Mariel's Kitchen: Simple Ingredients for a Delicious and Satisfying Life

I have been cooking since I was a child. My first experiences in the kitchen were with my grandmother, preparing dishes common to the Southern Region of the United States, though we actually lived in Southern California. As much as my grandmother enjoyed cooking, canning and baking, her daughter, my mother, did not, so everything I learned about maneuvering around a kitchen, I learned from my grandma. (I used to think that perhaps the cooking gene skips a generation, but fortunately, my three daughters enjoy cooking and they are all quite talented in the kitchen.) The most important thing I learned from grandma was to prepare meals with love. Feeding her family was an extension of her love for them, especially her grandchildren. She grew up poor, in Texas, and she knew how to stock a pantry and stretch a meal better than anyone I have ever known. Grandma made the most of what was in season and used canning and the freezer so nothing ever went to waste. Reading Mariel Hemingway's latest book, Mariel's Kitchen, Simple Ingredients for a Delicious and Satisfying Life reminds me of my grandmother, and how she inspired in me a love for good, seasonally fresh, lovingly prepared meals. To tell you the truth, it is rare that I actually purchase a cookbook. Having cooked for as many years as I have, and having four children with endless food allergies requiring special diets, I have spent the better part of my time in the kitchen the last 25 years developing my own recipes. I first heard about Mariel's Kitchen on Twitter, the social media site. What jumped out at me was the fact that recipes in Mariel's Kitchen were gluten-free. I had to check it out, since at least half of my family and most of my friends follow a gluten-free diet. This is where I start to gush about a cookbook, and I do so without embarrassment. I first sought to try some new gluten-free recipes, and I found a simply lovely and now cherished cookbook, so unexpectedly aligned with my personal philosophies about food, the environment; and the connection between mind, body and spirit. Mariel's Kitchen is probably the first cookbook that ever made its way to my bedside table, which is usually reserved for books of inspiration by authors like Pema Chodron, Echkart Tolle and Byron Katie. In its own way, Mariel's Kitchen is a book of inspiration. Ms. Hemingway writes, "So how do we make real food a part of real, everyday life? That is what this book is about." Real food; do we even know what real food is anymore? Mariel's Kitchen does a good job of reminding us that real food does not come from the freezer section of the local grocery store. Ms. Hemingway goes on to describe the importance of developing a "repertoire of doable, nutritious recipes that are tasty enough to repeat and that share lots of ingredients." In a nutshell, Mariel's Kitchen is for anyone with a busy schedule who desires to eat healthy, delicious, nutritionally dense, easy to prepare, affordable, practi

I have to say.....I have ALOT of cookbooks and am pretty adept in the kitchen but this book was inspiring, thoughtful and really yummy --not to mention totally balanced and healthy I've made a few things already which usually when I get a new cookbook, I look through it, dream about certain things and never actually cook from it. Get this book now

I was anxiously anticipating the arrival of this book, having read "Healthy From the Inside Out"; I'm happy to say that it was worth the wait. I love Mariel's approach to healthy living--it's simple enough for anyone to follow, and her recipes sound delicious and easy. I would recommend "Healthy From the Inside Out" as a precursor to this book--she outlines her healthy living philosophy (not just food, but a whole life approach/lifestyle change) and I found that to be incredibly helpful. Out of all the "diet/lifestyle" books I've read, hers are my favorite.

I have been eagerly awaiting Mariel Hemingway's first cookbook since "Healthy Living From the Inside Out," her first publication, was released years ago. I am happy to report that "Mariel's Kitchen" does not disappoint. This cookbook emphasizes local, fresh and organic ingredients. It is a good companion to "Super Natural Cooking," a similar cookbook by Heidi Swanson. I enjoy Hemingway's book better, however, for a number of reasons. For a "natural" cookbook, the ingredients here are much more accessible. You won't have to rush out and buy five new kinds of flour and hard-to-find regional ingredients. Also, this book is NOT vegetarian, which I appreciate. I try to eat naturally, but I do not intend to give up chicken, fish, and beef. (Hemingway is mindful to note when vegetarian substitutions can be made for those who feel otherwise.) Overall, I would recommend this book to any cook interested in farmers' markets, natural cooking, or simply healthful eating. It is full of beautiful pictures, comprehensive lists of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and recipes organized by season. Hemingway also offers some interesting tips on going "green" and how to best utilize local resources. Highly recommended!

This beautiful book is filled with super smart nutrition information and delicious recipes to nourish body and SOUL. Even though I am not much of a cook, these recipes are relatively easy and have awakened my inner chef.