I’ll admit it.
I judge a book by its cover. Especially cookbooks.
Think about it…
You walk into a book store to get inspired. There are a gazillion things to choose from; big books, dreamy books… books that stop you dead in your tracks.
What do you choose?
I’ve been cooking from Martha Stewart’s Clean Slate: A Cookbook And Guide.Ā It’s geared towards restoring your health with whole food recipes.Ā Initially, I was drawn to theĀ photography. But also intrigued by the concept. I look for simplicity. Something streamlined. And most of all, the font can’t scream at me!
Here are 3 days of clean eating from the book, with my own personal tips:
Day #1: Spinach Tart with Olive-Oil Cracker Crust
I was definitely Greek in a former life.
DescribedĀ as ‘better for you’ Spanakopita with more greens and less crust.
TWIST MY ARM.
No phyllo dough. No butter.
The filling is made with sautĆ©ed garlic, shallots and spinach. Eggs are added to help it set. The mixture is poured into a pre-baked crust, made from nutritious whole wheat and spelt flour. Although not gluten free, these flours are easierĀ to digest than regular all-purpose flour.
I might’ve been heavy handed onĀ the feta…
TIP: Roll out the dough as thin as possible.Ā You’ll end up with a nice, crispy crust.
Ā Day #2: Mediterranean Chicken Stew
Hello, speedy weeknight cooking.
Although it’s a stew, this recipe does not take all day toĀ cook.
Start out by browning cubed chicken breast. In a separate pan, sautƩ sliced onions, garlic, and simmer with a can of good-quality plum tomatoes. Add the chicken and toss in escarole greens to wilt.
When’s the last time you had escarole?
I grew up eating this hearty, leafy green.
Escarole is packed with vitamins, especially B vitamins, and is high in fiber. Kale, chard, and other leafy greens would make excellent substitutes.
TIP: Do not boil the stew.Ā Usually, chicken thighs (not breasts) are used for slow-cooked stews; they are a better for braising. However, if you gently cook the chicken breast it will be perfectly tender.
Day #3: Frozen Kiwi
Kiwi is the next superfood.
Did you know they contain more vitamin C than an orange? I had to look that up.
Here’s the thing- I never buy kiwis. I like them, but I don’t crave them. It’s strangeĀ because I like tart & sweet things. Maybe it’s because they ripen at warp speed?Ā Mine are always mushy…
But frozen kiwi intrigues me.
Immediately after buying a bag, I peeled and cubed them into bite-sized chunks. Then, they went into the freezer. WhatĀ great snacks! The kids loved them.
TIP: Freeze the kiwi on a lined sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer to a container. This way they won’t stick.
Now, you just have to find room in your freezer to fit a sheet pan…
Seared Salmon with Barley, Shiitake + Kale Sprouts
Omega-3 meal!
The original recipe called for sea bass and edamame, but they were unavailable at the store.
Salmon works just fine.
Kale sprouts are just as the name suggests (and new-to-me). They’re similar in flavor to brussels sprouts; crunchy and slightly bitter.
TIP: Use a non-stick pan to sear the salmon. Also, I prefer instantĀ barley which is ready in 10 minutes.
Ā Chocolate-Nut Brownies
Yes, brownies.
I was happy to see something sweet in this book.
These brownies are incredibly decadent and gluten free. Melted chocolate, extra virgin olive oil, and almond meal are combined as the base. Pure maple syrup and brown sugar sweeten the mix. I was shocked- only 1/3 cup of each (respectively) is all you need. In comparison, a typical brownie recipe calls for 1+ cup of sugar!
The flavors here were perfectly balanced; you could taste all of the ingredients and really savor that rich, dark chocolate. The texture is soft, chewy, and topped with nuts for crunch.
PS- My mom texted me at 9:33 pm tellingĀ me that these were some of the best brownies she’s ever had.
(And she’s a chocolate snob).
ā¢Ā ā¢Ā ā¢Ā ā¢Ā ā¢Ā ā¢
Now, I didn’t include the recipes in this post.
Because I’d like to giveaway a copy of the book!
Ā To enter, leave a comment below describingĀ what draws you to a cookbook… and why?
The winner will be selected at random. Giveaway ends Thursday, February 12th.
Heads up- if you’re interested, you can find the Martha Stewart Collection white dinnerwareĀ exclusively at Macy’s. I used these pieces in my photographs (they’re dishwasher safe too!). Happy cooking!
Comments
amanda says
For me, it’s about inspiration. I like to flip through the pages and see combinations I wouldn’t have thought of, new ingredients, or twists that were unexpected.
julianne c. says
i’m totally guilty of judging a book by its cover. i love to wander through book stores, flipping through cookbooks and looking at the photos. my fiance has to literally drag me out of the store!
Anne says
im drawn to cookbooks that are vegetable heavy. They don’t have to be vegetarian, but I like meat as a part of the dish, not the main focus. And there must be pictures, as the man of the house cannot decide if he would like to try something without a picture.
Jennifer @ Delicious Everyday says
I agree! I couldn’t help but judge cookbooks by their covers! Lol :) That spinach tart looks awesome and the seared salmon looks heavenly! And those frozen kiwis! I didn’t know kiwis contain more vitamin c than oranges! Thanks for sharing that. Yet another reason for me to be obsessed with them!
Millie | Add A Little says
I love the look of these recipes and the book looks gorgeous – I love watching Shira on the Martha Stewart youtube channel! I definitely love looking at covers of books – I can’t help it! I love it when there’s some texture on there too!
Kris says
Ooh man, I’d love to win a copy of this book! Like you, I’m always drawn to cookbooks by the photos. One of my favourite things to do is to wander around bookstores and just stare at the beautiful cover photos. Beauty and vibrancy are so inspiring. This books fits exactly that profile! :)
Kristina N. says
I’m such a visual person, so I’m a sucker for good photographs. I also love a cookbook that tells a story behind the recipes or why the theme is important to the author.
Kim says
I am first drawn to the photography, but the deciding factors for me are ingredients, time, and how healthy a recipe is. I live in a rural area so if a recipe has to many specialty ingredients, I am less likely to make it. I am definitely intrigued with this cookbook- looks like a keeper!
Lauren says
I’m not a natural cook so I always need recipes with pictures :)
Pam Green says
Every one of these recipes looks delicious! Wonderful find in a cookbook! I usually look for a cookbook with lots and lots of photos so I know what the recipe is “supposed” to look like!
Libby says
I am immediately drawn in by bright fresh photography. Then I skim some recipes to see how likely I would be to actually make them (I can’t do it if there are 50 gourmet specialized ingredients). I’ve been checking cookbooks out from the library so that I can indulge my desire for pretty photography without breaking the bank.
Linda Henderson says
Hi.
I buy a cookbook with good intentions and, sadly, it will usually end up on the shelf totally neglected. After many years of cooking, I will admit that the fun has diminished somewhat! I prefer simple meals, minimum of both ingredients and fuss. Currently I am in the process of shedding some ‘extra’ pounds so healthy recipes are essential to my success. This cookbook fills the bill on all counts. Glad I found your post!
Rosie says
I want those brownies now! I love cookbooks with beautiful food photography and recipes that I am likely to make for my family (healthy and doable).
Kim says
I always judge a cookbook by it’s cover! Beautiful photos draw me in. Creative recipes that are healthy and uncomplicated sell it for me.
Lindsey says
The photography on the cover is what always first draws me to a cookbook. I also like lots of pictures when it comes to cookbooks.
Adri says
Thanks for the tip on this book. It sounds great, and looks beautiful. I know I always say it, but your photos are really so well done and so appetizing. About cookbooks, first I gravitate toward books that center on Italian cuisine. The second deciding factor is the food writer. I have my favorites, and so there are just some writers whose books I know I am going to purchase.
Kara says
So funny, I just flipped through this cookbook last week at the store and fell in love! I’m definetly drawn to cookbooks with fresh simple photographs and food. They remind me of my moms cooking and summertime.
Jennifer @ The Foodie Patootie says
Oh my gosh, I need this cookbook SO MUCH. I did the BuzzFeed Clean Eating Challenge and actually really enjoyed it. Would love this cookbook. I always look for a pretty, clean cover and plenty of PICTURES!
Patti says
I can’t decide which is more pleasing…your photos or your writing! I love when I see The Clever Carrot in my inbox, that’s for sure.
meg says
Oh wow I want all of these recipes – they look fabulous. I’m drawn to cookbooks with pictures that make me hungry, glad I enjoy cooking, & want to get started!
Emma says
Absolutely the photography! And easy-to-find ingredients. If I find that a lot of the ingredients are difficult to find, then that definitely puts me off!
dawn welch says
I am drawn to a cookbook if I look in the index and see new ideas and new takes on simple dishes… technique inspires me.. also if I’m looking for a certain kind of cookbook like a vegetarian or vegan one… I like to see diversity in ingredients used and nutritional information if at all possible… I’m not a vegetarian but I want to make sure my protein and vitamin needs are being met and not filling up on empty calories… I love your blog… I have pinned many of your recipes and have tried some… thank you for all that you do
Maggie K. says
I’ve collected, AND USED, cookbooks for over 40 years. While I enjoy specialty, and regional books, I also want a book that I can go to that has “every day” recipes in them. I don’t want to have to go buy special items for everything I cook! I got a 1930s cookbook from my Aunt at Christmas that had recipes for Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwiches and Peanut Butter and Onion sandwiches. Yeah, I don’t necessarily want to cook everything in them either!!!
felicia | Dish by Dish says
You know what draws me to a cookbook most?
It’s the stories – the tales that make me feel like I know the authors and the cooks. The culture of food. The history of how a dish came into being.
That’s what makes me go back over and over to a cookbook, or a food blog.
Kacie says
I’m drawn to cookbooks that not only have fabulous recipes, but that have other information that I can read and learn from. I’m intrigued by the title of Martha Stewarts’s cookbook. It’s not just a cookbook, but also a GUIDE.
Traci B. says
I am drawn to several of the dishes that you describe and would like to see more that the book has to offer. Thanks for the giveaway!
francesca says
Looks like this one is an absolute keeper – those brownies look effingbombdotcom. I’m big on cover photos, too. Giant dishes of things I want to eat, and people-less. #imnotweird.
Laney (Ortensia Blu) says
For sure, I judge a book by its cover. It’s all about the photo – and yours are spectacular (as always)!
Marieke says
There is a beautiful bookstore not to far from my house and it takes quite some strength not to go in there everyday to buy everything they sell. I love cookbooks that have more pictures than words, that have original recipes and make you want to cook all day. And that book you have there looks perfect.
Uschi E says
I am drawn to cookbooks that have great and personal stories that go along with the recipes.
And a wonderful Cover never is a bad idea
Esther Gebel says
A cook book which gives me a warm feeling, and makes me want to sit down with it, and get lost in the pages of beautiful pictures depicting colorful vegetables and fruit. What attracts me are a variety of grains presented with creativity. At the same time I am open to read scientific pages which inspire me to try new sour dough recipes, resulting in artisan bread which makes me proud, and family and friends happy that I am a baker.
Holly says
I’m drawn to the “clean” and fresh vibe of the book and the recipes look delish and not intimidating!!
jacquie says
a cookbook for me has to have pictures and have a large proportion of vegetable based options.
Karen says
Pictures(!) and clear, simple instructions. I also appreciate cookbooks that have tips written to the side. :) These recipes look wonderful!
Jen @ sweetgreenkitchen.com says
I prefer clean and healthy recipes, not too complicated or too many ingredients. Vegetables, whole grains, whole foods, no artificial anything and of course beautiful pictures. Would love a copy of this book, the recipes you describe sound perfect.
Laura Skill says
What draws me to a cookbook first are the pictures.. then a quick perusal of ingredients used in a few of the recipes.. if too exotic or seemingly difficult to find, I pass but if the ingredients are clean, simple, yummy and easy and the photos are lovely and inviting.. then I am in heaven!
Wendy says
As I randomly flip through I must see more than a few that I MUST try!
Sandy Goudreau says
Covers always intrigue me and I look for recipes that call for basic whole food ingredients. I avoid the excess sugar and fats, so I am pleased when I find creative new recipes to try.
Sarah says
I am drawn to a cookbook by its photographs – and I especially love if there’s a picture for each recipe. I am also attracted by the healthiness of the recipes.
Diane Scott says
It’s usually the cover picture which grabs me, and once it does I’ll flip through the book. If there are enough ooh’s and aah’s coming from me over the recipes inside, then this baby is coming home to roost in my kitchen.
I love the recipes you chose to feature here. They caught my attention as did the cover of Martha’s book.
Annie Quach says
I’m always drawn to vivid, clear pictures. I really need visuals to see if I will like it but short, distinct recipes help too!
Jayme Henderson says
Okay. What draws me to a cookbook? Definitely typeface and a beautiful photo with an aesthetic that conveys exactly what I want. Take the book, Miette, for example. It is a cute, little square book with scalloped edges{!} and a pink color story. I love the simplicity on the cover. I had to buy it. And I’ve actually made some of the recipes! I think that the Clean Slate book is probably something I need right now – not another book about sweets! …although, those brownies sound killer and not too sugary. XO!
Holly H. says
Although it usually stems from the content of the cookbook, I love the photography included in cookbooks – it always makes me a sucker to buy.
Nancy Hooten says
Clean eating is a way of life for me. It healthy, fresh, and full of vitamins, would wish that everyone felt that way.
Asa says
I’m drawn to cookbooks that include interesting, yet accessible ingredients, and PICTURES. I like to know what the item is supposed to look like.
Michelle Greenleaf says
A cookbook must have photographs, to the point where you want to eat the page. Second to that is simple ingredients. If I have to search for some obscure ingredient, I’m not likely to make that recipe twice.
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Thank you for this lovely giveaway, Emilie! I need to get to the book store more often. It’s not the same searching/looking online! Oh, those brownies!
What I look for in a cook book is inspiring, simple photographs highlighting the food, textures and flavors. I love to cook so long lists of ingredients don’t deter me, rather, they intrigue. However, I do like the option of simpler meals packed full of flavor. But yes, it’s all about the photography simply because it inspires!
Amy says
I’m drawn to a cookbook that has even ONE simple take on an adventurous idea. I’ll start with that one and circle out to try more of the recipes over time. I also like a format that has an entire recipe on one page – now that I think about it, that’s super important to me!
Autumn says
pictures! i love to see gorgeous pictures of each recipe.. and I love a good little story to go along with it too :)
Kelly says
Cookbooks with healthy but still commonly-found ingredients are my favorites. Having only a small selection of grocery stores nearby means that some recipes can be an exercise in frustration–or a lot of improvisation!