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My Father's Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness
Goodreads Choice Award
Winner for Readers' Favorite Food & Cooking (2011)The Academy-Award winning actress and avid foodie shares a sumptuous collection of recipes and gorgeous photographs celebrating the joy of preparing food for loved ones, a passion she learned from her beloved father.
As an actress, author, trendsetter, creator of goop.com, and host of the popular PBS series, On the Road Again , Gwyneth Paltrow is an icon of style and good taste around the world. As a young girl eating and cooking with her father, Bruce Paltrow, she developed a passion for food that has shaped how she lives today and strengthened her belief that time with family is a priority. Now in My Father's Daughter , Paltrow shares her favorite family recipes along with personal stories of growing up with her father, Bruce Paltrow. She discusses how he has influenced her in the food she loves, how she involves her kids in cooking, and how she balances healthy food with homemade treats. And, for the first time, Paltrow offers a glimpse into her life as daughter, mother and wife, sharing her thoughts on the importance of family and togetherness.
Complete with 150 delicious ideas for breakfast, sandwiches and burgers, soups, salads, main dishes, sides, and desserts, this beautifully illustrated book includes full-color photos throughout, many featuring Paltrow at home with her family and friends. My Father's Daughter is a luscious collection that will inspire readers to cook great food with the people who mean the most to them.
As an actress, author, trendsetter, creator of goop.com, and host of the popular PBS series, On the Road Again , Gwyneth Paltrow is an icon of style and good taste around the world. As a young girl eating and cooking with her father, Bruce Paltrow, she developed a passion for food that has shaped how she lives today and strengthened her belief that time with family is a priority. Now in My Father's Daughter , Paltrow shares her favorite family recipes along with personal stories of growing up with her father, Bruce Paltrow. She discusses how he has influenced her in the food she loves, how she involves her kids in cooking, and how she balances healthy food with homemade treats. And, for the first time, Paltrow offers a glimpse into her life as daughter, mother and wife, sharing her thoughts on the importance of family and togetherness.
Complete with 150 delicious ideas for breakfast, sandwiches and burgers, soups, salads, main dishes, sides, and desserts, this beautifully illustrated book includes full-color photos throughout, many featuring Paltrow at home with her family and friends. My Father's Daughter is a luscious collection that will inspire readers to cook great food with the people who mean the most to them.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 13, 2011
51 people are currently reading
5075 people want to read
About the author
Gwyneth Paltrow
31 books289 followersGwyneth Kate Paltrow is an American actress.
The daughter of Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner, Paltrow dropped out of her university to follow an acting career. She began her career in theatre in 1990, and made her film debut the following year. Her early films include such successes as Se7en (1995), Emma (1996), in which she played the title role, and Sliding Doors (1998). Her performance in Shakespeare in Love (1998) brought her widespread recognition; she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, for Outstanding Lead Actress and as a member of the Outstanding Cast, among other awards and nominations.
She followed this success with roles in such films as The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) and Shallow Hal (2001). She also starred in the film Duets (2000), produced and directed by her father, Bruce Paltrow, and sang on two singles released from the film's soundtrack, which were hits in some countries. She received a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture Drama for Proof (2005). More recently she appeared in the box-office success Iron Man (2008).
Her personal life has often been scrutinized in the media; she dated Brad Pitt from 1995 until 1997, and married Chris Martin, the lead singer of British rock band Coldplay, in 2003. They are the parents of two children. Paltrow has commented that she curtailed her work commitments following the birth of her first child.
The daughter of Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner, Paltrow dropped out of her university to follow an acting career. She began her career in theatre in 1990, and made her film debut the following year. Her early films include such successes as Se7en (1995), Emma (1996), in which she played the title role, and Sliding Doors (1998). Her performance in Shakespeare in Love (1998) brought her widespread recognition; she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, for Outstanding Lead Actress and as a member of the Outstanding Cast, among other awards and nominations.
She followed this success with roles in such films as The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) and Shallow Hal (2001). She also starred in the film Duets (2000), produced and directed by her father, Bruce Paltrow, and sang on two singles released from the film's soundtrack, which were hits in some countries. She received a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture Drama for Proof (2005). More recently she appeared in the box-office success Iron Man (2008).
Her personal life has often been scrutinized in the media; she dated Brad Pitt from 1995 until 1997, and married Chris Martin, the lead singer of British rock band Coldplay, in 2003. They are the parents of two children. Paltrow has commented that she curtailed her work commitments following the birth of her first child.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
July 9, 2011
Ooooooh I loved this book.
{Yes, I read cook books, and THIS LIL BEAUTY is a perfect example why!}
This book is:
1. Charming. I loved immersing myself in it and feeling the feelings of familial love and nurturing.
2. Beautifully shot. Gwyneth is kind of ridiculously lovely. Her kids are too cute. The food looks gorge. It made me want to serve a summer meal in my garden...immediately.
3. Inspiring. I feel ready to take on the home-making world again. It reminded me of how fulfilling it is to create beautiful, nutritious meals for the people I love.
4. Unpretentious. Being that Gwyneth is one of those
"I'm super-rich and can afford to eat macrobiotic EVERYTHING plucked straight from a pesticide-free, all-organic, farmer's market that I have specially erected on my driveway twice-weekly, and I catch wild Salmon from a stream in my back yard and cook it within 30 minutes of catching it because I'm a big fat {okay, skinny} foodie snob snob snobbity snob."
folks, {okay, that may - or may not- be a slight exaggeration on my part} I thought that this book would be annoying and feel unachievable on my budget. But she is actually really cool about it. I can make most of her recipes with items from my local {non-macrobiotic/uppity} grocery store and/or with a few substitutions. She was {gasp!} likable in this book.
