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Sian's Kitchen: Caribbean Comfort Cooking
- GenresNonfictionCooking
208 pages, Hardcover
Published August 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 22, 2024
This is a fabulous book with some amazing recipes in it. I was looking forward to trying some of these dishes out when I ordered the book.
The book is a hardback, one of those without a dustcover to get ripped or damaged. There is an intro, index and also a playlist of songs that you can add to the cooking experience to help bring the sound of the Caribbean to your own home.
The chapters are as follows -
20 Minute comforts
From the Islands
Sunday service
Sweet treats
Seasonings, sauces and rubs
There is also an A-Z of seasonings.
The author lays out her recipes with some background of her life, tips, ideas, inspiration or family tales. I do like this as it adds a personal and tried-and-tested feel to the recipes.
As I grow my own veg and I had all the ingredients, I decided to try the Veg curry. One ingredient I did not have was the Betapac Curry Powder so I did buy some so I could make this dish properly. The curry has a slightly different taste due the ingredients used, but is it a nice powder and I will be using it again. The recipe was easy to follow and the resulting dish was delicious.
The recipes on the whole don't require a lot of additional ingredients, but there are some more specialised items such as the curry powder, or chickpea flour that you may need to hunt out. The main bulk of the ingredients are things that you tend to have at home or can buy pretty easily though.
The recipes are accompanied with some wonderful mouth-watering photos and these show a range of the foods, some more simple to prepare and cook, others require marinating over night or are what I would call meals for a special occasion.
I have enjoyed looking through this book and trying the recipe and I do have a shopping list ready so I can make some more of these dishes. There are a good range of vegetarian and chicken dishes with some beef, lamb and fish. A few desserts and drink ideas to finish off with.
A lovely book and one for those who are looking to try new dishes or styles of cooking. I would definitely recommend this book.
The book is a hardback, one of those without a dustcover to get ripped or damaged. There is an intro, index and also a playlist of songs that you can add to the cooking experience to help bring the sound of the Caribbean to your own home.
The chapters are as follows -
20 Minute comforts
From the Islands
Sunday service
Sweet treats
Seasonings, sauces and rubs
There is also an A-Z of seasonings.
The author lays out her recipes with some background of her life, tips, ideas, inspiration or family tales. I do like this as it adds a personal and tried-and-tested feel to the recipes.
As I grow my own veg and I had all the ingredients, I decided to try the Veg curry. One ingredient I did not have was the Betapac Curry Powder so I did buy some so I could make this dish properly. The curry has a slightly different taste due the ingredients used, but is it a nice powder and I will be using it again. The recipe was easy to follow and the resulting dish was delicious.
The recipes on the whole don't require a lot of additional ingredients, but there are some more specialised items such as the curry powder, or chickpea flour that you may need to hunt out. The main bulk of the ingredients are things that you tend to have at home or can buy pretty easily though.
The recipes are accompanied with some wonderful mouth-watering photos and these show a range of the foods, some more simple to prepare and cook, others require marinating over night or are what I would call meals for a special occasion.
I have enjoyed looking through this book and trying the recipe and I do have a shopping list ready so I can make some more of these dishes. There are a good range of vegetarian and chicken dishes with some beef, lamb and fish. A few desserts and drink ideas to finish off with.
A lovely book and one for those who are looking to try new dishes or styles of cooking. I would definitely recommend this book.
August 2, 2024
I love Caribbean food, so I was very excited to read through 'Sian's Kitchen: Caribbean Comfort Cooking' by Sian Anderson.
The cover is a bit underwhelming, and a bit of an interesting graphic choice.
The sections are broken down as follows:
- 20 Minutes (quick meals, though few would reasonably be finished in 20min)
- Comforts (a bit of a hodgepodge)
- From The Islands (curries, jerk, etc)
- Sunday Service (mains as well as sides, rice, etc)
- Sweet Treats (a very small collection of desserts)
- Seasonings, Sauces, and Rubs (self-explanatory)
Interestingly, there's also a Playlist section.
