Quick Take

Ruby Tandoh wants us all to cook, and this is her cookbook for all of us - the real home cooks, juggling babies or long commutes, who might have limited resources and limited time. From last-minute inspiration to delicious meals for one, easy one-pot dinners to no-chop recipes for when life keeps your hands full, Ruby brings us 100 delicious, affordable and achievable recipes, including salted malted magic ice cream, one-tin smashed potatoes with lemony sardines and pesto and an easy dinner of plantain, black beans and eden rice.This is a new kind of cookbook for our times: an accessible, inclusive and inspirational addition to any and every kitchen. You don't have to be an aspiring chef for your food to be delectable or for cooking to be a delight. Cook as you are.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Cook As You Are: Recipes for Real Life, Hungry Cooks and Messy Kitchens

Introduction

"Cook As You Are: Recipes for Real Life, Hungry Cooks and Messy Kitchens" by Ruby Tandoh is a cookbook that aims to bring accessible, inclusive, and inspiring recipes to home cooks. With 100 delicious and achievable recipes, this book caters to real-life situations, limited resources, and busy schedules. Tandoh's writing style is friendly, unpretentious, and filled with warmth and understanding.

About Ruby Tandoh

Ruby Tandoh is a British chef who gained recognition as a contestant on The Great British Bake Off in 2013. She has since become a well-known food writer, with a focus on inclusivity, learning, and exploring different cuisines. Tandoh has authored the cookbook "Flavour" and has contributed to various publications such as Elle, Vice, and The Guardian. Her latest book, "Cook As You Are," showcases her expertise in creating recipes that cater to diverse needs and circumstances.

Analysis of Views

Inclusivity and Accessibility: Readers appreciate the inclusive approach of the book, which caters to individuals with different physical abilities, dietary restrictions, or limited resources. The recipes are designed to be achievable and adaptable, making them suitable for various cooking situations.
Warm and Understanding Writing: Tandoh's writing style is praised for its warmth and understanding. Readers feel that she empathizes with their cooking struggles and offers solutions that work for many. The book's tone is approachable, making it feel like a hug in the kitchen.
Variations and Substitutions: Tandoh provides detailed variations and substitutions for each recipe, making it easier for readers to adapt the dishes to their personal circumstances. This feature is particularly appreciated by those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those who prepare meals while carrying a child on their hip.
No-Photoshop Approach: The book eschews glossy food photography in favor of drawings that convey the essence of the recipes. Readers appreciate this approach as it allows them to judge the recipes based on their own perception of taste and appearance.
Diversity of Recipes: The book offers a variety of recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From quick 20-minute meals to more elaborate projects, there is something for every cook. The recipes also showcase a less meat-heavy approach but include options for vegetarians, gluten-free diets, and other dietary restrictions.

Reasons for Recommendation

Inclusive Approach: The book caters to a wide range of cooking needs and circumstances, making it accessible to everyone. The recipes are designed to be achievable and adaptable, making them suitable for various cooking situations.
Warm and Understanding Writing: Tandoh's writing style is praised for its warmth and understanding. Readers feel that she empathizes with their cooking struggles and offers solutions that work for many. The book's tone is approachable, making it feel like a hug in the kitchen.
Variations and Substitutions: Tandoh provides detailed variations and substitutions for each recipe, making it easier for readers to adapt the dishes to their personal circumstances. This feature is particularly appreciated by those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those who prepare meals while carrying a child on their hip.
No-Photoshop Approach: The book eschews glossy food photography in favor of drawings that convey the essence of the recipes. Readers appreciate this approach as it allows them to judge the recipes based on their own perception of taste and appearance.
Diversity of Recipes: The book offers a variety of recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From quick 20-minute meals to more elaborate projects, there is something for every cook. The recipes also showcase a less meat-heavy approach but include options for vegetarians, gluten-free diets, and other dietary restrictions.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Photographs: Some readers find the absence of photographs in the book to be a drawback. They appreciate visual representations of the dishes they are about to cook and feel that photographs would enhance their cooking experience.
Specialty Ingredients: A few readers mention that some ingredients used in the recipes are specialty items that may not be readily available or affordable in certain regions or markets. This could limit the practicality of some recipes for some readers.

Conclusion

"Cook As You Are: Recipes for Real Life, Hungry Cooks and Messy Kitchens" by Ruby Tandoh is a highly recommended cookbook that caters to home cooks with diverse needs and circumstances. With its inclusive approach, warm writing style, variations and substitutions, no-photoshop approach, and diversity of recipes, this book offers something for everyone. While some readers may miss the visual representation provided by photographs or find certain ingredients difficult to obtain, overall, "Cook As You Are" is a valuable addition to any kitchen shelf.