5. Pretty. And I really just like things that are pretty. {So I'm a wee bit shallow, sue me.}
{Yes, I read cook books, and THIS LIL BEAUTY is a perfect example why!}
This book is:
1. Charming. I loved immersing myself in it and feeling the feelings of familial love and nurturing.
2. Beautifully shot. Gwyneth is kind of ridiculously lovely. Her kids are too cute. The food looks gorge. It made me want to serve a summer meal in my garden...immediately.
3. Inspiring. I feel ready to take on the home-making world again. It reminded me of how fulfilling it is to create beautiful, nutritious meals for the people I love.
4. Unpretentious. Being that Gwyneth is one of those
"I'm super-rich and can afford to eat macrobiotic EVERYTHING plucked straight from a pesticide-free, all-organic, farmer's market that I have specially erected on my driveway twice-weekly, and I catch wild Salmon from a stream in my back yard and cook it within 30 minutes of catching it because I'm a big fat {okay, skinny} foodie snob snob snobbity snob."
folks, {okay, that may - or may not- be a slight exaggeration on my part} I thought that this book would be annoying and feel unachievable on my budget. But she is actually really cool about it. I can make most of her recipes with items from my local {non-macrobiotic/uppity} grocery store and/or with a few substitutions. She was {gasp!} likable in this book.
5. Pretty. And I really just like things that are pretty. {So I'm a wee bit shallow, sue me.}
July 28, 2011
So utterly bizarre - with a foreword by Mario Batali - that I can't resist reviewing this. I expect this to profoundly shape my opinions of both Paltrow and Batali and possibly scores of others.
---
Ok.
So it's a little pretentious. Duh.
I loved this book. I love almost everything about it.
Shocker #1: Gwyneth apparently likes lots of the same foods I do. Miso, cilantro (in everything), panzanella, po boys. What a strange and wonderful mix of healthy and delicious foods.
Shocker #2: It sort of almost kind of made me cry in several places. I enjoyed her writing about food and family. It's sentimental in a sweet way. I loved this. The connection between healthy enjoyable meals together and family is something I want to give my children.
Shocker #3: My best friends are getting this for Christmas.
The foreword by Mario Batali basically reinforces these ideas. He says: "the most important thing to take from My Father's Daughter is the true pleasure we can derive from the thinking about, then the making of, and finally the enjoyment of eating good food together with people we care about."
I'm still suspicious about the foreword, but whatever.
I'm also baffled about why the non-veggie Paella has no saffron. Someone please explain.
I do not believe that Gwyneth hoovers entire casseroles of Paella and platters of anchovies. However, it's nice that she admits that we all fall off the health wagon on occasion. Her realization that she snacked on oreos as a child and that she wants her kids to be healthier is relatable. I think lots of moms wake up and realize that oh my goodness, I need to feed this person and well for the next 18 years.
Initially upon seeing the cover of this, I questioned Paltrow's motivation in putting this together. Now that I've read it, I really, really, appreciate where she's coming from, vegetarian lectures from Leonardo DiCaprio and all. If you're a health nut, a mom, or someone who loves food, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this book.
---
Lastly, I just tried Blythe's blueberry muffin recipe. It's one of the best I've ever had. I ate three. Groan. For real.
---
Ok.
So it's a little pretentious. Duh.
I loved this book. I love almost everything about it.
Shocker #1: Gwyneth apparently likes lots of the same foods I do. Miso, cilantro (in everything), panzanella, po boys. What a strange and wonderful mix of healthy and delicious foods.
Shocker #2: It sort of almost kind of made me cry in several places. I enjoyed her writing about food and family. It's sentimental in a sweet way. I loved this. The connection between healthy enjoyable meals together and family is something I want to give my children.
Shocker #3: My best friends are getting this for Christmas.
The foreword by Mario Batali basically reinforces these ideas. He says: "the most important thing to take from My Father's Daughter is the true pleasure we can derive from the thinking about, then the making of, and finally the enjoyment of eating good food together with people we care about."
I'm still suspicious about the foreword, but whatever.
I'm also baffled about why the non-veggie Paella has no saffron. Someone please explain.
I do not believe that Gwyneth hoovers entire casseroles of Paella and platters of anchovies. However, it's nice that she admits that we all fall off the health wagon on occasion. Her realization that she snacked on oreos as a child and that she wants her kids to be healthier is relatable. I think lots of moms wake up and realize that oh my goodness, I need to feed this person and well for the next 18 years.
Initially upon seeing the cover of this, I questioned Paltrow's motivation in putting this together. Now that I've read it, I really, really, appreciate where she's coming from, vegetarian lectures from Leonardo DiCaprio and all. If you're a health nut, a mom, or someone who loves food, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this book.
---
Lastly, I just tried Blythe's blueberry muffin recipe. It's one of the best I've ever had. I ate three. Groan. For real.
January 6, 2012
Okay, okay, Gwyneth Paltrow is insufferable. She just can't see why everyone can't buy organic kamut flour and have their own wood fired ovens. But, you know, this is a great book. She's got some awesome recipes and, while out of touch with a middle-income majority, at the very heart and soul of this book is a well-intentioned woman and a great message: eat with your family. Involve your kids in the process- the picking out of vegetables, the cooking. Sit down to dinner. And it IS important. If your kids feel like they're a part of the process they will be more likely to eat well, which has long reaching positive consequences for their upbringing. Families who eat together are stronger and the kids are better adjusted. Whether you use vegenaise (Paltrow's favourite alternative) or mayo, this is a good book of surprisingly easy, down-to-earth, and delicious recipes. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2016
I am a paradox. I LOVE to buy cookbooks… but I hate to cook. I mean I really, really hate it. The chopping, the cleaning, more chopping… It’s unbearable.
