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The Tried & True Cookbook
The quick-and-easy cookbook for busy families, featuring over 150 simple, everyday recipes
Life is busy, right? And the last thing you need when life gets in the way is complicated, time-consuming recipes that make it impossible to get dinner on the table. What you need is a cookbook that makes it easy to create simple, comforting meals, using everyday ingredients you already have in your kitchen. In The Tried & True Cookbook, Alyssa Rivers—also known as "The Recipe Critic" to her over 12 million loyal Facebook followers—gives you comforting recipes that are practical, family friendly, and easy to make, often using appliances like the air fryer, slow cooker, and Instant Pot to help busy people make delicious meals. From weekday dinners that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, to amazing appetizers, sides, salads, and desserts, there’s something for everyone. Many of the meals can be made in 30 minutes or less, and Alyssa adds her simple, practical touch to every recipe she makes. Most importantly, every recipe has been tested by the toughest critics she her friends and family, so you know they must be delicious!
Life is busy, right? And the last thing you need when life gets in the way is complicated, time-consuming recipes that make it impossible to get dinner on the table. What you need is a cookbook that makes it easy to create simple, comforting meals, using everyday ingredients you already have in your kitchen. In The Tried & True Cookbook, Alyssa Rivers—also known as "The Recipe Critic" to her over 12 million loyal Facebook followers—gives you comforting recipes that are practical, family friendly, and easy to make, often using appliances like the air fryer, slow cooker, and Instant Pot to help busy people make delicious meals. From weekday dinners that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, to amazing appetizers, sides, salads, and desserts, there’s something for everyone. Many of the meals can be made in 30 minutes or less, and Alyssa adds her simple, practical touch to every recipe she makes. Most importantly, every recipe has been tested by the toughest critics she her friends and family, so you know they must be delicious!
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 26, 2024
183 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 28, 2024
"The Tried & True Cookbook" by Alyssa Rivers has some interesting recipes, but I didn’t like the way it was set up. The recipes didn’t have any nutritional info which is rather important to me. And I thought the recipe ingredients were hard to read. It’s a companion to the author’s "Recipe Critic" website, so, on some recipes, you can click the “Tap to view on device” and be taken to her website. Still no nutritionals, but you get ads. Yes, ads. No bueno! My favorite part of the book was the introductory chapter, Getting Started. The Essential Kitchen Tools, Pantry Staples, Cooking Substitutions, and Helpful Tips were informative and definitely helpful. It was nice to see those subjects all in one place and easy to read. It’s an okay cookbook as far as recipes go, and I truly appreciated the “Amazing Migas with Chorizo” recipe; the photo had me salivating immediately. I found recipe ingredients difficult to read because they were small type and crammed together with very little leading [space] between lines. The instructions, on the other hand, had space between lines and individual line items.
March 16, 2024
This cookbook has a wide range of recipes in it and sometimes maybe almost too wide of a range? I loved that each recipe had a photo (except for a few where it's zoomed out on the food and centers the family cooking together). Some of the recipes were things I hadn't considered before and am excited to try, including some new recipes for chicken and salmon and pumpkin cake. I liked that it had some basics like mashed potatoes, turkey, and pumpkin pie, but I felt like a decent number of recipes were for basic things you might just search online, or some things that didn't seem super appetizing in this generation (like some of the fruity salads for example).
Note that some of the recipes can be found online and the NetGalley formatting of the book can make it harder to read.
Note that some of the recipes can be found online and the NetGalley formatting of the book can make it harder to read.
March 28, 2024
This is a cookbook by a mom who has a successful cooking blog, though I have never heard of it (she has a staff of 8 women who develop recipes, photograph the food, handle social media and so on, so it is apparently popular). I can see why people like her blog and the recipes as they are similar to Pioneer Woman and Paula Dean recipes— tons of meat, wheat, oil, butter, heavy cream and so on. She actually thanks her workout buddies in her credits and I can see why, as there were so many times I found myself wondering how she and her family could eat this way and not have diabetes (not shaming diabetics— both my paternal grandparents died of diabetes complications and I am acutely aware of the risks).
Some recipes are homemade but many involve processed ingredients like crescent roll dough, jello, canned soup and canned cherry pie filling. One soup recipe is literally 8 cans of things you put in a pot and heat. There are two ˋsalad´ recipes that use ingredients like instant pudding, jello, whipped topping and marshmallows. No nutritional information is provided.
