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Real Life Dinners: Fun, Fresh, Fast Dinners from the Creator of the Chic Site by Rachel Hollis
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
RATING: 3 STARS
2018; St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin
(Review Not on Blog)
I previously reviewed Hollis' self-help/self esteem book and had to DNF after 75%, so I skimmed a lot of the introduction in this cookbook. HOWEVER, I did like this cookbook. The recipes are totally doable, and mostly affordable ingredients. The photographs were also well done.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
2018; St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin
(Review Not on Blog)
I previously reviewed Hollis' self-help/self esteem book and had to DNF after 75%, so I skimmed a lot of the introduction in this cookbook. HOWEVER, I did like this cookbook. The recipes are totally doable, and mostly affordable ingredients. The photographs were also well done.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
urbanaudreye's review
5.0
Do you know how sometimes you browse through a cookbook and there are one or two recipes that you just can't wait to try and the rest are just kinda meh? This isn't like that. I can't wait to try just about every one of these recipes. Admittedly, my children are a little more hesitant, but there are definitely a couple in here they have actually asked for and they're in a super picky stage right now.
Besides the amazing recipes, this book was fun to read. I laughed, maybe cried a little. It reminded me so much of growing up.
I have started utilizing some of the recipes... I allowed my eldest daughter to choose what to start with. Teriyaki Chicken Kebabs were first. My husband and I enjoyed them. The picky kids of course complained... They didn't appreciate the grilled pineapple. Next was the Simple Grilled Steak. That was enjoyed by all. Along side the steak, I made the Crispy Sweet Potatoes. That was another dish that was enjoyed by the adults but spurned by the children. Today was Baked Ravioli. It was enjoyed by all, however, the children disliked the usage of fresh basil. The Marinated Flank Steak is next on my list to make, however I realized I missed an ingredient when I was at the grocery store, so another run is in order.
Because I want and read other reviews, I felt the need to add... Yes, you probably could easily find variations of these recipes on Pinterest. Actually, I know for certain as I have many variations of these pinned myself. However, I tend to not like handing over the computer to my 7 and 4 year olds to browse for dinner options. Letting them peruse this book which has beautifully enticing pictures is a different story. They can see the dish and read the ingredients without having to click a million links. It makes writing out my shopping list and planning our weekly menu easy. And that is good enough for me.
*I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
Besides the amazing recipes, this book was fun to read. I laughed, maybe cried a little. It reminded me so much of growing up.
I have started utilizing some of the recipes... I allowed my eldest daughter to choose what to start with. Teriyaki Chicken Kebabs were first. My husband and I enjoyed them. The picky kids of course complained... They didn't appreciate the grilled pineapple. Next was the Simple Grilled Steak. That was enjoyed by all. Along side the steak, I made the Crispy Sweet Potatoes. That was another dish that was enjoyed by the adults but spurned by the children. Today was Baked Ravioli. It was enjoyed by all, however, the children disliked the usage of fresh basil. The Marinated Flank Steak is next on my list to make, however I realized I missed an ingredient when I was at the grocery store, so another run is in order.
Because I want and read other reviews, I felt the need to add... Yes, you probably could easily find variations of these recipes on Pinterest. Actually, I know for certain as I have many variations of these pinned myself. However, I tend to not like handing over the computer to my 7 and 4 year olds to browse for dinner options. Letting them peruse this book which has beautifully enticing pictures is a different story. They can see the dish and read the ingredients without having to click a million links. It makes writing out my shopping list and planning our weekly menu easy. And that is good enough for me.
*I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
carleneinspired's review
5.0
Received from a Goodreads Giveaway - Thank you St. Martin's Press
I don't have children, but I do have a boyfriend who can eat more than I can imagine and a job that keeps me out of the house well over 10 hours a day. In short, SIMPLE and FAST is what we are always looking for in food. We also want to be healthy and finding things that are healthy and take a short amount of time to make is difficult. Real Life Dinners: Fun, Fresh, Fast Dinners from the Creator of the Chic Site was exactly what we needed. It's filled with recipes that you can easily make from most ingredients you already have at home or give new life to a tried-and-true meal you eat all the time. Plus, it comes with Rachel's special way of sharing her life. There's dinner table manners, great stories about what the food brings to mind for her, and simple recipes that don't require you go buy something you've never heard of.
No, it's not a cookbook that'll meet every person's diet, but it is great for ideas for a quick meal. I'm Gluten Free and Lactose Intolerant and I actually think every recipe can be prepared to suit my needs, which is pretty rare when it comes to cookbooks and meeting the described taste. We loved the meatloaf meatballs, those are going to be a staple for us, and just last night I had the Grilled Zucchini Spears, adding spaghetti sauce to mine while my partner ate his with noodles. I can absolutely see needing to cook for a family of four and wanting something easy, especially after a long day, so this book will be something we grab for a long time.
Visit Carlene Inspired for buy links and a glimpse at the Grilled Zucchini Spears.
I don't have children, but I do have a boyfriend who can eat more than I can imagine and a job that keeps me out of the house well over 10 hours a day. In short, SIMPLE and FAST is what we are always looking for in food. We also want to be healthy and finding things that are healthy and take a short amount of time to make is difficult. Real Life Dinners: Fun, Fresh, Fast Dinners from the Creator of the Chic Site was exactly what we needed. It's filled with recipes that you can easily make from most ingredients you already have at home or give new life to a tried-and-true meal you eat all the time. Plus, it comes with Rachel's special way of sharing her life. There's dinner table manners, great stories about what the food brings to mind for her, and simple recipes that don't require you go buy something you've never heard of.
No, it's not a cookbook that'll meet every person's diet, but it is great for ideas for a quick meal. I'm Gluten Free and Lactose Intolerant and I actually think every recipe can be prepared to suit my needs, which is pretty rare when it comes to cookbooks and meeting the described taste. We loved the meatloaf meatballs, those are going to be a staple for us, and just last night I had the Grilled Zucchini Spears, adding spaghetti sauce to mine while my partner ate his with noodles. I can absolutely see needing to cook for a family of four and wanting something easy, especially after a long day, so this book will be something we grab for a long time.
Visit Carlene Inspired for buy links and a glimpse at the Grilled Zucchini Spears.
hainyh's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a great cook book! The majority I flick through seem to be really fancy food with far too many flourishes and obscure ingredients. Rachel Hollis' is suited to family meals made mostly from what you're likely to already have in your store cupboard.
The book starts with an interesting introduction from Rachel herself and summarises her interest in food and cooking, and really adds a personal touch to the book. There's then a section on some recommended store cupboard essentials, which I found really handy! It's also nice to see photos of Rachel and her family in action, cooking and baking.
Each recipe has a large full-colour photograph to have you salivating, followed by clear and succinct instructions. The only downside is the instructions are in italics which I found to be quite a strain on the eyes. Otherwise, this is the best cook book by far that I've seen in a long time.
The book starts with an interesting introduction from Rachel herself and summarises her interest in food and cooking, and really adds a personal touch to the book. There's then a section on some recommended store cupboard essentials, which I found really handy! It's also nice to see photos of Rachel and her family in action, cooking and baking.
Each recipe has a large full-colour photograph to have you salivating, followed by clear and succinct instructions. The only downside is the instructions are in italics which I found to be quite a strain on the eyes. Otherwise, this is the best cook book by far that I've seen in a long time.
mugginsbooks's review
4.0
OK So this one is a little hard for me to review. I would give the cookbook a 4 star rating for the way the book looks, and the simplicity of the meals. I like that I can come home flip through the book and find something easy and yummy to make.
What I didn't like about the cookbook is that there are a lot of errors. There are a lot of recipes that tell you exactly how to cook it, but then leaves out what temp to put your oven on. I find that a little frustrating. I get the entire meal/side dish all ready and then I have to scramble to the computer to see if its listed on her blog or sometimes even finding a similar recipe with the info I need. For that reason I have to five the book a 3 maybe even a 2.5 star.
Overall, I have made a lot of dishes from this book and honestly haven't had one that I wouldn't make again. Just beware there may be some minor bumps, but hey thats Real Life right?
What I didn't like about the cookbook is that there are a lot of errors. There are a lot of recipes that tell you exactly how to cook it, but then leaves out what temp to put your oven on. I find that a little frustrating. I get the entire meal/side dish all ready and then I have to scramble to the computer to see if its listed on her blog or sometimes even finding a similar recipe with the info I need. For that reason I have to five the book a 3 maybe even a 2.5 star.
Overall, I have made a lot of dishes from this book and honestly haven't had one that I wouldn't make again. Just beware there may be some minor bumps, but hey thats Real Life right?
snorthington's review against another edition
3.0
This book is filled with easy, practical and approachable dinners for busy families. I enjoyed the stories in each chapter about Rachel's dinner memories and favorite meals. I loved her desire to involve her kids in the cooking process and appreciated the simple and clear photography to accompany the recipes. Most recipes we're nothing new and matched many I already have in my recipe box from family, friends or tested and beloved online finds.
I think this book would make a great gift for a recent graduate moving out and having to cook on their own for the first time, or for a new parent looking for some easy recipes to keep dinner time exciting in the midst of the chaos of parenthood.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
I think this book would make a great gift for a recent graduate moving out and having to cook on their own for the first time, or for a new parent looking for some easy recipes to keep dinner time exciting in the midst of the chaos of parenthood.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
theyalibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Nice cookbook with colorful pictures. Some recipes have step-by-step pictures. Personal favorite is the “Grilled Mushroom Kabobs” a recipe which features a nice balsamic marinade. The book hits a high note with recipes for a weeks worth of breakfast sandwiches complete with instructions on freezing and reheating each morning. Freezer burritos are another good one. The book only gets clunky with the overly long introduction and stories between the recipes. But readers/cooks looking for a nice book of recipes who don’t mind skipping the “lifestyle” notes will find a winner.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
booksfortheliving's review
4.0
Since moving out to Los Angeles, I’ve slowly been trying out new recipes and re-learning how to cook for myself. I’ve been following along Rachel Hollis’ story for a little while, and I was so excited when I heard about her new cookbook all about fast and easy recipes! Thank you again to St. Martin’s Griffin for my free copy for review.
I made the One-Pot Chicken and Mexican Rice dish which made so much food that my one-pot didn’t fit it all, ha! If you are new to cooking, then the first thing to learn is to read through the entire recipe BEFORE you start making the dish. I suggest a few hours ahead of time, or even the day before, so you can make sure that not only do you have all the ingredients but that you also have time to complete any prep work. I didn’t read the recipe through before starting and realized that I was supposed to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes prior to cooking. That is one criticism I have on the directions, as it said that prep time was 15 minutes but that didn’t account for the 30 minutes of marinating the chicken. Lesson learned: Read the recipe at least an hour before you want to start making it.
On that note, the directions could have been a bit clearer for me personally. I was unsure if the rice should have been cooked or uncooked prior to mixing it in with the liquid and chicken (I cooked mine, but I’m still not sure if that was right…?). This could also be because I’m a bit of a rookie and still learning.
Since this cookbook is for families it did make A TON of food. I used this to my advantage, however, as I like to make one big dish at the beginning of the week. This way I’m able to divide it up for my lunches and/or dinners and eat it throughout the rest of the week. This eliminates stress after a long day of work and makes mealtime a no-brainer.
Overall, I like the recipes in the cookbook. They’re pretty basic and it’d be a great option if you’re a beginner or just getting back into cooking after some time away. Sometimes cooking and recipes can feel intimidating, but this recipe made me feel very accomplished once it was all plated up. It was also delicious!
Want to watch me make this dish? Head on over to my Instagram page and see my Cooking Shenanigans in my highlights. Here’s a direct link: Cooking Shenans.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review also appears on Books for the Living.
I made the One-Pot Chicken and Mexican Rice dish which made so much food that my one-pot didn’t fit it all, ha! If you are new to cooking, then the first thing to learn is to read through the entire recipe BEFORE you start making the dish. I suggest a few hours ahead of time, or even the day before, so you can make sure that not only do you have all the ingredients but that you also have time to complete any prep work. I didn’t read the recipe through before starting and realized that I was supposed to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes prior to cooking. That is one criticism I have on the directions, as it said that prep time was 15 minutes but that didn’t account for the 30 minutes of marinating the chicken. Lesson learned: Read the recipe at least an hour before you want to start making it.
On that note, the directions could have been a bit clearer for me personally. I was unsure if the rice should have been cooked or uncooked prior to mixing it in with the liquid and chicken (I cooked mine, but I’m still not sure if that was right…?). This could also be because I’m a bit of a rookie and still learning.
Since this cookbook is for families it did make A TON of food. I used this to my advantage, however, as I like to make one big dish at the beginning of the week. This way I’m able to divide it up for my lunches and/or dinners and eat it throughout the rest of the week. This eliminates stress after a long day of work and makes mealtime a no-brainer.
Overall, I like the recipes in the cookbook. They’re pretty basic and it’d be a great option if you’re a beginner or just getting back into cooking after some time away. Sometimes cooking and recipes can feel intimidating, but this recipe made me feel very accomplished once it was all plated up. It was also delicious!
Want to watch me make this dish? Head on over to my Instagram page and see my Cooking Shenanigans in my highlights. Here’s a direct link: Cooking Shenans.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review also appears on Books for the Living.
shellyk51's review
5.0
I do love how she is down to earth. I love love the recipes and how easy they are. I am looking forward to making things using the slow cooker recipes and trying the breakfast quesadillas. Thanks, Rachel. You make this mama/nana feel like she can do this (again).