*I received a copy of this book for review, but was not compensated financially in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based solely on my experiences while reading this book.*
Title: 125 Best Casseroles and One-Pot Meals
Author: Rose Murray
About the Book:
Exceptional one-dish meals featuring 8 all-new photos!
Casseroles and one-pot meals are the ideal solution for busy people who want wonderful food with a minimum of fuss and preparation time. From stews with tantalizing aromas to the simple combination of a few ingredients joined together in a skillet, these recipes are irresistible.
These well-tested make-ahead casseroles and one-dish meals will appeal to a variety of tastes.
For example:
- Pasta dishes like three-cheese baked penne with roasted vegetables and easy layered lasagna casserole
- Chicken creations like chicken shepherd’s pie and chicken stew with sage dumplings
- Beef and veal dishes like updated sloppy joes, pot-au-feu and winter braised short ribs and vegetables
- Pork recipes such as Portuguese pork with clams and Tex-Mex pork chops with black bean and corn salsa
- Vegetarian delights such as gratin of creamed spinach and eggs; garden paella
- Brunch ideas like harvest strata; breakfast sausage and cheese bake.
Rose Murray provides valuable tips on pans and dishes and reveals the secrets to making meals that are convenient, economic and easy to prepare in advance – it’s as though you have an expert chef guiding you along the way.
My Review:
My favourite kinds of meals to make for my family are the ones that are easy, no-fuss and well-loved with second helpings all round. Casseroles and one-pot meals are a frequent visitor to my kitchen. They are perfect for people with busy lifestyles and who don’t want to spend hours slaving over dinner.
125 Best Casseroles and One-Pot Meals by Rose Murray is a welcome addition to my cookbook collection. I enjoy trying new casseroles and getting my families opinions on the dish. So far the ones I have tried in the cookbook have been a hit!
The cookbook begins with the author sharing her tips to making casseroles with what to do and not to do if you plan to freeze them. I used to make my grandfather casseroles because he had trouble cooking and I wish I had known a few of her hints back then. Did you know that you are supposed to use less garlic than usual if you are freezing a dish? On the flip side, you are supposed to use more onions if you are freezing since they tend to lose flavour. Very interesting!
The book is laid out into chapters on the various types of casseroles and one-pot meals. For instance, there are chapters on Pasta, Chicken and Turkey, Beef and Veal, Pork, Lamb, Fish and Seafood, Vegetarian and Brunch and Lighter Fare. With 125 recipes to choose from, I had a hard time deciding what to try first! I went through the book and put sticky notes on the recipes I plan to make and that I think my family will enjoy. Here’s just a few of my selections:
- Easy Layered Lasagna Casserole
- Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
- Turkey and Corn Enchiladas
- Meatball Stroganoff
- Sausage Burrito Casserole
- Pizza Pot Pie
Not every recipe has a picture. They have photographs of some of the dishes sprinkled throughout the book. Each recipe lists a description, ingredients, directions, servings and sometimes a hint to help with the preparation.
I think anyone that enjoys making (and eating) comfort foods will enjoy this book. The recipes are simple enough that you don’t need to be a master chef to make them. They are also inventive and a few combinations that I hadn’t considered, but sound delicious.
Connect with the publisher, Robert Rose, on Facebook and Twitter.
Sandra VanHoey says
I would love this book. I really enjoy making casserole dishes and have found a few great ones on Pinterest but this looks like one good book
victoriag1 says
one pot cooking is ideal
Darlene Schuller says
There is nothing that makes me as happy as 1 pot/easy meals. This is a must have for me, thank you for sharing!
Karen E. Hill says
I love cooking but have so many cookbooks and nowhere to put them.
Debbie Bashford says
my favourite kind of book!
Sharon says
I love cookbooks, but even better after someone else has tried them and given their opinion! This sounds like a winner with all the variety in recipes, and I like that it has some helpful hints added in. I too didn’t know you are supposed to use less garlic than usual if you are freezing a dish, or that you are supposed to use more onions if you are freezing since they tend to lose flavor. How helpful! I have never heard that before, and I want my frozen dishes to still taste as good as freshly made, (as much as possible that is). Its nice that this cookbook also includes recipes for lighter fare and vegetarian dishes too. Thanks for an informative post on a cookbook that I think would be a good addition to my collection!
Melinda L. says
Mmmm delicious! I should definitely add this to my cookbook collection