So why do I keep buying these things? I guess I fall for the delicious, glossy images and the idea that I, master chef, will be able impress family and friends by whipping up an amazing creation following a simple recipe. I work myself up into a frenzy of inspiration every time I buy one, promising my husband that - THIS TIME - I am going to make him something out of my latest purchase. Something FANTASTIC. I bookmark pages of recipes that look especially delicious, I make grocery lists… sometimes I even buy the ingredients. But that’s where it ends. (I mean, let’s not go crazy here. We both knew I wasn’t really going to COOK anything, right?)
Until today! This is the one. The cookbook that will take me from reading and drooling to execution. It is completely approachable, which is what a novice like myself needs. For the most part, the recipes are straightforward, and many of them “fit together”. For example, one of her basic essentials is a ridiculously easy recipe for slow-roasted tomatoes. She makes a big batch, stores them in her fridge – and then throws them into a slew of other easy recipes throughout the week.
I can do that!
Gwyneth also includes charming, friendly little anecdotes about her life, written in the distinct style in which she speaks… you can almost hear her, like a friend chatting casually away about family, food, and life in general… I liked this cookbook so much, that I read it cover to cover.
…And tonight, I make those tomatoes. I swear.
So why do I keep buying these things? I guess I fall for the delicious, glossy images and the idea that I, master chef, will be able impress family and friends by whipping up an amazing creation following a simple recipe. I work myself up into a frenzy of inspiration every time I buy one, promising my husband that - THIS TIME - I am going to make him something out of my latest purchase. Something FANTASTIC. I bookmark pages of recipes that look especially delicious, I make grocery lists… sometimes I even buy the ingredients. But that’s where it ends. (I mean, let’s not go crazy here. We both knew I wasn’t really going to COOK anything, right?)
Until today! This is the one. The cookbook that will take me from reading and drooling to execution. It is completely approachable, which is what a novice like myself needs. For the most part, the recipes are straightforward, and many of them “fit together”. For example, one of her basic essentials is a ridiculously easy recipe for slow-roasted tomatoes. She makes a big batch, stores them in her fridge – and then throws them into a slew of other easy recipes throughout the week.
I can do that!
Gwyneth also includes charming, friendly little anecdotes about her life, written in the distinct style in which she speaks… you can almost hear her, like a friend chatting casually away about family, food, and life in general… I liked this cookbook so much, that I read it cover to cover.
…And tonight, I make those tomatoes. I swear.
January 25, 2012
I looked at this book for ages before buying it; finding it for a bargain price at TK Maxx finally encouraged me to close the deal. And I don't regret it, because this book has a lot of simple, healthy recipes that I can make for dinner (as long as my oldest daughter is not dining with us). There are a few recipes that I would quibble with -- only because they are SO basic. (Come on, do we need someone to tell us to add some parmesan cheese and butter to spaghetti?) BUT I came away from this book being convinced of Gwyneth's foodie credentials. Despite her extreme thinness, I DO believe that she eats blue cheese. (I loved her line about her love for blue cheese being known and feared within her family.) I made her chicken stir-fry and brown rice and kale not so long ago and it was really, really good. Memorably good. I will definitely be making it again.
Do be warned, though, that GP loves fish, anchovies, olives and bitter greens. If you aren't fond of these things, this may not be the best book for you.
Do be warned, though, that GP loves fish, anchovies, olives and bitter greens. If you aren't fond of these things, this may not be the best book for you.
January 2, 2012
My husband gave me this for Christmas. I never asked for it, or gave any thought to reading it before I received it. I'm glad he gifted me with this cookbook, because I actually enjoyed it very much. I'm not sure that I will cook many of the recipes, but I loved hearing her stories.
To me, this is less of a cookbook and more of a love letter to her father. My heart actually ached for her when she said that she chose a macrobiotic, vegan, gluten-free, local, all-organic diet as a way to vicariously cure her father's throat cancer. There was such a child-like innocent in that statement. Throughout the book, she tells stories of her childhood that center on food and togetherness. The pages are also peppered with little gems of advice from her daughter Apple.
I can honestly say that this was the most emotional response I have ever had to a cookbook.
To me, this is less of a cookbook and more of a love letter to her father. My heart actually ached for her when she said that she chose a macrobiotic, vegan, gluten-free, local, all-organic diet as a way to vicariously cure her father's throat cancer. There was such a child-like innocent in that statement. Throughout the book, she tells stories of her childhood that center on food and togetherness. The pages are also peppered with little gems of advice from her daughter Apple.
I can honestly say that this was the most emotional response I have ever had to a cookbook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2012
So, I secretly like Gwyneth Paltrow. I know it's not popular to like her, but I do. I think she's a better actress than people give her credit for ("Shakespeare in Love" is a particular favorite), and while she's clearly lived a life of privilege and isn't 100% in touch with the everyday person's lifestyle, does that really surprise anyone? Her website gives you a peek into the rarified world of the international elite, and I totally love checking it out. So what if I can't spend $100 on a t-shirt? It's a little outrageous, but I can't judge the companies that make them or the people who buy them too much. Different strokes for different folks, as they say.
I regularly enjoyed the recipes on her website, which seemed much more accessible than a $100 t-shirt. I splurged and got this cookbook at B&N with a gift card and I've really enjoyed it! I've made about 10 recipes so far and they've all come out really well. My favorites are the Kale Fried Rice (I've made it several times and added peas and asparagus to make it even more veggie-packed) and stuffed Turkey Burgers. I appreciate that her recipes are light and on the healthier side, and the book focuses on vegetarian fare with occasional inclusions of white meat (turkey, chicken) and fish. No red meat recipes, here. Also, she doesn't shove the "macrobiotic, organic, detox" thing down your throat (too much, anyway).
Check it out from the library first if you're on the fence - I was pleasantly surprised at how good this cookbook was!
