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Fresh Made Simple: A Naturally Delicious Way to Eat: Look, Cook, and Savor
There's never been a cookbook like it! Each of the 75 recipes in Fresh Made Simple is actually a charming full-page illustration showing how to make the dish described. Each meal or snack begins with one delicious ingredient, and the cook builds around that to make a simple, elegant, delicious creation. An avocado seasoned with lime and salt elevates a fried egg on toast; fresh-picked blueberries and an ear of corn add sweetness and texture to standard pancakes. From pineapple cilantro salsa and asparagus apple salad to a kale egg scramble, tortilla soup, and crostini, these easy recipes celebrate the unbeatable flavors of fresh ingredients.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published October 20, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 17, 2015
I think I've said this before but I love getting to try out cookbooks from Netgalley. That way I get to peruse the goodies before I decide on purchasing the book. The only hard thing about most of the cookbooks on Netgalley is the fact that you have to read them from the computer instead of the ease of your e-reader. I try and not let that drive me crazy.
This one is a completely different little cookbook. I LOVE the illustrations used.
That being said, I don't know if a "newbie" in the kitchen would enjoy it as much. Not a lot of detail is given in creating the recipes.
But for me it completely works, I love fresh ideas with food and this one fits the bill. Added to my never ending cookbook wish list.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
Looking through the reviews for this book it does seem like most people are liking how it is laid out and the book in general. Here is my favorite review that I saw....here.
This one is a completely different little cookbook. I LOVE the illustrations used.
That being said, I don't know if a "newbie" in the kitchen would enjoy it as much. Not a lot of detail is given in creating the recipes.
But for me it completely works, I love fresh ideas with food and this one fits the bill. Added to my never ending cookbook wish list.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
Looking through the reviews for this book it does seem like most people are liking how it is laid out and the book in general. Here is my favorite review that I saw....here.
October 28, 2015
Although many people self-identify as "foodies" today, that's not a word I'd use to describe myself. I try to stay away from processed food, and generally enjoy my food fresh, easy, and made by someone else. Some people live to eat. I eat to live.
Enter Lauren Keiper Stein's enticing new cookbook "Fresh Made Simple". I loved this little book of uncomplicated recipes which are actually whimsical illustrations rather than step-by-step written directions. I've never seen anything like it. The illustrations provide a guideline -- a little bit of this, a little bit of that -- for quick, nutritious, colorful treats. Yum!
4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Enter Lauren Keiper Stein's enticing new cookbook "Fresh Made Simple". I loved this little book of uncomplicated recipes which are actually whimsical illustrations rather than step-by-step written directions. I've never seen anything like it. The illustrations provide a guideline -- a little bit of this, a little bit of that -- for quick, nutritious, colorful treats. Yum!
4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2016
When I first opened this book I was surprised and didn't know what to think. These are graphic recipes rather than narrative. The drawings and labels provide most of the information needed to prepare the foods. This means that the recipes are necessarily somewhat simple, cooks should be open to ambiguity and experimentation, and that the book isn't for a brand new cook.
I made three of the recipes, all of which turned out well. The first I made was the Strawberries with ricotta and balsamic drizzle. It is a very simple dish that tasted lovely. My husband loved it. Next I made the Scrambled eggs with chives and goat cheese. I made a larger recipe than described, but it turned out very well and my husband also really liked it. Finally I made the Mushroom spinach egg bake. Once again I made a larger recipe, and cooked the mushrooms and wilted the spinach before adding the eggs and baking. It took longer than mentioned in the recipe, probably because it included more eggs. However, it turned out very well.
Many people are not readers, and this book might work very well for them to visualize the recipe coming together. I found the book attractive and fun, and the recipes tasty. The author mentions that her daughter was an inspiration for the book, and I suspect that children would take to it very well.
I received a free copy for review through NetGalley.
I made three of the recipes, all of which turned out well. The first I made was the Strawberries with ricotta and balsamic drizzle. It is a very simple dish that tasted lovely. My husband loved it. Next I made the Scrambled eggs with chives and goat cheese. I made a larger recipe than described, but it turned out very well and my husband also really liked it. Finally I made the Mushroom spinach egg bake. Once again I made a larger recipe, and cooked the mushrooms and wilted the spinach before adding the eggs and baking. It took longer than mentioned in the recipe, probably because it included more eggs. However, it turned out very well.
