This is Vanya Insull’s third book of comforting everyday recipes, and it’s just as good as the previous two. She is known for her easy, tasty, family meals that she can create with relative ease and speed.
I always skim straight to the desserts and baking sections of a new cookbook and if they’re delicious, I know the rest of the recipes will be the same. I wasn’t disappointed! Everyday Comfort Food
includes a mouth-watering collection of some of the author’s super versatile recipes, such as the barbecue chicken rice bowls and the potato top sausage bake, apple boysenberry cobbler and date and orange scones, plus her favourites like the recipe for pulled pork. The section on meals using a slow cooker is an added bonus and will be a big hit for busy mums and busy families.
A big plus for me when making some of these recipes is that almost all the ingredients are common items found in my fridge or pantry, and I don’t have to run out and buy them. If I don’t have them, I can usually swap them out for something else. The author provides loads of tips and tricks for adding to the meal, swapping ingredients or storage advice.
The layout of this book is super easy to navigate. Each chapter gives you an appetising snapshot of each recipe. The photography is superb and works—I totally want to make every recipe in the book! I also love the images of the author’s family members that appear on the pages.
My favourites were the butter chicken pies, seafood chowder with the home-made flatbreads. Then, for dessert, there is gingerbread self-saucing pudding, and at the end of the evening, there is a slice of no-bake lemon slice with a nice cup of tea. This is a great cookbook for families or households with teens who are budding chefs.
Reviewer: Carole Brungar
Allen & Unwin