Fresh Ideas for Pasta Lovers: A Review of Donna Kelly’s New Cookbook

 

If your family is anything like mine, pasta is one of those dependable ingredients that’s always waiting patiently in the pantry for inspiration to strike. It’s affordable, versatile, comforting, and just about everyone loves it. So when I came across 101 Things to Do With Pasta by Donna Kelly, I was curious to see whether it could offer something beyond the usual spaghetti-and-meatballs routine.

 I’m happy to say it does.

  Part of the popular 101 Cookbooks series, this compact little volume packs an impressive variety of recipes into its 128 pages. While it may be small enough to tuck into a tote bag or kitchen drawer, it's filled with practical ideas that make weeknight dinner -- and even breakfasts and lunches -- a little more exciting.

The recipes are organized into easy-to-browse chapters including "Brunching and Lunching," "Sassy Salads," "Weeknight Pastabilities," "Company's Coming," "Veggie Delights," "Baked Pasta Dishes, and "Around the World. Whether you're craving a quick one-pan meal or something hearty enough for company, there's likely something here to tempt you.Among the recipes that caught my eye were Spinach Artichoke Orzo, Confetti Pasta Salad, Creamy Shrimp Tagliatelle, Creamy Mushroom Pasta Rags, and Orzo Jambalaya. The “Around the World” section was an especially fun addition, featuring dishes such as Turkish Pasta, Jewish Noodle Kugel, and Singapore Spicy Tofu Noodles that add a welcome international twist. One thing I appreciated is Kelly’s practical introduction. Rather than spending pages discussing cookware or complicated techniques, she focuses on helpful tips like understanding pasta sizes and the differences between cooking pasta for hot dishes versus cold salads. It’s the kind of information beginning cooks will actually use.

  The recipes themselves are straightforward and concise. Most fit comfortably on a single page, ingredient list included, making them easy to follow without endless page-turning. Many rely on pantry staples and supermarket ingredients, and there are even gluten-free and vegan-friendly options sprinkled throughout the book.

 That said, seasoned cooks may notice a bit of repetition. Several recipes share similar methods or ingredients, and some categories overlap. There is also a noticeable reliance on convenience products—particularly jarred Alfredo sauce and cream cheese—in some of the weeknight recipes. If you prefer making everything completely from scratch, you may find yourself adapting a few dishes.

 Another drawback is the lack of photographs. As someone who truly enjoys cookbooks filled with beautiful food photography, I did miss having pictures to inspire me. There’s also no index, so locating recipes by ingredient requires browsing the table of contents rather than flipping to an alphabetical listing. Still, those are relatively minor complaints considering the cookbook’s purpose. This isn’t intended to be a coffee-table cookbook; it’s designed to be practical, approachable, and affordable.

 In fact, I think 101 Things to Do With Pasta would make a wonderful gift. Its compact size makes it perfect for slipping into a stocking at Christmas, adding to a pasta-themed gift basket with imported pasta and homemade sauce, tucking into a care package for a college student, or pairing with a bottle of olive oil for a thoughtful hostess gift. 

If you’ve ever stood in front of your pantry wondering, “What else can I make with this box of pasta?” Donna Kelly has plenty of delicious answers.

 Scheduled for release on July 14^th, you can order a copy here.

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My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars) 

101 Things to Do With Pork by Eliza Cross, Reviewed

 

101 Things to Do With Pork by Eliza Cross is a petite, spiral-bound cookbook that delivers exactly what its title promises: 101 recipes showcasing the versatility of pork in all its forms: ham, bacon, pork chops, sausage, roast, tenderloin, belly, pulled pork, bratwurst, chorizo, kielbasa, Canadian bacon, spare ribs, and baby back ribs. Published in a concealed spiral-bound flexi paperback, this 5½” x 7½” book is designed for practicality, lying flat on the counter for easy reference while cooking. Its compact size makes it a charming candidate for a stocking stuffer, hostess gift, or part of a pork-themed gift basket, perhaps paired with bacon, sausage, or pork rinds, wrapped in netting with a festive bow.The recipes span a wide range of dishes, including breakfasts (like Pork Lover’s Breakfast Skillet), appetizers, sandwiches (such as Toasty Ham and Havarti Sandwiches — I tried this one, and it was very good), soups (High on the Hog Jambalaya), sides (such as Pork Fried Rice) and main courses (Divine Bacon Pork Chops and Perfect Pulled Pork). The variety ensures there’s something for every meal, from family-friendly dinners to quick snacks, all crafted to be economical and approachable for home cooks. The recipes are straightforward, making them accessible for beginners, though some may feel dated, with a few harking back to 1970s culinary trends.

 However, the book has its limitations. The absence of photos, a hallmark of the "101 Things" series, leaves cooks guessing about the final presentation, which may frustrate visual learners. Additionally, while the collection is convenient, many recipes feel familiar and can likely be found online with a quick search, reducing the book’s novelty. For pork enthusiasts or those seeking a tidy compilation, the book’s convenience and cute design are appealing, but it may not break new ground for seasoned cooks expecting innovative ideas.     Overall, 101 Things to Do With Pork is a practical, space-saving addition to a cookbook collection, ideal for gifting or casual home cooking. It earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars for its utility and charm, but don’t expect revolutionary recipes.You can get a copy here.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Gibbs Smith in exchange for my honest review.