Many people are not readers, and this book might work very well for them to visualize the recipe coming together. I found the book attractive and fun, and the recipes tasty. The author mentions that her daughter was an inspiration for the book, and I suspect that children would take to it very well.
I received a free copy for review through NetGalley.
July 23, 2015
Fresh Made Simple is not your typical cookbook as the author Lauren Stein has selected simple, flexible recipes for her cookbook. Ilustrator Katie Eberts uses her artistic skills to show the recipe ingredients and ingredient amounts needed to prepare the recipe. A good example of their unique recipe format can be found in the Burrito Scramble. Stein writes the text while Eberts neatly illustrates the process for the Burrito Scramble recipe. You will see a pair of hands tearing up a tortilla needed for the recipe, two eggs cracked and the egg yolks shown, a wedge of Cheddar shown being grated while the salt and pepper is shown sprinkling onto the Burrito Scramble ingredients.
If you are new to cooking, you will find the Fresh Made Simple cookbook an easy way to get a meal cooked as the writing and illustrations clearly explain the process.
Recommend.
Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.
If you are new to cooking, you will find the Fresh Made Simple cookbook an easy way to get a meal cooked as the writing and illustrations clearly explain the process.
Recommend.
Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.
December 3, 2015
I have to admit.... I've never seen a cookbook that actually featured illustrations instead of words.
You know the whole part where the ingredients are listed, one by one? And then the part where the steps are numbered in detail for you to follow?
Well, you won't find that here.. that's for sure!
I definitely think FRESH MADE SIMPLE had a unique idea here in presenting a cookbook entirely through drawings, which was intended to simplify the process enough to make meal planning engaging for children and adults to enjoy together. Granted, the majority of these recipes are *so* simple that for some of them, you may wonder why someone bothered to include them in a book.
But, that said, I still think the idea was innovative and the pictures were adorable. I doubt I'll win any cooking awards when I whip these up in the kitchen, but at least I'll be entertained, right?
You know the whole part where the ingredients are listed, one by one? And then the part where the steps are numbered in detail for you to follow?
Well, you won't find that here.. that's for sure!
I definitely think FRESH MADE SIMPLE had a unique idea here in presenting a cookbook entirely through drawings, which was intended to simplify the process enough to make meal planning engaging for children and adults to enjoy together. Granted, the majority of these recipes are *so* simple that for some of them, you may wonder why someone bothered to include them in a book.
But, that said, I still think the idea was innovative and the pictures were adorable. I doubt I'll win any cooking awards when I whip these up in the kitchen, but at least I'll be entertained, right?
August 4, 2018
I love this "cookbook". Each recipe uses simple, basic ingredients and it is more illustration, rather than narrative. The graphics are delightful. It is a book to own. I just like the way it is done - very unique in it's presentation.
May 9, 2017
This book is beautiful, but not helpful as a cookbook. Bummer :/
September 3, 2017
ditto, nice illustration & appreciate the creative order
January 26, 2019
Fun illustrations make these mouthwatering recipes sound even yummier! Can’t wait to give some of these a go.
June 27, 2019
The illustrations really make this cookbook - great fun to browse through, and especially good for new cooks.
March 7, 2017
fabulous illustrations and modern, fresh recipes!
October 13, 2015
Every once in a while, I come across a cookbook that is unique. That's the case of this new cookbook Storey is publishing by Lauren K Stein, illustrated by Katie Eberts. Fresh Made Simple is actually full of simple recipes. Most "simple" recipe cookbooks aren't actually simple. But, this one is.
Lauren and Katie worked together to create a fun and artistic cookbook. Each recipe uses five ingredients or less. Directions are as simple as can be. The only direction I actually disagreed with was the one for carmelized onions. The authors wrote that you should cook them low and slow--they didn't happen to mention that you have to cook them low and slow for a very long time. But, other than that, I agreed with the recipes and thought they were all well written and drawn.
The recipes cover breakfast, lunch, salads, spreads, simple dress-ups for desserts, and drinks. I loved the two cheese plate pairings! I never know what fruits and accompaniments to put with cheeses. What I loved most, though, about this cookbook is that it straddles a tricky line. Most gourmet cookbooks that are appealing use expensive ingredients. This cookbook, on the other hand, used a lot of normal ingredients and just a few unusual cheeses for some of the recipes. Most of these ingredients regularly inhabit space in my kitchen. Make sure you check out the preview for this book--it's such fun to look at it! Katie Eberts' artwork is creative, energetic, and visually appealing.
If you're looking for a cookbook with truly simple recipes, then this one fits the bill perfectly!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this cookbook for review from Storey Publishing.
Lauren and Katie worked together to create a fun and artistic cookbook. Each recipe uses five ingredients or less. Directions are as simple as can be. The only direction I actually disagreed with was the one for carmelized onions. The authors wrote that you should cook them low and slow--they didn't happen to mention that you have to cook them low and slow for a very long time. But, other than that, I agreed with the recipes and thought they were all well written and drawn.
The recipes cover breakfast, lunch, salads, spreads, simple dress-ups for desserts, and drinks. I loved the two cheese plate pairings! I never know what fruits and accompaniments to put with cheeses. What I loved most, though, about this cookbook is that it straddles a tricky line. Most gourmet cookbooks that are appealing use expensive ingredients. This cookbook, on the other hand, used a lot of normal ingredients and just a few unusual cheeses for some of the recipes. Most of these ingredients regularly inhabit space in my kitchen. Make sure you check out the preview for this book--it's such fun to look at it! Katie Eberts' artwork is creative, energetic, and visually appealing.
If you're looking for a cookbook with truly simple recipes, then this one fits the bill perfectly!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this cookbook for review from Storey Publishing.
October 19, 2015
This little book caught be by surprise. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this! Cute graphics take the place of true recipes with general (if any) amounts and instructions. Amounts are often spoken of as "lots", "a bunch", "a squeeze", "a sprinkling", "a handful" and so forth. The title does say "Made Simple", but sometimes it seems to take it a bit to the extreme, such as the Pistachio Nut Mix. Raisins, Dried Cherries, Honey Roasted Sesame Sticks and Roasted, Unsalted & Shelled Pistachios. No amounts, just "Give a shake to mix." The Tomato Slices on pg 111 are very similar to what we do often around here, only we usually add oregano. Very easy and very delicious and the Black and White Bark is something my kids would love (minus the cranberries--none of them like cranberries!).
I would say that most people who are seasoned cooks might not be enthralled with this book, but I do think it has its place. It's perfect for children or very new cooks. It won't overwhelm them with long lists of ingredients (usually 5 or less per recipe) or long, involved instructions. Quick, simple, and pretty healthy recipes with colorful graphics will interest most kids. That alone makes it worth it.
I received a copy of this book from Storey Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I would say that most people who are seasoned cooks might not be enthralled with this book, but I do think it has its place. It's perfect for children or very new cooks. It won't overwhelm them with long lists of ingredients (usually 5 or less per recipe) or long, involved instructions. Quick, simple, and pretty healthy recipes with colorful graphics will interest most kids. That alone makes it worth it.
I received a copy of this book from Storey Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 26, 2015
This book has a lot of good ideas for preparing simple recipes using only a few ingredients. Unlike regular cookbooks, you are given the opportunity to adjust the quantity of each ingredient that you use. Each page has an illustrated photo of what goes into your food. Some of the recipes tell you how much to add. With others, You simply add the amount that you'd like. In some of the recipes the quantity to add is listed as a handful, sprinkle, chunk and bunch.
I always like to include some of the recipes in my reviews; this is an idea of what you will find in this book: Leek, corn, egg bake; Burrito scramble; Chocolate banana nut smoothie; Kale pesto; Soy ginger dressing; Applesauce; Cashew butter; Guacamole; Citrus water; spinach salad; Asparagus apple salad; Roasted almonds; Gilded baked potato; Granola; roasted red pepper; sauteed mushrooms; Garlic bread; Roasted red pepper; Crostini; and flavored butters.
