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Eat & Make: Charming Recipes and Kitchen Crafts You Will Love
“[A] unique combination of recipes, simple home projects, and entertaining ideas . . . Eat & Make is [Paul’s] first full cookbook, and it is a keeper.” —KitchnIt began as a little blog highlighting the recipes and crafts of the Norwegian-born food and prop stylist Paul Lowe. Six years later, Sweet Paul is an online magazine followed by millions and a print quarterly sold nationwide in specialty stores. Praised by the New York Times as “a trove of seasonal delights,” it is turning heads with its easy, elegant food and style-setting aesthetic.Divided into Morning, Brunch, Noon, and Night, with color palettes to match, Sweet Paul Eat & Make includes breakfast dishes like Morning Biscuits with Cheddar, Dill, and Pumpkin Seeds and brunches like Smoked Salmon Hash with Scallions, Dill, and Eggs. For lunch, there’s a super-quick Risotto with Asparagus, and for dinner, Maple-Roasted Chicken and a stunning Norwegian specialty, World’s Best Cake. Rustically chic craft projects—paper flowers made out of coffee filters, a vegetable-dyed tablecloth, and a trivet from wooden clothespins—will captivate even those who are all thumbs.“His Nordic roots and New York tastes shine in the delicious and distinctive dishes he has created in Sweet Paul Eat & Make.” —Tyler Florence, chef and television host“[Lowe] presents in stunning images both a collection of easy projects . . . side-by-side with delicious recipes. When it comes to creating a homey and fashionable kitchen table, Lowe proves that the combination of whisk and glue gun adds a touch of charm to everyone’s kitchen.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
23 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Paul Lowe
129 books5 followersPaul Lowe was a British photographer, educator, writer and critic. He was awarded the Royal Photographic Society's Vic Odden Award in 1999.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 8, 2020
June 21, 2020
For Sunday dinner we broke our fast with two recipes from Paul Lowe’s Eat and Make. Baked Snug Eggs (page 25) and Roasted Asparagus & Tomato Salad with White Beans (page 126). One was a winner (and I mean pink book worthy for those in the know) and one was a dud. The Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Salad was absolutely beautiful and I mean really photo worthy, but it was very bland. My husband very eloquently put it “Interesting, didn’t like the beans”. I noted that the bottom more saturated greens tasted better and on subsequent servings tossed the salad to coat everything with more of the balsamic vinaigrette. Also, I feel that as much as I like a crunchier asparagus, the salad could additionally be improved with a longer roast. The tomatoes were just right with the short roasting however.
Now on to the hit, the Baked Snug Eggs were amazing, so rich and creamy. We have since made this dish at least four more times. Initially, I made the mistake of using sea salt, which was overly salty for this dish as the smoked ham actually adds a lot of salt. Second time I used table salt (and less) which was better, but the third time I didn’t use any salt and it was perfect. We did not miss the salt at all because the ham really adds a nice salty smoky flavor. I do not own “small gratin dishes” and I am somewhat resistant to extra dishes that will get scant use in our house, but this recipe was easy to adapt to dishes I have and the number of people I wanted to serve. I used a standard 8x8 Pyrex glass square and doubled up from the single portions in the gratin dishes...and since there were just the two of us instead of four did 1/2 of the total recipe. It was just right and required no adjustment of baking time as my eggs set right at the recipe’s 15 minutes. The heavy cream which I would have never thought to add to this baked egg dish really added a richness to this other wise simple dish. The small amount of green onion was the perfect garnish. But the real surprise for me was how much I liked the roasted potatoes and this was just the right portion size to indulge without over-indulging. You give your beautifully cubed Yukon gold potatoes a nice golden brown by initially sautéing them in butter...see what is not to love about this dish?
I don’t know if I will ever get around to making any of the crafts, not out of dislike, some of them are wonderfully charming...just out of priorities and lack of both time and supplies, but I already have several recipes earmarked to try...Auntie Gunnvor’s Skilingsboller (Almond Buns) (page 69)-I can’t think of anything else I would like to try while I am reading the mid-evil Norwegian tale Kristin Lavransdottir, and Paul’s Ragu Lasagna (Chris is a huge lasagna fan and no pressure, but this has to compete with Gabriel Corcos’ Tuscan Grandmother’s recipe which I make regularly)(page 206).
After reading other readers reviews I am adding another of this book’s recipes to my queue...Paul’s World’s Best Cake (page 243)...stay tuned for follow up reviews!
Afıyet Olsun! Smakelijk!
For Sunday dinner we broke our fast with two recipes from Paul Lowe’s Eat and Make. Baked Snug Eggs (page 25) and Roasted Asparagus & Tomato Salad with White Beans (page 126). One was a winner (and I mean pink book worthy for those in the know) and one was a dud. The Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Salad was absolutely beautiful and I mean really photo worthy, but it was very bland. My husband very eloquently put it “Interesting, didn’t like the beans”. I noted that the bottom more saturated greens tasted better and on subsequent servings tossed the salad to coat everything with more of the balsamic vinaigrette. Also, I feel that as much as I like a crunchier asparagus, the salad could additionally be improved with a longer roast. The tomatoes were just right with the short roasting however.
