The Daily Dish Recipes

As one who loves to cook, as well as keeping my family well fed and healthy, I am always interested in the latest trends and fads in the world of cooking. Of course when Deceptively Delicious by the infamous (or rather not) Jessica Seinfeld came out, I was interested to say the very least. I was thrilled when I was able to find it at my local library which is how I usually trial run a cookbook. If it matters any, I kept the book three days before returning it in frustration. That was several months ago, and while I gleaned some knowledge about creating purees and putting them in my meals, the recipes and stories were lacking for my picky eaters, as well as my own entertainment.

Enter in my trip to the library a few days ago. I was browsing the cooking section for a cookbook I’d heard about for the barbecue grill. Summer is fast approaching and the idea of cooking outside is much more appealing than cooking inside, plus its always handy to be able to have meals to prepare on our camping trips.

Much to my surprise, I came upon a book by Missy Chase Lapine. I took it over to a table and can tell you that after five minutes, I was at the counter with a copy of The Sneaky Chef and my library card in hand. Now, three days later - The Sneaky Chef is on its way to me courtesy of my credit card.

I love it! This book is well written, informative, fact based and filled with recipes that my family will actually eat. One of the things I love the most about it is that they did research on children’s menus at restaurants across the nation. They took the foods that most often appeared and created healthy versions of these foods. The recipes are all there. Plus, there are far more puree’s and mixes created in this book than in any other I’ve ever found.

Another thing I enjoy immensely about this book is that Ms. Lapine included health information about the various purees and substitutions that she includes in the book. There is no question after reading it, why you would want to do this. Not to mention the recipes are amazing.

To date we have tried four recipes. Of the four, only one was turned down by my most picky eater, and in fairness - everyone else absolutely loved it. She is just a picky 13 year old that would rather grow up on Ramen Soup, Chicken Nuggets and Pepperoni Pizza. When you get find a book full of recipes, that for the most part five children will eat - it is a beautiful thing.

The entire book is laid out in an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow format. Everything is explained in step by step methods and there is plenty of engaging stories and facts to keep you interested. My whole grocery list for the next week is based solely off this book. If that alone doesn’t speak volumes, I just don’t know what does.

If you have the chance, I strongly recommend you pick up a copy of The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids’ Favorite Meals by Missy Chase Lapine. I also plan to pick up a copy of the follow up, The Sneaky Chef: How to Cheat on Your Man (In the Kitchen) Hiding Healthy Foods in Hearty Meals Any Guy with Love. The woman is brilliant and you can visit her here.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS