Farmhouse Weeknights, Quick and Wholesome Recipes for Dinner by Melissa Bahen, Reviewed

 

I don’t ​know about you, but there’s something about the word “farmhouse” in the title of any cookbook that makes me instinctively know that it’s going to be a good one. I have always felt that way, have never been proven wrong, and I certainly haven’t been with this new book, Farmhouse Weeknights, Quick and Wholesome Recipes for Dinner by Melissa Bahen.

This is my kind of cookbook—packed with comforting, mouthwatering recipes that anyone can whip up, whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro like me. I’ve been cooking my whole life, and let me tell you, getting a meal on the table fast is crucial when you’re feeding a young family. But here’s the kicker: it’s just as important when you’re older. As the years pile on, you’re tired, you’re creaky, maybe you’re cooking for one, and the last thing you want is to fuss over dinner. This book? It’s a lifesaver for the young and the not-so-young. There’s not a single recipe in here I don’t want to dive into. My plan? Start at page one and cook my way through every single dish.The recipes are clear and concise. The photos are gorgeous, I love the commentary by the author ahead of each recipe, and there is an index (I’m doing back flips here, because you all know how I feel about indexes in cookbooks, and how distressed I am at the fact that they’re disappearing, probably as I write).Every recipe lists prep time, cook time, and serving size right at the top, so there’s no guesswork. If you’re strapped for time (who isn’t?), you can zero in on a dish that fits your schedule. Me? I’m gunning for the 10-minutes-or-less crowd-pleasers, starting with the Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich—5 minutes prep time, people! Woot woot! Plus, Melissa throws in shortcuts to shave even more time off cooking.I have no doubt that this cookbook will have you as fired up as I am. It’s a must-have, whether you’re gifting it to someone setting up their first home or a seasoned soul who’s been running a kitchen for decades. Pre-order it here —you won’t regret it. This book’s got big thumbs-up energy, and I’m already counting down the days to cook my way through it, starting with the Donut Shortcake. What can I say?

 Many thanks to Gibbs Smith Publishing Company who provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

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