields, ingredients in a bullet list header, and step-by-step prep directions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units only. There is no nutritional info provided.

It's got a bouncy, fun, young, foodie vibe, and the author is very open and chatty (in a good way). It's a small collection, but every one of the recipes, even the simpler ones, definitely have some *pow* factor. It will be an instant hit with foodies who love to brunch with friends, do potlucks, and who also gather with friends to do dinner or informal party nights. 

The photography is very good, and each of the recipes is accompanied by one or more color photos. Serving suggestions are attractive and appropriate and the food is professionally styled. 

Four stars. Really fun collection. It would make an excellent gift for a foodie friend, or for the home cook's library, as well as public or school library acquisition.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.