If you like everything spelled out for you in exact terms, this cookbook may not appeal to you; however, I found the ideas delightful and the illustrations charming, so I recommend that you try it. Who knows, you may find the experience of cooking this way adds to your creativity in the kitchen.
I always like to include some of the recipes in my reviews; this is an idea of what you will find in this book: Leek, corn, egg bake; Burrito scramble; Chocolate banana nut smoothie; Kale pesto; Soy ginger dressing; Applesauce; Cashew butter; Guacamole; Citrus water; spinach salad; Asparagus apple salad; Roasted almonds; Gilded baked potato; Granola; roasted red pepper; sauteed mushrooms; Garlic bread; Roasted red pepper; Crostini; and flavored butters.
If you like everything spelled out for you in exact terms, this cookbook may not appeal to you; however, I found the ideas delightful and the illustrations charming, so I recommend that you try it. Who knows, you may find the experience of cooking this way adds to your creativity in the kitchen.
July 20, 2015
75 delightful brightly colored watercolor illustrations of simple tasty recipes can be found in this cheerful cookbook. I can see looking through the pages and discussing the ingredients and recipes with my three and four year old granddaughters and then choosing a few to make and eat with them. There are simple recipes that I have made before but also some that mix and match ingredients that I would not have thought to put together without first seeing them in this book.
This book is not your typical cookbook with orderly lists of ingredients and photographs of completed recipes but instead a delight to the eye. As I looked through the pages I wanted to reach out, grab the items and start cooking.
Some of the recipes that called to me include - but are not limited to: Scrambled Eggs with Chives and Goat Cheese, Soy Ginger dressing, Pea Puree on Linguine, Red Water, Apple Manchego Salad, Crostini, Veggie Cream Cheese, Egg Avocado Toast, Stuffed Figs, the cheese plates and more than one of the ice cream mixtures.
Thank you to Net Galley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book is not your typical cookbook with orderly lists of ingredients and photographs of completed recipes but instead a delight to the eye. As I looked through the pages I wanted to reach out, grab the items and start cooking.
Some of the recipes that called to me include - but are not limited to: Scrambled Eggs with Chives and Goat Cheese, Soy Ginger dressing, Pea Puree on Linguine, Red Water, Apple Manchego Salad, Crostini, Veggie Cream Cheese, Egg Avocado Toast, Stuffed Figs, the cheese plates and more than one of the ice cream mixtures.
Thank you to Net Galley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 2, 2015
I reviewed this book for NetGalley.
This is a lovely and loving cookbook with very attractive and whimsical illustrations. It's very charming and quite suitable for teaching children how to cook, or for first time cooks who are intimidated by standard cookbooks.
Ms. Stein's knowledgeable and approachable writing style, greatly assisted by Ms. Ebert's colorful and fun drawings, make this a go-to book for parents teaching their children how to cook (which I think is an essential skill all children should have). First-time cooks should find Ms. Stein's approach to be a funner and more exciting way of cooking than following the usual cookbook format.
The recipes are all very useful and adaptable. Nothing is "set in stone," which I think is the way cooking should be. This book makes cooking as much fun as eating - now if the same could be done for cleaning up!
A very good read!
This is a lovely and loving cookbook with very attractive and whimsical illustrations. It's very charming and quite suitable for teaching children how to cook, or for first time cooks who are intimidated by standard cookbooks.
Ms. Stein's knowledgeable and approachable writing style, greatly assisted by Ms. Ebert's colorful and fun drawings, make this a go-to book for parents teaching their children how to cook (which I think is an essential skill all children should have). First-time cooks should find Ms. Stein's approach to be a funner and more exciting way of cooking than following the usual cookbook format.
The recipes are all very useful and adaptable. Nothing is "set in stone," which I think is the way cooking should be. This book makes cooking as much fun as eating - now if the same could be done for cleaning up!
A very good read!
May 7, 2016
We're all familiar with the usual formula for cookbooks and if you read enough of them, they all begin to blend together. This is not one of those cookbooks.
This stands out on its own. I loved loved loved the illustrations.
I was reminded somewhat of Mollie Katzen but while I never really got into the Moosewood fan club, I am into Eberts's. Is it the colors? the hand lettering? the movement of Eberts's food into its appropriate appliances?
I don't know but it is delightful.
That said, this is not really a cookbook you can cook directly from. Well, you could but some of the recipes (like blueberry pancakes) say, whip up your favorite and add these to it. So it's a bit more of an inspiration cookbook or a reminder of things you could probably whip up quickly right now.
This stands out on its own. I loved loved loved the illustrations.
I was reminded somewhat of Mollie Katzen but while I never really got into the Moosewood fan club, I am into Eberts's. Is it the colors? the hand lettering? the movement of Eberts's food into its appropriate appliances?
I don't know but it is delightful.
That said, this is not really a cookbook you can cook directly from. Well, you could but some of the recipes (like blueberry pancakes) say, whip up your favorite and add these to it. So it's a bit more of an inspiration cookbook or a reminder of things you could probably whip up quickly right now.
October 19, 2015
This very unique cookbook gives you roughly 75 simple recipes with beautiful illustrations, rather than typed instructions. It's a very creative way to show you wonderful recipes using seasonal ingredients. Whether it is an Asparagus Avocado Salad with diced apples or homemade oatmeal using pure maple syrup, you are sure to be pleased with the recipes. This cookbook would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves supporting local farms, artisans and farmers markets. Also, fabulous for vegetarians. Lauren Stein and Katie Eberts have definitely created a very unique cookbook, perfect for any home cook. Beautifully laid out and organized well.
October 24, 2015
Lovely little cookbook of 75 recipes without recipes - I mean, written in classical way. All the recipes/instructions are drawn here! And the drawings are just charming. Don´t be afraid, the recipes are for very light meals and snacks, in most cases here the "real" cooking is not involved :)
The snacks seems lovely and inventive, and you can combine some recipes.
I must say some new cooks can get puzzled by some od the techniques drawn here, as the instructions can get vague, so for them I would recommend to start with snacks.
otherwise - enjoy!
The snacks seems lovely and inventive, and you can combine some recipes.
I must say some new cooks can get puzzled by some od the techniques drawn here, as the instructions can get vague, so for them I would recommend to start with snacks.
otherwise - enjoy!
February 5, 2017
The author was selling this book at our local Whole Foods. We tried one of the samples she was handing out, which my very picky daughter actually tried. The book is beautiful, with all of the recipes contained within an illustration. My daughter is having a great time picking a new recipe for us to try each week. Everything we have tried so far was been simple and delicious!!
September 12, 2015
This is a really cute and different sort of cookbook. The whole thing is hand drawn and illustrated and hand written. The recipes are very simple, with just a few ingredients and accompany the illustrations. Every page is a cute work of art. I really like this book! I think it would be fun to share with children. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
October 21, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Loved, loved, loved this book! The use of illustrations as compared to text in a cook book is ingenious and shows off the artistic skills of Katie Ebert, co-author with Lauren Keiper Stein. These recipes are simple and contain fresh fruits and vegetables in creative ways. I will be sure to purchase this one. Recommended.
Loved, loved, loved this book! The use of illustrations as compared to text in a cook book is ingenious and shows off the artistic skills of Katie Ebert, co-author with Lauren Keiper Stein. These recipes are simple and contain fresh fruits and vegetables in creative ways. I will be sure to purchase this one. Recommended.
January 4, 2016
I love this book! It is a recipe book for me. Simple and easy recipes, all in happy picture forms. I rented it from the library and will be purchasing it at some point as a coffee table book slash cookbook for the family. :)
June 12, 2017
Simple recipes using fresh ingredients. What could be better? The wonderful illustrations that accompany each recipe make each item irrestiible. Great recipes, wonderful illustrations, great book.
February 17, 2016
I want this!
March 16, 2016
Neat illustrations!
April 9, 2016
Fresh, simple and quick. Most items I have in my kitchen...gave me plenty of fast tasty snacks.
April 13, 2016
Cute and uncomplicated but with few quantities listed for ingredients.
August 7, 2016
Very simple but inspirational meal ideas.
November 22, 2018
Illustrated cookbooks are my aesthetic 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews