The Comfortable Kitchen

November 15, 2021
Recipe developer and blogger Snodgrass (The Defined Dish) puts a modern spin on comfort food in this versatile collection of nourishing dishes that never fall short on flavor. While many of her healthy, crowd-pleasing recipes—such as crunchy chicken tinga tacos, lemon avocado oil cake, and Vietnamese-inspired “Shaking Beef” salad—are paleo-compliant, readers shouldn’t be deterred by the label, as each one is packed with taste. Snodgrass also provides a vast assortment of recipes suitable for other dietary programs—including a creamy Cajun chicken and wild rice soup that is gluten-free and diary-free; and grain-free and vegetarian-friendly roasted veggie enchiladas verdes. Meanwhile, other dishes—like burgers, spicy shrimp pasta with tarragon and basil, and individual Texas “sheet” cakes—can be modified with simple ingredient substitutions or omissions. The book concludes with a chapter of appetizing cocktail recipes from Snodgrass’s husband, Clayton, that reimagine classics such as the margarita (which gets a raw egg white added to it for a frothy effect) and the Moscow mule (updated here with a mezcal and elderflower liqueur). This is perfect for busy home cooks who want to expand their repertoire of healthy recipes. Agent: Nicole Tourtelot, the Gernert Company.

December 1, 2021

Snodgrass presents a second cookbook (after the best-selling The Defined Dish) packed with sumptuous photographs and options for different diets. Snodgrass's recipes include gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo, Whole30, grain-free, and vegetarian options; a recipe's particular dietary adherences are listed in the upper corner of each page, near the recipe title. A number of dishes receive all six labels, though many recipes include an "if modified" note, and all of the dishes already include extensive modifications/variations. The labeling system falls apart somewhat in the pasta section, where most recipes only include "gluten-free (if modified)," and the system is abandoned completely in the section of cocktail recipes. Recipes, which are standard American fare, are long, particularly with lists of ingredient substitutions, but the end results will be worth it to Paleo and Whole30 adherents as well as those with strict dietary requirements or food allergies. VERDICT This is a cookbook for confident cooks and those already familiar with various diets, as no tenets or health benefits are explained. Purchase where there is interest.--Catherine Field, Appomattox Regional Lib. Sys. Richmond, VA

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2021
Blogger and author Snodgrass brings readers a collection of recipes that are not too bougie, not too homely, but just right. She begins by going over pantry staples like sweeteners and flours, with a few vegan options thrown in. Many beautiful photos accompany the recipes such as truffle pizza, buffalo Caesar bowls with za'atar chicken, harvest salad with miso dressing, creamy Cajun chicken, and wild-rice soup. Readers will like that the recipes include tips and that each step is in bold so that it is easier to read while cooking. The recipes also indicate if they are dairy free, grain free, paleo, or gluten free. Many of the recipes contain a lot of ingredients and can come off a little flashy for those looking for more simple home cooking, but for those who want to add a touch of class to their family meals, this will fit the bill. The perfect amount of comfortable for readers who like to entertain, impress friends, or have an elevated, quiet evening at home.

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