I regularly enjoyed the recipes on her website, which seemed much more accessible than a $100 t-shirt. I splurged and got this cookbook at B&N with a gift card and I've really enjoyed it! I've made about 10 recipes so far and they've all come out really well. My favorites are the Kale Fried Rice (I've made it several times and added peas and asparagus to make it even more veggie-packed) and stuffed Turkey Burgers. I appreciate that her recipes are light and on the healthier side, and the book focuses on vegetarian fare with occasional inclusions of white meat (turkey, chicken) and fish. No red meat recipes, here. Also, she doesn't shove the "macrobiotic, organic, detox" thing down your throat (too much, anyway).
Check it out from the library first if you're on the fence - I was pleasantly surprised at how good this cookbook was!
May 27, 2013
I was disappointed by this cookbook. I try to eat healthy food and am always interested in new recipes- but this book has only 2 types of recipes:
1- unnecessarily overly complex, with difficult to find ingredients (ie- a recipe for cooking a chicken for 10 hours! or recipes requiring ingredients that can only be found online) or
2- overly simple "recipes" that aren't really recipes at all- like pasta with parmesan cheese and pepper, or "garden salad", or a romaine salad that is literally just a quartered head of romaine lettuce, or toast with garlic rubbed on it
The worst part about the recipes is that they are not original or inspirational at all! They aren't bad recipes per se, but you could find better versions of pretty much any of her recipes online or in other cookbooks. They are run-of-the-mill, and don't even utilize common spices well. At best this is a fallback, stock cookbook, in which case you are MUCH better off going with Joy of cooking (which is an awesome reference cookbook!), Jamie Oliver (you can find some of his free on-line) or Julia Child.
The book is littered with little stories about other celebrities, which I assume are meant to be interesting tidbits, but they really just come off as pompous, condescending and a bit preachy.
1- unnecessarily overly complex, with difficult to find ingredients (ie- a recipe for cooking a chicken for 10 hours! or recipes requiring ingredients that can only be found online) or
2- overly simple "recipes" that aren't really recipes at all- like pasta with parmesan cheese and pepper, or "garden salad", or a romaine salad that is literally just a quartered head of romaine lettuce, or toast with garlic rubbed on it
The worst part about the recipes is that they are not original or inspirational at all! They aren't bad recipes per se, but you could find better versions of pretty much any of her recipes online or in other cookbooks. They are run-of-the-mill, and don't even utilize common spices well. At best this is a fallback, stock cookbook, in which case you are MUCH better off going with Joy of cooking (which is an awesome reference cookbook!), Jamie Oliver (you can find some of his free on-line) or Julia Child.
The book is littered with little stories about other celebrities, which I assume are meant to be interesting tidbits, but they really just come off as pompous, condescending and a bit preachy.
September 12, 2011
The most important thing I learned while reviewing this book for my site, katecooksthebooks.com, was that people hate Gwyneth Paltrow. Way out of proportion, if you ask me. They find it to be highly insulting that someone from a priveledged background, who, they believe, has led a completely charmed life, would have the audacity to say anything about cooking.
All of that somehow made me more determined to find out if her recipes worked and her book was worth buying (or at least checking out of the library).
And in my estimation, it is! Some of her dishes are merely servicable (Playwright's Melt, for instance, is just cheese melted on an english muffin with olives. If you think that's a recipe let me introduce you to the Potato Chip Sandwich) but some are wonderful (veggie burgers, turkey sausage, white bean soup, Lalo's Famous Cookies). She has her nutty food biases and unsubstatiated dogmas (beef and pork are always inhumane but duck and chicken are treated with dignity and respect at all times) but for the most part she's not trying to proselytize.
All of that somehow made me more determined to find out if her recipes worked and her book was worth buying (or at least checking out of the library).
And in my estimation, it is! Some of her dishes are merely servicable (Playwright's Melt, for instance, is just cheese melted on an english muffin with olives. If you think that's a recipe let me introduce you to the Potato Chip Sandwich) but some are wonderful (veggie burgers, turkey sausage, white bean soup, Lalo's Famous Cookies). She has her nutty food biases and unsubstatiated dogmas (beef and pork are always inhumane but duck and chicken are treated with dignity and respect at all times) but for the most part she's not trying to proselytize.
October 23, 2011
I have a bit of a fetish for beautifully photographed cookbooks, and Gwyneth Paltrow (she of Shakespeare, Coldplay and Glee fame) has created one of the loveliest I have seen: clean, crisp and inspiring. Despite my embarrassment about ordering a celebrity cookbook, I have to admit I have really enjoyed this one, and it will maintain a spot on my kitchen shelf. Given how many cookbooks have come and gone through my home, that is no small statement! I've particularly enjoyed the breakfast recipes (OMG those overnight pancakes! divine) and her ideas for salads and dressings (love the use of maple syrup as a healthy sweetener). Being a "flexitarian," Gwyneth has a lot of vegan, gluten-free, fish and poultry dishes, but don't choose this book if you love a juicy steak. Perhaps it shouldn't be such a surprise that Wonder Woman can cook. She may not compare to the Barefoot Contessa, but I've picked up a lot of new ideas here for simple, fresh and healthy cooking. 3.5 stars.
July 20, 2011
I had no intention of checking this book out from the library, until I saw Gwyneth on the Graham Norton show (which I was watching mostly for Lady Gaga, secondarily for Geoffrey Rush). After she brought forth her vegetarian paella and gushed about brussel sprouts, I figured I'd give it a shot, even if cooking was a just a side project to being famous. My husband laughed and decided I must be "weird" when he realized I was reading this cookbook cover-to-cover. I started making a list of recipes I wanted to save, but I gave up and decided to just buy the book. Truth is, it's more like being famous is a side project to cooking for her family. Besides narrating everything very well, Gwyneth's got a really great collection of delicious food here. Who can argue with that?
March 18, 2012
OK, so I was extremely skeptical before checking out this book. Gwyneth P induces eyerolls in me on a regular basis and while that patronizing attitude is definitely here, the recipes are excellent, photography is beautiful, and the stories and anecdotes she provides are quite charming.
The recipes are actually fairly basic, things you can make at home on a daily basis, excited to try more of them out. One of the best cookbooks I've read this year.
The recipes are actually fairly basic, things you can make at home on a daily basis, excited to try more of them out. One of the best cookbooks I've read this year.
Want to read
April 16, 2011I don't really plan to read this. I just want to note two things:
-Molly Wizenberg must be so pleased to know that Gwyneth Paltrow (clearly) read her book.
-You should watch this. http://www.youtube.com/user/EvilMedia...
-Molly Wizenberg must be so pleased to know that Gwyneth Paltrow (clearly) read her book.
-You should watch this. http://www.youtube.com/user/EvilMedia...
May 19, 2011
Katie gave me this for Mother's Day--you might think that a "celebrity" cookbook isn't a serious cookbook, but this one is. Austin leafed through it and immediately found several recipes for us to try--the narrative is interesting, the pictures are gorgeous and the recipes are homey and delicious.
May 25, 2011
None of the recipes were exciting enough to copy, and the pull quotes from her kids were nauseating.
August 25, 2017
Except for the confusing 'vegan' symbol beside my copy's blue cheese dressing recipe, all went well.
July 17, 2013
I picked up this book because, one, I am a huge fan of Gwyneth Paltrow and, two, I also happen to love eating delicious food. The introduction is a touching dedication to her father, Bruce Paltrow, who instilled in her a love for good food...not just gourmet or health food but food that tastes good. Bruce was also a great cook who developed his style and knowledge of food throughout his life. Food also took on a secondary meaning for Gwyneth because it was something that bonded and solidified her relationship with her father. For instance, Gwyneth notes on page 15 "When I was about eighteen we started cooking together. I'm not sure exactly how is started, what day it was, or how it was catalyzed...We decided to make a meal, and from there we got kind of obseesed. We would watch the cooking channel together as much as we watched NFL football, often with me resting in the crook of his arm." Gwyneth was dumbfounded when Bruce was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 and he subsequently died of the disease. The book, in that sense, serves as a tribute to her father's culinary influence. She also discusses her "macrobiotic stage" of her life where she strictly ate healthy, non-processed foods which her father refused to adhere to during his cancer treatment. This taught Gwyneth the power of balance in your life. Eating organically has huge benefits and I tried to devote a lot of my own diet to organic foods, but....it's not the end of the world if you eat a french fry or a potato chip. That's powerful!
There's a lot of good stuff in this cookbook. My favorite dishes are the spaghetti alla vongole and the sweet potato ravioli. I'm studying to be an elementary school teacher and we talk about having "resource book" which are books that you can keep and reference in the future because they have so much valuable information. This book is a resource book as far as I'm concerned. There so much dishes I want to cook in the future and this book will be an awesome guide.
Gwyneth's uses her writing voice impeccably in "My Father's Daughter". This book reminded me of Fletcher's section that was dedicated to using voice in non-fiction. This is a non-fiction book with most of the pages devoted to recipes with commentary sprinkled in. Her commentary is witty, emotive, and the furthest from dry. She did not present her story and her dishes in an pedantic type of way. Her words were warm and inviting. A lot of people allege that Gwyneth is pretentious but her voice suggest the opposite. She includes cute stories about her children and family while mentioning her beliefs about health. I would use "My Father's Daughter" as an example of effective use of voice in a non-fiction context.
There's a lot of good stuff in this cookbook. My favorite dishes are the spaghetti alla vongole and the sweet potato ravioli. I'm studying to be an elementary school teacher and we talk about having "resource book" which are books that you can keep and reference in the future because they have so much valuable information. This book is a resource book as far as I'm concerned. There so much dishes I want to cook in the future and this book will be an awesome guide.
Gwyneth's uses her writing voice impeccably in "My Father's Daughter". This book reminded me of Fletcher's section that was dedicated to using voice in non-fiction. This is a non-fiction book with most of the pages devoted to recipes with commentary sprinkled in. Her commentary is witty, emotive, and the furthest from dry. She did not present her story and her dishes in an pedantic type of way. Her words were warm and inviting. A lot of people allege that Gwyneth is pretentious but her voice suggest the opposite. She includes cute stories about her children and family while mentioning her beliefs about health. I would use "My Father's Daughter" as an example of effective use of voice in a non-fiction context.
April 2, 2014
I am writing this review as I eat the 'Duck broth with soba' from this book. Gwyneth Paltrow's stated intentions on the cover of this book, which are to provide '' delicious, easy recipes celebrating family and togetherness'' were almost met. The recipes are the standard fare for foodies. There wasn't much that was original, but I give her points because of how she put the book together. She gives tips on how to get young children interested in cooking through participation. I live with a 3 year old girl, who I often cook with, and I think that should be something all people do with their children. I think its bizarre how modern culture believes in lengthy education for children, but in their education completely ignores essential life skills like cooking.
Gwyneth is very health conscious and it is apparent by the ingredients she stresses that one uses. I loved her healthy hoisin recipe and it will from now on be the recipe I will use for hoisin sauce. What a healthy improvement using ingredients I wouldn't have associated with hoisin sauce.
But other than that, in terms of the tastiness of the food, there were hits and misses.
In all I made 5 of her dishes:
- The Best Miso Soup
I changed up her recipe because in no way hell can great miso soup be made without kombu. But she piqued my interest in what the best miso recipe was. I googled for one and OMG I saw the light. The key is putting kombu in the water overnight in the fridge.
I thank Gywenth though for informing me on the benefits of miso paste. Makes me keen to use it more.
- Duck Broth and Soba
wow...so yummy
- Chinese Duck and Pancakes with Hoisin Sauce
The Duck was alright. The hoisin sauce was the star.
- Polenta with fresh corn
The polenta was great until I added the cream and milk that the recipe called for.
- Artichoke Pesto
Kinda okay.
Gwyneth is very health conscious and it is apparent by the ingredients she stresses that one uses. I loved her healthy hoisin recipe and it will from now on be the recipe I will use for hoisin sauce. What a healthy improvement using ingredients I wouldn't have associated with hoisin sauce.
But other than that, in terms of the tastiness of the food, there were hits and misses.
In all I made 5 of her dishes:
- The Best Miso Soup
I changed up her recipe because in no way hell can great miso soup be made without kombu. But she piqued my interest in what the best miso recipe was. I googled for one and OMG I saw the light. The key is putting kombu in the water overnight in the fridge.
I thank Gywenth though for informing me on the benefits of miso paste. Makes me keen to use it more.
- Duck Broth and Soba
wow...so yummy
- Chinese Duck and Pancakes with Hoisin Sauce
The Duck was alright. The hoisin sauce was the star.
- Polenta with fresh corn
The polenta was great until I added the cream and milk that the recipe called for.
- Artichoke Pesto
Kinda okay.
May 9, 2013
I related with Gwyneth right away when I read about her great passion for food despite her skinny physique come to realize we have those things in common. I think everything is better with food too. I loved how she had comments of how her kids liked certain dishes. She also had stories to go along with the food which made it seem like a good friend was giving me her recipes. I was surprised by some of the simple family recipes in this book. She has practical recipes for stocks and sauces that can be made ahead of time, some of which can be stored long term in the freezer. Usually in celebrity cookbooks it seems like the ingredient lists are either strange food items I have never even heard of or they are too expensive for my taste. I have a big family of six to feed so I like low budget meals. She did have a few of those types of recipes though, for instance with duck. Assuming she was aiming to have this cookbook appeal to middle-income families, housewives and stay-at-home moms, I had to wonder “How often does the average housewife cook with duck?” Not many. Typically you would buy the everyday variety of chicken, beef, or pork. I already cooked the fried zucchini spaghetti which had a unique flavor I enjoyed. I mostly look forward to cooking: slow-roasted tomatoes, corn chowder, penne puttanesca, duck ragu (hey I never said I wasn’t interested in it), chicken Milanese, chicken and dumplings, even her father’s pancakes, berries with caramelized cream…and more. One funny note is when I came across a picture of her making pasta I could see one of her kids on the counter top—a BARE FOOT next to the food! “YUCK!” I have issues with that. “Get your feet off of my kitchen counter.”
February 4, 2015
It is what it is and much more than I expected.
Admittedly, I initially opened with much trepidation. I mean, it's Gwyneth Paltrow. Insufferable, sure. I mean, read her dedication where she references all the famous ppl she knows, at least the ones you'll know. YOU may be cooking for your friends and family, but SHE's cooking for Beyoncé and Robert Downey Jr. If nothing else, read it for the dedication. However, the flip side her being about the image is that I knew she would not lose face by putting out a bad product.
There is the matter of her "suggested" ingredients. For instance, I did make a cursory attempt to locate duck bacon. No go. Not finding "real Vermont maple syrup" I settled for our home brew. Which, when considered, the making of maple syrup; boiling down gallons of sap into a single pint of godly nectar - probably took less time and concern then securing duck bacon. Here's another good tip: crème fraiche is just French for fresh cream. And I must acknowledge that eating organic everything likely does impact overall health. It's just not available to many of us.
Cattiness aside, she delivers: the food is great and the notes with most recipe are interesting. Goop is interesting. I prepared many of the recipes and found they delivered on taste and ease of preparation. In fact, nothing disappointed. My favourite being the chicken and dumpling, which filled my house with the most delicious aromas. If anticipation had a scent, chicken and dumplings be thy name.
TIP: if you can't afford cook books or are hesitant to invest until certain: borrow at the library. Typically you'll get three weeks to test drive and can copy out any recipes you love. No money and no risk.
Admittedly, I initially opened with much trepidation. I mean, it's Gwyneth Paltrow. Insufferable, sure. I mean, read her dedication where she references all the famous ppl she knows, at least the ones you'll know. YOU may be cooking for your friends and family, but SHE's cooking for Beyoncé and Robert Downey Jr. If nothing else, read it for the dedication. However, the flip side her being about the image is that I knew she would not lose face by putting out a bad product.
There is the matter of her "suggested" ingredients. For instance, I did make a cursory attempt to locate duck bacon. No go. Not finding "real Vermont maple syrup" I settled for our home brew. Which, when considered, the making of maple syrup; boiling down gallons of sap into a single pint of godly nectar - probably took less time and concern then securing duck bacon. Here's another good tip: crème fraiche is just French for fresh cream. And I must acknowledge that eating organic everything likely does impact overall health. It's just not available to many of us.
Cattiness aside, she delivers: the food is great and the notes with most recipe are interesting. Goop is interesting. I prepared many of the recipes and found they delivered on taste and ease of preparation. In fact, nothing disappointed. My favourite being the chicken and dumpling, which filled my house with the most delicious aromas. If anticipation had a scent, chicken and dumplings be thy name.
TIP: if you can't afford cook books or are hesitant to invest until certain: borrow at the library. Typically you'll get three weeks to test drive and can copy out any recipes you love. No money and no risk.
April 28, 2013
After her father died in 2002 Paltrow wanted to pull together a lot of the recipes that they cooked together or were his favorites. It's a sweet book, filled with her memories of him and his love of food, which she inherited. It's also quite interesting, in view of her new cookbook, as she has completely changed her way of eating in just a few years. Paltrow still always leans toward making comfort food and food that children will enjoy eating.
Some of her recipes in My Father's Daughter include some of the same go-to items that she praises in her new cookbook, It's All Good — Vegenaise, maple syrup, almond milk. But in her first book she is still using sugar, flour, and cow's milk products, especially cheese, which, because of various family member food sensitivities, she has found substitutes for in her new diet and approach to cooking. I'm not sure if it's just where I am at these days with my own ideas on diet and nutrition, but there were fewer recipes in My Father's Daughter that I fell compelled to try. I did jot down Spaghetti Limone Parmeggiano (p. 128), Artichoke and Parmesan Frittata (p. 217), Blue Cheese Dressing (always a favorite, p. 72) and Anchovy Vinaigrette (p. 73).
Full review on xoxoxo e: http://xoxoxoe.blogspot.com/2013/04/i...
Some of her recipes in My Father's Daughter include some of the same go-to items that she praises in her new cookbook, It's All Good — Vegenaise, maple syrup, almond milk. But in her first book she is still using sugar, flour, and cow's milk products, especially cheese, which, because of various family member food sensitivities, she has found substitutes for in her new diet and approach to cooking. I'm not sure if it's just where I am at these days with my own ideas on diet and nutrition, but there were fewer recipes in My Father's Daughter that I fell compelled to try. I did jot down Spaghetti Limone Parmeggiano (p. 128), Artichoke and Parmesan Frittata (p. 217), Blue Cheese Dressing (always a favorite, p. 72) and Anchovy Vinaigrette (p. 73).
Full review on xoxoxo e: http://xoxoxoe.blogspot.com/2013/04/i...
September 20, 2011
I got this from the library because I have enjoyed her GOOP.com website and was intrigued to find out what she could have to say about food. I so rarely buy cookbooks these days, looking instead to the internet and my Cooking Light and Food & Wine magazines; however, I am thinking I will buy this one. I found myself completely immersed and read it cover to cover last night. It turns out she has a very strong point of view and one that is very similar to my own, serving her kids a large variety of solely organic meals, even including olives and anchovies (which, it turns out, are some of Vivi's favorites). I appreciate her tips for how to make a meal more kid-friendly, and I am sure the vegans also appreciate that she gives notes for how to make a meal vegan too. The photography is stunning. Her descriptions of her family are deeply personal and touching and make me want to cook the meals that much more. I also love that she includes a list of pantry items in the front; so few cookbooks do that, and it's a great touch.
June 12, 2013
I ended up buying this book, at a Williams Sonoma in Short Hills, as the kids and I got a chance to meet her and get an autographed copy. It was a fun experience (the only surprising part was how much makeup she had on for the event- it was a lot, and she always strikes me as seeming to natural and not made-up; I get it for a movie premier, but for a cookbook signing?), and the boys liked telling her that they loved her as Pepper Potts in Iron Man, loved her in Glee and that their dad has a Coldplay song as his ringtone!
The cookbook is well put-together, and beautifully shot. But I dinged it a couple of stars as I tried some of her vegan lifestyle (like veganaise in place of mayonnaise), and its just not for me. 2 recipes that I continue to make, are her challah bread french toast (delish! and my kids LOVE it), and blueberry muffins. Funny thing, Gwyneth has a vegan version of them, that don't look all that good, so I follow her mom's recipe (which is right next to hers in the book), which are to die for! With fresh blueberries, they are so good!
The cookbook is well put-together, and beautifully shot. But I dinged it a couple of stars as I tried some of her vegan lifestyle (like veganaise in place of mayonnaise), and its just not for me. 2 recipes that I continue to make, are her challah bread french toast (delish! and my kids LOVE it), and blueberry muffins. Funny thing, Gwyneth has a vegan version of them, that don't look all that good, so I follow her mom's recipe (which is right next to hers in the book), which are to die for! With fresh blueberries, they are so good!
April 1, 2011
Excited to have won this book.
What a wonderful and warm cookbook. It's full of stories, beautiful pictures and a variety of healthy and easy to follow recipes. It's perfectly laid out and organized. Many pages offer additional tips that I found very helpful. Gwyenth adds a little personal note at the beginning of each recipe that were just a delight to read. Being a new mom myself, I enjoyed reading about how she introduced food to her children and taught them the importance of health. I immediately started making a list of what I wanted to try.
Tonight we made The Best Stir-Fried Chicken (pg. 157) along with Fried Rice with Kale & Scallions (pg. 198). Both dishes were delicious and very simple to make. It felt good knowing that I was feeding my family a healthy Asian meal. I can't wait to try out some more recipes.
I would definitely recommend this cookbook to everyone!!!
What a wonderful and warm cookbook. It's full of stories, beautiful pictures and a variety of healthy and easy to follow recipes. It's perfectly laid out and organized. Many pages offer additional tips that I found very helpful. Gwyenth adds a little personal note at the beginning of each recipe that were just a delight to read. Being a new mom myself, I enjoyed reading about how she introduced food to her children and taught them the importance of health. I immediately started making a list of what I wanted to try.
Tonight we made The Best Stir-Fried Chicken (pg. 157) along with Fried Rice with Kale & Scallions (pg. 198). Both dishes were delicious and very simple to make. It felt good knowing that I was feeding my family a healthy Asian meal. I can't wait to try out some more recipes.
I would definitely recommend this cookbook to everyone!!!
August 5, 2016
When I first picked this book up I thought, "Gwyneth Paltrow, what do YOU know about food and cooking?" But I took it home from the library and flipped through it, and I have to admit, there are some really nice and also unique recipes in here.
I liked that she had recipes for kitchen staples like roasted tomatoes, sriracha, and stocks (stocks are a kitchen NECESSITY according to the cooking instruction I've read of Escoffier - so seeing that she had her own recipes for them in here added to my impression of this book).
Lots of tasty looking salad dressings.
I really liked the look of the "Tuna and Ginger Burgers," "Duck and Rosemary Burgers with Plum Ketchup," and "Zucchini Flowers with Anchovies and Mozzarella"!
Lots of vegetarian takes on dishes too.
I added this to my "Memoir" shelf as well, because she often gives a bit of her own background with a particular dish before the recipe - like where she first tried the dish or who gave her the recipe, etc.
I liked that she had recipes for kitchen staples like roasted tomatoes, sriracha, and stocks (stocks are a kitchen NECESSITY according to the cooking instruction I've read of Escoffier - so seeing that she had her own recipes for them in here added to my impression of this book).
Lots of tasty looking salad dressings.
I really liked the look of the "Tuna and Ginger Burgers," "Duck and Rosemary Burgers with Plum Ketchup," and "Zucchini Flowers with Anchovies and Mozzarella"!
Lots of vegetarian takes on dishes too.
I added this to my "Memoir" shelf as well, because she often gives a bit of her own background with a particular dish before the recipe - like where she first tried the dish or who gave her the recipe, etc.
November 29, 2013
This was decent. A lot of people seem to have strong feelings about this woman that influenced their opinion of the recipes. Me, I just like good food. And while not the best cook book I've come across, it was pretty good.
The lady really loves anchovies and duck, two things I don't ever cook with. So excluding those recipes, there were a number of pretty good recipes. There is a fried rice (uses brown rice) with kale dish that was surprisingly pretty incredible. I think it could become a staple side dish. She has a tasty bolognese sauce, but I did have to modify it because for some reason she decided not to include milk in it, or wine or wine substitutes, two of the core ingredients besides the meat in a classic bolognese sauce. She has some really good muffin and dessert recipes. There is a huge variety of flavor and style throughout the book. I'd say about 1/4 of the recipes we will try again.
The lady really loves anchovies and duck, two things I don't ever cook with. So excluding those recipes, there were a number of pretty good recipes. There is a fried rice (uses brown rice) with kale dish that was surprisingly pretty incredible. I think it could become a staple side dish. She has a tasty bolognese sauce, but I did have to modify it because for some reason she decided not to include milk in it, or wine or wine substitutes, two of the core ingredients besides the meat in a classic bolognese sauce. She has some really good muffin and dessert recipes. There is a huge variety of flavor and style throughout the book. I'd say about 1/4 of the recipes we will try again.
June 14, 2011
I got this from the library because it seemed amusing and I wanted to check if any of the vegan recipes were good, but 50 pages in I'm appalled a. by all the product placement and b. that her "best miso soup" recipe, containing bonito flakes, is labeled with both the vegetarian and vegan symbols, with no mention of alternatives or them being optional (yet she totally seems to get that honey isn't vegan?). Having skimmed the whole book now, its vegan recipes are generally not that inspired and are similar enough to recipes in vegan cookbooks/that I've made up myself so it's not that useful(the veg paella is the most interesting, but I found that recipe when she made it on Ellen). Plus I'm really annoyed that nearly every cookbook I pick up nowadays has a "recipe" for kale chips, they are not that complicated!
April 3, 2011
So excited to win this book from firstreads! Thank You! Also I am thrilled to say I just loved this book. So much packed into this beautiful cookbook, and so much more too. Lots of personal writing about growing up and her dad and herself cooking together. Lots of color pictures even some things about her cute kids.
The recipes sound wonderful. Some at the end of the page show you tips that say make it Vegan recipe or make it kid friendly. Love that idea.
I think the first one for me to try would be:My favorite Homemade Hot Fudge then on to Bruce Paltrow's World Famous Pancakes (they look yummy) also Blythe's Blueberry Muffins.
Other chapters include:soups and salads, burgers & sandwiches, pastas, main courses, side dishes, breakfast and desserts.
The recipes sound wonderful. Some at the end of the page show you tips that say make it Vegan recipe or make it kid friendly. Love that idea.
I think the first one for me to try would be:My favorite Homemade Hot Fudge then on to Bruce Paltrow's World Famous Pancakes (they look yummy) also Blythe's Blueberry Muffins.
Other chapters include:soups and salads, burgers & sandwiches, pastas, main courses, side dishes, breakfast and desserts.
June 7, 2011
Gorgeous photographs, sweet heart-warming family stories, quirky inserts snuck into the recipes (like for "seafood paella, spanish mama style": "Serves: 1 if you're me, but actually 4-6"). It's a cute cookbook, almost as adorable as Gwyneth herself. She's led such a charmed life it should be easy to hate her, if only she weren't so darned happy and perky and likable!
Since I'm in to whole foods and we have several food allergies to work around in our family, I've pulled out a few recipes I'm looking forward to trying. We don't eat a lot of duck or lobster, though, so there were several that I just flipped past.
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
Since I'm in to whole foods and we have several food allergies to work around in our family, I've pulled out a few recipes I'm looking forward to trying. We don't eat a lot of duck or lobster, though, so there were several that I just flipped past.
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
May 30, 2013
This is an amazing cookbook! Its focus is whole-type foods with practical and easy-to-find ingredients. The dishes are also simple to prepare at a pretty minimal price. The recipes range from basic (vegetable stock, tomato sauce, chive viniagrette), to more elaborate (lots of duck dishes). You can sense in its pages that Gwyneth "gets it"; she understands that while many moms are trying to prepare healthier foods for our families, sometimes it's just not entirely possible. So she includes kid-friendly food, and tolerates the reader's substituion of pork for turkey bacon. I can't wait to get started with some of these...especially her corn chowder recipe! I will be buying this with my birthday money next month!
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