Book Reviews & Giveaway: Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
I married my husband because he was a FABULOUS cook. When I met him he was a restaurateur and owned restaurants in Providence and Newport. For me that meant I really didn't have to cook. Either food was brought home, we ate dinner out or he took control of the kitchen.
Of course over time things change. Hubby won't go into the kitchen(unless it's just to get something out of the fridge) and I cook dinner most every nights. The problem is that I've gotten bored as I find myself simply rotating meals from the dozen or so that I've been making over and over again for YEARS. Still, like the old cliché goes - the thing that I make best is RESERVATIONS.
When Jane Doiron asked me to review her cookbook Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
I figured that I'd give it a shot. I needed to expand my repertoire (as long as the recipes were easy and I wouldn't have to slave at the stove EVERY night.I have to say, that I was PLEASANTLY surprised when the book arrived a few weeks ago. I decided to give it a real workout and PRETEND that I'm a real domestic goddess.
One thing that was left out of the title of this cookbook was EASY. It's probably because Jane is a mom herself and understands HOW CRAZY dinnertime can be for a mom who has so little time. This was a collection of recipes that is SO EASY even I - the take-out queen of South Florida can actually make dinner. The beauty of it all is that the recipes are perfect for freezing, so that you can just pop them in the oven and reheat for a FABULOUS dinner ANY TIME.
In this cookbook I found recipes that the entire family will enjoy (even the pickiest of eaters). The directions are very clear and include Make Ahead instructions if you're planning on cooking in advance. Frankly, this would be a GREAT cookbook to allow for once a week (or even once a month) cooking.
The other night I made the Lasagna. Using Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms I was able to actually use the meatballs left from the Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs and Sausage from dinner that I had prepared the week before (which dramatically cut down on the time factor). The best part is that I was able to make and freeze enough for 2 more meals, so I have dinner all set for a busy night next week and then for when I go away in a few weeks. Tonight we're having a REAL TREAT and I'm making the mouth watering Stuffed Beef Tenderloin (stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, Swiss, and more).If you'd like a sneak peek at some of the recipes. Jane has put 4 of the recipes from this cookbook up on her blog. You'll also be able to access the table of contents and see JUST how family friendly her recipes really are.
Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or downloaded instantly from the blog.Thanks to Jane Doiron for providing a cookbook that will be a staple in my kitchen for many years (oh and for this review) as well as a copy for one of our readers to win in this giveaway.
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