Not on Love Alone: A Cookbook: A Year of Delicious Dinners and More for Newlyweds

I have had success with the recipes I've tried from this book, so it already wins a thumbs up. But it's the writing that I really have to rave about--in fact, I found myself abandoning whatever novels I was reading at the time and curling up in bed with this book to read instead! It is such a wonderful conversation from someone else who is new to marriage, and her charts, tidbits, and cheese play are amusing and helpful. My husband has taken her suggestions on salt and made them law in our house. On a practical level, this book is well put together. It does not overwhelm you with recipes but instead gives you one wonderful new meal to try each month, plus some other must-have recipes, all with the goal of getting you to sit across the table from your spouse. I also liked the book because the author is young, busy, and crammed into a city-style apartment with all its limitations. It addressed many real-life challenges I face in my own life and kitchen, making it more relevant than Betty Crocker. Everyone we love who gets married this summer is getting this book as a gift from us.

I received Not On Love Alone: A Year of Delicious Dinners and More for Newlyweds, by Jessie Carry Saunders, as a gift from my mother-in-law and I absolutely adored it! In fact, upon finishing it, I went out and purchased another one as a birthday gift for a friend. I read it like a novel: while the food narratives and recipes are meticulously detailed and delicious-sounding in every way, equally enjoyable are the charming anecdotes about the author's husband (JS), father (Pops), family vacations, and dinner parties, as well as the whimsical illustrations, done, I understand, by the author herself. As a newlywed myself and a culinary novice, I feel inspired by Jessie to tackle and conquer my own kitchen! I'm particularly looking forward to making her chicken noodle soup and her peach bellinis, and as my experience grows, I may even feel confident to tackle her recipe for doughnut bites with chocolate ganache filling! This book is a great read as both a cookbook and a piece of art: I promise you that you will be absolutely charmed and delighted by it, as was I!

I loved this book! Jessie Carry Saunders's writing and recipes combine the elegant authority of Elizabeth David with the infectious enthusiam of Rachel Ray. It's clear she knows and loves her subject. Of the recipes I've tried so far, I particulary recommend Roasted Poratoes with Shallots and Toasted Walnuts, Green Bean and Hazelnut Salad, Roasted Asparaugs, Fried Chicken, Sort of (sounds weird but it works), Lemon Ginger Tart and Wrong Way Torte. Perhaps Saunders timed the release of the book to coincide with the strawberries that go in the torte. Saunders's drawings are evocative and inspiring. I can't believe she did them as well as wrote the book. How talented can one young woman get? JS (her husband, to whom the book is dedicated) must be one lucky guy. Her family sounds kind of kooky, but very close-knit and loving. I'm really looking forward to this writer's next book(s).

Jessie Carry Saunders has written a fabulous guide for newlyweds - actually, it's a great cookbook for anyone! My husband and I have been caught in a rut of carry out (on special occasions) or cereal (more often than not) for our nightly dinner. My Mom gave me this cookbook last week and already it has made a world of difference. My husband and I went to the store and stocked our pantry and refrigerator with the ingredients necessary for the month of May. We're looking forward to spending more time together sharing good food and the adventures of breaking in our new kitchen. The hand-drawn instructions are easy to follow and even for a novice cook like me, Jessie's patient, thorough - and entertaining - book inspires confidence. Bravo!

I just received this cookbook from a friend of mine (I'm getting married this fall), and it is already one of my favorite wedding presents! The author (a newlywed herself) has divided your first year of marriage into 12 months -- then, she gives different recipes and dinner ideas for each of the months. It's so simple, and yet such a brilliant idea! She complements the text with wonderful full-color watercolors and helpful diagrams. Also, she includes very funny stories about food and married life. Her tone is charming and sweet and romantic without being "cheesy" -- which I think is the greatest accomplishment of all. Her whole theory is that with modern life so hectic, the best thing a couple can do is spend _one_ dinner a month where you sit down to a romantic, delicious meal that you and your spouse make together. The back of the book calls it a "recipe for a happy marriage," and it's totally true. As for the recipes themselves, the few I've tried so far have been great. I'm a decent cook myself -- not trained or anything, and I'm no expert -- but I found the recipes clear and easy to follow, unlike so many other cookbooks I own. The author obviously took great care in editing and researching her recipes. The book itself makes an amazing present, and I plan on buying many for my friends as they get engaged. It's hard-cover and very appealing looking. The pages are of the highest quality and, like I said, it's in full-color throughout. I can't believe something like this didn't exist before, but I sure am happy it exists now!