As you all know, I love cookbooks. Basically all cookbooks. But it’s not every day that my good friends and colleagues publish a book, so this one has me extra excited!
The dynamic author-duo of Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek have done it again. You may remember my review of their last joint effort, Passover Made Easy
At first glance:
As with their previous book, Starters & Sides Made Easy
Some Features I Liked:
One of the first things I noticed about this book was the excellent organization. Some people might think of starters and sides as it’s own category, but when you have an entire book devoted to them, categorizing can get tricky. This book is cleverly arranged into a category for vegetables, one for grains, another for meat and chicken, yet another for fish, one for dairy, and lastly, a sweet sides category. As you can see, the book really covers the whole range!
Next, as in their previous book, Starters and Sides has a wealth of kitchen knowledge (those authors know their stuff – as editors for both the world’s best weekly kosher magazine, Whisk, and CookKosher.Com, the world’s largest kosher recipe sharing site, they really have a ton of info to share!). Before they start on the actual recipes, the authors share a “building blocks” section, where they teach you things like how to roast vegetables, how to add flavor to your mashed potatoes and how to make perfect rice. They also include a comprehensive spice guide, and plating suggestions before every chapter!
Another thing I love about this book is the variety and innovation of ideas. Always thought coleslaw was a mayonnaise loaded salad made with cabbage? Think again. In this book, coleslaw gets fried into mouthwateringly delicious looking balls!
You probably noticed by now that I mention the photography in all of my cookbook reviews. Well, this book has breathtakingly beautiful pictures of wonderfully and smartly styled food.
Lastly, a number of the chicken and meat recipes can easily be turned into mains, which is a nice bonus for the book!
Some Recipes I Can’t Wait to Try:
I don’t even know where to start here! I want to make basically everything in this book…from Shwarma Egg rolls to coleslaw balls and sticky red potatoes!
The recipe I am most excited to try is their Crispy Beef. That dish is a favorite of mine at Asian restaurants, so I am really excited to try it at home!
Another recipe I am dying to make is the Barbecue Noodles. Partly because they look so absolutely delicious, and partly because I was actually there helping out one day at the photo shoot, and I got to taste these straight from the source. And I can absolutely vouch for their awesomeness.
Another recipe on my “I’ll make it as soon as I have a good excuse” list is the Falafel Cigars. Think hybrid between an egg roll, a falafel sandwich and a meat filled cigar, and you have a pretty good idea of why I am so enthralled by this recipe!
I could go on all day, but I’ll leave you to buy the book and pick your favorites yourself!
Who This Cookbook is For:
If you love to cook, and are constantly looking for delicious and creative new things to cook, you’re going to love this book.
Specifically, the book contains a ton of ideas for holidays, parties, and other special occasions, so if you find yourself cooking for one of the above, and you’re stuck on the menu, this book will be a complete lifesaver!
Who This Cookbook Isn’t For:
The only people that I can think of who wouldn’t enjoy this book are those on special diets (for example, if you don’t eat gluten, lots of these recipes will be off limits to you.)
Also, if you are looking for a book full of simple and every day recipes…this book has them, but a lot of the recipes are for special occasions.
What I Didn’t Like About This Cookbook:
As I just mentioned, the book is chock full of ideas for special occasions, but has fewer ideas for everyday suppers. Not to say that it doesn’t have recipes that are bound to make it onto your every day supper rotation, like sesame orzo, zucchini and scallion fries, or barbecue noodles, among others, but there are fewer of that type of recipe.
My only other issue with the book is that many of the recipes require frying, making them both less healthy and not as quick to prepare.
Conclusion:
Overall, this cookbook is an excellent addition to your collection! It has delicious recipes, innovative ideas, inspired flavors, beautiful pictures and is guaranteed to make you drool! I really can’t say enough about this book…now go out and buy yourself a copy!
And now, for a sample recipe…this cauliflower dish is healthy and delicious and takes just a couple of minutes to throw together…how’s that for a winning recipe!
Golden Cauliflower with Plum Tomatoes
Adapted from Starters and Sides Made Easy
Ingredients:
1 (24 ounce) bag frozen cauliflower florets (if you prefer to use fresh, go for it!)
2 plum tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed or finely minced
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teapoon tumeric
pinch crushed red pepper flakes (I used cayenne pepper)
1 teaspoon salt
pinch of black pepper
juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 – 1/2 Tablespoons)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Combine all ingredients except for lemon juice and toss to coat evenly. Spread in a single layer on prepared baking sheet and bake at 450 for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with the lemon juice and serve warm.
Enjoy!
Giveaway Details!
For your chance to win a copy of Starters and Sides Made Easy
Please note: Each entry requires its own comment! Multiple entries in one comment will only be counted once! You can do any or all of the following:
Entry #1 – Leave a comment on this post telling me what is your go to starter or side dish recipe.
Entry #2 – Follow @OvertimeCook on twitter and leave a comment on this post telling me that you did.
Entry # 3- Like Tales of an Overtime Cook on Facebook and leave a comment on this post telling me that you did.
Entry # 4 – Follow @OvertimeCook on Pinterest and leave a comment on this post telling me that you did.
Entry # 5 – Subscribe to OvertimeCook via email (link is on the right sidebar of the blog). and leave a comment on this post telling me that you did.
Entry #6 – Follow Overtime Cook on Instagram and leave a comment on this post telling me that you did.
Note: if you already like/follow etc, that’s fine. Just leave a comment letting me know that!
Giveaway Details:
Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM on Thursday, October 1oth. A valid email address or twitter profile must be provided.
Prize can be shipped within the US and Canada.
Giveaway is sponsored by the publisher.
Disclaimer: I was sent a review copy of this book, and I know the authors well – and have the greatest respect for their food prowess. All opinions are my own. There are affiliate links within this post, which means that if you click the links here to buy the book you will help sponsor your favorite food blog!
Thanks everyone for stopping by! Come back soon, I have a delicious treat to share with you! -Miriam
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My go to side dish is lo mein. One box of pasta goes a long way and you can add whatever veggies you have on hand – mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, snow peas, scallions. You can easily make it a main dish by adding some stir fried chicken strips. Everyone loves it.
i follow you on pinterest
I already follow your blog. Great job!
my go to side dish is sesame noodles
my go-to starter is salmon, made any number of ways. salmon cakes, grilled salmon, etc. versatile and healthy.
i sub to your blog via email
My go to starter is chicken wontons. They’re amazinggg
I already follow @OvertimeCook on twitter!
Go-to side dish recipe: Put about 1/4 inch of water in pot, place over medium flame. Reach in freezer, pull out something in a green bag. Empty bag into pot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover. Bring to boil and lower flame. Steam until done. tada! Not my most exciting recipe, but you asked for “go-to”
I liked your page on Facebook
I am pretty sure I follow you on Twitter. Over there they call me @WaysTheyLearn
I follow you on pinterest
I like you on Facebook too.
I’ve been subscribing to OvertimeCook’s emails for a few months now and it’s been great
And Pinterest.
I follow @overtimecook on instagram
Email updates too? Good grief woman, why would I want to get the same recipe on the same day from five different directions?! Goodness, social media promotions should be their own psychiatric disorder. Just between you and me 😉
My go to start is definitely sushi salad. … goes every time!
Following on instagram!
My go to starter is gefilte fish and my I to side is potato kugel :/ does that mean I really need this book? 😉
I’m already subscribed via email!
I like to start with tomato salad in a bread cup
I like you on facebook
I follow you on pinterest
I get your emails
My go-to easy side are turkey n pastrami wraps. I shmear layer of Russian dressing on a wrap, layer some Romaine lettuce, and some slices of deli meat. I cut it diagonally in half and put some extra dressing on side to dip into!
My go to starter is a selection of salatim – chumous, eggplant, matboucha, israeli salad, peppers salad, corn salad…
I liked you on facebook
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I follow you on Pinterest
I get your emails
Very interesting recipe, thank you very much, must try this out
I usually enjoy plums and dried apricots with chicken 😉
Have a lovely day 🙂
Lou
Israeli cus cus is my go to dish
I get your emails 🙂
I follow you on twitter
I follow you on Facebook
And I follow you on Instagram
My go to starter recipe is London broil salad. Love it!
i get ur emails
and i follow u on pinterest
My go to side dish is roasted veggies.
I ‘liked’ your Facebook page! 🙂
Following you now on Pinterest! 🙂
Just signed up to get your emails! 🙂
My go to side dish is roast vegetables. Good way to clean out the fridge and it’s delicious!
