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Friday, May 17, 2013

Cookbook Review: The Chew: Food. Life. Fun.

When The Chew premiered on ABC a year and a half ago, it quickly became my favorite food-centric show. I loved the chemistry of the five hosts and have always adored the idea of a talk show revolving solely around food. Before The Chew premiered, Rachael Ray was my favorite food-related talk show, and though I still love Rachael (yes, I know this is a blasphemous statement for foodies, but I don't care), I am slowly tiring of her.

This cookbook features some of the best recipes from the first season of The Chew, but it also includes interviews with all the hosts: Michael Symon, Daphne Oz, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, and Mario Batali.  While I wouldn't buy this book solely for the recipes since they are after all online, I would buy it for the interviews, and even then, I'd be more likely just to check it out from the library (which is what I did).

My favorite section of the cookbook was Clinton Kelly's entertaining tips, not because of their creativity and practicality, but the sheer humor of his suggestion that party hosts put marbles in their medicine cabinet to hear who's the first person to go snooping around your bathroom when they all crash to their floor as the cabinet door is opened.

The recipes in this book are organized seasonally, and while I haven't tried any of them yet, I am particularly excited to try Michael Symon's spaghetti squash fritters in the fall.

If you're a fan of The Chew, not much new is revealed in this book, though the interviews are enjoyable to read. If you've never watched The Chew before, the book is put together in quite an attractive, easy-to-read format and thus the recipes might motivate you to give the show a go.

The Chew: Food. Life. Fun, edited by Peter Kaminsky and Ashley Archer
Published: September 25, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 231
Genre: Cooking/Lifestyle
Audience: Adults
Disclosure: Library Copy
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9 comments:

  1. jamaMay 18, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    This looks like a fun read. I enjoy the show and try to watch whenever I can. Love the marbles idea :).

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  2. Beth FMay 18, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    I'm embarrassed to say that I've never seen the show. I don't even when it airs. Bad foodie me!

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  3. caiteMay 18, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    I have sworn off any TV show with 'real' people. I like my shows honestly fake, but pretend real.
    although I do like Michael Symon...lol

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  4. CaroleMay 18, 2013 at 4:34 PM

    I hadn't heard of the show before but I'm sure I would enjoy it. Cheers

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  5. Peaceful ReaderMay 18, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    I've watched the show once or twice but my mother is a huge fan. I should check the library for her and see if they have it. She would enjoy reading the interviews and tips.

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  6. AnonymousMay 18, 2013 at 9:04 PM

    I have to admit I don't know this show. I mainly watch the Barefoot Contessa and Nigella Lawson. I understand what you say about getting tired of people after awhile. I know a lot of "foodies" disparage Rachel Ray because of her Americanization or "dumbing down" of ethnic foods, but at least in early books she does have a good sense of combining ingredients to bring out flavors. I remember making some kind of chicken dish from one of her books and she added a handful of raisins and it really made the dish.

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  7. TinaMay 19, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    We don't have television feed at all but I would be interested in checking out this book.

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  8. ShanMay 19, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    I watch this show on occasion and enjoy it. I've been wondering about this cookbook, thanks for your review, I think I'll get it from my library. I just picked up Daphne Oz's cookbook from there as well.

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  9. (Diane) bookchickdiMay 19, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    I've been to see the show in person a few times, and they are a fun group of people, especially Carla and Clinton.

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