Review: A TONGUE IN CHEEK NOD TO ALL US DADS WHO ARE NOVICE COOKS
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 28, 2013
As a dad, this cookbook was relevant to me.  This is a collection of simple recipes that any dad will find to be easy and tasty meal options for the family.  If mom is too busy, dad can take the helm in the kitchen and prepare some pretty good meals.First off, what makes this cookbook different is that the author includes anecdotes about the origins of the dishes; the introductions to the recipes feature tips and humorous experiences.I think my favorite recipe is the "Spaghetti Carbonara."  The author tells us that this was first cooked by Italian charcoal makers, hence the name.  The recipe calls for 6 rashers of bacon (to us Americans that is simply 6 thin slices).  The dish weighs in at a whopping 700 calories per serving, so be careful of how often you make it.I need to warn American dads that this book lists ingredients in metric measurements, so break out your conversion charts.  Mr. Storey is British, so some of his recipes will be new to us dads on the other side of the pond.One particular dish (Grandma's minced beef pie) calls for 500g beef mince (basically hamburger) or a vegetarian equivalent (such as 300g of Quorn).  I'm not sure of how I feel about the vegetarian alternative... evidently Quorn is a meat substitute derived from a fungus.True to his British roots, Mr. Storey includes three more pies:  Leek and Potato Pie, Cottage Pie and Tuna Pie.The last recipe in the book is Goat's Cheese and Potato Bread (looks wonderful).  Mr. Storey gives credit to "Delia" for this recipe.  I found out (via YouTube) that Delia is famous British Cook.  There is a comment after the Delia reference:  "Bow your head unworthy scum."  Not sure what this means.FINAL THOUGHTS:  Overall this is a nice book for all you dads aspiring to be better cooks.  The book is funny and thoughtful. Of course, it has a British flair to it.  The table of contents has recently been linked to the individual recipes.  Have fun with this book and join the ranks of capable fathers/husbands.