I WAS IN MY LOCAL bookstore last week, when a gorgeous green tome caught my grieving eye: the new Gourmet Today cookbook. Despite my snarky reaction to the “Free offer inside!” sticker on the cover (the offer is a free subscription to Gourmet magazine–don’t get me started, Condé Nast) I had to buy it.
At around 1,000 pages, there’s enough here to keep a heartbroken Gourmet reader busy for months, and though many of the recipes are ones I recognize as favorites from recent issues of the magazine, others appear to be original to the book, making it worthwhile for even a disciplined Gourmet saver. So far I’ve made a fantastic Brussels sprout salad, delicious black bean burritos and a wonderful chocolate banana cake.
Best of all, I’ve shifted my focus from sad gazes at the old magazines on my shelf to the fun of trying new recipe from a trusted source. Though the book lacks the sumptuous photography of the magazine (it’s illustrated with line drawings) I like the simplicity of the design; there’s nothing to distract from the excellent writing and (thus far) foolproof recipes.
Have you tried it yet? What are you cooking?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I adore the cookbook! Two weeks before Conde Nast announced the magazine closure, I bought one and had it signed by Ruth Reichl at a Williams-Sonoma event. What a bittersweet memory now…
I’ve made two recipes so far, both of which I’ve blogged about: Braised Short Ribs with Dijon Mustard and Olive Oil Glazed Potatoes. Both were complete hits!
I’ve been eyeing this book and had the amgazine stayed alive I would not have bought it. And now I must.
@cheryl
Hmm…maybe that was conde nasty’s evil plan all along…
I’m still reeling…or maybe that’s the wine I had while cooking dinner. Why Gourmet? Why not Bon Appetit (which I still like, but don’t love)? The big, gold cookbook has been my favorite since its publication, so I’m definitely getting this big, new, green one. Apple Raisin Cake.
Maggie–thanks for the recipe recos. I haven’t tried either of those yet, but will put them on my list!
Cheryl–it really is great; you won’t be sorry!
Millie–you’re even more suspicious than I am!
Cristina–I love the big gold one, too, and resisted buying for some time; was so happy when I did. I’ll have to look for the apple raisin cake!