Keepers: Two Home Cooks Share Their Tried-and-True Weeknight Recipes and the Secrets to Happiness in the Kitchen

by Kathy Brennan, Caroline Campion

Whether they’re parents, married without kids, or single, most people want to do better at mealtime—they want to put good, nutritious food on the table, they’re looking for a more diverse repertoire of dishes to prepare, and they’d like to enjoy the process more. The problem is they don’t believe they have the time or ability to do it night after night. But it can be done, and Keepers will show them how.

Drawing from two decades of trial-and-error in their own kitchens, as well as working alongside savvy chefs and talented home cooks, Campion and Brennan offer 120 appealing, satisfying recipes ideal for weeknight meals. There’s an array of master recipes for classic dishes with options for substitutions, updated old favorites, one-pot meals, “international” dishes, super-fast ones, and others that reheat well or can be cooked in individual portions. Along with timeless recipes, Keepers is filled with invaluable tips on meal planning and preparation, all presented in an entertaining, encouraging, and empathetic style.

Keepers gives cooks all of the tools they need to become more efficient, confident, and creative in the kitchen. It will help them survive the Monday-to-Friday dinner rush with their sanity and kitchens intact, and also have some fun along the way.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Reference, Adult, Food and Drink

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2012

Reviews

[reading is my hustle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yum, yum, yum! Loved much about this cookbook. The pictures, the layout, and most importantly the recipes.

Favorites:

- Greek style fish with lemon and yogurt

- pizza salad

- expat fried rice

- crustless broccoli & cheddar quiche

- sausage & white bean gratin

- chicken pot pie

- the ENTIRE "sides" section

[beentsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well thought out and with a lot of solid ideas and advice to help make daily cooking if not enjoyable at least not painful. A number of very tasty looking recipes that I will be trying out in the next few weeks too.

[Robert Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book as part of GoodReads' First Reads program. This has not swayed my review in any way.**

Started not by being won over by something that claims to be a book of “tried-and-true weeknight recipes” by “two home cooks.” This is a perennial and handy premise, but when I found out in the intro that the authors are former editors at Saveur magazine and started perusing the recipes and ingredient lists, I had doubts on its utility for ordinary families.

And, yes, despite a rise in foodie culture and a generally more adventurous spirit in people's cooking and eating habits, a book with this premise and title needs a dash more Betty Crocker and little less haute cuisine. Still, by the end, Keepers did win me over with pretty straightforward recipes and (mostly) sticking to their stated goal of “no specialty/exotic/expensive ingredients.” Though without access to a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, ethnic market, or similar, some of the ingredients may still fall outside easy grasp. And “expensive” is a relative term, with many ideas here on the upper end of the typical budget.

The authors choose a typical organization by main ingredient approach: seafood, chicken, beef, vegetables, etc. It's serviceable enough, but I think they might have been better served by either going with an organization expanding on the recipes by category section they index in the back (extra-fast, popular with kids, one-dish meals, etc.) or one that provided more basic core recipes and then mapped out the more adventurous choices and combinations in a sort of if-you-like-this-then-try-this-next approach. But that's just me and a quibble.

Keepers does stretch the boundaries of what might seem possible for basic, weeknight recipes, but usually in a good way. There are some good recipes, tips, and tricks here to mix up the same-old go-to recipes you may be relying upon. One of the goals is also to help the cooking shy; in this it could do a better hand at using pictures and illustrations of recipes and techniques. More like the wonton wrapping photos and fewer of cooking with their dog in their arms!

If this veers a bit off course from the basics one would expect in the title, it makes up with it with so many delicious and enticing combinations that it is hard to condemn it too harshly for it.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book! If you have a busy family life, but like good food and enjoy eating homemade, this book is a must. Two busy moms and friends share their favorite family recipes BUT also share all their secrets for actually getting it made and on the table. Full of tips for taking it a week at a time, you will slowly get into a rhythm of meals that everyone will eat and you will actually like. They organize it by dish type (Main Dishes and Sides, but with subgroups within) that is easy to flip through. I have been cooking at home for 12+ years and I learned some great new ways to organize and enjoyed the intro. In the back she has some quick lists like: vegetarian meals , one pot meals, staggered dinner time meals, popular with kids, and extra-fast which are really helpful. Things like even thinking of having a set of meals for staggered dinner times makes you realize these moms are really walking this out! It's hard to cook for busy families, but I feel encouraged and like I have some tangible new ideas and yummy recipes for the next decade!

[Abby Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has become a dependable cookbook for fast, healthy weeknight meals. This cookbook is not a lot of fuss - no strange or expensive ingredients. The recipes are yummy (but perhaps not stellar or company worthy) and for the most part not time consuming, and the book only provides recipes for dinners and sides - no appetizers or desserts - which is exactly what I focus on for busy weekdays. The kids have devoured the salmon with spinach and cream (my favorite recipe in the book so far), maple bbq drumsticks, raw kale and pomegranate salad (seriously! they ate this up!), turkey cutlets (daughter asked for thirds). I had less success with the citrus-soy tilapia, although that might have been the quality of the fish I picked up that day, and the orange-nut couscous. There are a lot of Asian-inspired recipes which isn't really my thing for home cooking, but it is balanced with more traditional fare like chicken pot pie, baked chicken and meatballs. I love the feel of the jacketless cover, but don't love that the pages don't fall open flat for cooking, and I have found at least one problem with the way the recipes are written - specifically, the turkey cutlets recipe skips the step that describes how the flour is used. All in all, this cookbook is a keeper (pun intended).

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a first read in a Goodreads giveaway in return for an honest review. The authors of Keepers are refreshingly aware of the limits and time constraints many working households face in planning weekday meals. The recipes are arranged by "main ingredient" like beef or fish or vegetable. The ingredient lists aren't overwhelming and many times substitute ingredients or alternative options are suggested. I particularly like the narratives that appear between the recipes--which kitchen gadgets are worth investing the money in...:When to add the Hooch".. and "What's wrong with water?". Brennen and Campion share their "working mother" wisdom with hints that are innovative or just plain practical. I certainly feel that its title is well suited.

[Ambur Taft · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Keepers Manifesto in the front and back of the book is fantastic.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new. Nothing spectacular. Many recipes do not have photos. These are very basic recipes that most cooks should be able to master. Theses are minimalist recipes.

[Maze Branch Oak Park Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this month's What's Cooking selection...meals that come together quick enough for weeknight dinners, but aren't dull or routine.

Brennan and Campion make a concerted effort to provide support to their readers. A manifesto is printed on the inside cover, variations are included to accommodate different palates, and photographs let you know what you're shooting for.

We sampled the following recipes...

- Smoky Turkey Chili
- Shrimp Wonton Soup
- Carrot, Cheddar and Green Apple Salad
- Bread & Tomato Salad
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Couscous with Cranberries, Cashews and Orange
- As You Go Tomato Soup with Quinoa
- Crustless Broccoli & Cheddar Quiche
- Mussels the Belgian Way
- Quesadillas with Cheese and Tomatoes

While not everyone enjoyed all of these selections, no one thoroughly disliked them...proving that there is something for everyone in this collection. In particular, the mussels, quesadillas and the chicken pot pie were crowd pleasers.

During our discussion we noted that we appreciated that the recipes were kept to one page (no flipping pages while you're cooking!), page numbers were easy to find and the photographs were beautiful.

We thought that the combination of ingredients was unique and that most of the recipes while filling were not heavy. The authors encourage you to buy pre-shredded ingredients and to use a food processor to speed prep time.

Keepers does not make any claims about the length of time the recipes take to pull together, and we found that some recipes (while tasty) may be best for cooks who have at least an hour to prepare a meal.

Keepers is definitely a keeper!

[Marleene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Busy moms (or dads) take note! This is a very well organized book. It has lots of good tips, the recipes are healthy and pretty basic as well as cost and time effective, and it is amply illustrated with luscious photos.
It also finishes with a section that conveniently divides recipes by category: "popular with kids", "vegetarian", "extra fast", and "one dish meals" - looks very helpful.
Oddly enough, there are no recipes for desserts, though there are a sufficient amount for soups, sides, fish, vegetables etc. Many of these are basic with some short cuts (chicken pot pie with a bought puff pastry crust for example) and reflective of today's eating patterns, including ethnic variety with fish tacos, miso glazed salmon, chimichurri sauce and Italian wedding soup.

[Jim Cabaj · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cookbook is called Keepers, the title says it all. Keepers has some great tips for the basic cook to the expert cook, too many great ideas. I made so many recipes, I also changed them around based on the tips shown. Crust less Broccoli and cheddar quiche is so good fresh and yummy the next day. Jump in the mouth Turkey Cutlets will do just that, your family will eat them up.
I love the easy to make versatile condiments and the storage ideas. I made the avocado spread, great with crab cakes or salmon cakes for a twist other then mustard dips.

[Valissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very useful cookbook, lots of tips and great ideas, but like most cookbooks, WAY above my skill. While the point was to provide recipes that are easy and delicious, and even healthy, I find my patterns of pasta and pizza don't quite fit in with the exotic flavors and variety of foods.

Still, I ended up buying the book because it is useful, and it turns out that I can follow simple directions. So far every recipe has come out better than I dared to hope, and therefore, a winner!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of solid inspiration and ideas for keeping it together during the week. Most recipes are quick - everything I tried was popular with adults, kids and suitable for casual family dinner parties.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars Skillet lasagna was incredibly easy and only dirtied one pot. My kind of meal and easily the best lasagna I have ever made. The Deviled chicken thighs were a very simple way to jazz up plain chicken, however it did not reheat well at all.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique recipes. I have tried half a dozen recipes and most have been ones I would make again.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful design, practical cooking advice, and recipes I'm not intimidated to try.

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Simple, good, fast recipes. I want to buy this and keep it :) ;)

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good source of family friendly, relatively quick, weekday meals.

I've made 4 or 5 recipes and they've all been winners. I definitely recommend it.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although there is a lot more meat in this book than I normally cook, I would buy it for the sauces alone. So many interesting flavor combinations. This will put a kick in my routine.

[Julie H. Ernstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readers should not be intimidated by the fact that Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion are former food editors at Saveur and both still work in the industry. Instead, let's readily embrace their willingness to share some 125 recipes they identify as reliable, go-to weeknight dishes.

Keepers is a sturdy, well-explained, and illustrated cookbook that has something for new and experienced home cooks alike. What I most appreciated were the series of sauces and dressings the authors refer to as "lifesavers" (e.g., lime-ginger dipping sauce, maple barbeque sauce, and avocado spread). There's a fair bit more fried fare then we go for at my house, but despite that I found numerous items we'll take for a spin in coming weeks/months. Those include shrimp with green curry, fish tacos with pineapple salsa, coconut chicken curry, roasted chicken breasts with sweet potatoes, smoky turkey chili, their favorite meatloaf [who is not in search of that unicorn?], Asian pork sliders with magic miso-mayo, huevos rancheros, Swiss chard pesto, and roasted acorn squash with jalapeno-lime butter, raw beet salad.

Subject to re-scoring post food prep, I'd rate Keepers at 3 1/2 stars.

[Chanelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Keepers

Is this an inspiring cookbook? No. Is it original in its pairings? Again, no. But, by golly, it’s a solid recipe book loaded with some good tips for someone just starting out on their own. It would make an excellent gift for someone setting up their kitchen for the first time.

It reminds me a little of the 1940s Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook — you know, the one with an entire section on aspics? This one has a whole section on toast. Sign of the times, man.

Skip over the Sanctimommy bits in the intro (honestly, who gives a s*** why some lady’s teen was playing a game instead of helping her bag groceries? Not for the authors to judge) and use the book for its purpose or read it for the tips.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit, I love to buy cookbooks to add to my ever-growing collection and I think I must own this one as well! I originally found it at the library, and I do not want to give it back- haha! I loved the layout, pictures, tips, and recipes! Everything in this book is super easy to make and you won't have to go crazy looking for the ingredients. I always look for nutrition information and even though this book doesn't have it, it's easy enough to figure calorie amounts if you chose to do so. There also isn't a ton of jarred or canned goods required (bonus); I like to use fresh ingredients and only used canned stuff when I'm pressed for time. Everything in the book will take between 40-45 mins to make which isn't too bad, even on a work night. The end result is so worth it :)

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this in kindle format. It's a nice cookbook, chock full of information. I'm an advanced cook so I skimmed through the beginning chapters. There are some nice photographs, but not all recipes have photographs. I'm highly visual, so that is what disappointed me. In reality, I get it. A cookbook is going to have a hefty price tag when color photos are involved and I think I paid $4 via kindle. As I looked through the recipes, and many of them are similar to ones I already made. Only for that reason, did I return the book for a refund. I think this is a great cookbook for a beginner!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle on this book aye it all: two cooking writers share their tried-and-true recipes that are family favorites. Along with various kitchen and recipe tips, the cookbook also includes some explanations of recipe origins and why certain recipes work. The organization is a little unusual—overall kitchen and shopping recommendations designed for ordinary people, plus two big recipe sections, mains and sides. The recipes themselves tended towards the simple with not-too-many ingredients or steps. The first part of the book wasn’t really for me, so I spent more time on the recipes, which looked tasty though maybe not unusual. I’m still looking forward to making several.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

AT FIRST I was very unimpressed with this cookbook - I reserved and borrowed it from the Library. Yet, I had a particularly busy work week and post Thanksgiving very committed to eating healthy/no take out (but not a lot of cooking) and I made two recipes back to back that were very simple and not the exact same thing I always make (new version of veggie enchiladas - very basic) and my significant other was impressed went nuts with how great the meals were. I went and bought the book. Seems good to have around for those nights when you just can't muster the energy to make something dramatic...but do have a stocked fridge. A surprise hit for me.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found a few recipes that I will use. The problem with this book is a lack of pictures. For me, that's what draws me back to a cookbook, and subsequently, what motivates me to make the recipes in the book. I will grab a cookbook to look through when I want light reading without much commitment, and I grab the ones with pictures. I also think this book is best for a beginner to early intermediate cook. It has a lot of basics. At this point, I have a lot of the basics down, so its value is diminished.

This one may get sold or donated from my collection in the not too distant future.

[Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made several recipes from this book that will go in my “Every Once in Awhile” rotation. My husband’s favorite was the Fish Fingers (upscale fish sticks) with Lime-Ginger Dipping Sauce. (Note: I used fresh halibut for that recipe.)

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a library read. Most cookbooks don't pass the weeknight smell test. This book was wonderful. I'll buy it for sure.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for our family. Lots of foods we don't or won't eat.

Maybe a better fit for other folks.

[Margaret Gerberding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when people write a cookbook with recipes they really use on a day-to-day basis! I want to try a few recipes in here.