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Hack Your Cupboard: Make Great Food with What You've Got
It's not always easy to try out a new recipe, but sticking to what you know and love can get pretty boring. After a discussion of what food storage areas typically have (and what they ought to have), Hack Your Cupboard provides age-specific guidance to help you move on to more ambitious meals. This makes it the perfect book to take from the family pantry to a dorm room fridge, a first apartment, and beyond. With dozens of photographs as well as dream dinners for every skill level, this is the cookbook for anyone who wants to break out of a kitchen rut without breaking too much of a sweat.
168 pages, Library Binding
First published October 1, 2019
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60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 27, 2019
The first thing you should know about this cookbook is that it's really designed for teenagers and college kids who are just learning how to cook. It's laid out in three sections depending on whether you live with a roommate, in a dorm, in your first apartment, etc.
It's a pretty good primer if you want to make standard, fairly unhealthy but nice tasting American food and have no food allergies. Think grilled cheese, pasta with salt and parmesan, stuff like that. Then the author tells you how to make it fancier, but again not necessarily any healthier. As an example, she has your make a batch of macaroni and cheese from a box and then hack it by adding ingredients like cream cheese, bacon, salsa, ham, spinach, crushed crackers (on top), etc. Some of these will make it tasty and original, although new cooks may make some unfortunate pairings. Most of them will not result in a healthy dish.
Some color photos are provided and there's lots of basic information like what to stock in your pantry and how to do basic cooking techniques. No nutritional information is provided, and no talk about how to maximize the nutrition of your dishes. This seems like a real wasted opportunity for young people who may not know things like if you steam vegetables you'll retain a lot more of the vitamins, which fats are healthy and not, or what to add to dishes to up the protein, fiber or nutrients and still taste great.
The book itself is colorful and easy to read, and includes lots of good basic cooking information like how to use knives or make a vinaigrette. This would make a good beginner cookbook for new cooks, although I would recommend pairing it with some healthier ones. It is not well suited for gluten free, vegan, paleo, etc. folks, and is another cookbook that seems to forget that quite a lot of people eat outside of the Standard American Diet these days (which is probably a good thing). It is certainly a good text for lots of beginner cooking skills and ideas, though.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
It's a pretty good primer if you want to make standard, fairly unhealthy but nice tasting American food and have no food allergies. Think grilled cheese, pasta with salt and parmesan, stuff like that. Then the author tells you how to make it fancier, but again not necessarily any healthier. As an example, she has your make a batch of macaroni and cheese from a box and then hack it by adding ingredients like cream cheese, bacon, salsa, ham, spinach, crushed crackers (on top), etc. Some of these will make it tasty and original, although new cooks may make some unfortunate pairings. Most of them will not result in a healthy dish.
Some color photos are provided and there's lots of basic information like what to stock in your pantry and how to do basic cooking techniques. No nutritional information is provided, and no talk about how to maximize the nutrition of your dishes. This seems like a real wasted opportunity for young people who may not know things like if you steam vegetables you'll retain a lot more of the vitamins, which fats are healthy and not, or what to add to dishes to up the protein, fiber or nutrients and still taste great.
The book itself is colorful and easy to read, and includes lots of good basic cooking information like how to use knives or make a vinaigrette. This would make a good beginner cookbook for new cooks, although I would recommend pairing it with some healthier ones. It is not well suited for gluten free, vegan, paleo, etc. folks, and is another cookbook that seems to forget that quite a lot of people eat outside of the Standard American Diet these days (which is probably a good thing). It is certainly a good text for lots of beginner cooking skills and ideas, though.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
September 6, 2019
I wasn’t sure about this book at first - I think what I expected was more riffs on pantry/staple meals for the home cook. That’s not what this book is, and my knee-jerk reaction was to be annoyed.
HOWEVER! What this book IS is a fantastic road map for the either the young person moving out for the first time AND/OR the very very novice cook that feels overwhelmed even stepping foot in the kitchen.
Though it’s broken up into helpful sections like Your First Kitchen, Dorm Room Dining, Your First Solo Apartment, etc - you don’t need to actually be a young person to gain knowledge, tips, and a general handle on cooking here. The book is very much like a “how to level up in the kitchen”, starting at ground zero. It starts with the absolute most basic things (scrambling eggs! toast!), and in each section gets a little more complicated. What I loved is that each section also adds on the next-level kitchen equipment you need - you’re not getting a huge overwhelming list in the beginning of EVERYTHING - you’re given smaller, more manageable lists along the way. Because really, if you’re just mastering toast, you probably don’t need a microplane grater yet, you know?
The full-color photographs are fantastic - when you’re just starting out you really need that kind of visual aid to help you on your path to “am I doing this right?!” I also loved the little color “hack” bubbles that are on most recipes - everything from budget hacks (switch out the salmon for chicken) to spicy hacks (add 1/2-1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes). They’re on almost every recipe, which is great, because it helps the new cook learn to tweak a recipe to their taste/budget/ingredients on hand.
If you have young adults in your life (or older adults that want to learn to cook but are afraid!) this is an excellent choice! I’ll be buying it for my kids.
HOWEVER! What this book IS is a fantastic road map for the either the young person moving out for the first time AND/OR the very very novice cook that feels overwhelmed even stepping foot in the kitchen.
Though it’s broken up into helpful sections like Your First Kitchen, Dorm Room Dining, Your First Solo Apartment, etc - you don’t need to actually be a young person to gain knowledge, tips, and a general handle on cooking here. The book is very much like a “how to level up in the kitchen”, starting at ground zero. It starts with the absolute most basic things (scrambling eggs! toast!), and in each section gets a little more complicated. What I loved is that each section also adds on the next-level kitchen equipment you need - you’re not getting a huge overwhelming list in the beginning of EVERYTHING - you’re given smaller, more manageable lists along the way. Because really, if you’re just mastering toast, you probably don’t need a microplane grater yet, you know?
The full-color photographs are fantastic - when you’re just starting out you really need that kind of visual aid to help you on your path to “am I doing this right?!” I also loved the little color “hack” bubbles that are on most recipes - everything from budget hacks (switch out the salmon for chicken) to spicy hacks (add 1/2-1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes). They’re on almost every recipe, which is great, because it helps the new cook learn to tweak a recipe to their taste/budget/ingredients on hand.
If you have young adults in your life (or older adults that want to learn to cook but are afraid!) this is an excellent choice! I’ll be buying it for my kids.
October 15, 2019
To start, I have to say that I hate the title. As a curmudgeon, I think that using trendy buzzwords in your title is off-putting and will age both badly and quickly. In addition, I think it’s misleading. A hack is creating a shortcut or workaround. That covers about half the book, but the book is really about developing and building on kitchen skills. The book takes the reader from still living in their family home through dorm room cooking, the first shared kitchen, to the first solo kitchen. I got this as an advance reader copy on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve had a lot of conflicting feelings about the book. On the positive side, it covers many kitchen fundamentals including food safety, cleaning, knife skills and how to read a recipe. As the book progresses, it builds on some basic recipes and evolves them as the reader’s skill, space and equipment grow. I appreciated that the authors encourage the reader to be creative and adapt recipes to what’s available and to taste. I liked the explanations of ingredients and the suggestions about how to put menus together.
In addition to disliking the hacking conceit, I had a couple of other issues. One of the first things that struck me about this book was that the authors are assuming a certain level of wealth. I don’t mean luxurious wealth, but there’s an assumption that the reader will have access to a variety of groceries and equipment. The authors also make some cultural assumptions about what foods form the backbone of a diet. It’s a very white American diet.
What I did find more problematic was the “Healthy Hack” on page 94 that recommended replacing butter with coconut oil. Coconut oil’s problems are well documented – very high in saturated fat (80%!!!!!!), and it’s benefits are dubious at best. I find it wildly irresponsible to declare coconut oil a healthy alternative when AT BEST it’s potential health benefits are not well documented and the American Heart Association, among others still identify it as unhealthy.
I’ve had a lot of conflicting feelings about the book. On the positive side, it covers many kitchen fundamentals including food safety, cleaning, knife skills and how to read a recipe. As the book progresses, it builds on some basic recipes and evolves them as the reader’s skill, space and equipment grow. I appreciated that the authors encourage the reader to be creative and adapt recipes to what’s available and to taste. I liked the explanations of ingredients and the suggestions about how to put menus together.
In addition to disliking the hacking conceit, I had a couple of other issues. One of the first things that struck me about this book was that the authors are assuming a certain level of wealth. I don’t mean luxurious wealth, but there’s an assumption that the reader will have access to a variety of groceries and equipment. The authors also make some cultural assumptions about what foods form the backbone of a diet. It’s a very white American diet.
What I did find more problematic was the “Healthy Hack” on page 94 that recommended replacing butter with coconut oil. Coconut oil’s problems are well documented – very high in saturated fat (80%!!!!!!), and it’s benefits are dubious at best. I find it wildly irresponsible to declare coconut oil a healthy alternative when AT BEST it’s potential health benefits are not well documented and the American Heart Association, among others still identify it as unhealthy.
September 17, 2019
FRANKSTEIN IT
That's the phrase I use at my house for kitchen hacks. SO much to love about this cookbook. Bright, cheery, informative with lots of pictures. BUT, not for a seasoned cook. I would highly recommend for new chefs, college students or folks who can't get out of a rut. For me a fun book to gift but not add to my collection.
That's the phrase I use at my house for kitchen hacks. SO much to love about this cookbook. Bright, cheery, informative with lots of pictures. BUT, not for a seasoned cook. I would highly recommend for new chefs, college students or folks who can't get out of a rut. For me a fun book to gift but not add to my collection.
August 23, 2019
Great cookbook for the novice in the kitchen. Great gift for newlyweds, young singles or college students.
March 14, 2020
This book did not show me how to make dinner with oil and lettuce like the back matter promised. Disappointed. It did show me some other cool stuff. I wanted more...
September 17, 2019
The marketing for this book is pretty misleading. I was hoping for a book about inventive ways to create meals using whatever you have on hand, but this is really a Cooking 101 for young adults who don't even know how to scramble eggs or make a grilled cheese. (Yes, literally, these are covered.) It would be a nice gift for someone going away to college, but not so useful for a 30something mom like myself who's been feeding herself and others for quite a while. Overall disappointed. Would have been a good book if marketed as what it actually is.
arc from the publisher
arc from the publisher
February 11, 2025
A fascinating collection of recipes and tips to create meals from what you have hanging out in your cupboard, pantry and fridge. Helps you when you are in a bind for dinner, especially when you don't have money or the time to buy all those fancy ingredients that recipes call for. Especially when it is an expensive item that you will only use once! gosh I hate that.
Great collection that takes you from college to your first home.
#Netgalley
Great collection that takes you from college to your first home.
#Netgalley
September 29, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Hack Your Cupboard is a tutorial guide for cooks who are learning their way around the kitchen as well as for readers who want to change up their standard 'what should I cook tonight' menus to make them a little less boring, with the ingredients available on hand.
Due out 1st Oct 2019 from Lerner on their Zest Books imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in ebook, paperback, and library bound formats.
There were several really neat features here. First, no matter what skill level the reader has currently (including 'cereal for dinner' as they say in the book), there is usable information here. More advanced cooks can move on to relevant information for their skill level. The authors presuppose no familiarity with cooking, and whether you are learning at the beginning (scrambled eggs, tossing a salad, making vinaigrette) or more advanced, there are tips and suggestions.
I loved the suggested pantry staples lists. They're useful, basic, and bare bones. I remember when I moved into my first apartment alone and found a pantry list (from a library book), it included things I'd never used, like capers. I've lived decades without looking at a caper or pickled artichoke heart. This book includes no-nonsense sensible ingredients lists which are easily sourced, inexpensive (except potentially the -good- balsamic vinegar which is a staple and quality counts), and easy to use.
There are sections for dorm cooking, food safety (important!), first apartment pantry, cooking (with recipes), and a simple celebratory dinner menu, for a date night or convincing one's mother that nobody is in danger of starving to death since they moved away from home.
Each of the recipes provides serving sizes, ingredients lists, step by step simple instructions as well as sidebar graphics with alternate preparation and ingredients to add some variation. None of the recipes include nutritional information (outside the scope of the book). Most of the recipes are pictured with serving suggestions such as dips, sides, etc. There are sidebars scattered throughout with 'hacks' for things like crushing garlic, spicing up your ramen with other seasonings (sambal oelek, gochujang, or harissa, all available at a well stocked international grocery store), and more.
This would make a superlative addition to a 'moving out' care package for newly independent youngsters/singles/newlyweds, etc. I was impressed enough with the book that I am planning on buying one for each of my kids who are moving (or have moved) out on their own.
Five stars. There's a lot to love here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Hack Your Cupboard is a tutorial guide for cooks who are learning their way around the kitchen as well as for readers who want to change up their standard 'what should I cook tonight' menus to make them a little less boring, with the ingredients available on hand.
Due out 1st Oct 2019 from Lerner on their Zest Books imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in ebook, paperback, and library bound formats.
There were several really neat features here. First, no matter what skill level the reader has currently (including 'cereal for dinner' as they say in the book), there is usable information here. More advanced cooks can move on to relevant information for their skill level. The authors presuppose no familiarity with cooking, and whether you are learning at the beginning (scrambled eggs, tossing a salad, making vinaigrette) or more advanced, there are tips and suggestions.
I loved the suggested pantry staples lists. They're useful, basic, and bare bones. I remember when I moved into my first apartment alone and found a pantry list (from a library book), it included things I'd never used, like capers. I've lived decades without looking at a caper or pickled artichoke heart. This book includes no-nonsense sensible ingredients lists which are easily sourced, inexpensive (except potentially the -good- balsamic vinegar which is a staple and quality counts), and easy to use.
There are sections for dorm cooking, food safety (important!), first apartment pantry, cooking (with recipes), and a simple celebratory dinner menu, for a date night or convincing one's mother that nobody is in danger of starving to death since they moved away from home.
Each of the recipes provides serving sizes, ingredients lists, step by step simple instructions as well as sidebar graphics with alternate preparation and ingredients to add some variation. None of the recipes include nutritional information (outside the scope of the book). Most of the recipes are pictured with serving suggestions such as dips, sides, etc. There are sidebars scattered throughout with 'hacks' for things like crushing garlic, spicing up your ramen with other seasonings (sambal oelek, gochujang, or harissa, all available at a well stocked international grocery store), and more.
This would make a superlative addition to a 'moving out' care package for newly independent youngsters/singles/newlyweds, etc. I was impressed enough with the book that I am planning on buying one for each of my kids who are moving (or have moved) out on their own.
Five stars. There's a lot to love here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
September 26, 2019
Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Hack Your Cupboard: Make Great Food With What You've Got. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
The cookbook is divided into sections like: Your First Kitchen, Dorm Room Dining, First Apartment Dining, and First Solo Kitchen. With important tips for first timers in the kitchen, Hack Your Cupboard is designed to reach those who are new to cooking for themselves. Much of the introduction is self-explanatory, but beginners might truly not have knowledge in the areas that are explored. This cookbook would be particularly useful for those just starting out.
Hack Your Cupboard is designed to take ordinary dishes and amp them up with ingredients from pantry or fridge. There are beginner techniques, like making vinaigrette, which is followed by a salad recipe. There are tips enclosed in colorful oval shapes to make them pop off the page. I like how the author has taken the time to go through kitchen essentials, like knife skills, and explains about certain ingredients with regards to preparation.
From basics like how to make grilled cheese or cook pasta, to slightly more complicated recipes like Chocolate Chip Cookies, the recipes themselves make sense for the target audience. The doom room section has many ramen dishes, for instance, or microwave recipes like Breakfast Bread Pudding and Simple Brownies.
Each section runs through essential pantry items and helpful tips for success. The cookbook shows great ways to use premade ingredients, whether they are leftovers like rice, or purchased like rotisserie chicken. The recipes get more sophisticated as the book moves through the different sections, although I personally did not find the cookbook to be challenging. I like how the author goes through different techniques and beginners will benefit from the tutorials. Overall, Hack Your Cupboard is an ideal house/apartment/dorm gift and is one I would recommend to the target audience.
The cookbook is divided into sections like: Your First Kitchen, Dorm Room Dining, First Apartment Dining, and First Solo Kitchen. With important tips for first timers in the kitchen, Hack Your Cupboard is designed to reach those who are new to cooking for themselves. Much of the introduction is self-explanatory, but beginners might truly not have knowledge in the areas that are explored. This cookbook would be particularly useful for those just starting out.
Hack Your Cupboard is designed to take ordinary dishes and amp them up with ingredients from pantry or fridge. There are beginner techniques, like making vinaigrette, which is followed by a salad recipe. There are tips enclosed in colorful oval shapes to make them pop off the page. I like how the author has taken the time to go through kitchen essentials, like knife skills, and explains about certain ingredients with regards to preparation.
From basics like how to make grilled cheese or cook pasta, to slightly more complicated recipes like Chocolate Chip Cookies, the recipes themselves make sense for the target audience. The doom room section has many ramen dishes, for instance, or microwave recipes like Breakfast Bread Pudding and Simple Brownies.
Each section runs through essential pantry items and helpful tips for success. The cookbook shows great ways to use premade ingredients, whether they are leftovers like rice, or purchased like rotisserie chicken. The recipes get more sophisticated as the book moves through the different sections, although I personally did not find the cookbook to be challenging. I like how the author goes through different techniques and beginners will benefit from the tutorials. Overall, Hack Your Cupboard is an ideal house/apartment/dorm gift and is one I would recommend to the target audience.
March 10, 2022
this book was a Delightful surprise. one i plan on obtaining multiple copies of to be given as gifts to young High School graduates & young newlyweds.
(its as great a gift as Jim Trelease's Read Aloud Handbook, that i give to ALL of my 'expecting" friends)
to tell you the truth the book is way different than i was expecting. - I am always looking at books/recipes that make life & cooking a bit easier & tastier. as an over 60s, cooking is a bit more laborious than it once was, so such things are really helpful. & yes this book does do that.
but it does SO MUCH MORE..
what the authors have done is start with the Beginning (i know obvious right?lol) in HOW to set up your kitchen with BASIC necessities & a few simple recipes. PERFECT for a new college student/or setting up a new apartment with little to no kitchen experience.
First is recommended basic equipment & pantry staples that make life easier & a few beginner techniques & recipes like basic vinegarette & baking 101
next comes Dorm Room Dining including Ramen Hacks & Microwave recipes
then First Apartment Dining with how to roast - How to pan-fry - drop biscuits...
last but far from least is the First Solo Kitchen & Knife skills. How to braise & how to deep fry. different cuisines & fancy rice
as i said this is a Step By Step each section building on the one before. each step adding kitchen equipment/ pantry necessities & recipes
a great reference mini library in one book.
I will add one caveat - if you are looking for nutrition information this book does not cater to that. it is all about skill building & BASIC how to use those skills. if you cannot make a thing, it doesn't matter how nutritious it is. that to me is common sense. that will come with time & experience.
It's a great gift for those in your life that will love you for it!!
they will have this confidence /skill builder to become very good cooks if they choose to!!
(its as great a gift as Jim Trelease's Read Aloud Handbook, that i give to ALL of my 'expecting" friends)
to tell you the truth the book is way different than i was expecting. - I am always looking at books/recipes that make life & cooking a bit easier & tastier. as an over 60s, cooking is a bit more laborious than it once was, so such things are really helpful. & yes this book does do that.
but it does SO MUCH MORE..
what the authors have done is start with the Beginning (i know obvious right?lol) in HOW to set up your kitchen with BASIC necessities & a few simple recipes. PERFECT for a new college student/or setting up a new apartment with little to no kitchen experience.
First is recommended basic equipment & pantry staples that make life easier & a few beginner techniques & recipes like basic vinegarette & baking 101
next comes Dorm Room Dining including Ramen Hacks & Microwave recipes
then First Apartment Dining with how to roast - How to pan-fry - drop biscuits...
last but far from least is the First Solo Kitchen & Knife skills. How to braise & how to deep fry. different cuisines & fancy rice
as i said this is a Step By Step each section building on the one before. each step adding kitchen equipment/ pantry necessities & recipes
a great reference mini library in one book.
I will add one caveat - if you are looking for nutrition information this book does not cater to that. it is all about skill building & BASIC how to use those skills. if you cannot make a thing, it doesn't matter how nutritious it is. that to me is common sense. that will come with time & experience.
It's a great gift for those in your life that will love you for it!!
they will have this confidence /skill builder to become very good cooks if they choose to!!
November 27, 2019
Ok, the title is a little misleading- I was expecting more of a "I've got this, that, and the other, what can I make?"- but that's okay. This is a good basic cookbook for teens, young adults, or anyone not that comfortable with cooking. It covers four basic kitchens: your family home's kitchen, before you've moved out; a dorm kitchen; a shared kitchen, like in an apartment/rented house with roommates; and a first kitchen of your own. The recipes move from very beginning cook to more experienced, comfortable cook, and the kitchen pantry and gear recommendations evolve as well. There are also lots of good tips, like knife skills and kitchen safety, pantry lists for each type of kitchen, plus ideas for how to "hack" recipes by changing up ingredients to suit your tastes. One point of contention: the author mentions coconut oil being a healthy alternative to butter. While I have nothing against using coconut oil in moderation, there is no scientific proof of any health benefits, and it shouldn't be presented as being healthy; it's merely a different type of fat. This is a minor complaint, however. Overall, this would make a good gift for a newbie cook, either on its own, or in a gift basket/box with kitchen tools, non-perishable spices/ingredients, etc.
#HackYourCupboard #NetGalley
#HackYourCupboard #NetGalley
July 17, 2021
This cookbook is perfect for teens interested in doing some meal prep for themselves, their friends, and family. It's set up nicely with a Table of Contents and Index, so that makes looking up recipes easy. The tips on how to handle a knife, drain pasta, cut onions, and so forth are clear and simple. The easy additions to recipes give cooks ideas that they can build on. The authors remind readers that learning to cook is a matter of trial and error and not to get discouraged. The book is arranged for teens cooking at home, then in their dorm at college, in an apartment shared with roommates, and then, finally, in a kitchen of their own. This would be a nice gift for teens who like to cook and it's one that they can keep with them as they grow. It's no Joy of Cooking, but it does focus on simple, tasty, inexpensive, nutritious food and on maintaining a pantry of staples. The authors focus on sharing meals/food with others, reflecting their belief that food is better with friends. I thought the title was a little misleading, but maybe I don't completely understand what Hack Your Cupboard means!
December 15, 2019
Ignore the misleading title; this cookbook is intended for young adults who are beginning to cook for themselves. It offers an introduction to sophisticated eating with basics such as knife skills and homemade dressings as well as basic versatile recipes.
This would be a great Christmas gift for young foodies or young adults newly responsible for feeding themselves. Sections include: Your First Kitchen (at Mom & Dad's house), cooking in your Dorm Room, cooking in your Shared Apartment and your First Solo Kitchen.
Attractive, accessible and educational. I picked up a few tips myself! I would buy this book to reference later and/or to teach my girls.
My one criticism of the recipes is that they seem to use excessive amounts of oil, butter and cheese. She also recommends having 2% or whole milk in your dorm fridge. Why not skim milk?! (It might just be that I no longer have a young adult's metabolism!) I would cut the amounts of oil/butter/cheese in half for most of the recipes - the food would still taste good and it would be a lot healthier.
This would be a great Christmas gift for young foodies or young adults newly responsible for feeding themselves. Sections include: Your First Kitchen (at Mom & Dad's house), cooking in your Dorm Room, cooking in your Shared Apartment and your First Solo Kitchen.
Attractive, accessible and educational. I picked up a few tips myself! I would buy this book to reference later and/or to teach my girls.
My one criticism of the recipes is that they seem to use excessive amounts of oil, butter and cheese. She also recommends having 2% or whole milk in your dorm fridge. Why not skim milk?! (It might just be that I no longer have a young adult's metabolism!) I would cut the amounts of oil/butter/cheese in half for most of the recipes - the food would still taste good and it would be a lot healthier.
August 15, 2019
Hack Your Cupboard will make the perfect gift for beginner cooks heading off to college. The cookbook is separated into 3 main categories: College Cooking, First Apartment (w/roommate) Cooking, and First Solo Kitchen Cooking. All of the recipes are easy to. T follow with very minimal ingredients that are easy to find. Each section has a basic intro of how to properly stock their kitchen with recommendations on tools and pantry items. There are mini lessons scattered throughout to teach the cook how to properly hold a chef's knife and how to chop. The recipes feature "hacks" such as budget hack, healthy hack, and gourmet hack. All of these add on or substitute the recipe at hand making them extremely versatile. From hacking ramen packs in your college dorm to searing up a teriyaki salmon in your first apartment, this cookbook has a lot to offer!
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2019
Hack Your Cupboard by Alyssa Wiegand, Carla Carreon is a gem of a cookbook. The two authors cleverly show how to whip up delicious meals using pantry ingredients. I especially loved their tips for college students on how they could keep a small pantry to prepare quick dorm meals.
Some of the recipes you'll find in their cookbook include:
Sliced Avocado toast with Olive Oil
Simple Brownie
Drop Biscuits
Baked Brie
Teriyaki Salmon
The photos showing how to use kitchen equipment are invaluable and will help novice cooks learn their way around the kitchen. Their tips will help both novice and intermediate cooks too.
Recommend.
Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.
Some of the recipes you'll find in their cookbook include:
Sliced Avocado toast with Olive Oil
Simple Brownie
Drop Biscuits
Baked Brie
Teriyaki Salmon
The photos showing how to use kitchen equipment are invaluable and will help novice cooks learn their way around the kitchen. Their tips will help both novice and intermediate cooks too.
Recommend.
Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.
August 14, 2019
With a title like Hack Your Cupboard, I expected this book to be filled with creative ways to use the everyday ingredients you have on hand to create something delicious. While it wasn't necessarily that it IS an excellent first cookbook for beginners. There are some great ideas, including some really neat ramen flavoring combinations that I look forward to trying, and tons of tips on how to stock your dorm/pantry and basic techniques. The pictures are bright and uncluttered, pages are easy to follow. This would be a perfect gift for high school graduates on their way to college, paired with a grocery store gift card and maybe some cute measuring spoons or towels.
August 22, 2019
This is a really great beginner's cookbook. It's great for new cooks as it teaches a lot of basics, but also offers more advanced information once you get comfortable in the kitchen.
It has sections for building a pantry, microwave recipes, how to roast/pan-fry/saute, and more. The authors include a lot of tips and variations, which are awesome, as well as information on how to actually read a recipe, which many people don't know (for example, "a cup of peanuts, chopped" is different from "a cup of chopped peanuts").
I also really liked the graphics, fonts, and photos in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
It has sections for building a pantry, microwave recipes, how to roast/pan-fry/saute, and more. The authors include a lot of tips and variations, which are awesome, as well as information on how to actually read a recipe, which many people don't know (for example, "a cup of peanuts, chopped" is different from "a cup of chopped peanuts").
I also really liked the graphics, fonts, and photos in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
June 23, 2020
So many great tips for using what you have on hand and just adding a couple of ingredients to make it your own. The opening part of the book takes the example of a packaged mac and cheese and then gives a large list of things that make great add-ins, many of which are things you may have on hand but would not think of adding in.
I also liked that the cookbook had a section for the times when one may not have much access to keeping many fridge/freezer things on hand. If your studio apartment only has a "dorm sized" fridge, it can be hard to eat an even remotely healthy diet. This book helped with ideas around that.
I also liked that the cookbook had a section for the times when one may not have much access to keeping many fridge/freezer things on hand. If your studio apartment only has a "dorm sized" fridge, it can be hard to eat an even remotely healthy diet. This book helped with ideas around that.
