Even if you aren't into gimmicky cookbooks, we're fairly certain that just about anyone can fall in love with "The Newlywed Cookbook," written by Sarah Copeland -- former recipe developer for the Food Network. As soon as you crack the book open, you'll quickly see that this is no ordinary newlywed-targeted cookbook. This book isn't trying to teach you how to boil water or open a can of tomato sauce. It isn't trying to teach you how to just barely hold things together in the kitchen.
Instead, it aims to inspire you to bring the love of your relationship and to translate it into the food you prepare together. While none of the recipes are difficult by any means -- they only require a limited amount of experience in the kitchen -- they're all dishes that you'd be proud to put on your table, whether that table belongs to a newlywed couple or not.
In the introduction of the book, Copeland clearly states her philosophy: "Fresh food, prepared with love, is a key ingredient to happy, healthful, and playful relationships. It's much easier to laugh through a disagreement when your bellies are full of delicious, nurturing food... ". This belief is felt throughout the book, and is most apparent in the details.
The cookbook is broken up into quirky, yet sensible, chapters. Copeland separates her recipes not just by breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also by the type of evening you might have, such as a date night, a gathering or a picnic escape. She devotes a chapter on how to stock a pantry, and further divides that into subcategories targeted toward stocking for two, for health or for parties.
It's refreshing to see a cookbook broken up into practical sections such as these because the truth is our habits are always changing. Sometimes we get on health kicks, sometimes we feel like throwing parties, and other times, we just want to stay home with our loved one.
Details we love:
The book is full of playful recipe titles such as, Lazy Chef's Fruit Torte, Summer Blue's Brown Betties and Easier-Than-Pie Oven Fries which adds a nice character. We love seeing Copeland's personality shine through, it makes this cookbook feel a little more intimate.
Recipes we want to try:
Thousand-Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Big-Flavor Braised Short Rib with Herb Gremolata
Black-Eyed Pea and Manchego Dip
Seared Halibut with Coriander and Carrots
Swirls of Spaghetti with Sweet Corn and Chanterelles
Dutch Babies with Poached Rhubarb
Olive Oil Cake with Tangerine Marmalade
Overall rating, on a scale of 1 - 5: 5! This is one of the best newlywed-targeted cookbooks we have come across. It's beautifully photographed and full of delectable recipes. If you're going to a wedding sometime soon, forget the registry and consider this book.