Now on to the hit, the Baked Snug Eggs were amazing, so rich and creamy. We have since made this dish at least four more times. Initially, I made the mistake of using sea salt, which was overly salty for this dish as the smoked ham actually adds a lot of salt. Second time I used table salt (and less) which was better, but the third time I didn’t use any salt and it was perfect. We did not miss the salt at all because the ham really adds a nice salty smoky flavor. I do not own “small gratin dishes” and I am somewhat resistant to extra dishes that will get scant use in our house, but this recipe was easy to adapt to dishes I have and the number of people I wanted to serve. I used a standard 8x8 Pyrex glass square and doubled up from the single portions in the gratin dishes...and since there were just the two of us instead of four did 1/2 of the total recipe. It was just right and required no adjustment of baking time as my eggs set right at the recipe’s 15 minutes. The heavy cream which I would have never thought to add to this baked egg dish really added a richness to this other wise simple dish. The small amount of green onion was the perfect garnish. But the real surprise for me was how much I liked the roasted potatoes and this was just the right portion size to indulge without over-indulging. You give your beautifully cubed Yukon gold potatoes a nice golden brown by initially sautéing them in butter...see what is not to love about this dish?
I don’t know if I will ever get around to making any of the crafts, not out of dislike, some of them are wonderfully charming...just out of priorities and lack of both time and supplies, but I already have several recipes earmarked to try...Auntie Gunnvor’s Skilingsboller (Almond Buns) (page 69)-I can’t think of anything else I would like to try while I am reading the mid-evil Norwegian tale Kristin Lavransdottir, and Paul’s Ragu Lasagna (Chris is a huge lasagna fan and no pressure, but this has to compete with Gabriel Corcos’ Tuscan Grandmother’s recipe which I make regularly)(page 206).
After reading other readers reviews I am adding another of this book’s recipes to my queue...Paul’s World’s Best Cake (page 243)...stay tuned for follow up reviews!
Afıyet Olsun! Smakelijk!
February 19, 2021
Adding this to my "read" shelf because I truly did read it, cover to cover. As a huge fan of the Sweet Paul magazine, I was delighted to receive this book as a birthday gift. The book is beautifully laid out and photographed, filled with delightful stories from Paul, recipes that look easily accomplished but impressive, and crafts that are simple, but unique. I've ordered hazelnut flour, can't wait to make the beef bourguignon recipe tonight, and have lined up my supply of clean jelly jars for a number of projects.
As I said, I read it like a novel, cover to cover, even the acknowledgements and sources. Not often I would give five stars to a cooking/make-it book.
As I said, I read it like a novel, cover to cover, even the acknowledgements and sources. Not often I would give five stars to a cooking/make-it book.
November 10, 2018
The book has many great yet simple recipes that promise to taste good. Nothing too fancy or difficult to make.
Some cute crafts are also available for those who like to make things.
Far too many eggs feature in the dishes for my taste
Some cute crafts are also available for those who like to make things.
Far too many eggs feature in the dishes for my taste
August 18, 2017
One of a very few cooking books where I think I would like every single recipe. Yum! Can't wait to get cooking & baking. The crafts look fun as well, simple and also eye catching. Lovely book.
March 20, 2018
Je n'aime pas 😒
February 16, 2019
The photography is beautiful, but the few of the recipes and none of the crafts are to my taste.
June 12, 2021
High praise for this unusual cookbook, which is also a food oriented craft project filled boo. I've never seen this approach before, great creativity. And the crafts are all very doable.
April 1, 2024
Some cute crafts break up the recipes in this cookbook. I'm rather excited to make the baked doughnut recipe.
April 25, 2025
Good ideas
I think this book could inspire some great cooking and crafts even if you don’t want to do exactly what he did.
I think this book could inspire some great cooking and crafts even if you don’t want to do exactly what he did.
March 23, 2017
simple recipies and crafts
beautiful pictures - but of course when the author is a food stylist what else can you expect
beautiful pictures - but of course when the author is a food stylist what else can you expect
June 12, 2014
This is a fun, whimsical book that's definitely worth picking up for the inspiration alone. His style is incredible, and this book offers a glimpse into his world that's like a mini-vacation.
Recipe-wise, these are pretty straightforward and nothing that will blow your socks off (except for the chocolate raspberry cake, which is insane). He's very straightforward; the instructions are simple and most of the ingredients are easy to find.
Craft-wise, I was a little disappointed. While a lot of the crafts were cute, they weren't items that I could really see fitting into my home. He did turn me on to the Dremel though, which I may have to run out and buy.
I didn't hold this to the same standards nutritionally as I usually do cookbooks because I view this more as a lifestyle guide - it's not something I'm going to use on a regular basis. He's got a unique perspective on life that's refreshing, and this is a nice palate-cleanser of a book.
Recipe-wise, these are pretty straightforward and nothing that will blow your socks off (except for the chocolate raspberry cake, which is insane). He's very straightforward; the instructions are simple and most of the ingredients are easy to find.
Craft-wise, I was a little disappointed. While a lot of the crafts were cute, they weren't items that I could really see fitting into my home. He did turn me on to the Dremel though, which I may have to run out and buy.
I didn't hold this to the same standards nutritionally as I usually do cookbooks because I view this more as a lifestyle guide - it's not something I'm going to use on a regular basis. He's got a unique perspective on life that's refreshing, and this is a nice palate-cleanser of a book.
February 3, 2014
Maybe I should give this more stars just because Sweet Paul is so much more likable than Martha Stewart. But the truth is that even though there are a lot of really interesting recipes, I found the "make" part of the book pretty meh.
Many wonderful-sounding brunch recipes including Mormor's pancakes and baked snug eggs. Some really yummy pasta dishes. Curried potatoes. And more. Paul himself was raised in Norway, but his recipes reflect his travels to other parts of Europe as well as the US.
The one craft that did look clever and fun to me was the clothespin trivet. I might make that one, but probably none of the others.
Many wonderful-sounding brunch recipes including Mormor's pancakes and baked snug eggs. Some really yummy pasta dishes. Curried potatoes. And more. Paul himself was raised in Norway, but his recipes reflect his travels to other parts of Europe as well as the US.
The one craft that did look clever and fun to me was the clothespin trivet. I might make that one, but probably none of the others.
May 5, 2014
Although the recipes and craft projects are amazing I bought this book because of his personality. He is so entertaining and I enjoy every single one of his stories. My fav is the anecdote about the LV case. He is a wonderful storyteller with a unique personality. The photos of the food are inspiring yet simple to make. Some people might not like the simplicity of the dishes but sometimes simplicity wins (in flavour). I would recommend this book to anyone who likes cooking regardless of their level. This book is best enjoyed with a cup of tea.
August 27, 2016
What a fun book this was! It was a combination of recipes and homemade crafts. The recipes were somewhat heavy on the fish so I didn't pull a whole lot of them. The crafts were somewhat cheesy, but a chunk of them were ones that I would make, particularly if I was entertaining and looking for more "down to earth" decorations.
June 26, 2014
Charming is the right term for this cookbook. I love it despite the fact that I only saw two keeper recipes. He's a fantastic storyteller, the pictures are fun, the food looks great, even if it's not something I want to eat. And the crafts just sound adorable, and I want to do them all. Even the tacker bead-covered coathanger for hanging utensils.
It's weird that I like this. Just weird.
It's weird that I like this. Just weird.
June 24, 2014
Recipes are simple, straightforward, and require no fancy gadgets. Crafts are adorable and also not very difficult. I loved this book. I found Sweet Paul via Pinterest and am hooked. Love how it's written. And I love that he's a big guy who enjoys his life and his food. Never trust a skinny chef!
November 23, 2014
Sweet Paul's stuff is just that...sweet. Very homey, comfy and cute to look at. His pictures are always so well styled (of course!) and are just gorgeous to look at. His personality really shines in this book and every recipe is drool worthy.
April 25, 2015
I love that his recipes don't have a million ingredients and yet aren't labeled as 'quick and easy' or 'five ingredient fixes'. Basically those labels are just calling me lazy. There are also a number of craft projects I really want to try!
May 11, 2014
An interesting concept. The recipes were, for the most part, heavy. Too much fish for my taste! The crafts are all very doable, but pretty run of the mill n
May 8, 2014
My kind of cookbook - simple, easy, homey.
July 12, 2014
There were a few crafts I'd like to try but wish there were fewer fish & chicken recipes.
September 29, 2014
Simple, delicious recipes and charming vignettes? I'm in. The craft portion is not my to my taste, but I'm excited to make some of these recipes this weekend.
August 25, 2014
Simple, yummy recipes.
Simple, charming crafts.
Simple, charming crafts.
September 27, 2014
There are definitely some recipes to try, but not as many as I would expect for a book this size. It does have excellent photography.
November 11, 2014
Liked everything especially the stories and artwork but not that great on crafts except for his enthusiasm
March 1, 2015
Norwegian influenced recipes that tend towards the heavier side of food. Half of the books is dedicated to cooking related crafts that are not so interesting. Beautiful photography.
May 21, 2015
Lots of yummy looking recipes and kitchen craft projects to inspire.
July 26, 2015
YUM AND FUN!! Great recipes and great ideas for crafts. LOVE !
April 5, 2017
As promised, I found some of the recipes charming. No kitchen crafts that I would actually make though.
August 6, 2016
What a beautiful book! So inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews