I've been up to my elbows in puree's for the last 2 weeks. Everything from spinach to butternut squash to sweet potatoes to carrots to cauliflower.
I've been intrigued by this "Jessica Seinfeld puree" thing for years but it wasn't until my mom got me this cookbook for Christmas that I decided to try it out. My kids actually eat vegetables pretty well but I like the idea of packing even more punch into everything we eat, especially since I'm always pregnant and need all the nutrients I can get.
Book Review:
It takes a little time to get started with this cookbook. Every recipe calls for a certain puree and although I'm sure you could just omit it you'd kind of miss the whole point. It takes me a full day's worth of roasting, steaming, and pureeing to stock up enough puree's for about 2 weeks worth of meals.
This cookbook is for moms with kids. I probably wouldn't make these recipes if I was having a fancy dinner party since the recipes are very simple in flavor and ingredients. Since I don't ever have fancy dinner parties they are great for me. It's kid food. My kids have really enjoyed every single thing I've made. Although I should add that in order to get my very food snobby husband to like it I do usually add a little more salt, or garlic, or ginger or whatever. I just add a little more than she calls for.
The only thing I can't join her in though is the low-sodium reduced-fat cheese or margarine spread. I understand wanting to make the recipes as healthy as possible but I use extra sharp cheddar cheese and regular old unsalted butter every time. I just can't budge on that.
One more questionable thing for me about the cookbook: whoopie pies with olive oil, egg whites, wheat flour, and spinach puree? These were ok but it seems to me like if your going to make a treat just make a treat. Why worry about making it healthy?
All in all I love this book! I've loved all the recipes I've tried with the exception of the above mentioned abomination. I also like the "guess the puree" game that happens every time John takes a bite. Try it out!
8 comments:
I have really, really been wanting that cook book. It's so nice to hear a real review from someone I actually know! Thanks Bri!
I've been wanting to try that book, too! My girls, like your kids, eat veggies, but it couldn't hurt to give them more...maybe I will check it out at the library! Does it give directions on how to puree? I am a cooking novice...
James got this for me too because I bought it for my mother in law. What ones do you like? I hated the Fettucine Alfredo. Like the treat thing if you are going to have alfredo just have it. It's not good when you try to make it healthy.
We've loved the Creamy Chicken, Chicken Satay (you really don't need to put them on skewers. It's just a step that makes it take longer. We don't eat them off the stick but your kids might like it off the stick. I think it's kinda dangerous for a 2 year old. I think they cook faster with out them anyway because they can then lay flat in the skillet vs. being threaded) and the Teriyaki Chicken. I loved that one. I've started using brown rice too which I love and thankfully James is starting to like it too!
I would love to know what you like and don't like!
and we have to add a little more salt or flavors to some of it too. just a bit more makes a huge difference.
p.s. you are made to have babies. only you would look that amazing pregnant especially that many times in a row. You rock!
Chamaine: yes, it tells you exactly what you have to do to get the puree's ready.
Lindsey: We loved the creamy chicken and the chicken satay too. I've also tried the Lo Mein, the Sesame Beef with Broccoli, the honey mustard chicken was wonderful and my all time favorite is the cherry chocolate bread pudding at the back. We've really liked everything but like I said I usually add more cheese, more salt and I even swap out the skim milk for heavy whipping cream.
I haven't used butter in years so I may be biased but afer a lot of reviews and taste testing I really like Brummel & Brown (it is a tub margarine with yogurt...low cal, low fat, low sodium and no cholosterol). Plus it tastes good!
I have to add, my boys weren't much into veggies until after they spent the summuer at Vashon during your Mom's "vegetarian" phase:)!!! When they got home they even ate salads.
I want those cookies... right now!
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