September 15, 2019
This is a good book for the new cook. It has good illustrations and is divided into three sections. Heading to college is the first, it is good if your have an apartment with a kitchen or a dorm room you can cook in. Section 2 is perfect for a newlywed or for roommates on a budget. Finally the last section is good for 1 person cooking. Most of the ingredients are common items found in most pantries. Great gift for a college student or newlywed. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 15, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review, "Hack Your Cupboard" by Alyssa Wiegand, Carla Carreon. This is the perfect cookbook for someone who is new to cooking. It has great pictures and a lot of helpful cooking advice along the way. Recipes are easy to read and understand. I am at the beginner level of cooking so this book really speaks to me. I have always found cooking to be overwhelming and complicated. This book simplifies it. I am really looking forward to trying these recipes in the very near future!
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December 22, 2020I wish this had a different title and/or subtitle! Unfortunately it’s a bad title for it’s intended audience.
It *should* be called something like “Your First Pantry: Dorm, Apartment, and First Kitchens”
This would be a great graduation gift for a teen/college student about to be cooking for themselves for the first time with $10 to spend on ingredients and cookware combined. There are tons of great tips and tricks that just aren’t useful if you’ve been cooking for years and/or don’t live with strangers and/or have more than $30 in your bank account.
It *should* be called something like “Your First Pantry: Dorm, Apartment, and First Kitchens”
This would be a great graduation gift for a teen/college student about to be cooking for themselves for the first time with $10 to spend on ingredients and cookware combined. There are tons of great tips and tricks that just aren’t useful if you’ve been cooking for years and/or don’t live with strangers and/or have more than $30 in your bank account.
November 22, 2021
I think the title of this book is misleading. As others have noted this is a beginners cookbook for older teenagers or college students on their own for the first time. I was expecting a cookbook full of tips and tricks on using what's already on hand. This cookbook features instructions on how to make the most basic of recipes (cooking pasta, grilled cheese, etc.). If you're a newly independent adult that doesn't know how to use a kitchen, this book is for you. If you're an experienced cook, you'll be disappointed by this book.
May 19, 2024
Written for the beginner cook, this cookbook has information on everything from what to stock in your pantry to recipes for scrambled eggs, teriyaki salmon, and lemon pound cake. Keep in mind that this cookbook is designed for teenagers and college students, and it does a really good job with that purpose in mind. It is divided into four sections: Your First Kitchen, Dorm Room Dining, First Apartment Dining, and First Solo Kitchen. This cookbook would have been very helpful as I headed off to college or even as a 20-something newlywed.
August 9, 2019
This is an excellent cookbook that is good for the novice to the experienced cook. It starts with simple basic cooking techniques like scrambled eggs or cinnamon toast to a fancy dinner. I particularly love the college dorm hacks. I'm an experienced cook, but I learned a couple of cutting techniques. The recipes are delicious, and utilize ingredients from your kitchen that are generally on hand. My favorite recipe is the granola. It's cheap and easy to make.
October 23, 2019
Hack Your Cupboard... a simple recipe collection for basic chefs using standard household ingredients. No frills. Nothing special. Not flavored with spices. Good for a high schooler or college student on their own for the first time, just learning how to cook. Teaches knife skills, how to boil pasta, how to saute, pan-fry, and roast. Title should be "Cooking for Kindergarteners" or "ABCs of Your First Kitchen".
September 4, 2019
What a great book!! This would be a great book to give a college kid (I immediately purchased for mine) or someone moving out of the house the first time. It explains different techniques and recipes that are thorough! Easy to cook recipes that are simple and inexpensive. I will be buying for gifts a lot.
March 2, 2021
More of a primer on how to move from a teen occasionally cooking for themselves to a young adult confident in the kitchen. Lots of basic how-to-do specific techniques and how to grow in your skills. Not actually very many recipes.
Would be good to get for a teen or young adult who has no idea where to start when cooking.
Would be good to get for a teen or young adult who has no idea where to start when cooking.
January 14, 2023
I was so disappointed by this book. It is basically for new cooks and a lot if things they use you don’t stock in your cupboard. I thought it would be for things normally used and stocked. Some of the recipes are good but you would have to add them to your grocery list. The title is not what this book is about.
December 27, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. I'm hoping to move into a new space in 2020 and start cooking for myself instead of depending on takeout. This book shows the basic pantry staples a kitchen needs at various life stages and how to hack those ingredients to make delicious food
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