I don't know who the author is, but judging by the sections (which I skipped) where she name-drops celebrities/influencers, I presume she's involved in media or music. That's fine, but I'm honestly not super interested in who someone knows - it's fine if, say, you add a bit about how someone either shared, helped develop, or inspired a given recipe, etc, but otherwise it feels a bit self-indulgent. It certainly adds nothing to a cookbook.
In terms of the recipes, there's a good amount of vegan options, if that's your thing, and quite a lot of not-really-Caribbean-at-all recipes like Steak Salad, Creamy Prawn Linguine, Apple Crumble, or Jam Tarts. I'm sure they're something the author files under comfort food, but then why not just call the book 'Sian's Comfort Food' - honestly, some of the recipes felt wedged in just to pad the book out, like a recipe for jerk chicken (which sounds solid) followed by jerk chicken & noodles and jerk chicken salad... I mean, come on.
All the expected hits are in here - things like the aforementioned Jerk Chicken as well as Curried Goat, Ackee & Saltfish, Beef Patties, Jollof Rice, Callaloo, Fried Plantains. The recipes seem okay, but something about the layout and photography means nothing really inspires. There's also a lot of small font combined with tons of dead white space on the page - again, weird choice. Some of the recipes don't include pictures, and instead there are pictures of, say, a collection of spices, etc.
What there isn't is any sort of innovation - that is, none of these feel like recipes that you couldn't find online, or in a different book. Cookbooks tend to fall broadly into three categories: classic/utilitarian (to-the-point and/or cheffy), 'my family's cozy recipes' (homey anecdotes, an inevitable granny, etc), and innovative (for better or worse - ie, '60000 things you can do with a packet of ramen' or 'I threw cayenne in every cake and called it creative'). That might be a tounge-in-cheek take, but all of those have their place (some for better, some not so much). There's also the much rarer (and often so, so good) unicorn category, which tends to be 'I took a classic and added a spin that actually elevates/enhances/simplifies it' - books like 'Persiana' or the brilliant 'Parwana'.
This cookbook doesn't really feel like it knows what it wants to be, and so it almost falls into a slightly weirder category: cookbooks written by celebrities/public personalities as just another way to cash in.
All of this is coming across really harsh, and I guess it is - in many ways, it tries to be a few things, but doesn't manage to be any of them. Based on other reviews, the playlist is apparently great.
I suppose if you didn't already have a Caribbean cookbook to turn to, this duly trots out some of the classics, but unfortunately without being comprehensive enough to be Your One Caribbean Cookbook, or stripped-back enough to be Easy/Intro Caribbean Cooking, or (any) innovation to be more like You Like Caribbean Food But Want Something A Bit Fusion.
Thank you very much to NetGalley & the publisher for providing access to an e-ARC for my unbiased review.
The cover is a bit underwhelming, and a bit of an interesting graphic choice.
The sections are broken down as follows:
- 20 Minutes (quick meals, though few would reasonably be finished in 20min)
- Comforts (a bit of a hodgepodge)
- From The Islands (curries, jerk, etc)
- Sunday Service (mains as well as sides, rice, etc)
- Sweet Treats (a very small collection of desserts)
- Seasonings, Sauces, and Rubs (self-explanatory)
Interestingly, there's also a Playlist section.
I don't know who the author is, but judging by the sections (which I skipped) where she name-drops celebrities/influencers, I presume she's involved in media or music. That's fine, but I'm honestly not super interested in who someone knows - it's fine if, say, you add a bit about how someone either shared, helped develop, or inspired a given recipe, etc, but otherwise it feels a bit self-indulgent. It certainly adds nothing to a cookbook.
In terms of the recipes, there's a good amount of vegan options, if that's your thing, and quite a lot of not-really-Caribbean-at-all recipes like Steak Salad, Creamy Prawn Linguine, Apple Crumble, or Jam Tarts. I'm sure they're something the author files under comfort food, but then why not just call the book 'Sian's Comfort Food' - honestly, some of the recipes felt wedged in just to pad the book out, like a recipe for jerk chicken (which sounds solid) followed by jerk chicken & noodles and jerk chicken salad... I mean, come on.
All the expected hits are in here - things like the aforementioned Jerk Chicken as well as Curried Goat, Ackee & Saltfish, Beef Patties, Jollof Rice, Callaloo, Fried Plantains. The recipes seem okay, but something about the layout and photography means nothing really inspires. There's also a lot of small font combined with tons of dead white space on the page - again, weird choice. Some of the recipes don't include pictures, and instead there are pictures of, say, a collection of spices, etc.
What there isn't is any sort of innovation - that is, none of these feel like recipes that you couldn't find online, or in a different book. Cookbooks tend to fall broadly into three categories: classic/utilitarian (to-the-point and/or cheffy), 'my family's cozy recipes' (homey anecdotes, an inevitable granny, etc), and innovative (for better or worse - ie, '60000 things you can do with a packet of ramen' or 'I threw cayenne in every cake and called it creative'). That might be a tounge-in-cheek take, but all of those have their place (some for better, some not so much). There's also the much rarer (and often so, so good) unicorn category, which tends to be 'I took a classic and added a spin that actually elevates/enhances/simplifies it' - books like 'Persiana' or the brilliant 'Parwana'.
This cookbook doesn't really feel like it knows what it wants to be, and so it almost falls into a slightly weirder category: cookbooks written by celebrities/public personalities as just another way to cash in.
All of this is coming across really harsh, and I guess it is - in many ways, it tries to be a few things, but doesn't manage to be any of them. Based on other reviews, the playlist is apparently great.
I suppose if you didn't already have a Caribbean cookbook to turn to, this duly trots out some of the classics, but unfortunately without being comprehensive enough to be Your One Caribbean Cookbook, or stripped-back enough to be Easy/Intro Caribbean Cooking, or (any) innovation to be more like You Like Caribbean Food But Want Something A Bit Fusion.
Thank you very much to NetGalley & the publisher for providing access to an e-ARC for my unbiased review.
December 11, 2024
Overall a 2.5 to 3 stars
3 stars for the images
3 stars for not overwhelming the cookbook with unnecessary filler (stories/background that has nothing to do with the recipes) words.
2 stars for the inconsistency in the measurements and conversion between ounces and cups. Where was the editor??
This cookbook was a bit misleading. Some of these dishes are not traditional Caribbean comfort dishes that older folks would recognize. Perhaps for the younger/newer generation. Of the people interviewed or included in this book only one was of Caribbean descent. On a positive note there are a few new to me recipes that I may try.
The curry chicken was not currying at all. Looked more like brown stew.
3 stars for the images
3 stars for not overwhelming the cookbook with unnecessary filler (stories/background that has nothing to do with the recipes) words.
2 stars for the inconsistency in the measurements and conversion between ounces and cups. Where was the editor??
This cookbook was a bit misleading. Some of these dishes are not traditional Caribbean comfort dishes that older folks would recognize. Perhaps for the younger/newer generation. Of the people interviewed or included in this book only one was of Caribbean descent. On a positive note there are a few new to me recipes that I may try.
The curry chicken was not currying at all. Looked more like brown stew.
April 26, 2024
Sian’s Kitchen - by Sian Anderson
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a mixed race girl with a Jamaican heritage, this cookbook combines my two favourite things, good music and wholesome Caribbean food!
This was an easy 5 stars for me. I loved that 99% of the recipes had pictures and there’s some old and new recipes for me to try.
The playlists to accompany each chapter were *chefs kiss* (pun intended!) I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and have a mash up!
A big thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion and the fabulous author Sian Anderson for this ARC in return for an honest review.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a mixed race girl with a Jamaican heritage, this cookbook combines my two favourite things, good music and wholesome Caribbean food!
This was an easy 5 stars for me. I loved that 99% of the recipes had pictures and there’s some old and new recipes for me to try.
The playlists to accompany each chapter were *chefs kiss* (pun intended!) I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and have a mash up!
A big thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion and the fabulous author Sian Anderson for this ARC in return for an honest review.
August 27, 2024
I received a free ebook from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
Ooh there are lots of yummy, spicy recipes from all over the Caribbean, along with some personal stories to make each comforting recipe shine.
There are lots of dishes in here I’ve eaten but wouldn’t know the first thing about making, so it’s nice that the recipes are well plotted and easy to follow. Lots of colourful photographs make everything look so appealing! If I get my courage up to buy some scotch bonnets, I might try some out!
Ooh there are lots of yummy, spicy recipes from all over the Caribbean, along with some personal stories to make each comforting recipe shine.
There are lots of dishes in here I’ve eaten but wouldn’t know the first thing about making, so it’s nice that the recipes are well plotted and easy to follow. Lots of colourful photographs make everything look so appealing! If I get my courage up to buy some scotch bonnets, I might try some out!
April 29, 2024
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: August 20, 2024
Now this…is a cookbook! I love Caribbean food but have never really cooked it before and I can’t wait to try nearly all of these recipes. You can tell this is written with love—for the food and for those who cooked it before—and the playlists to go along with each chapter are a fun addition!
Now this…is a cookbook! I love Caribbean food but have never really cooked it before and I can’t wait to try nearly all of these recipes. You can tell this is written with love—for the food and for those who cooked it before—and the playlists to go along with each chapter are a fun addition!
July 13, 2024
Wonderful selection of Caribbean and Caribbean inspired food.
I loved the little snippets of where they first had the food etc.
The ending of the book has a few playlists of music from Caribbean artistes and that makes my heart happy.
All in all a great cookbook.
Thank you NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Carnival and Sian Anderson for giving me an ARC copy of this wonderful cookbook 💖
I loved the little snippets of where they first had the food etc.
The ending of the book has a few playlists of music from Caribbean artistes and that makes my heart happy.
All in all a great cookbook.
Thank you NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Carnival and Sian Anderson for giving me an ARC copy of this wonderful cookbook 💖
June 20, 2024
This is a lovely amalgamation of Caribbean cooking in London. With staples from the islands, it demonstrates the power of comfort food everywhere in the world. I especially enjoyed the playlists to cook to.
July 10, 2024
I had the pumpkin soup 2 meals in a row it's so comforting
We're making the apple crumble next - totally agree with Sian Anderson's apple to crumble ratio LOL
We're making the apple crumble next - totally agree with Sian Anderson's apple to crumble ratio LOL
August 27, 2024
This was a colorful and fun cookbook. The author provides recipes for many Caribbean foods and adds in many stories about her experiences with them. There were many I'd like to try, and many I'd like to attempt to cook.
I rate this 3.5 stars and would like to thank Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for giving me a copy to read. I have given my feedback under no obligation.
I rate this 3.5 stars and would like to thank Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for giving me a copy to read. I have given my feedback under no obligation.
April 30, 2024
Sian’s Kitchen Caribbean Comfort Cooking focuses on Caribbean Cuisine in England. Some of the ingredients were not always readily available in the U.K. so the dishes found new ways to substitute and bring the flavors of the Caribbean. Sian brings up the history of some of the dishes in the little blurbs.
The Sections are
01: 20 minutes
02: comforts
03: From the island
04: Sunday service
05: Sweet treats
06: Seasoning, sauces, and rubs
Each recipe has a little blurb about the dish, servings, ingredients, and directions. There were beautiful photos of most of the dishes. The directions were straightforward. Some of the ingredients were slightly confusing as Macaroni Salad said 1/2 x 198g (7 oz).
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Sections are
01: 20 minutes
02: comforts
03: From the island
04: Sunday service
05: Sweet treats
06: Seasoning, sauces, and rubs
Each recipe has a little blurb about the dish, servings, ingredients, and directions. There were beautiful photos of most of the dishes. The directions were straightforward. Some of the ingredients were slightly confusing as Macaroni Salad said 1/2 x 198g (7 oz).
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews