The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook : Book Review

And I quote, “I have spent the good part of the last few years believing that the world would be a better place if we could all stop pretending that kale tastes good”. This is why I love Deb Perelman and have been following the Smitten Kitchen blog for quite some time. Tell me like it is. I want a cookbook that reads like you are having a fun conversation over a glass of wine with a good friend, and this book is exactly that. The recipes are really fresh takes on simple food that everyone wants to (and should) learn how to make centered around common, inexpensive ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Breakfast muffins that taste better the next day, blender Hollandaise in less than 5 minutes and Gnocchi in Tomato Broth? Yes, yes and yes please.

That being said, before I bought this cookbook and recently after several years of dragging my feet about it, I made kale chips. (Mind you, this is NOT a recipe in The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook) I finally decided to see what all the rave was about. It was easy enough. I watched the little chips toast and crisp through the oven door.

And the result? Humph. I don’t get it. Still bitter. Not strong enough to be dipped. Not filling. Kale has a tiny place in my kitchen and it is not in the snack category. Thanks Deb, I’m sticking with you and your beautiful book. Follow her blog at http://smittenkitchen.com/.