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Seven Spoons: My Favorite Recipes for Any and Every Day [A Cookbook]
The much-anticipated debut from the author behind the popular food blog Seven Spoons, featuring distinctive, crowd-pleasing recipes; engaging, writerly essays; and the same stunning photography that has earned her website a devoted following.Tara O'Brady was one of the earliest food bloggers to enter the scene, and now, more than ten years after she first started Seven Spoons, she has become one of the most highly regarded and unique voices in the culinary arena. In her debut cookbook, Seven Spoons, O'Brady shares stories and recipes from her Canadian home--fresh, ingredient-driven food that is easy to make yet refined. Recipes like Roasted Carrots with Dukkah and Harissa Mayonnaise, Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gremolata, and Plum Macaroon Cake are wholesome, hearty, and showcase the myriad culinary influences at work in O'Brady's kitchen. Her evocative writing and gorgeously simple, elegant photography has earned her accolades from Saveur magazine, the Daily Mail, and more. Impeccable food photography and a lavish package round out this beautiful, personal collection.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
67 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 9, 2015
Another one of our cook book reviews! This one is about Seven Spoons by Tara O'Brady. Have you looked at the cover? it is so eye catching and gorgous. It is definitely a cook book I would stop at just based on that. This turned out to be the focus of the book because Tara O'Brady's book was also inspired by her cook blog where she posts beautiful photos of all the recipes she makes.
It seems that many cooking bloggers are getting their big break in the form of their own published
books. This makes me happy because usually the photography is beautiful on those blogs to attract fanbase. I actually ended up even going on her blog and squeezed at all the gorgeous photos as well as recipes that range from breakfast to dinner. Seven Spoons is divided by meal types. From Breads & Breakfast to Sweets, treats, and sips.
The recipe was also fairly simple however, there is a ton of steps in the recipes.. some are over two pages long. I like details, but this seemed a bit unnecessary. This wasn't the case in this recipe though. However what's nice is that at the beginning of each recipe, the author introduces it and gives a little adjustments depending on your day. For here you have options for a "luxe mood" or "lean days". There is also a note section on the sidebar that is helpful for people who
have never cooked with any difficult ingredient, clams in this case. This recipe contains wine but because we don't drink alcohol, we substituted it with vinegar. It's a good thing my made made this because if it was me and I was faced with this delimma.. I would be online googling and panicking about my recipe not turning out right because the book didn't specify an alternative and what if nothing will make it taste as good?
Who always wants a photo of the finished product of the recipe they're trying out? *puts hand up*.. yup, I always want to see what my meal will look like.. I tend to over analyse everything and if I feel that I'm getting some weird color or look.. I'll think it's because I did something wrong.. that's why I never try out recipes without a photo.. unfortunately that's one disadvantage of Seven Spoons.. not all the recipes contain photos.. actually almost half don't and that saddens me to no
end because I know the author probably has photos that correspond to these recipes but it's because each recipe will have to take up an extra page of the book, but it's already on the thicker side as it is. I think that was a complaint my mother and I (she cooked) had in regards to Seven Spoons. Another thing is the meaning behind the title? we assumed it meant all you need is seven spoons to make a recipe, but that wasn't the case.
Recipe review:
However, reviewing the recipe itself? it was delicious! I couldn't stop eating it and I actually finished that whole bowl. This is a recipe that I will definitely make again because I'm a big seafood fan and I loved the broth made. This book contains many recipes from different countries. There are some greek, indian, arabic, and asian recipes. There are also some simple ones. I will definitely be flipping through it more and focusing on the recipes without photos too.
It seems that many cooking bloggers are getting their big break in the form of their own published
books. This makes me happy because usually the photography is beautiful on those blogs to attract fanbase. I actually ended up even going on her blog and squeezed at all the gorgeous photos as well as recipes that range from breakfast to dinner. Seven Spoons is divided by meal types. From Breads & Breakfast to Sweets, treats, and sips.
The recipe was also fairly simple however, there is a ton of steps in the recipes.. some are over two pages long. I like details, but this seemed a bit unnecessary. This wasn't the case in this recipe though. However what's nice is that at the beginning of each recipe, the author introduces it and gives a little adjustments depending on your day. For here you have options for a "luxe mood" or "lean days". There is also a note section on the sidebar that is helpful for people who
have never cooked with any difficult ingredient, clams in this case. This recipe contains wine but because we don't drink alcohol, we substituted it with vinegar. It's a good thing my made made this because if it was me and I was faced with this delimma.. I would be online googling and panicking about my recipe not turning out right because the book didn't specify an alternative and what if nothing will make it taste as good?
Who always wants a photo of the finished product of the recipe they're trying out? *puts hand up*.. yup, I always want to see what my meal will look like.. I tend to over analyse everything and if I feel that I'm getting some weird color or look.. I'll think it's because I did something wrong.. that's why I never try out recipes without a photo.. unfortunately that's one disadvantage of Seven Spoons.. not all the recipes contain photos.. actually almost half don't and that saddens me to no
end because I know the author probably has photos that correspond to these recipes but it's because each recipe will have to take up an extra page of the book, but it's already on the thicker side as it is. I think that was a complaint my mother and I (she cooked) had in regards to Seven Spoons. Another thing is the meaning behind the title? we assumed it meant all you need is seven spoons to make a recipe, but that wasn't the case.
Recipe review:
However, reviewing the recipe itself? it was delicious! I couldn't stop eating it and I actually finished that whole bowl. This is a recipe that I will definitely make again because I'm a big seafood fan and I loved the broth made. This book contains many recipes from different countries. There are some greek, indian, arabic, and asian recipes. There are also some simple ones. I will definitely be flipping through it more and focusing on the recipes without photos too.
May 29, 2015
This cookbook really starts out strong. There is a really big introduction section that introduces what you should have in your pantry, and the gear you might need to use throughout the recipes in the book. There's also a really big ending section, that contains all the recipes that the "main" recipes used- things such as sauces and cheeses. While I love that even these aspects were made for scratch, I didn't really like that they were all scooted together at the end of the book, instead of being on the following page or something.
This book is sorted into chapters according to meal/course: Breads & Breakfast, Lunch, Soups Starters and Snacks, Suppers, Vegetables and Sides, and Sweet Treats & Sips. I liked this way of organizing things, because it makes it easier to find what you need. I also really appreciated that this cookbook included drink recipes. (That's an under-appreciated section in cookbooks, in my humble opinion.)
The book contains nice little notes and tips on techniques or ingredients, which were helpful and a nice touch to the recipes. There's also a fair share of stories that give the book a more personal feel to it. The steps are in small paragraphs as opposed to shorter, numbered steps.
There's a nice variety of cultures present here, ranging everywhere from Greek to Vietnamese to African. This is widely reflected in the dishes themselves, which range from basics like lemon chicken to dishes with bold Indian spices. Some of the dishes in this cookbook are very, very simple. But some of them are pretty complicated and have long ingredient lists. This isn't a bad thing, it's just less likely I'm going to have all of those things on hand to cook on a whim. On the same note, there are some ingredients here that are rather hard to get a hold of, at least near me, such as za'atar and halloumi. I'm sure they're wonderful to cook with, but it's definitely not something I currently can run to the store and fetch. The pictures that are in this book are gorgeous, but there's not really enough of them for my liking. Photos are a key element to whether or not I purchase a cookbook; I like knowing what I'm supposed to aiming for.
Some of the dishes I'd most like to prepare from this cookbook include Dipper Eggs with Cheese-Fried Toast Soldiers, Hard Cider Gougeres, Walnut Cherry Oat Butter Tart Pie, and Roasted Grapes with Sweet Labneh.
Overall, this is a pretty good cookbook. I think both beginners and more experienced cooks can benefit from it, but be prepared for ingredient lists that you might not necessarily be used to.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
This book is sorted into chapters according to meal/course: Breads & Breakfast, Lunch, Soups Starters and Snacks, Suppers, Vegetables and Sides, and Sweet Treats & Sips. I liked this way of organizing things, because it makes it easier to find what you need. I also really appreciated that this cookbook included drink recipes. (That's an under-appreciated section in cookbooks, in my humble opinion.)
The book contains nice little notes and tips on techniques or ingredients, which were helpful and a nice touch to the recipes. There's also a fair share of stories that give the book a more personal feel to it. The steps are in small paragraphs as opposed to shorter, numbered steps.
There's a nice variety of cultures present here, ranging everywhere from Greek to Vietnamese to African. This is widely reflected in the dishes themselves, which range from basics like lemon chicken to dishes with bold Indian spices. Some of the dishes in this cookbook are very, very simple. But some of them are pretty complicated and have long ingredient lists. This isn't a bad thing, it's just less likely I'm going to have all of those things on hand to cook on a whim. On the same note, there are some ingredients here that are rather hard to get a hold of, at least near me, such as za'atar and halloumi. I'm sure they're wonderful to cook with, but it's definitely not something I currently can run to the store and fetch. The pictures that are in this book are gorgeous, but there's not really enough of them for my liking. Photos are a key element to whether or not I purchase a cookbook; I like knowing what I'm supposed to aiming for.
Some of the dishes I'd most like to prepare from this cookbook include Dipper Eggs with Cheese-Fried Toast Soldiers, Hard Cider Gougeres, Walnut Cherry Oat Butter Tart Pie, and Roasted Grapes with Sweet Labneh.
Overall, this is a pretty good cookbook. I think both beginners and more experienced cooks can benefit from it, but be prepared for ingredient lists that you might not necessarily be used to.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
April 22, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well know blogger Tara O'Brady gives us some of her favorite recipes in this beautiful book. She says in her introduction that she "has cooked as long as she can remember" and this is evident from the varied recipes included. The bread recipes, especially, beg to be baked! Recommended for anyone that cooks and is looking for ideas.
Well know blogger Tara O'Brady gives us some of her favorite recipes in this beautiful book. She says in her introduction that she "has cooked as long as she can remember" and this is evident from the varied recipes included. The bread recipes, especially, beg to be baked! Recommended for anyone that cooks and is looking for ideas.
April 21, 2015
Full review on the blog: http://padfootslibrary.blogspot.ca/20...
January 10, 2019
4.5 stars...possible upgrade to five stars once I've tried some recipes.
This is a wonderful cookbook. I hadn't heard of Tara or her blog before I purchased it, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment. The writing and stories throughout are great, the photographs are lovely, and tons of the recipes sound amazing, and very different from anything I've found in other cookbooks. To be sure, these recipes will challenge me and require some poking around in various "ethnic" markets, but I don't understand those who complain about this kind of thing. If you're not interested in trying new things and exposing yourself to new foods, why bother buying new cookbooks at all? I'm looking forward to pushing myself a bit.
Some reviews on other sites complained that this book featured too many "Middle Eastern-inspired" recipes, but again, why buy a cookbook from a woman with an East Indian background if you're not interested in this kind of cuisine? Seven Spoons is a great mix of simple comfort food with a twist and more elaborate dishes, but if you'd prefer to stick to the safe and familiar, that's what Betty Crocker is for.
This is a wonderful cookbook. I hadn't heard of Tara or her blog before I purchased it, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment. The writing and stories throughout are great, the photographs are lovely, and tons of the recipes sound amazing, and very different from anything I've found in other cookbooks. To be sure, these recipes will challenge me and require some poking around in various "ethnic" markets, but I don't understand those who complain about this kind of thing. If you're not interested in trying new things and exposing yourself to new foods, why bother buying new cookbooks at all? I'm looking forward to pushing myself a bit.
Some reviews on other sites complained that this book featured too many "Middle Eastern-inspired" recipes, but again, why buy a cookbook from a woman with an East Indian background if you're not interested in this kind of cuisine? Seven Spoons is a great mix of simple comfort food with a twist and more elaborate dishes, but if you'd prefer to stick to the safe and familiar, that's what Betty Crocker is for.
August 19, 2025
This is a gorgeous cookbook that lies flat when opened. I loved reading Tara O'Brady's story and introduction. That wonder narrative continues with each recipe as she explains its background and then walks you through its preparation.
I made the Bee-Stung Fried Chicken. I actually hate making fried chicken because I find it messy and tedious. However, I was so enamored by the name and photo that I had to try it. O'Brady's instructions are clear and easy to follow.
It was probably the best fried chicken I've made, but since it was still messy and tedious, I doubt I will repeat the recipe. However, the hot honey butter that you make to go with the chicken is AMAZING! And super easy. So that might become my new favorite dipping sauce.
This was a library book, but I enjoyed it so much, it might be one to buy. My only critique is that I wish there were photos of every recipe.
I made the Bee-Stung Fried Chicken. I actually hate making fried chicken because I find it messy and tedious. However, I was so enamored by the name and photo that I had to try it. O'Brady's instructions are clear and easy to follow.
It was probably the best fried chicken I've made, but since it was still messy and tedious, I doubt I will repeat the recipe. However, the hot honey butter that you make to go with the chicken is AMAZING! And super easy. So that might become my new favorite dipping sauce.
This was a library book, but I enjoyed it so much, it might be one to buy. My only critique is that I wish there were photos of every recipe.
May 29, 2018
I loved this cookbook. So many great recipes and it was well written, well designed and aesthetically pleasing to read through.
September 10, 2018
Pictures and all the instructions anyone would need. Excellent recipes to try.
May 23, 2020
a beautiful cookbook that makes you want to eat and cook -
July 28, 2022
Read the book and cook the recipes, they are wonderful!
September 28, 2022
Well written and some very interesting recipes I’m excited to try!
April 28, 2015
Seven Spoons: My Favorite Recipes for Any and Every Day by Tara O'Brady is a beautiful book filled with sumptuous photography and mouthwatering, taste bud tantalizing recipes!
O'Brady is a blogger, thus her cookbook is very well written. In the introductory section, "How to use this book," she writes, "I wrote this book as my side of the conversation I imagine we'd have while cooking. It includes the chatty tidbits that are cookery's gossip, whether that is the backstory to a dish or why certain biscuits crumble and others flake." To that end, she does not disappoint! Each recipe has an introduction and many have side notes that fill in even more of the dish's story which allow readers to understand the thinking that went into the dish being prepared. What a gift!
The book contains the growing standard of an introductory list of items required in a well-stocked pantry followed by seven chapters which include: Breads & Breakfasts; Lunches; Soups, Starters & Snacks; Suppers; Vegetables & Sides; Sweets, Treats & Sips; and Staples. I found recipes in each section which I am anxious to try and with over 100 recipes included, I am sure you will too!
A word of caution, however. Although O'Brady says these are favorite recipes for "any and every" day, many of the dishes have instructions taking more than one page and include multiple components. If you are looking for a book filled with recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less following a busy day at work, I suspect you may be frustrated. (The very first recipe in the book is for sandwich bread, which is not something that I would have time to ever make on a work day, no matter how much better it is than bakery bread. On a weekend, yes--sign me up!)
That being said, the first recipe I will be trying is O'Brady's hummus recipe. I always enjoy a new way to freshen up this staple of my snack world! You will find some quick supper recipes (burgers that eat like steak for instance) for those days when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. Even the seemingly more complex recipes could be made ahead on more leisurely days and then you'll have them ready for a quick "grab and go" lunch or a quick re-heat dinner.
I highly recommend Tara O'Brady's Seven Spoons cookbook. The photography is beautiful, the writing excellent, the layout very user friendly.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
From the Publishers . . .
The much-anticipated debut from the author behind the popular food blog Seven Spoons, featuring distinctive, crowd-pleasing recipes; engaging, writerly essays; and the same stunning photography that has earned her website a devoted following.
Tara O’Brady was one of the earliest food bloggers to enter the scene, and now, nearly ten years after she first started Seven Spoons, she has become one of the most highly regarded and unique voices in the culinary arena. In her debut cookbook, Seven Spoons, O’Brady shares stories and recipes from her Canadian home–fresh, ingredient-driven food that is easy to make yet refined. Recipes like Roasted Carrots with Dukkah and Harissa Mayonnaise, Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gremolata, and Plum Macaroon Cake are wholesome, hearty, and showcase the myriad culinary influences at work in O’Brady’s kitchen. Her evocative writing and gorgeously simple, elegant photography has earned her accolades from Saveur magazine, the Daily Mail, and more. Impeccable food photography and a lavish package round out this beautiful, personal collection.
About the Author . . .
TARA O’BRADY started Seven Spoons to chronicle her culinary life at home in Southern Ontario where she lives with her husband and two sons. She has a regular column in UPPERCASE magazine and appears periodically in the wildly popular quarterly Kinfolk. She has written for or worked with The Globe and Mail, BonAppetit.com, Saveur.com, PBS.com, Parenting.com, StyleAtHome.com, Design*Sponge, Oprah.com, and more.
O'Brady is a blogger, thus her cookbook is very well written. In the introductory section, "How to use this book," she writes, "I wrote this book as my side of the conversation I imagine we'd have while cooking. It includes the chatty tidbits that are cookery's gossip, whether that is the backstory to a dish or why certain biscuits crumble and others flake." To that end, she does not disappoint! Each recipe has an introduction and many have side notes that fill in even more of the dish's story which allow readers to understand the thinking that went into the dish being prepared. What a gift!
The book contains the growing standard of an introductory list of items required in a well-stocked pantry followed by seven chapters which include: Breads & Breakfasts; Lunches; Soups, Starters & Snacks; Suppers; Vegetables & Sides; Sweets, Treats & Sips; and Staples. I found recipes in each section which I am anxious to try and with over 100 recipes included, I am sure you will too!
A word of caution, however. Although O'Brady says these are favorite recipes for "any and every" day, many of the dishes have instructions taking more than one page and include multiple components. If you are looking for a book filled with recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less following a busy day at work, I suspect you may be frustrated. (The very first recipe in the book is for sandwich bread, which is not something that I would have time to ever make on a work day, no matter how much better it is than bakery bread. On a weekend, yes--sign me up!)
That being said, the first recipe I will be trying is O'Brady's hummus recipe. I always enjoy a new way to freshen up this staple of my snack world! You will find some quick supper recipes (burgers that eat like steak for instance) for those days when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. Even the seemingly more complex recipes could be made ahead on more leisurely days and then you'll have them ready for a quick "grab and go" lunch or a quick re-heat dinner.
I highly recommend Tara O'Brady's Seven Spoons cookbook. The photography is beautiful, the writing excellent, the layout very user friendly.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
From the Publishers . . .
The much-anticipated debut from the author behind the popular food blog Seven Spoons, featuring distinctive, crowd-pleasing recipes; engaging, writerly essays; and the same stunning photography that has earned her website a devoted following.
Tara O’Brady was one of the earliest food bloggers to enter the scene, and now, nearly ten years after she first started Seven Spoons, she has become one of the most highly regarded and unique voices in the culinary arena. In her debut cookbook, Seven Spoons, O’Brady shares stories and recipes from her Canadian home–fresh, ingredient-driven food that is easy to make yet refined. Recipes like Roasted Carrots with Dukkah and Harissa Mayonnaise, Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gremolata, and Plum Macaroon Cake are wholesome, hearty, and showcase the myriad culinary influences at work in O’Brady’s kitchen. Her evocative writing and gorgeously simple, elegant photography has earned her accolades from Saveur magazine, the Daily Mail, and more. Impeccable food photography and a lavish package round out this beautiful, personal collection.
About the Author . . .
TARA O’BRADY started Seven Spoons to chronicle her culinary life at home in Southern Ontario where she lives with her husband and two sons. She has a regular column in UPPERCASE magazine and appears periodically in the wildly popular quarterly Kinfolk. She has written for or worked with The Globe and Mail, BonAppetit.com, Saveur.com, PBS.com, Parenting.com, StyleAtHome.com, Design*Sponge, Oprah.com, and more.
August 6, 2015
This book was sent to me for review by Ten Speed Press through the Blogging for Books program. A digital copy was provided through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own.
When I heard Tara O'Brady from Seven Spoons was writing her first cookbook I was excited. I've been a dedicated follower for nearly eight years now. Her photographs always look so mouthwatering that I can't keep myself from rushing to the store for ingredients so I can make them as soon as humanly possible. I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of her book and was fortunate enough to get a peek at a pre-release digital version earlier in the year. The recipes and writing were everything I had hoped for, although I would have loved to see photographs with every recipe.
When I finally got my hands on a printed copy (courtesy of the publisher) I was disappointed. The photos lacked the depth and texture I've come to associate with Tara's blog. I don't think this cookbook does her photographs justice and it all comes down to poor paper choice. The print edition uses a matte paper, a terrible choice highly textural photographs. The ink tends to soak into the paper more than semi-gloss or glossy paper (which is what you'll normally see a cookbook printed on.) It leaves the photographs looking flat and lifeless. Flat, lifeless photographs are not going to inspire me and they certainly won't cause me to pack up the kid and go running to the closest store so I can get cooking ASAP.
For some of you, this really may seem like a nit-picky thing. Keep in mind that my day job is as a photographer, poor paper choice seriously bothers me, much like Comic Sans bothers graphic designers, and squeaky things (nails on the blackboard, balloons being rubbed together, and cheese curd squeak [yes, that is a thing]) bother most normal people. If you're looking for inspiring photographs, pick up the digital version instead, you'll be much happier.
Now I don't want to leave you thinking I hated the cookbook (that couldn't be farther from the truth, I'm just moderately annoyed with the paper it's printed on.) There are some great recipes to be found within these pages and here are my top picks:
Dipper Eggs with Cheese-Fried Soldiers (p35) - definitely kid-friendly, especially if you have a little boy who is currently obsessed with army men.
Bostocks (p41) - Broiche bathed in orange syrup, slathered with almond cream, and then baked. I wish this had a photograph accompanying it, it sounds delicious.
Pickled Strawberry Preserves (p111) - This small-batch preserve recipe is right up my alley.
Bee-Stung Fried Chicken (p167) - I'm always up for more fried chicken, even if it sounds like a seriously labor-intensive endeavor.
Five Spice Steak (p172) - now I now what to do with that jar of Chinese five-spice powder I bought on accident.
Whiskey Self-Saucing Pudding Cakes (p240) - it sounds very sinful, just what I'm looking for in a dessert!
As always I'll be sharing photographs of the recipes I tried from this book, so keep your eyes peeled, they'll be on Instagram soon. In the meantime, you can head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of this book, or visit Tara's blog Seven Spoons for more great recipes.
August 5, 2016
Inventive and creative cookbook for a personality with a hint of adventure and willing to try some twists in their food.
The book is sorted into chapters according to the course: Breads & Breakfast, Lunch, Soups Starters and Snacks, Suppers, Vegetables and Sides, Sweet Treats & Sips and Staples (home-prepared ingredients).
I find this book being very personal - I believe that the books reflect the personality of the author and this book and this book strongly confirms this rule for me. I find the authoress Tara O'Brady being an unconventional, adventurous person - and also kind and funny one! I would love to become a friend and to visit her kitchen, I imagine sitting there, sipping Rhubarb Rose Gin Gimlet and waiting for a portion of Moussaka and later a sinful bit of Walnut Cherry Oat Butter Tart Pie. Yes, dreams :) I would love to.
And this is how I would describe the book - I get a warm feeling, I feel invited, I appreciate the creativity, I would love to taste almost everything - but I would love someone else to prepare some of the recipes for me. Some of the recipes have too many steps for me and also too many ingredients - I would cook them for a family celebration, but not for an everyday meal in a busy day.
I am also missing the picture for every recipe - when i am doing something for the first time, I need to know how should it be (visually).
As for the pros - the book includes some useful tips and tricks (there is never enough of them!). The most of the recipes just seem yummy and they are challenging my inner explorer to give them a try. The steps are described in detail and the writing style is warm enough to give you a confidence when trying the recipe. I find the recipes also being quite healthy - I mean, this is not a healthy fanatic book, but it offers a lot of vegetable recipes, uses the "unhealthy" stuff in moderation and invites you to go for a quality food (and in my opinion the quality is much more important than some highly preached healthy stuff without real nutrition value).
Favourite recipes:
- Bostocks
- Chia Pudding with Fruit and Golden Honey Elixir
- Default Smoothie
- Glazed Eggplant with Roasted Shallots and Greens
- Pickled Strawberry Preserves
- Blitzed Ricotta with Peas
- Halloumi in Chermoula
- Flat Potatoes
- Roasted Grapes with Sweet Labneh
- Twangy Blueberry Sauce
And for the home-prepared ingredients:
- Labneh
- Nut Milk
- Ricotta
I would recommend the book to the more-experienced cooks (Intermediate to advanced :)).
The book is sorted into chapters according to the course: Breads & Breakfast, Lunch, Soups Starters and Snacks, Suppers, Vegetables and Sides, Sweet Treats & Sips and Staples (home-prepared ingredients).
I find this book being very personal - I believe that the books reflect the personality of the author and this book and this book strongly confirms this rule for me. I find the authoress Tara O'Brady being an unconventional, adventurous person - and also kind and funny one! I would love to become a friend and to visit her kitchen, I imagine sitting there, sipping Rhubarb Rose Gin Gimlet and waiting for a portion of Moussaka and later a sinful bit of Walnut Cherry Oat Butter Tart Pie. Yes, dreams :) I would love to.
And this is how I would describe the book - I get a warm feeling, I feel invited, I appreciate the creativity, I would love to taste almost everything - but I would love someone else to prepare some of the recipes for me. Some of the recipes have too many steps for me and also too many ingredients - I would cook them for a family celebration, but not for an everyday meal in a busy day.
I am also missing the picture for every recipe - when i am doing something for the first time, I need to know how should it be (visually).
As for the pros - the book includes some useful tips and tricks (there is never enough of them!). The most of the recipes just seem yummy and they are challenging my inner explorer to give them a try. The steps are described in detail and the writing style is warm enough to give you a confidence when trying the recipe. I find the recipes also being quite healthy - I mean, this is not a healthy fanatic book, but it offers a lot of vegetable recipes, uses the "unhealthy" stuff in moderation and invites you to go for a quality food (and in my opinion the quality is much more important than some highly preached healthy stuff without real nutrition value).
Favourite recipes:
- Bostocks
- Chia Pudding with Fruit and Golden Honey Elixir
- Default Smoothie
- Glazed Eggplant with Roasted Shallots and Greens
- Pickled Strawberry Preserves
- Blitzed Ricotta with Peas
- Halloumi in Chermoula
- Flat Potatoes
- Roasted Grapes with Sweet Labneh
- Twangy Blueberry Sauce
And for the home-prepared ingredients:
- Labneh
- Nut Milk
- Ricotta
I would recommend the book to the more-experienced cooks (Intermediate to advanced :)).
September 19, 2017
Update: Have had a chance to make a few items from this book now. I'm still not going to go as far as four stars, but it's really, really close. If the recipes were a bit more tightly written and formatted so I didn't keep losing my place, I'd go with a solid 4.0.
_____________
3.5 stars.
In full disclosure, I haven't had a chance to cook from this book yet. Schedules are such right now that dinner is strictly "do it from memory and do it fast" thing. I do have several recipes bookmarked for later in the month.
She got my attention with Brussels sprouts with hazelnuts salad, but then I saw the Blood Orange cake with stout. Yum.
Pros:
Innovative recipes, beautiful pictures, good index. The hardcover copy I saw had tiny print that would have caused me to not purchase the book; the e-book edition allows font enlargement. Just remember that enlarging the font does throw off the placement of accompanying photos just a little. Navigation on the e-book edition was good.
Cons:
Personally, I don't like the "breakfast, lunch, dinner" organizing of recipes. I'm more likely to have soup for breakfast and an omelet for dinner than vice versa. The recipes aren't complicated, but they are wordy, making them longer than they need to be and harder to follow. Numbering the steps would have made them easier to cook from, too.
I usually don't like cookbooks by bloggers. If they manage to avoid reading like self-therapy sessions or Valley Girl missives, they often only duplicate the blog or are rife with errors. The recipes tend to be copied from Epicurious or every other blog with just enough changes to keep them from showing up in a word-for-word search. This book appears to avoid all those things. The tone is a little chatty, but the writer keeps it relevant to the recipes. I don't read her blog, but I did look to see how much of this book was duplication, and it appears to be not that much. Three were a couple of recipes that felt like filler -- does the world really need another chocolate chip cookie or avocado toast recipe? -- the majority of the recipes are far more unique and interesting.
I might come back (if I remember to) and give this another star after I get a chance to cook from it, but I tend to rate cookbooks harshly.
_____________
3.5 stars.
In full disclosure, I haven't had a chance to cook from this book yet. Schedules are such right now that dinner is strictly "do it from memory and do it fast" thing. I do have several recipes bookmarked for later in the month.
She got my attention with Brussels sprouts with hazelnuts salad, but then I saw the Blood Orange cake with stout. Yum.
Pros:
Innovative recipes, beautiful pictures, good index. The hardcover copy I saw had tiny print that would have caused me to not purchase the book; the e-book edition allows font enlargement. Just remember that enlarging the font does throw off the placement of accompanying photos just a little. Navigation on the e-book edition was good.
Cons:
Personally, I don't like the "breakfast, lunch, dinner" organizing of recipes. I'm more likely to have soup for breakfast and an omelet for dinner than vice versa. The recipes aren't complicated, but they are wordy, making them longer than they need to be and harder to follow. Numbering the steps would have made them easier to cook from, too.
I usually don't like cookbooks by bloggers. If they manage to avoid reading like self-therapy sessions or Valley Girl missives, they often only duplicate the blog or are rife with errors. The recipes tend to be copied from Epicurious or every other blog with just enough changes to keep them from showing up in a word-for-word search. This book appears to avoid all those things. The tone is a little chatty, but the writer keeps it relevant to the recipes. I don't read her blog, but I did look to see how much of this book was duplication, and it appears to be not that much. Three were a couple of recipes that felt like filler -- does the world really need another chocolate chip cookie or avocado toast recipe? -- the majority of the recipes are far more unique and interesting.
I might come back (if I remember to) and give this another star after I get a chance to cook from it, but I tend to rate cookbooks harshly.
June 4, 2015
*****
“More than just another pretty cookbook.
I started cooking for my family when I was in my early teens. My mother, who was an exceptional country cook, had to go to work, so the job fell to me. I asked her for advice now and then, but for the most part I learned to cook from books. I still have my first, a battered Betty Crocker that lost its cover over the years. So I have a particular fondness for cookbooks, and Seven Spoons by Tara O’Brady is something special.
Ms. O’Brady is the author of the award-winning blog Seven Spoons and has a regular column in Uppercase magazine, and her talent and experience shows; this is not just a collection of recipes, but a book, written with care and grace, about food, and what it means to cook in a home kitchen. Seven Spoons is a beautiful book, with striking photography, and a clever layout. Ms. O’Brady gives us her thoughts on home cooking, ingredients, and introductions to her recipes. The recipes are wonderfully varied, showing a ton of of different style, from Indian to Italian to the Northwest of Canada, where Ms. O’Brady lives. She doesn't stint on technique either; frequently her recipes tell us about why and how she makes them, which is a huge bonus.
In her writing on food Ms. O’Brady is every bit as good as Anthony Bourdain, another one of my favorites, though the style and effect are as different as night and day. As I read this book I felt like was going into the kitchen of an old friend to hang out and knock back a few beers and cook together.
Ms. O’Brady covers all the bases as well, with insightful sections on tools, stocking the pantry, and wide variety of recipes, from breakfast, lunch,dinner, sides, soups, snacks, sweets, and staples. All in all, it’s not only a great cook-book, but a great book about cooking. I hope you consider adding this book to your kitchen library, it will be treasured for years.
Review by: Mark Palm
Full Reviews Available at: http://www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com
“More than just another pretty cookbook.
I started cooking for my family when I was in my early teens. My mother, who was an exceptional country cook, had to go to work, so the job fell to me. I asked her for advice now and then, but for the most part I learned to cook from books. I still have my first, a battered Betty Crocker that lost its cover over the years. So I have a particular fondness for cookbooks, and Seven Spoons by Tara O’Brady is something special.
Ms. O’Brady is the author of the award-winning blog Seven Spoons and has a regular column in Uppercase magazine, and her talent and experience shows; this is not just a collection of recipes, but a book, written with care and grace, about food, and what it means to cook in a home kitchen. Seven Spoons is a beautiful book, with striking photography, and a clever layout. Ms. O’Brady gives us her thoughts on home cooking, ingredients, and introductions to her recipes. The recipes are wonderfully varied, showing a ton of of different style, from Indian to Italian to the Northwest of Canada, where Ms. O’Brady lives. She doesn't stint on technique either; frequently her recipes tell us about why and how she makes them, which is a huge bonus.
In her writing on food Ms. O’Brady is every bit as good as Anthony Bourdain, another one of my favorites, though the style and effect are as different as night and day. As I read this book I felt like was going into the kitchen of an old friend to hang out and knock back a few beers and cook together.
Ms. O’Brady covers all the bases as well, with insightful sections on tools, stocking the pantry, and wide variety of recipes, from breakfast, lunch,dinner, sides, soups, snacks, sweets, and staples. All in all, it’s not only a great cook-book, but a great book about cooking. I hope you consider adding this book to your kitchen library, it will be treasured for years.
Review by: Mark Palm
Full Reviews Available at: http://www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com
May 28, 2015
Food writer and cook Tara O'Brady's popular blog "Seven Spoons" now has a delightful cookbook companion. "Seven Spoons: My Favorite Recipes for Any and Every Day" is written in Tara's warm, personal style, and it features delicious dishes and fabulous food photos. A Canadian of Indian descent, Tara's cooking style is a mix of her own ancestry, her husband's Irish and English roots, the culture of Canada, and many more influences. I was charmed by her introductory memoir--she grew up in a "food-loving family that discussed lunch at breakfast and planned road trip routes around where they wanted to eat along the way". The photos in the book are from her own home, just after the food has been prepared and is about to be consumed. The blend of elements in the cooking will entice you to try recipes like these: "My Best Biscuits"; "Blackberry Buttermilk Whole Grain Scones"; "Blurry Sunrise Smoothie"; "Salad Rolls"; "Baked Eggs, North Indian-Style"; "A Burger Treated Like a Steak"; "Feel Better Curried Soup with Crispy Chicken"; "Pickled Strawberry Preserves"; "Fresh Green Chutney"; "Spiced Candied Nuts"; "Fuss-Free Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs"; "Green Beans with Mustard Seeds"; "Baked Irish Mash"; "Confetti Rice"; "Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Cookies"; "Caramel Apple Pie"; and "Plum Macaroon Cake". Two sections of the book, "Stocking the Pantry" and "Staples", are little treasure troves filled with gems of helpful advice and useful, basic recipes. The author herself sums it up best: "How we cook, what we eat, and why we eat it is the story of who we are as a people, our heritage, priorities, and culture." A lovely book from a gifted cook and writer.
Review Copy Gratis Ten Speed Press via Blogging for Books
Review Copy Gratis Ten Speed Press via Blogging for Books
August 5, 2015
I have to admit the cover of this cookbook grabbed my attention first. It’s beautiful, it’s a crisp photo and makes you want to know what sort of recipes are contained in this cookbook. Before perusing it, I was not aware there was a blog by the same name. I have since gone and checked out her website, it’s very pretty and well organized.
Pros:
This hardcover gem is packed with lots of good photos. You can just turn pages and give in to the visual pleasure of looking at food, beautifully plated I may add.
The conversational tone introducing you to each recipe is inviting and easy to read. More like reading a friends excellent journal than looking through a cookbook by a stranger. Does that make sense? The introduction gives insight to Tara O’Brady’s early life, how she met her husband and her food journey.
There is a good deal of talk about stocking your pantry, cookware, tips and techniques for recipes.
It’s set up as most cookbooks with divisions for breakfast, soups, snacks and suppers, etc.
Cons:
There were some specialty items which I would find hard to obtain or it just wouldn’t fit my budget. Some recipes were lengthy with the number of ingredients you’d need. Not necessarily a bad thing but it’s a con for me for this particular book.
The writing is awfully small and that may sound like I am being picky, but my eyes aren’t the greatest! I don’t require large print books or anything like that but the font used was particularly small, especially if I were to prop this book on the counter to follow a recipe.
Overall this is a lovely book but not one I would keep as a go-to for meal rotations and planning.
Pros:
This hardcover gem is packed with lots of good photos. You can just turn pages and give in to the visual pleasure of looking at food, beautifully plated I may add.
The conversational tone introducing you to each recipe is inviting and easy to read. More like reading a friends excellent journal than looking through a cookbook by a stranger. Does that make sense? The introduction gives insight to Tara O’Brady’s early life, how she met her husband and her food journey.
There is a good deal of talk about stocking your pantry, cookware, tips and techniques for recipes.
It’s set up as most cookbooks with divisions for breakfast, soups, snacks and suppers, etc.
Cons:
There were some specialty items which I would find hard to obtain or it just wouldn’t fit my budget. Some recipes were lengthy with the number of ingredients you’d need. Not necessarily a bad thing but it’s a con for me for this particular book.
The writing is awfully small and that may sound like I am being picky, but my eyes aren’t the greatest! I don’t require large print books or anything like that but the font used was particularly small, especially if I were to prop this book on the counter to follow a recipe.
Overall this is a lovely book but not one I would keep as a go-to for meal rotations and planning.
February 16, 2017
Seven Spoons knows how we like to cook and eat: borrowing liberally from multiple cuisines, a focus on flavour and achievable results. This book is fantastic.
Read our full review here: http://cookthesebooks.com/seven-spoon...
Read our full review here: http://cookthesebooks.com/seven-spoon...
May 12, 2015
The Good Stuff
Exceptionally inventive and delicious recipes
Incredibly beautiful presentation
Wonderful use of fresh ingredients
Cover makes me drool - unfortunately not a lot of fresh dates in Calgary
Enjoyed the stories before many of the recipes - makes it just a little more than just a cookbook - took me a long time to review this cookbook, as I read each and every fascinating sentence
Detailed index (yes I know, but I am a Librarian, dammit, and this is something I admire
A nice addition to the Intermediate to advanced chefs (yes that includes those who are not actually chefs) cookbook collection
Very personalized and fun
Very user friendly
Never boring
Canadian
This is one cookbook you want to leave out on the table for everyone to peruse
The Not So Good Stuff
Way too many ingredients and steps for this busy mom
Kids won't eat half of this stuff
Not enough pictures - I truly believe every cookbook should include pictures for every recipe
Favorite Recipes
A Burger Treated Like a Steak - Pg 92
Roasted Red Pepper, Almond, and Feta Salad - Pg 186
Baked Irish Mash - Pg 203
Caramel Apple Pie - Pg 221
Coconut Kheer with Bronzed Pineapple - Pg 230
Blueberry Poppy Seed Snacking Cake - Pg 236
4 Dewey's
I received this from Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review
Exceptionally inventive and delicious recipes
Incredibly beautiful presentation
Wonderful use of fresh ingredients
Cover makes me drool - unfortunately not a lot of fresh dates in Calgary
Enjoyed the stories before many of the recipes - makes it just a little more than just a cookbook - took me a long time to review this cookbook, as I read each and every fascinating sentence
Detailed index (yes I know, but I am a Librarian, dammit, and this is something I admire
A nice addition to the Intermediate to advanced chefs (yes that includes those who are not actually chefs) cookbook collection
Very personalized and fun
Very user friendly
Never boring
Canadian
This is one cookbook you want to leave out on the table for everyone to peruse
The Not So Good Stuff
Way too many ingredients and steps for this busy mom
Kids won't eat half of this stuff
Not enough pictures - I truly believe every cookbook should include pictures for every recipe
Favorite Recipes
A Burger Treated Like a Steak - Pg 92
Roasted Red Pepper, Almond, and Feta Salad - Pg 186
Baked Irish Mash - Pg 203
Caramel Apple Pie - Pg 221
Coconut Kheer with Bronzed Pineapple - Pg 230
Blueberry Poppy Seed Snacking Cake - Pg 236
4 Dewey's
I received this from Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review
August 19, 2015
While this is a fantastic cookbook to flip through and makes a excellent conversation piece -just leave it on the coffee-table and see how irresistible it is to pick up and talk about- don't expect to pick it up and start cooking right away. The ingredient lists are chock full of things I have never purchased or things I wouldn't know what to do without a cookbook like this one. There are several beautiful pictures although I could have used a few more. I like the organization except that the sauces are added on at the end like an afterthought when they should couple with the recipes they are used with. I am comfortable in the kitchen and love to try new things so I'm sure I'll be using this cookbook more often. Overall this is a beautiful book that just about anyone can use. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review through Blogging For Books.
December 13, 2015
Tara O'Brady is a chatty writer. Her introductions and recipes all sound like she'd like to show up in your kitchen and cook right along with you. Some of the introductory notes can get quite long, especially if her family is involved, but many are collections of little notes of ways to make the recipe suit you better and reflect a very thoughtful approach to creating the cookbook. The recipes are a good mix of cultures-I've already been a fan of her blog for years-and though some of the ingredient lists can be quite long, it's because all of the components can be made from scratch. Though O'Brady does provide many hints and helps for the beginner cook, a more astute cook would be more able to fit many of the recipes into their repertoire by modifying them to fit their resources.
Versatile book.
Versatile book.
February 26, 2018
i open cookbooks with the intention of learning something new, and getting inspired. this book does exactly that, from peaches with sesame oats to coconut kheer with bronzed pineapple (i like sugar, okay?).
the recipes feel fresh and new but not outlandish (though there are recipes for plain bread and cheesecake too should that be your thing).
her indian canadian roots shine through in delicious ways that also resonate with my asian american identity.
so far, i've tried her mushrooms and greens with toast, which is what it sounds like + cheese. it's hearty and tasty, if unexciting. i've also tried her chocolate chip cookies, which are ridiculously good, and perfect if you want a chewy inside with a slightly crisp outside. mmm.
will update this review as i work through the other recipes i bookmarked.
the recipes feel fresh and new but not outlandish (though there are recipes for plain bread and cheesecake too should that be your thing).
her indian canadian roots shine through in delicious ways that also resonate with my asian american identity.
so far, i've tried her mushrooms and greens with toast, which is what it sounds like + cheese. it's hearty and tasty, if unexciting. i've also tried her chocolate chip cookies, which are ridiculously good, and perfect if you want a chewy inside with a slightly crisp outside. mmm.
will update this review as i work through the other recipes i bookmarked.
August 19, 2015
Starting from the cover, this book is beautiful and really captured my attention. Moving into the book, it became not as interesting. Long, complicated recipes made with obscure ingredients are not uncommon, and many of the recipes are just not interesting to me. There seems to be a fairly strong Middle Eastern influence in her recipes, which are interesting at times, but not something I cook or enjoy often. Few of the recipes in the book are something I'd just up and cook for a regular week-night supper.
Overall, while this book is not really something I'll cook from very often, it is something many would enjoy.
I received a copy of this book through Blogging for Books for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Overall, while this book is not really something I'll cook from very often, it is something many would enjoy.
I received a copy of this book through Blogging for Books for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 28, 2015
Full review on my blog: http://nikkitheknack.blogspot.ca/2015...
I love this cookbook! "Seven Spoons" is a collection of Tara's favourite recipes, ones that have become staples with her family and friends. There are simple recipes and more complicated ones, recipes with a handful of ingredients and ones with a long list, recipes for everyday food and ones for special occasions. Tara's culinary diversity is very present in Seven Spoons - from Pakora (Indian Vegetable Fritters; p.131) to Vietnamese-Inspired Sausage Rolls (p.135) to Dog in a Bog (a twist on the classic British Toad in the Hole; p.157). There's something here for everyone to try!
I love this cookbook! "Seven Spoons" is a collection of Tara's favourite recipes, ones that have become staples with her family and friends. There are simple recipes and more complicated ones, recipes with a handful of ingredients and ones with a long list, recipes for everyday food and ones for special occasions. Tara's culinary diversity is very present in Seven Spoons - from Pakora (Indian Vegetable Fritters; p.131) to Vietnamese-Inspired Sausage Rolls (p.135) to Dog in a Bog (a twist on the classic British Toad in the Hole; p.157). There's something here for everyone to try!
July 17, 2017
Next Tuesday, April 21st is starting to feel portentous. It's the release date of the new cookbook by Tara O'Brady from Seven Spoons. Tara explains on the site that it's also her birthday. Guess who else's birthday it is? Besides the queen's real birthday? Mine! Very same date!
So with all this birthdaying, I thought I'd celebrate with the first rhubarb harvest from the garden and a cocktail from O'Brady.
Read the rest of my review (and a recipe!) at wanderaven
So with all this birthdaying, I thought I'd celebrate with the first rhubarb harvest from the garden and a cocktail from O'Brady.
Read the rest of my review (and a recipe!) at wanderaven
November 3, 2015
I've read numerous cookbooks over the past year, and found so many lacking, either in appearance or content that this book was a wondrous find. All recipes I've tried have been amazing.
("Locavor'es Kitchen" = not enough photos; "Heartlandia" = epic fail with deviled eggs --> 1 Tbsp. mayo for a dozen eggs...what!?! [makes me not trust anything else in the book] and a sense of superiority that I didn't cotton to; "Classic Recipes for Modern People" = hard-to-read but artistic fonts; "Farmhouse Rules" = no recipes that interested me, etc.)
("Locavor'es Kitchen" = not enough photos; "Heartlandia" = epic fail with deviled eggs --> 1 Tbsp. mayo for a dozen eggs...what!?! [makes me not trust anything else in the book] and a sense of superiority that I didn't cotton to; "Classic Recipes for Modern People" = hard-to-read but artistic fonts; "Farmhouse Rules" = no recipes that interested me, etc.)
December 23, 2015
The introduction makes you feel like you are sitting in your good friend's kitchen talking about everything foodie. Beyond the diverse collection of recipes the author gives cooking tips, and advice such as how to stock your pantry. I was approved for this eARC through Netgalley in return for an honest review. I will be doing a special multi-review blog post featuring cookbooks, in which this book will be included. I will add the link when it is posted.
January 31, 2016
The photography is gorgeous and some of the concepts are very creative, but this is not a book I will cook from frequently. The ingredient lists are often extremely long and contain a few too many hard-to-find ingredients. The directions are often long.
This book would be great if I had a huge food budget and endless time in the kitchen, but it's just not practical for me.
This book would be great if I had a huge food budget and endless time in the kitchen, but it's just not practical for me.
Want to read
January 21, 2016Pub Date Apr 21 2015
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
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