I actually wanted to make more recipes from this but the library wants it back, so I guess I'll review it now. But I might check this out again, especially that Potato Ricotta Galette has my name written all over it, I just didn't get around to it yet!
So, yeah, great book. I was a bit worried that when centering your recipes around the cooking method (the one in the title), it would be limiting. But no, there's a beautiful range here. From breakfast to appetizers tons of main and side dishes and side dishes that could be main dishes if you add a little protein on the side and then of course desserts. Growing up in a family that cooked and boiled everything aside from the occasional roast, discovering that roasting veggies is a thing revolutionized my cooking game a few years ago. This was the logical next progression. There were a few recipes that could have used a bit more in spices (especially when they claim it was supposed to be hot and spicy it rarely ever was), so I trusted my instincts and added more in. A few things fell a bit flat but taken as an inspiration board this was a great cookbook.
But what did I cook?
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Whipped Ricotta: a simple thing, you're just roasting tomatoes. But sometimes you simply need someone else to think it up! This was part of my Oscar Night Smorgasbord, additionally I am currently knee deep into a Ricotta obsession and this was lovely. 4*
- Spiced Yogurt Chicken with Chickpeas and Eggplant: Listen, the chicken was a bit boring. Sorry. But that eggplant-chickpea blend? Get out. Never roasted an eggplant and it was amazing, and I've always loved chickpeas. Though I did add coriander, paprika and chili which leaves me unsure as to how to rate this. Like I said, this book was more an inspiration board at the end of the day... 4*
- Lamb-Stuffed Tomatoes with Fancy Hats: Okay, this was on me. I don't really care for stuffed veggies. I always feel like the meat in the stuffing gets a weird texture? But I had some lamb left which I baked in meatballs on the sheet and those were much better. 2*
- Roasted Peppers & Onions with Tuna and Feta: Served this with some nice bread and it was maybe my favorite recipe in here. Again, a simple concept, you roast a bit then add some things and you have a wonderful snacky dinner. 5*
- Cauliflower Steaks with Parsley Sauce: I am not sure about the steaks, they didn't really hold the shape and after I thought it would have been better to simply do florets... A fine side dish that can easily be expanded into a main by adding some protein. I need a better blender though, my sauce was not super smooth but that is not the book's fault. 3*
- Curry Gratin Dauphinois: Another highlight. Who knew that just adding curry powder could be such a game changer but it totally was. I had it with some white fish, very delish! 5*
- Brownies with Mint Cream: I love a brownie, it might be my favorite baked thing (maybe). These were good, with a nice crinkled top. It is claimed in the description though that these are not very sweet, I however reduced the amount of sugar which I often do with American recipes and still found them very much on the sweet side. The mint cream is a nice touch but not exactly life changing. 3.5*
- Lemon Bars for Winter Blues: I am for sure a connoisseur of Lemon Bars and while prepping these I was a bit underwhelmed with how flat they shaped up to be. But the taste and texture? They don't need to be larger at all, such a wonderful crust and very lovely taste. These I will make for sure again. 5*
- Granola Topped Apple and Pear Crisp: Personally, I believe Crisps are the superior pies! This is from the dessert section I did however prepare it for breakfast with some Skyr. I also used a different granola recipe, the ones in here didn't appeal to my taste buds. It was so good on a cold winter morning. 4*