I love roasting vegetables… so many different variations and takes 5 minutes to prep 🙂
I like to make sweet and sour meatballs with rice
i follow you on twitter
i like you on facebook
i follow you on pinterest
i subscribe via email
Meat/chicken bourekas with a vegetable sauce atop,I receive your emails,liked you on Facebook……I love this blog!
Honestly, starters around here are usually gefilte fish or fruit … would love to get new ideas
I subscribe to you via RSS and read it daily can that count for an entry
My go to starter is taco salad! everyone loves it
i liked you on facebook
i followed you on pinterest
i love your blog and hope to win the cookbook. sides are always the hardest part of my menu planning!!
Hi. We’ve never met…but having read the review, I think we will see more of each other. My go to is roasted veggies. They are so versatile and they pump up the flavor whether I turn them into a soup, throw them in some pasta, bake them in a cake or eat them before anyone else has a chance. Can’t wait to see the cookbook.
I’ve been following you. Love your recipes. I’ve tried some your recipes. They were terrific
liked on facebook. my go to is garden salad
I love a simple salad of chopped tomatoes, feta cheese EVOO and balsamic vinegar
Broccoli tossed with a bit of olive oil and some salt.
my favorite side dish is popcorn cauliflower
I liked you on fb
I follow you on twitter
I follow you on pinterest
I am subscribed via email
My go to side is potatoes with spices.
Go to side fish is green beans!
I already like you on Facebook!
I Like Tales of an Overtime Cook on Facebook
I Follow @OvertimeCook on Pinterest (rufful)
email subscriber
I follow you via email and Facebook. My go to side is roasted canned potatoes with olive oil and spices or olive oil and dry ranch dressing mix.
follow on instagram
I follow you on Instagram!!
Go to side dish: The rice with pistachios and herbs from “Jerusalem.” It goes with EVERYTHING.
You know I am one of your biggest fans on facebook. I have promoted your recipes and ideas daily. Love Love Love your recipes.
I follow you on FB
I follow you on twitter
I follow you on pintrest
I follow you on instagram
I follow you irl (don’t turn around!)
My go to side dish is a box of Near East Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds
go to side dish is steamed green beans
I like you on facebook
I’m subscribed to your email list
and I follow you on instagram!
I follow you on facebook and I like making eggrolls which can be a starter or a side 🙂
My go to recipe for a great entree for special occasions is my enticing pepper steak served over a scoop of rice. Looks amazing, smells succulent and gets rave reviews every time!
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i made crispy beef from there loved it my go to starter now
subscribe to ur email
follow u on pintrest
follow u on instagram
My go to side dish is pasta salad. Cuz it includes a veggie and starch side dish in one…
subscribed to your email
I subscribe to your blog
baked sweet potato fries
roasted sugar snap peas with sesame oil & sesame seeds!
liked you on FB
favorite starter/side – onion rings
my go to side is roasted potatoes
Liked u on fb!!!!! Would love to win!
My go to starter is morrocan cigars! Always a hit.
I like your page on facebook
I’m following you on pinterest
I liked overtimecook on facebook
i like you on facebook!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Laya
Butternut squash ravioli and crispy beef = phenomenal!!!!
My go to starter is borekas
I follow you on Pinterest.
Happen to love starting off a meal with a good salad. If you serve salads individually on a plate to start off everyone at the meal it becomes a whole dish instead of something extra lying around the table
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Hey miriam! I love your blog! I live by grove st in monsey so I believe we are somewhat neighbors! Would love to meet you one day! My go to starters is israeli dips…babaganoush, fried eggplant, chumus, matboucha….that’s like the main part of our friday night meal( if I dont have time to make we buy from “yanay dips” on horton drive. They are amazing! As israeli and authentic as it gets!
A also subscribe to your emails for a few months now and love them!
I also follow u on instagram(jewelilly)
my go-to side is roasted veggies
i follow you on FB
i receive your emails
I follow you on face book
My go to side is roasted califlower
Fish (salmon) is my go to starter!
I follow you on twitter
sesame salmon is my go to starter
Followed on twitter
Also instagram
And facebook
Roasted potatoes are always a go to for my family!
I subscribe to your emails
My favorite go-to side dish is roasted potatoes. The problem is sometimes half the pan is eaten before the meal… hmmm…
I follow you on Facebook.
…and on twitter.
…and via email!
My favorite appetizer is pepper/swiss steak salad
I follow u on Instagram.
My go to side dish is roasted sweet potatoes. Really roasted vegetables of any kind!
Reblogged this on jayismynameyo and commented:
Looks amazing.
I like baked beans as a side dish
I like you on Facebook as Carolsue Anderson
I follow you on Twitter as @MsCarolsueA
I follow you on Pinterest as cezovski9
I follow you on Instagram as cezovski9
i like you on facebook and follow you on instagram, and follow your blog.
Following you on Facebook
Looks like a great, different, recipe for cauliflower! Thanks! I just started a food blog and I’ve been using yours for inspiration! I love your photos!
Liked on Facebook 🙂
My go to side dish is roasted cauliflower
I get your emails
I follow you on Pinterest
I follow you on Instagram! I don’t have fb or twitter. My go to starter is always a morrocan tilapia recipe or meat brokea with home made tehina!
Entry 1 my go to starter and side is salads!
Entry 2 I like you on Facebook 🙂
My go to side dish is either grilled zucchini or sweet potato sticks.
Slice, spray with oil, sprinkle with spices and broil!
I follow overtime cook on Facebook, and really enjoy your posts
My go to side is mashed potatoes
I also follow you on pinterest
go to starter – SOUP!
I like you on fb!
liked tales of an overtime cook on facebook
I love, like, and follow your blog!
I follow you on facebook
My go to side is sautéed string beans. Delicious!
I also follow overtime cook on Facebook.
My go to side dish is roasted string beans sprinkled with a little oil, seasoning salt and garlic powder.
roasted cauliflauer…always a winner
looking forward to grapefruit season… half a grapefruit is a great starter…
love all and follow the blog
I follow you on Facebook.
Follow on Instagram.
I Follow you on Pinterest.
I’m subscribed to your newsletter.
Roasted cherry tomatoes with garlic and oregano (from Kosher by Design). You can have it in the oven in minutes and it can be made while holding a baby 🙂
Looks like my kind of cookbook. I make cauliflower very often and this looks like a great way to prepare it (my usual is using cauliflower like potatoes in potato salad).
i like u on fb and follow you on pinterest. my To go to starter is your roasted red pepper soup and side is roasted mini peppers
My go to starter is Moroccan fish a sefardi salmon recipe from my father inlaw it’s different colorful and yum. Also I liked you on Facebook:)
I like roasted vegetables!
absolute fastest side for immediate use- couscous, the tri-color is pretty. favorite is grilled veggies.
I usually make some sort of rice as
My go to side dish
I follow u on Instagram and love ur posts
I follow ur Facebook page and love it
I subscribed to ur emails
I like you on facebook
I follow you on twitter great site!
My go to is mushroom salad
My latest “go to” starter is pastrami egg rolls.
A favorite of adults and kids alike.
Thanks for running this giveaway.
I follow you on twitter.
I already subscribe to your email which is great. My go to side is sesame noodles. I hope I win!!
U know I follow u everywhere since those unbreaded cauliflower thingies! :). And now on Instagram too!
green beans with pecans
My latest go to starter are pastrami bourekas.
I follow you on Facebook
Love your blog, signed up for email and facebook!
I subscribe to your email also 🙂
Go to starter is wontons.
I subscribe to email
I follow on Facebook
I follow u on Instagram
I follow u on Pinterest!
Orzo with vermicelli is my go to side
Liked u on facebook!
do to side is kishe kugel soo yum…i follow
u on facebook and will email u too
I love your site! It is my go to for anything and everything! Just signed up for emails! Can’t wait!
I follow you on Twitter.
I follow you on Facebook
I subscribe to your email list.
My go to side dish is roasted eggplant.
My go to main dish is chicken cutlets and side dish is mashed potatoes. I know, too easy….
I follow you on twitter.
I like you on Facebook.
My favorite side dish is roasted potatoes
I follow you on Pinterest.
Like you on facebook
I follow you on Instagram.
I subscribe to your email list. Thanks!
subscribed to your email
My go to side dish is roasted broccoli and cauliflower
my go to dish is mashed potatoes with lots of fried onions
i liked you on facebook!
Would love copy of this cookbook. I follow your blog and trust your judgement.
roasted asparagus is mine go to side dish
Roasted potatoes with lots of spices and Dijon mustard.
Roasted Asparagus with crispy, sliced shallots and orange zest.
A lot of the time, I make potato salad as a starter. I need to be less boring. We’d love to win the cookbook.