The majority of the recipes are available on the author’s website, though there are 15 or 20 new for this cookbook. Some recipes struck me as rather expensive for a family cookbook, calling for main ingredients like lobster tail, prime rib, jumbo shrimp and steak. There are also a number of charcuterie boards and other recipes more designed for entertaining. Others are standard recipes like mashed potatoes, sandwich bread and pancakes. Quite a few recipes involve covering things with cream sauce made with heavy cream.
I do think many people will love this cookbook and the recipes are likely to taste good. This is stuff you can find online but if you’re looking for a compilation of mostly decadent Standard American Diet recipes, this will be a great fit.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
Some recipes are homemade but many involve processed ingredients like crescent roll dough, jello, canned soup and canned cherry pie filling. One soup recipe is literally 8 cans of things you put in a pot and heat. There are two ˋsalad´ recipes that use ingredients like instant pudding, jello, whipped topping and marshmallows. No nutritional information is provided.
The majority of the recipes are available on the author’s website, though there are 15 or 20 new for this cookbook. Some recipes struck me as rather expensive for a family cookbook, calling for main ingredients like lobster tail, prime rib, jumbo shrimp and steak. There are also a number of charcuterie boards and other recipes more designed for entertaining. Others are standard recipes like mashed potatoes, sandwich bread and pancakes. Quite a few recipes involve covering things with cream sauce made with heavy cream.
I do think many people will love this cookbook and the recipes are likely to taste good. This is stuff you can find online but if you’re looking for a compilation of mostly decadent Standard American Diet recipes, this will be a great fit.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
March 30, 2024
The Tried & True Cookbook by Alyssa Rivers is exactly as the title implies, full of simple and flavorful recipes. These recipes are reliably good, with no complicated cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The author mostly uses "real" ingredients that aren't overly-processed, and every recipe has a photo, which I love.
Recipes that I've tried and enjoyed include: The Best Breakfast Casserole, One-Pot Paprika Orzo Shrimp, Ooey Gooey Sticky Buns, Creamy Zuppa Toscana, Cheeseburger Soup, Grilled Mexican Street Corn, and several others.
I have a list of more recipes that I'm looking forward to trying, such as: Amazing Migas, Breakfast Enchiladas with Creamy Cheese Sauce, Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps, Easy Fried Rice, Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls, Grilled Hawaii Pineapple Glazed Shrimp, Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon, No-Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie, Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting, and Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
As a note, the following appliances/tools are used: Slow Cooker, Air-Fryer, Stand Mixer (with dough hook), Instant Pot (alternative methods available), and a grill.
My only complaint is that this book contains a lot of the basics. I already have a ton of recipes for things like french toast, pancakes, tuna melts, chicken noodle soup, mashed potatoes, etc. While these would be an excellent resource for a beginner cook, they're just filler material for anyone who's been cooking for a few years already.
I rated The Tried & True Cookbook 4/5 stars. Every recipe I tried had great flavor, but I subtracted one star for the "filler" recipes. at this point, I have very limited space on my cookbook bookshelf, but this one has earned a place in my collection for when I want recipes that are quick and delicious, but not fussy.
Thank you to Netgalley, Alyssa Rivers, and DK for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Recipes that I've tried and enjoyed include: The Best Breakfast Casserole, One-Pot Paprika Orzo Shrimp, Ooey Gooey Sticky Buns, Creamy Zuppa Toscana, Cheeseburger Soup, Grilled Mexican Street Corn, and several others.
I have a list of more recipes that I'm looking forward to trying, such as: Amazing Migas, Breakfast Enchiladas with Creamy Cheese Sauce, Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps, Easy Fried Rice, Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls, Grilled Hawaii Pineapple Glazed Shrimp, Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon, No-Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie, Zucchini Bars with Brown Butter Frosting, and Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.
As a note, the following appliances/tools are used: Slow Cooker, Air-Fryer, Stand Mixer (with dough hook), Instant Pot (alternative methods available), and a grill.
My only complaint is that this book contains a lot of the basics. I already have a ton of recipes for things like french toast, pancakes, tuna melts, chicken noodle soup, mashed potatoes, etc. While these would be an excellent resource for a beginner cook, they're just filler material for anyone who's been cooking for a few years already.
I rated The Tried & True Cookbook 4/5 stars. Every recipe I tried had great flavor, but I subtracted one star for the "filler" recipes. at this point, I have very limited space on my cookbook bookshelf, but this one has earned a place in my collection for when I want recipes that are quick and delicious, but not fussy.
Thank you to Netgalley, Alyssa Rivers, and DK for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 28, 2024
Anyone who likes recipes that are doable and reminiscent of a lifetime of food, will want to immediately pick up The Tried & True Cookbook , by popular blogger, Alyssa Rivers.
The recipes in the book are not particularly innovative or unusual, which can be intimidating to beginning cooks; rather they are down-to-earth good recipes that are very appealing and are fairly easy to prepare. The recipes included are presented in the traditional manner with a list of ingredients first, followed by step-by-step instructions. The author has also included notes at the beginning of the recipes that include tips and helps in creating mouthwatering dishes.
One of the best things about this excellent cookbook is that there are beautiful, professional photographs of every recipe, which will make readers “must make soon” queue longer every time the cookbook is perused. The recipes are suitable for families – kids and adults will like the dishes.
The recipes call for common ingredients – no need to go to specialty stores – and there are recipes for all seasons and celebrations. Rivers includes over 150 recipes for everything from appetizers to breads and soups and salads, as well as plenty of main dishes and desserts. These are recipes that appeal to regular people, and there is something for everyone, even picky eaters.
All told, this is an excellent cookbook to keep on the kitchen shelf. It is also nice enough to make a good gift for anyone who wants to prepare good, easy dishes.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
The recipes in the book are not particularly innovative or unusual, which can be intimidating to beginning cooks; rather they are down-to-earth good recipes that are very appealing and are fairly easy to prepare. The recipes included are presented in the traditional manner with a list of ingredients first, followed by step-by-step instructions. The author has also included notes at the beginning of the recipes that include tips and helps in creating mouthwatering dishes.
One of the best things about this excellent cookbook is that there are beautiful, professional photographs of every recipe, which will make readers “must make soon” queue longer every time the cookbook is perused. The recipes are suitable for families – kids and adults will like the dishes.
The recipes call for common ingredients – no need to go to specialty stores – and there are recipes for all seasons and celebrations. Rivers includes over 150 recipes for everything from appetizers to breads and soups and salads, as well as plenty of main dishes and desserts. These are recipes that appeal to regular people, and there is something for everyone, even picky eaters.
All told, this is an excellent cookbook to keep on the kitchen shelf. It is also nice enough to make a good gift for anyone who wants to prepare good, easy dishes.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
March 28, 2024
A beautiful cookbook by Alyssa Rivers, creator of The Recipe Critic, a food blog (https://therecipecritic.com/). I am excited to have her blog as a new go-to resource for recipes in addition to this book. I absolutey LOVED that each recipe had beautiful pictures to accompany it.
I loved the concept of this cookbook which the subtitle states as "150 Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Families." This is what drew me to this book! Rivers shares in the introduction, "who has time to cook complicated meals with long lists of complicated ingredietns when there's dance practice at 6pm or soccer until 7:30pm?" I really resonated with this, as this is the busy family life I am currently living and cooking for! While I think this cookbook does a decent job overall with sticking to this theme, I think some recipes missed the mark. I will not be whipping up homemade pieorgies coming home at 7pm after soccer practice! Still, I think this is a great collection of recipes for the average family.
I loved that the majority of recipes had a link to the recipe on her blog, where I saved several recipes to my pinterest boards (my primary recipe tool). Several recipes were exclusive to this cookbook, and while that is exciting, I was actually bummed that I couldn't save those ones to my pinterest!
Overall, a great cookbook and I am excited to try several of her recipes for my family!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an eARC!
I loved the concept of this cookbook which the subtitle states as "150 Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Families." This is what drew me to this book! Rivers shares in the introduction, "who has time to cook complicated meals with long lists of complicated ingredietns when there's dance practice at 6pm or soccer until 7:30pm?" I really resonated with this, as this is the busy family life I am currently living and cooking for! While I think this cookbook does a decent job overall with sticking to this theme, I think some recipes missed the mark. I will not be whipping up homemade pieorgies coming home at 7pm after soccer practice! Still, I think this is a great collection of recipes for the average family.
I loved that the majority of recipes had a link to the recipe on her blog, where I saved several recipes to my pinterest boards (my primary recipe tool). Several recipes were exclusive to this cookbook, and while that is exciting, I was actually bummed that I couldn't save those ones to my pinterest!
Overall, a great cookbook and I am excited to try several of her recipes for my family!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an eARC!
March 29, 2024
I have followed Alyssa's blog, The Recipe Critic for years and was super excited to hear that a cookbook was coming out and even more excited to read and review it. Well, the book is just as great as the blog! Granted a lot of the recipes can already be found there, but there's just something special about an actual cookbook, in my opinion. I especially love the Pasta Fagioli, Garlic and Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin and for some reason, the 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup is a favorite! I look forward to trying the Jalapeno Bacon Cheeseball and many others. The pictures are gorgeous, and I have already ordered and received my hard copy to keep! If you want fairly easy recipes that are also delicious and feature easy to find ingredients, look no further than this book! Oh, and follow the blog too! You're welcome!
Thank you to #NetGalley, Alyssa Rivers and DK for this much appreciated ARC! All opinions are my own.
I will post my review to Amazon, Instagram and other retail and social media sites upon publication.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Alyssa Rivers and DK for this much appreciated ARC! All opinions are my own.
I will post my review to Amazon, Instagram and other retail and social media sites upon publication.
May 24, 2024
IF you're looking for the perfect cookbook with simple dir3ections and everyday ingredients this is it. We are in love with this book! We received this as an ebook ARC and were so impressed. My mom and I couldn’t wait to rush out and buy a copy for ourselves. You are going to love this book. This book has over 150 recipes that are perfect to help you create great meals for your family. The author gives a variety of recipes from appetizer to dessert and everything in between, and most of them ready in 30 minutes. It is perfect for our busy families and lives. I love that the author also includes budget-friendly ideas for those of us on tight budgets as well as using everyday appliances, like my slow cooker, to make life easier. It is packed with helpful tips and ideas for substitutions when needed. We found our favorites like Taco Stuffed Avocados, Chicken Alfredo Roll-ups and The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. We know you will love this and it will soon become a household treasure. Enjoy. We give a 1000 Stars.
June 3, 2024
If Pioneer Woman and Sandra Lee's semi home made made a blog baby this would be it. For me it was not a great success in terms of cookbooks. There were no themes to the food, nutritional guides, substitutes listed which in the modern cookbooks should be fairly normal. I could understand if there was a website link to gather those but alas, no. There was a common usage of prepackage/processed foods, heavy on the meat, wheat, oil, butter and cream recipes. What I did like is each recipe has a photo and its very professional. It would be a fun cookbook to have around to just pick a random page and make it because it has such an array of food.
I will be doing her spatchcock turkey and most of her recipes you can get your kids/new chefs inolved to make things ike g tair fryer turkey burgers and fries or making a steak marinade(which is delicious) and a veggie charcuterie.
I will be doing her spatchcock turkey and most of her recipes you can get your kids/new chefs inolved to make things ike g tair fryer turkey burgers and fries or making a steak marinade(which is delicious) and a veggie charcuterie.
March 26, 2024
The Tried & True Cookbook is an absolutely delightful cookbook as the recipes and writing are approachable by almost any cook. The author, Alyssa Rivers, included 25 new recipes only found in her cookbook while the remaining recipes can be found on her Recipe Critic website.
Some of the recipes you'll find in her cookbook include:
45-Minute Cinnamon Rolls
Breakfast Enchiladas with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Taco-Stuffed Avocados
Air-Fryer Turkey Burgers
Hot Ham and Swiss Pinwheels
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon
Air-Fryer French Fries
One-Pot Paprika Orzo Shrimp
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pot Roast
Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
Spatchcock Turkey
Veggie Charcuterie Board
World's Best Steak Marinade
Some of the recipes you'll find in her cookbook include:
45-Minute Cinnamon Rolls
Breakfast Enchiladas with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Taco-Stuffed Avocados
Air-Fryer Turkey Burgers
Hot Ham and Swiss Pinwheels
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon
Air-Fryer French Fries
One-Pot Paprika Orzo Shrimp
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pot Roast
Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
Spatchcock Turkey
Veggie Charcuterie Board
World's Best Steak Marinade
March 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The The Tried & True Cookbook is all about simple and comforting meals. The recipes were very easy to follow and included pictures of all the meals. Rivers added touches of family memories into the cookbook which is very nice to see.
The sections are breakfast, breads, lunch, soups and salads, starters and appetizers, side dishes, dinner, desserts, celebration, & seasonings and sauces. I enjoyed the range in recipes. As the breakfast enchiladas sounded really delicious.
I will say the formatting was a little confusing but that could have been the copy I received from NetGalley as it was online.
The The Tried & True Cookbook is all about simple and comforting meals. The recipes were very easy to follow and included pictures of all the meals. Rivers added touches of family memories into the cookbook which is very nice to see.
The sections are breakfast, breads, lunch, soups and salads, starters and appetizers, side dishes, dinner, desserts, celebration, & seasonings and sauces. I enjoyed the range in recipes. As the breakfast enchiladas sounded really delicious.
I will say the formatting was a little confusing but that could have been the copy I received from NetGalley as it was online.
April 2, 2024
Thank you DK and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a nice collection of everyday, family-friendly recipes that are easy for any cook to make. The author has a cooking blog (which I knew nothing about prior to reading this book) and the majority of the recipes appear there as well. Even though the recipes in this book are not what my family would eat, I’m glad to have had an opportunity to read and review this book.
March 27, 2024
This cookbook is absolutely packed with variety. From Creamy Bacon Carbonara to Amazing Street Tacos and Homemade Pierogi, the book includes a cultural cornucopia of culinary options. I like that sheet pan, air fryer and slow cooker recipes were included since convenience is key for me as a busy cook with kids and a job.
April 14, 2024
Wow! What a fantastic cookbook! This book is filled with delicious recipes! They seem easy to make with step by step instructions! I love that there's pictures of the recipes! I'll definitely be trying most of the recipes in this book!!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from DK Penguin Random House via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from DK Penguin Random House via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2024
I took tons of pictures of recipes from this cookbook. And for the first time in a while I feel inspired to try a new recipe. 45 minute cinnamon rolls, Swedish meatballs, fruit salad. Lots of different types of foods I’m excited to make.
Hoping they are delicious! The book is full of excellent pictures of the finished dishes.
Hoping they are delicious! The book is full of excellent pictures of the finished dishes.
November 10, 2024
This is a fantastic cookbook! The recipes are easy to follow and the photos are wonderful! There are recipes for every occasion and I think there is something for everyone in this. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Alyssa Rivers, DK and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2024
Great book to have on hand.
We all live very busy lives and this cookbook really takes that into consideration.
Easy, do-able recipes, budget friendly, too.
A easy to read and use layout (important for cookbooks) with great color photos and QR codes.
Recommend.
We all live very busy lives and this cookbook really takes that into consideration.
Easy, do-able recipes, budget friendly, too.
A easy to read and use layout (important for cookbooks) with great color photos and QR codes.
Recommend.
April 5, 2024
I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for a honest review from netgalley.
The pictures in this cookbook were mouthwatering! There are so many recipes I want to try, basics but with some twist thrown in. Mostly from scratch but easy to follow recipes that seem so simple but delicious.
The pictures in this cookbook were mouthwatering! There are so many recipes I want to try, basics but with some twist thrown in. Mostly from scratch but easy to follow recipes that seem so simple but delicious.
May 4, 2024
This cookbook has quick and easy recipes for busy families. From classics such as French Toast to more creative recipes such as Sushi Nachos, this has you covered for all meals and holidays. It's creative and useful.
June 24, 2024
Wonderful cookbook especially for the beginning cook or for those who don't have as much confidence as they would like in the kitchen. I especially appreciated the QR codes that sent you to the blog for the recipe. What a clever and useful tool! Tried and true is aptly named!
March 26, 2024
Wow, one of the best cookbooks I’ve seen in a long time. I’ll be making several of these dishes. The recipes are easy to follow and there is a stunning photo of each recipe!
March 27, 2024
A great cookbook to help you plan easy to make dinners with easy-to-follow recipes and pictures that will entice you. Comfort food for busy homes!
May 10, 2024
This is the second time, since I’ve started reviewing cookbooks, that I didn’t even finish before I was ordering a physical copy! The recipes are easy and delicious! Highly recommend!!!
June 24, 2024
Beautiful images and so many recipes. I am always looking for quick and easy recipes and through this cookbook I found so many! I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2024
Super practical and appetizing recipes—things I typically have on hand. Love this one. A new fave.
February 2, 2025
Recipes are approachable and several have been big hits with our family! Love the pictures as well.
March 11, 2025
I can't wait to grocery shop for the recipes in this book. Yum!
June 26, 2024
I absolutely enjoyed this cookbook. When you want to test and try a bit of here and there, this was great to get into. The recipes were enjoyable and not complicated, which is fun to get to when you just want to check out a good cookbook. I loved the writing, the comments throughout, and the simplicity of most of the recipes listed.
I'm glad I can finally get to the recipes, because the blog site of her recipes is littered with ads that it can get really annoying. So to get to her recipes easily with this, it made me wanting to test out her recipes more and more. I like that I wasn't confused with all the ingredients (looking at you, Nourish Bowl) and wasn't weary if I had that kitchen tool or not. This was like a basic food elevated cookbook with yummy yummy dishes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this cookbook! All opinions are my own.
I'm glad I can finally get to the recipes, because the blog site of her recipes is littered with ads that it can get really annoying. So to get to her recipes easily with this, it made me wanting to test out her recipes more and more. I like that I wasn't confused with all the ingredients (looking at you, Nourish Bowl) and wasn't weary if I had that kitchen tool or not. This was like a basic food elevated cookbook with yummy yummy dishes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this cookbook! All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews