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Yum & Yummer
Healthy recipes that actually taste great with accompanying online videos.
301 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 18, 2017
If you’re a home cook, know a home cook or have aspired to be a home cook, this is the book for you. Greta Podleski, co-author of the super popular Looney Spoons cookbooks, has ventured out on her own (as her partner-in-culinary-crime, sister Janet, follows new dreams) and has created this beautiful and impressive cookbook. Not only does each recipe have a colour picture but this book has the distinction of being the first cookbook ever to have a 1-minute video for every recipe. Every single one. Using the QR code provided at the bottom of each recipe, home cooks (even those technologically challenged) can follow Greta’s easy instructions and watch these how-to videos on their smartphone, tablet or online at yumyummer.com.
Greta believes cooking should be enjoyable, easy and delicious and if it’s a little healthier too? Well, that’s just a bonus. While the recipes in this book lean towards healthier eating, great taste is always front and centre. Greta isn’t out there to preach for people to diet or follow her idea of what healthy living means. Instead, she has created a cookbook that brings people into their kitchens to make tasty, easy-to-follow recipes using easy-to-find ingredients from their local food store.
Yum and Yummer has something for everyone. Greta has listened to her eager readers and has included many Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan options which are easy to find with icons at the top of those pages. She has also included sugar content and complete nutritional analysis for each recipe so people who follow Weight Watchers can calculate their points.
As you look through this 300-page book Greta’s passion for food is obvious. At the beginning of the book she shares a bit about herself - how she fell in love with food, what it means to her and how she gained a love and appreciation for food made from her own hands, in her own kitchen. Her recipes are sprinkled with a healthy dose of her signature, quirky humour and her down-to-earth writing and clear descriptions make the transition easy for timid new home cooks while providing new culinary inspiration for those of us who have more experience in the kitchen.
This cookbook is a must-have for home cooks. The only issue you’ll have is deciding which recipes to try first.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this cookbook from my employer in order to do an honest review for work purposes. All opinions are my own.
Greta believes cooking should be enjoyable, easy and delicious and if it’s a little healthier too? Well, that’s just a bonus. While the recipes in this book lean towards healthier eating, great taste is always front and centre. Greta isn’t out there to preach for people to diet or follow her idea of what healthy living means. Instead, she has created a cookbook that brings people into their kitchens to make tasty, easy-to-follow recipes using easy-to-find ingredients from their local food store.
Yum and Yummer has something for everyone. Greta has listened to her eager readers and has included many Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan options which are easy to find with icons at the top of those pages. She has also included sugar content and complete nutritional analysis for each recipe so people who follow Weight Watchers can calculate their points.
As you look through this 300-page book Greta’s passion for food is obvious. At the beginning of the book she shares a bit about herself - how she fell in love with food, what it means to her and how she gained a love and appreciation for food made from her own hands, in her own kitchen. Her recipes are sprinkled with a healthy dose of her signature, quirky humour and her down-to-earth writing and clear descriptions make the transition easy for timid new home cooks while providing new culinary inspiration for those of us who have more experience in the kitchen.
This cookbook is a must-have for home cooks. The only issue you’ll have is deciding which recipes to try first.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this cookbook from my employer in order to do an honest review for work purposes. All opinions are my own.
December 19, 2018
Tasty, fresh and healthy... a gorgeous cookbook! I don’t buy them anymore but simply could not resist. The recipes are step by step, the flavours amazing in everything that I have cooked and totally on trend both for tastes and in terms of food issues which seem to be facing many of us.
Roasted Fall Vegetables are perfectly seasoned with touches of balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme and hints on how to make sure they brown, not steam along with a stunning photo.
A deconstructed Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Parfait recipe tasted as good as the picture beside it, when I made it for company!
And Christmas week, when we are sick of sage and cranberries, hmmm... will it be “ Peanutty Sesame Noodle Bowl” or “Indian Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs”?
Greta Podleski will lead me tastefully, with ease, to my choice. YUM, indeed.
Five stars!
Roasted Fall Vegetables are perfectly seasoned with touches of balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme and hints on how to make sure they brown, not steam along with a stunning photo.
A deconstructed Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Parfait recipe tasted as good as the picture beside it, when I made it for company!
And Christmas week, when we are sick of sage and cranberries, hmmm... will it be “ Peanutty Sesame Noodle Bowl” or “Indian Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs”?
Greta Podleski will lead me tastefully, with ease, to my choice. YUM, indeed.
Five stars!
April 16, 2018
I have to try some of the recipes in this book, but I don't think its one that I feel the need to own. There are some Thai and Indian flavours in several of the recipes and I'll think I'll copy those out and give them a go. Not as many gluten-free offerings as I was hoping for. Still, I'm glad I borrowed it from the library.
December 22, 2018
Great photography and concept, but a lot of the recipes ultimately fail to deliver on the title's promise.
May 29, 2020
This is an incredible book. I have prepared most of the recipes and not once I was disappointed.
Everything is super easy.
I do recommend it.
Everything is super easy.
I do recommend it.
April 13, 2021
If you are going to purchase just one cook book......make it this one.
December 11, 2018
This was our book club's choice for our December potluck. Everyone made a recipe or two from the book and brought it to the group. Everything was delicious. Personal favourites were the kaleslaw, a chickpea stew and the chocolate cheesecake.
August 30, 2018
I went to the bookstore several times taking a look at the recipes in this book before I finally decided to purchase it. I am so glad I did, as I can see this book becoming a regular go-to for many years to come. I especially love the meatless and salad section in the book and have already tried the Kale Salad, which was terrific.
Cookbooks don't get much better than this and Greta Podleski has certainly done her research. You might recognize her name from the "Looney Spoon" cookbooks in which she collaborated with her sister. I love that she has made her recipes healthier, which makes this book a great incentive to purchase. There is a picture for each recipe and you will be starving once you finish looking at them. This one will be a part of my cookbook collection forever!
Cookbooks don't get much better than this and Greta Podleski has certainly done her research. You might recognize her name from the "Looney Spoon" cookbooks in which she collaborated with her sister. I love that she has made her recipes healthier, which makes this book a great incentive to purchase. There is a picture for each recipe and you will be starving once you finish looking at them. This one will be a part of my cookbook collection forever!
August 13, 2020
One of the best cookbooks I've read and used in a long time!
August 24, 2018
This is SO good. Ordered for the library and then bought a copy. So many good recipes. At least 10 that I've repeated on a regular basis and will continue to try out more. I feel like I've convinced another half dozen people to also purchase.
October 6, 2020
This cookbook is filled with delicious recipes that inspire me to keep cooking interesting meals. One I need to purchase for my cookbook shelf!
January 4, 2018
Received this book as a gift and, having not read any of the "Looneyspoons" cookbooks, wasn't sure what to expect. I was really impressed with the variety and diversity of the recipes (there are sections for fowl, fish, veggie dishes, breakfasts, soups...)
The recipes were all very straight forward with clear instructions (with some even including useful "Kitchen Whizdom" tips), but what really stuck out were the beautiful full-page pictures that accompanied each recipe.
Having a short video clip (easily accessible by QR code) for each recipe was handy, and something I hadn't seen as easily accessible in other cookbooks. Admittedly, I have only used them once or twice, but (as someone who likes a visual guide) it was nice to watch before getting started.
Overall, as someone who doesn't have many cookbooks in their "collection," and who is fairly novice in the kitchen, I really appreciated this book.
The recipes were all very straight forward with clear instructions (with some even including useful "Kitchen Whizdom" tips), but what really stuck out were the beautiful full-page pictures that accompanied each recipe.
Having a short video clip (easily accessible by QR code) for each recipe was handy, and something I hadn't seen as easily accessible in other cookbooks. Admittedly, I have only used them once or twice, but (as someone who likes a visual guide) it was nice to watch before getting started.
Overall, as someone who doesn't have many cookbooks in their "collection," and who is fairly novice in the kitchen, I really appreciated this book.
January 5, 2018
I am a big fan of anything the Podleski sisters publish. Their books are always excellent. Greta has really hit a home run with this latest release. The book is visually stunning. Beautiful photography, great layout and I love the trim size. Aside from the look the utility of the book is great. The recipes are well laid out, the instructions are easy to follow and the QR codes which lead you to "how to" videos hosted by Greta are so well done. The recipes themselves, in my mind, are foolproof. All easily executed by the average cook, great healthy options that are also very tasty and appetizing.
My 11 year old got her hands on the book and was drawn in instantly. She loved the videos and it has been a great way to get her into the kitchen with me cooking, trying new recipes and eating healthy.
My 11 year old got her hands on the book and was drawn in instantly. She loved the videos and it has been a great way to get her into the kitchen with me cooking, trying new recipes and eating healthy.
February 7, 2018
I bought this for my husband to give to me for Christmas because I couldn't imagine living without it since Looneyspoons has been my go-to cookbook for over a decade. I'm just starting to make my way through it but so far it's a winner. Guac by Gretz is heads and tails better than any store bought guacamole. And it has some favorites that I have received by email from the author over the years - like Chocolate Avocado Pudding. I love a receipe book that contains all the nutritional information for each recipe. The photos and layout are beautiful.
February 25, 2018
This is a fantastic cookbook, full of great recipes that everyone in the family will enjoy! The recipes are pretty uncomplicated, with ingredients that are easily accessible, if they are not already in your pantry. I love the concept of “Yum” and “Yummer” options to change up the recipes as well. The photos of each recipe are included, which is an important factor for me in purchasing a cookbook. Highly recommend!
February 18, 2018
I bought this book in November 2017. I have happily made about 1/3 of the recipes and they were all great. What’s more is the instructions given lead to the intended result, even on the first try. I found the ingredients really easy to find and lots of times I already had some of the ingredients on hand. Great cookbook! Hoping to find another great one soon.
May 16, 2018
A great cookbook to add to any collection, I was impressed with all of the recipes I tried, including Mediterranean Turkey Burgers, the roasted pepper hummus, and the Quinoa Salad. The only criticism I would have is that the website doesn't include the recipes, but entices you with videos that show cooking the dishes without specific measurements.
December 31, 2017
I can't wait to get started on the recipes in this book. I have loved and used all of the Looney Spoons cookbooks for years. My only gripe about this is that it would seem to be a lot of "summer" recipes, and it is the heart of the winter right now, and I refuse to grill in -25 C weather.
January 17, 2018
Greta Podleski and her sister were behind the excellent "Looneyspoons" cookbooks. Greta has branched out on her own and come up with a cookbook that promotes healthy eating, just like Looneyspoons did, and offers up recipes made with fresh ingredients. There are plenty of recipes here that are vegetarian that can also be made gluten free and/or vegan.
Each recipe has a gorgeous photo and there's a QR code which, if you scan with your phone or tablet, launches a one minute video of the preparation of the recipe which is a nice touch.
I haven't made anything from the book yet but I have a long list of recipes to try! I'm sure there will be a number of "keepers". This also satisfies one of my 2018 Bingo reading challenge squares over on CanadianContent though I am required to make one of the recipes. That's definitely in the plan for the near future.
Each recipe has a gorgeous photo and there's a QR code which, if you scan with your phone or tablet, launches a one minute video of the preparation of the recipe which is a nice touch.
I haven't made anything from the book yet but I have a long list of recipes to try! I'm sure there will be a number of "keepers". This also satisfies one of my 2018 Bingo reading challenge squares over on CanadianContent though I am required to make one of the recipes. That's definitely in the plan for the near future.
May 2, 2020
The Podleski sisters' cookbooks never disappoint, so I didn't hesitate to grab this one up. Greta went solo to make this newest installation of a healthy cookbook. Like their books before, it is full of a wide variety of types of foods, including nutritional information, photos, tips and tricks. Her spin on this project was to advise how to further enhance each recipe by making it to a "Yum" or "Yummer" level.
And there is a Scanning Code at the bottom of each recipe, that when scanned by your phone, calls up a quick video how-to for each one. So far I've made the Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Unstuffed Peppers Soup, and Almond Energy Bites to the rave reviews of my family. "This is the best thing you've made in a while" is the usual testament I hear after I whip up one of her recipes. High praise for her book, maybe not so high to my usual rotation meals. I will be sure to use this book much more often, then.😁
And there is a Scanning Code at the bottom of each recipe, that when scanned by your phone, calls up a quick video how-to for each one. So far I've made the Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Unstuffed Peppers Soup, and Almond Energy Bites to the rave reviews of my family. "This is the best thing you've made in a while" is the usual testament I hear after I whip up one of her recipes. High praise for her book, maybe not so high to my usual rotation meals. I will be sure to use this book much more often, then.😁
November 25, 2025
A great modern cookbook!
When I started college, I was always stealing this cookbook from a roommate and eventually bought my own copy — it was just what I needed as a student!
Whenever I forget what I like to eat, I have a flip through this cookbook, gawk at the enticing photographs, and instantly have a plan.
These recipes are unpretentious and delicious. They don’t require wacky ingredients or intense cooking techniques. They’re just tasty — but never plain.
I love the chicken enchilada casserole and the various Greek salads. The page of chicken marinades is fantastic.
And the best part? This book is sprinkled with Podleski’s silly sense of humour, which I adore.
This is one of the only modern cookbooks I own, and I really don’t feel the need to buy more when I have this one.
When I started college, I was always stealing this cookbook from a roommate and eventually bought my own copy — it was just what I needed as a student!
Whenever I forget what I like to eat, I have a flip through this cookbook, gawk at the enticing photographs, and instantly have a plan.
These recipes are unpretentious and delicious. They don’t require wacky ingredients or intense cooking techniques. They’re just tasty — but never plain.
I love the chicken enchilada casserole and the various Greek salads. The page of chicken marinades is fantastic.
And the best part? This book is sprinkled with Podleski’s silly sense of humour, which I adore.
This is one of the only modern cookbooks I own, and I really don’t feel the need to buy more when I have this one.
April 29, 2020
Her writing style drives me batty (multiple stupid puns per page), but this book more than makes up for that with its recipes. None of them astound me, or change my view of a vegetable, the way my favourite cookbooks do (“British Columbia from Scratch” and “Eating from the Ground Up”). But pretty much every recipe is decent in every way that counts: they are pretty yummy, pretty easy, pretty fast, pretty cheap, pretty healthy. This book is just so decent on all counts that it elevates the whole thing to a really great level.
December 27, 2020
I actually started this book a couple months ago but forgot it was on my “want to read” list. I have tried several recipes and have found them all easy and tasty. There is still a lot of low sodium and low fat language in this book as was the case in the Looneyspoons books, but this is definitely updated to how most people eat now. I was very happy with the number of gluten free options available in the book - which is why I purchased it. I would highly recommend this book even if you don’t have dietary restrictions.
February 15, 2025
Amazing recipes, every one of them. I’ve gone through it, cover to cover, many times and have made dozens of delicious meals as a result. Highly recommended!
I will admit that I had pretty much converted to searching for recipes online. I was gifted this cookbook by someone who raved about it and said they had yet to discover a mediocre recipe in it as they were all fantastic. It quickly became my go to and has made me excited about cooking again. I am hoping there will be a Yum & Yummer II.
I will admit that I had pretty much converted to searching for recipes online. I was gifted this cookbook by someone who raved about it and said they had yet to discover a mediocre recipe in it as they were all fantastic. It quickly became my go to and has made me excited about cooking again. I am hoping there will be a Yum & Yummer II.
April 30, 2023
I love this book which I think is a great introduction to healthier eating in a diverse range of recipes and techniques. As a home cook, I’m always grateful for books that are accessible and that offer options to make food my family will eat and enjoy. Lots of vegetarian options and tips on how to increase meatless meals. I liked it.
January 27, 2018
Excellent modern recipes for today's sensitivities. Nutrition and good, tasty meals are the focus of the book - from appetizers to desserts. Lots of beautiful pictures adorn the book and make you motivated to eat healthy! Another excellent cookbook from St. Thomas native Greta Podleski!
October 15, 2018
A vibrant and fun cookbook with pictures for every dish. Lots of great ideas and tips for how to change a recipe. Great to cook from, especially with videos for the recipes but also a great cookbook to browse through and read
November 12, 2018
This cookbook is wonderful. The recipes are delicious. I have made two already and both turned out spectacular! The coolest thing about the book is the bar code link to the one minute you tube video showing you how to make the recipe! Great job Greta! I enjoyed meeting you at CIN 2018 😊
March 15, 2019
I bought this cookbook as a gift and, as it sat in my house waiting to be wrapped, I kept using it until it was clearly mine and I had to buy another one for the gift exchange. My favourite cookbook to date. Also loved Looneyspoons and Crazy Plates.
December 27, 2019
My favourite cookbook of all time! Almost everything I cook is inspired by it, and everytime I tried a new recipe from it I've become obsessed. Something for everyone as well, whether you're a healthy eater or focused more on a yummy meal, vegetarian or carnivore, into appetizers or feasts!
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