Big Bites: Wholesome, Comforting Recipes That Are Big on Flavor, Nourishment, and Fun: A Cookbook

by Kat Ashmore

From the creator of Kat Can Cook comes 110 simple, nourishing, mostly gluten-free recipes that are big on flavor and reimagine the concept of "healthy food."

Kat Ashmore’s mission is to empower hungry readers everywhere to feed themselves and their loved ones well and have fun doing it. Rather than focusing on restriction or deprivation, she What can we add to our plates? After she turned to TikTok for a creative outlet, her series of big, meal-in-a-bowl salads, known affectionately as “Hungry Lady Salads,” went viral on social media, and she found a likeminded community of home cooks who wanted to fall in love with cooking again.

In Ashmore's debut cookbook, she shares 110 wholesome, comforting mostly gluten-free recipes that are full of flavor, nourishment, and fun—and meant to be devoured in big bites! With her signature personality and joy, this cookbook is a celebration of nature and seasonality and encourages home cooks to rethink familiar ingredients. From Hungry Lady Salads and weeknight dinners to snacks and desserts, Big Bites shares recipes for


Bring joy back into your kitchen with Kat Ashmore and Big Bites !

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking

272 pages, Hardcover

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I check out a lot of cookbooks from the library and rarely feel the need to buy them. This one is an exception-I have made so many recipes from this book and have loved them all.

[Bren Witkemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have a horse in this race (no free copy in exchange for a review and nothing else to gain), and I've never reviewed a cookbook. But, after spending this chilly morning with a copy of Big Bites (Kindle version for me), I'm compelled to share my thoughts with anyone on the fence about buying this particular cookbook.

In brief? Spend the money! I think you'll be glad you did!

I don't know Kathleen Ashmore, but I love her no-guilt, no-diet approach to eating and staying healthy. I follow her Kat Can Cook blog, and I HAVE made a number of her recipes. They've all been delicious! They should be, quite frankly, as she's a trained chef! She knows what she's doing.

One could accurately say that I bought this book in a state of mild frustration. You see, Kat posted a photo of Hot Chili Oil Noodles with Kale Chips to her IG feed. I saw it and wanted to make that dish right away, but she had the audacity to suggest that we (her followers) buy her debut cookbook for the details. What a racket! - I'm TOTALLY teasing here. She, like many other food bloggers, gives away FREE recipes every single day, for which I greedily benefit.) Anyhoo, I pre-ordered Big Bites...and here I am writing about it.

[Thank you, Kat, for the Hot Chili Oil Noodle recipe, which I'll probably make every time my kale-hating husband travels out of town! 🤣]

The recipes Kat chose to include in Big Bites are highly appealing, thoughtfully developed, and flawlessly written. They call for accessible, body-friendly ingredients that are "mostly gluten free." (I don't tolerate gluten at all, so there are a few recipes - such as those requiring barley - that I won't be sampling. I anticipated that going into my purchase, so it's cool.) I'm really looking forward to trying the Mostly Spinach Dip, the Barbecue Ranch Chopped Salad, and the Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado-Lime Crema, among other dishes. But first, because I oddly happen to have freeze-dried strawberries in my pantry and preserves that really need to be used, I'm gonna go make the "Best" Vanilla Layer Cake with Strawberry Jam and Strawberry Buttercream frosting! If it turns out as yummy as it looks, I might just make it again for Valentine's Day! 🤷‍♀️

[Kyla Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best cookbook I’ve ever owned. I was hooked from hungry lady salads and then just fell in love with more and more recipes.

[MaryAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure how you exactly "read" a cookbook. But, I took this out of the library and read through all the recipes, bookmarking those to try. Once I finished I had marked off 15 recipes and told myself that I have to buy this book.

What I love: her conversational into to each recipe that describes the origin and what she loves about it. For example her recipe for "a Perfect Steak with Olive Oil and Parsley Vinaigrette" she says..."this is the best way to cook steak. I will die on this hill...." great intro, have got to try this!

Some other recipes I plan to try: Greek Quinoa Salad, Herbed Zucchini Fritters, French Deviled Eggs, Secret Ingredient Frittata, Maple Corn Muffins with Raspberry Chia Jam, Chimicurri Meatballs, Kale and Feta Turkey Burgers, Snow Day Beef Stew, Smoky Slow Cooked Ribs, Provencal Baked Tomatoes, Coconut Cornflake cookies, The Best Vanilla Layer Cake with Strawberry Jam and Strawberry Buttercream.

