Official Review: Evie's Kitchen "A Collection of...

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 14 Jan 2018, 16:10

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Evie's Kitchen "A Collection of My Family Recipes"" by Evelyn Rothwell.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Evie's Kitchen "A Collection of My Family Recipes" by Evelyn Rothwell is a cookbook packed with unique dishes that are heavily influenced by the author’s Argentinian lineage. The book includes a wide range of recipes for all occasions and ranges from breakfast dishes to desserts. Each recipe is accompanied by a professional photograph showing the final result on the backdrop of a well laid table. In addition to the recipes, the cookbook also includes a primer on proper table settings and accompanying photographs of table settings for different occasions. To help you plan the perfect dinner party, there is also a wine list with pairings of various wines for some of the recipes in the cookbook.

This cookbook provides the reader with many unique and new recipes. Some are exotic, while some are ubiquitous with an interesting twist. Rothwell kicks off the culinary adventure with Tortilla de Papa, a common potato dish to anyone accustomed to Spanish cuisine but otherwise unknown to American cooks. She also includes common breakfast dishes like Quiche Lorraine and Eggs Benedict. She offers many pasta, salad, and pizza variations for lunch that have wide appeal for all appetites. Dinner is a wonderful collection of Italian inspired Gnocchi, French Coq Au Vin with Camembert Mash Potatoes, and an amazing Pecan Encrusted Lambchop with Caramelized Onion Mash Potatoes. Her desserts are equally as sumptuous.

Rothwell presents her recipes in a somewhat conversational tone with very little handholding. There is an expectation that those following the recipes in this book already have a fair amount of experience with food preparation. While none of the recipes are overly complicated, it is understood that this is not a book for someone without an intimate understanding of their well-appointed kitchen. Rothwell also assumes that one has access to a bread machine for a number of recipes. While some of the dishes are exotic, the majority of the ingredients used are simple to acquire. Cooks in some markets might have trouble finding duck confit, caviar, or sushi-grade Ahi tuna. Some specific brands are mentioned by name, but an experienced cook would have little trouble making a suitable substitution.

Evie's Kitchen is not a cookbook for anyone who is looking to slim down or someone who is following a restrictive diet. Almost all of the recipes are rich and filling comfort foods. Heavy creams, animal fats, and rich cheeses are the cornerstones of the majority of the dishes. Many of the recipes would be excellent for entertaining or special occasion meals. Peppered throughout, are a few recipes that one could easily tackle on a Wednesday evening and might even become staples in the dinner rotation. The wine list is full of affordable and recognizable wines that one can find in most liquor stores.

I greatly enjoyed this cookbook. As a more advanced cook, I had no problem following along with the recipes, despite the fact that the book could have used a thorough round of editing. I do not think that the book was professionally edited; however, the majority of the grammatical errors did not detract from the book as a whole. There were a lot of issues with the appropriate use of commas (“In a small bowl mix together, cream cheese…”) and random capitalization of words like “Beef” in the middle of sentences and in ingredient lists. There were quotes peppered throughout the cookbook that were unattributed and did not seem like the author’s own words. I also found rare instances of a minor ingredient being left off of the ingredient list but mentioned in the recipe.

All things considered, I give this cookbook a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. The recipes are inspiring, the pictures are well staged, and the wine pairing list is a nice bonus. I would recommend giving this cookbook as a gift to any adventurous cook in your life.

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Evie's Kitchen "A Collection of My Family Recipes"
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 17 Jan 2018, 07:55

This sounds like a book I would enjoy looking through but not actually cooking from. Too complicated with too many specialty ingredients. A little too much indulgence for every day recipes as well. Maybe it would be good for a special meal here and there. Thanks!

Gunnar Ohberg · Post by **Gunnar Ohberg** » 17 Jan 2018, 14:48

This is a wonderful review: very well-written, informative, and thorough. Really enjoy your work, Comm! I also completely agree with both your criticisms and overall grade. I believe this book has enough, despite its flaws, to garner my support (the wine list really sold it for me!).

Dolor · Post by **Dolor** » 19 Jan 2018, 17:50

I greatly enjoyed this cookbook. As a more advanced cook, I had no problem following along with the recipes, despite the fact that the book could have used a thorough round of editing.

Don't ask me if I know how to cook. I just know how to eat. ^_^

I remembered my employer way back in Qatar who asked me to cook Chicken soup. When she opened the casserole, she exclaimed, "Is this how you cook? This is a disaster!" ^_^

I'm glad you enjoyed this book. Now, I know your a good cook.

This is a thorough book review from you. Congratulations!

Ashiyya Tariq · Post by **Ashiyya Tariq** » 19 Jan 2018, 22:14

Hmm, it seem this cookbook contains many delicious recipes. I like the way you mentioned the pros and con's of this book. A very comprehensive review.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 20 Jan 2018, 04:03

I can imagine the editor having a feast with your review, CommMayo! You seem to be a gourmet cook. This review is 100% delicious!

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 20 Jan 2018, 15:27

Yummy! I am trying to figure out from your descriptions whether you were able to read straight through the whole book first, or you tried some of the recipes as you read along, especially on a Wednesday evening!! Thanks for the great review. It is interesting, thorough and keen on detail. You actually noticed instances of a minor ingredient being left off of the ingredient list but mentioned in the recipe.

MrsCatInTheHat · Post by **MrsCatInTheHat** » 22 Jan 2018, 22:07

And now I'm hungry. That happens every time I hear the words gnocchi or comfort food. I do like that a wine list is included. I'm terrible at matching food with wines.

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 23 Jan 2018, 05:54

This would be a great resource for an experienced cook. Like the above poster I am hungry now - I think it was the idea of camembert or even better caramelized onion with mashed potatoes that did it. The wine list is a nice touch, as pairing food and wine is quite an art. Excellent review!

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 24 Jan 2018, 14:34

Cotwani wrote: ↑20 Jan 2018, 15:27 Yummy! I am trying to figure out from your descriptions whether you were able to read straight through the whole book first, or you tried some of the recipes as you read along, especially on a Wednesday evening!! Thanks for the great review. It is interesting, thorough and keen on detail. You actually noticed instances of a minor ingredient being left off of the ingredient list but mentioned in the recipe.

I read through the cookbook over multiple sittings (and a car trip). I have yet to try any of the recipes, but I'm comfortable enough in the kitchen to know if a recipe is going to totally go off the rails as written. There are a few that I am going to be trying, or at least using her ideas to modify some of my own dishes.

uyky · Post by **uyky** » 25 Jan 2018, 05:11

It sounds like a book that deserves a chance. I love the fact that wine suggestions are included. Good and detailed review. Thank you.

Spirit Wandering · Post by **Spirit Wandering** » 03 Feb 2018, 20:11

Great review! All those recipes are making me hungry just thinking about them but I will be good and settle for a cup of tea instead!

Paul78 · Post by **Paul78** » 04 Feb 2018, 04:25

This is a nice review. Cookbooks are great as they help people to get new recipes. It is unfortunate that the book was not edited. A good cookbook is often accompanied by pictorial illustrations. The table settings are a good bonus provided by the author. I see myself as an interested reader of the book.

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 08 Feb 2018, 14:44

Paul78 wrote: ↑04 Feb 2018, 04:25 This is a nice review. Cookbooks are great as they help people to get new recipes. It is unfortunate that the book was not edited. A good cookbook is often accompanied by pictorial illustrations. The table settings are a good bonus provided by the author. I see myself as an interested reader of the book.

Thank you for your comment. I really enjoyed all of the bonus material the author included about table settings and wine pairings. It really made the cookbook stand out from others I have read.