Tag: Food

cookbook
Book Reviews

Cookbook Review: Gourmet Cooking for One or Two


Cookbook author and blogger: April Anderson

Full Disclosure

This cookbook by April Anderson is amazing!  But before I tell you more about it, I need to disclose the fact that April Anderson is an acquaintance of mine. We frequented the same dog park in Cary, NC for awhile before she moved back to New Mexico. While my German Shepherd, Sophie, and April’s Golden Retriever, Feynman, pretty much ignored each other (probably because Sophie is entirely focused on tennis balls), April and I shared a few interesting conversations about blogging, writing, writing tools, authors, etc. As I understand it, April got started with her blog called Girl Gone Gourmet in 2009 and this fantastic cookbook grew out of that original endeavor.

As far as the review goes, I solemnly swear that the fact that I know April in no way clouded my judgement when it came to reviewing this cookbook. That was entirely in the hands of my stomach … so to speak.

Back to the cookbook!

cookbook

I received my copy of April’s cookbook on November 29th and since then have tried three recipes. These were the One-Pan Chipotle Macaroni Beef, the Smoky Bacon Mushroom Soup, and the Steak House Dinner. All three of these recipes were absolutely delicious and perfect for me as a single adult parent of a GSD.

The fact that I did not share any of these three dishes with Sophie also says something about  recipes as well. Sophie still does give me the the “evil eye” over that from time-to-time.

The Smoky Bacon Mushroom Soup would serve two, but I have to confess I did not get two meals out of it. Only because it was that good. The Steak House Dinner and One-Pan Chipotle Macaroni Beef each nicely serve one person. And again, both dishes were excellent and plenty filling. The instructions are clear, easy to follow, and the prep times are very reasonable, even for someone with a busy life-style.

The great thing is that many of the recipes also include the entire meal. For instance the Steak House Dinner included instructions for the steak and the two sides … roasted potatoes and blue-cheese spinach.

All three recipes I have tried so far easily deserve 5 Star ratings. And, I am immensely looking forward to trying other recipes in this amazing cookbook! I heartily recommend this cookbook to any single person or couple who loves good food. You no longer have to eat out at restaurants to get it. Gourmet Cooking for One or Two will make preparing wonderful meals in your own kitchen a snap. Leftovers will be a thing of the past!

More information

April Anderson foundedhe blog Girl Gone Gourmet in 2009. Her recipes are featured on CountryLiving.com, Chowhound.com, Self.com and Buzzfeed.com, among others. You can order this cookbook from Amazon.com.

Check out other great blog posts here!

General

The Golden Pig … Great Korean Food

I wanted to get off the politics for a few posts and since I recently revisited one of my favorite restaurants in Cary again, I decided to make my first foray in to the world of the food critic, or perhaps just give an endorsement for my favorite local Korean restaurant!

Kimchi Soup

If you want authentic Korean food that is consistently well-prepared, then you need look no further than the Golden Pig on West Chatham Street in Cary, NC.  Having spent a year eating Korean food while stationed with the 1/17th Infantry at Camp Casey in South Korea, I know what I am talking about. Wherever I was stationed, I tended to, as the Army says, “go native.” This essentially means I rarely ate in the mess hall. If I was off duty, I was off post.  While the U.S. Army kind of frowns on that, it’s the only way to really experience the local culture!

This great little restaurant serves traditional Korean food in healthy portions. I have eaten there several times now and each time I have left very happy and satisfied. It was just like revisiting a restaurant in Seoul or Tongduchon again.  Also, if you take a look around the restaurant while you are there, you will see a lot of Korean families happily eating away … typically a good sign as to authenticity and quality.

Bibimbop_BBQ_Chicken

The staff is very friendly every time I visit. The pickled vegetables and Kimchee are great. I especially like the chicken BBQ and the Bibimbap, But I’ve also had the Beef and Spicy Pork Bulgogi and they are both great to!  The last time I was there, the owner brought out a serving batter-friend vegetables for me to try at no charge … Delicious!

Hae Mul Jeon Gol

The Golden Pig is a great place for both lunch and dinner. They are open quite late as I recall. The atmosphere is casual dining with both tables and booths available. They have a full bar, and serve both beer and wine. Don’t be shy to ask for help or an explanation, but please do be patient … they certainly try, but English is certainly not their native language.