That last recipe I listed she describes by starting off with "I bake my own cake on my birthday. Why? Because I'm particular about cake. Vanilla is my very favorite cake, and too many of the expensive ones you buy are very beautiful and very dry....." A woman after my own heart. Will be making this for my birthday.

Another thing I love: she is pretty much gluten free. And that's great for me with my crazy restricted food issues. She does use a lot of garlic but I can work around that.

So yup, just ordered this book so I have my own copy to keep. Can't wait. I'm making the deviled eggs for a bridal shower this weekend...

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I received a complimentary copy of Big Bites: Wholesome, Comforting Recipes That Are Big on Flavor, Nourishment, and Fun: A Cookbook (Hardcover) by Kat Ashmore from Rodale Books.
I don't use cookbooks much anymore, we either print out recipes we get via email, or I use my phone -- and in last year's kitchen renovation I actually gave a lot of cookbooks away -- but this one is terrific!
We are pescatarians and although there are plenty of meat/paleo/gluten free and other special diet recipes in the book, there are also a lot of recipes that we can make as well.
I love to entertain and found several recipes I can use for my next dinner party as well as desserts and side dishes I can bring to the next potluck.
Honestly, I don't know when I've enjoyed a cookbook more. I'm not a big Instagram/TikTok person so I wasn't really familiar with Kat Ashmore but now I feel like I've been really missing out!
Run, don't walk to get a copy of Big Bites -- I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

[Kim Herzog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Kat on social media for a while now, and her Hungry Lady Salads literally last all week. Salads don’t usually excite me for lunch, but hers pack flavor and actually make me excited to crack open a lunch from home. I was worried there would not be many new recipes, but I was sorely mistaken — there are SO MANY, from simple sauces to filling salads and weeknight meals, plus sweet desserts that literally make me (someone who DOES. NOT. BAKE.) not only intrigued but feeling like I could handle these recipes (and no stand mixer needed!). I was even impressed with her intro, where I learned tips I never knew before, as well as some great reminders. I’m also happy that some of my favorite recipes made it into the book; having them hard-copy is way better than attempting to scroll through my phone while cooking. I’ve already made a few recipes and am really looking forward to cooking through this, cover to cover!

[Cindy Mac Jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Followed her on instagram 1st. Watched her cook and advice on life etc , Read her book because of that exposure … if you know me personally you know that I was seriously food poisoned via ground beef and ate stuffed peppered with the contaminated food, and have been traumatized by peppers 🫑 smell, look and taste. . However went I saw the recipe that Kat presented , Veggie-Loaded Peppers With Quinoa And Aged Cheddar I was curious and no PTSD kicking in.

They say you eat with your eyes, however when I was read this cook book I could hear her saying the comments in my minds ear … “ If your children haven’t quite made it into caper territory yet either, simply serve the asparagus undressed for them and keep more of the slurpable relish for yourself.”

It gave me that girlfriend feeling of reassurance that I could do it. Personally I don’t think I’m in the caper or olive stage of food exploration, however I did google what it was.

[Dodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get a lot of cookbook recommendations from The Splendid Table podcast; that's where I discovered this one. I hadn't heard of Kat Ashmore before despite her being fairly well known from her online presence. She encourages healthy, nourishing eating. I checked this out from the library and made a few recipes. I'll probably wind up buying it. Ashmore has a section of "Hungry Lady Salads." This was my favorite part of the book. I made the "Barbecue Ranch Chopped Salad" with a few adaptations and thought it was delicious. The ranch dressing would be good on anything. Ashmore adds pinto beans in barbecue sauce that added tang. I made the "Watermelon Gazpacho" last weekend--amazing. Everyone loved it. I found "The Silkiest White Bean Hummus" salty, so I would recommend starting with a smaller amount. Nonetheless, it was good. Ashmore's "Kale and Feta Turkey Burgers" are on The Splendid Table website if you want to see one of her recipes. I haven't tried them yet.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, very easy to use, family/group friendly cookbook. I particularly liked the salads; I also really liked her stuffed shrimp casserole, and she has a sheet pan veggie dish that incorporates pears that's excellent. The strongest chapters for me were the salads and sides.

This book incorporates whole foods, but does not include any nutritional information. There is a photo for every recipe, and most of the recipes are one page or less, and use everyday ingredients. If you make dinner on a regular basis (and most people do), this is worth checking out. Everyone will find at least a few things to add to their rotation here.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of things look delicious, the layout is great and there are good photos for most recipes.
So far I have made:
Overnight Coconut Cream Pie Oats - now in regular rotation
BLT wedge salad with croutons and creamy basil dressing- really really good
Sourdough Panzanella with Goat Cheese and Peaches- surprisingly not a hit but I may have done something wrong and might try again
Summer Corn Salad with Avocado- good
Lentil chopped salad with feta and honey walnut dressing- great but does not hold up well the next day
Almost Famous crispy crackle chicken- basically a good easy cutlet
Salt and vinegar smashed potatoes- new favorite way to cook fingerlings

[Briel · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the exception of the air fried artichoke hearts, there weren’t many recipes here that were new to me, however I think that’s a “me” problem and not a problem with this cookbook. I read so many cookbooks and there was a time when I was very into the veggie forward/gluten free/grain free phase so I think I’ve read more than the average cookbook reader. While not right for me, I think this is a nice compilation of veggie forward, whole food, often gluten friendly recipes that are decently accessible for most cooks.

[Arminda Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following Kat on social media for a while now and have printed out and kitchen-tested most of her Hungry Lady Salad recipes. They're all delicious, by the way, and the reason I bought this cookbook. I've already made and love several included dishes and am excited to try more. Her recipes are well-written, use ingredients I keep stocked, and always taste as good as she says they will! My current personal favorite is her dairy-free ranch dressing (p 81) -- unbelievably finger-licking good.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 4 star rating is based on vibes and optimism, having cooked exactly 0% of the recipes. Riffled through this book on a side quest to the bookstore with my nephew and found it on the shelf when we flew to the library to pick up a book before closing. Finished reading while the niece threw squishmallows around her room (it’s pronounced “cleaning her room”) and my sister cooked dinner. It’s not often I read a cookbook cover to cover and find myself bookmarking many many of the recipes for making later.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Kat Ashmore on social media for a while and was so excited when she released a cookbook! I was amazed at the selection of recipes in this book as I expected it to be mainly salads, most of which I already tried - but it is so much more! I’ve tried several by now and so far they have all been delicious and none too time-consuming or difficult. I will probably try just about every recipe in here!!!

[Sharon Dube · Rating 5 out of 5]

The recipes are simple, delicious looking and all whole foods. I basically bookmarked the whole book. There was only one ingredient listed that is not currently in my pantry, arrowroot powder. Looking forward to trying these in the next few weeks.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay for a nicely laid out, well photographed cookbook with healthy recipes that look flavorful and easy! Appreciate the Gluten Free recipes and will try a few. I recommend taking a look at this cookbook.

[Mmmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceptively simple at a first glance....however, great flavor and texture combos, fairly easy and not time consuming to make, filling yet healthy.....perfect!!!!

[Marlies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow the author on IG and TikTok. Her salad recipes are easy, fresh, different and amazing.

So far, I love this book and I love the author’s online content.

[JV Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rank cookbooks by the number of recipes that really intrigue me & this book has 25!
She may have even swayed me to try overnight oats!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the recipes don’t seem too complicated and use ingredients that the average cook would have or easily obtain.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love that it’s so veggie forward and all about balance!

[Jessie]

Library copy. I made note of a few recipes I'd like to try (air-fried artichokes, sweet potato cupcakes, and a cauliflower soup when fall comes), but I find her style too grating to buy the book.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid recipes here like:


Lemon Cheesecake Tart with Gingersnap Crust
Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes
Saffron Rice Bake with Chickpeas Tomatoes and Loads of Garlic
French Deviled Eggs

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one I am going to buy for my own shelf! Yum.

[Deirdre K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Kat Can Cook on Instagram but bought it mainly because of her story about her dad. Have made almost half of the recipes and love them all!

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 1.5 stars rounded up. Some really fussy recipes. The fact that I didn’t see any that I would actually want to attempt says…a lot.

Also, nearly all of the recipes would be challenging for anyone on a budget (and who isn’t these days?) or who lives someplace without easy and reliable access to a Whole Foods or a Farmer’s Market. Or even a regular grocery store for that matter.