Cover Image: Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Great recipes and beautiful pictures! I can't wait to try out some of the recipes with my family! thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a good addition to your collection if you love everything Wanda Brunstetter. I haven’t tried any of the recipes, but they look tasty. As others pointed out, there is some use of processed prepackaged food. The recipes are for comfort food, definitely nothing healthy. Those are the only negatives I’ve found, however.

Was this review helpful?

Although I have yet to make anything from the book, I was delighted in the simplicity and variety of the recipes. It shows how deliciousness doesn't need to be complicated.

I appreciated that the pages kept me interested because they were predominantly recipes and not a host of other information. Sometimes I just want easy access to recipes so I can cook wholesome food.

A well crafted book, thank you.

Was this review helpful?

This recipe book is quite similar to what a person might see released by a church. Maybe that’s where some of these recipes were gathered. Maybe I am guilty of stereotyping, but seeing a recipe for a breakfast dish that calls for tortillas does not seem very “Amish.”

If there were more photos to go along with the recipes, I could be persuaded to raise the rating. As it is, I rate this a 3.5. I will round it to a 4.

Was this review helpful?

You will not go wrong with this recipe book. Full of wonderful recipes and awesome pictures of recipes this book is for anyone who love trying new recipes, love Amish food or just love cookbooks.

Was this review helpful?

If you are looking for a way to make use of your leftovers, this book is for you! I love a good cookbook, and this one by Wanda Brunstetter doesn’t disappoint. The format reminds me of the cookbooks my church used to put out where everyone contributes their best recipes. The photographs are beautiful and make you want to try every dish. This is comfort food at its best.
Many thanks to the author, Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook creates a community of recipes and tips, identifying each contributor under their recipes, all from the Amish community. I like the layouts and all the pictures, the sections are easy to navigate and separated by course. A lot of the recipes seem like they would be good, however, there are quite a few recipes that list ingredients that I wouldn't have any idea where to buy, such as hog stomach, beef tongue, etc, and also would not have any interest in eating. Also, the book is supposedly about “No Waste” however I thought the recipes seemed to use the normal ingredients, not leftovers from other meals. There is a section towards the end that has 16 pages and has some tips and tricks that could go along with that title, but not the whole book. I would say it is just another installment of the Amish Friends Cookbooks.

Was this review helpful?

Maple Mocha, coffee concentrate for a crowd, sausage gravy, and pumpkin chip muffins are just a few of the recipes in this new addition to the Wanda E. Brunstetter and Amish Friends brand of cookbooks.
This one's key focus is basic recipes that use we often have in plenty, especially if we garden, can, or keep a fully stocked pantry. Too often Americans waste food or let a busy day's schedule dictate take out or fast food, when really there is a fast, more nutritious and more tasty alternative right in our own kitchen. Maybe some recipes will remind you of grandma's kitchen when you were a child, but no recipe was ever written down. Directions are clear and many colored photographs are scattered throughout the book. Pages are tinted off-white, giving the book the feel of a well-worn treasure, which the book will surely become. For those on your gift list who love baking and cooking, this will be well received. Net Galley supplied me with an e-copy, but all comments are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was a very interesting cookbook for me. I live in the Midwest amidst a large Amish community and I think the most interesting thing for me was how many of the recipes I already knew and have used in my home. Some of them have even been used through the generations in my family. This cookbook focuses on simple Midwest staples to use the food you already have available and on hand. Be it from other recipes or things that you would normally find in your pantry. Anyone who enjoys "homegrown, hometown" cooking would like this cookbook.

Was this review helpful?

When I think of the Amish, I think of a hard-working society that is centered around faith, family, food. Bestselling Amish author, Wanda Brunstetter has compiled several cookbooks filled with recipes from her Amish friends, and she’s done it again with her new Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook: More Than 270 Recipes Help Stretch a Food Budget. From the beautiful cover to the index this is a lovely, helpful cookbook for cooks of all levels.

I love Wanda’s Amish cookbooks, including this one, for so many reasons. They all have a spiral binding which allows for the book to be placed in a stand or laid flat on the counter. The pages are coated so they are easy to clean. There is a wide variety of recipes included with tips sprinkled throughout the book. The pictures are vivid and gorgeous. Recipes are written in standard form and are easy to follow. They include the information in easy to read form to make successful dishes. Other than a few canned goods, very few convenience foods are used.

The recipes are wide in variety. I have highlighted several recipes to make: Peanut Butter Spread, Healthy Sweet Potato Chips, Easy Apple Cake, BBQ Chuck Roast, Cauliflower Cheese Casserole, and yes, there are more! It is such a nice cookbook that I read it, cover to cover, like a novel. I found several entries for unusual recipes such as soap, homemade corn syrup, and even homemade lard. Several gluten-free helps are also included, such as a gluten-free baking blend. One section offers recipes for canning items. The end of the cookbook offers clever and helpful household hints and tips.

I highly recommend this lovely cookbook. This would make a lovely addition to any cookbook collection. It would be a great gift, too, especially with Christmas around the corner. Any cook, seasoned or beginning, would enjoy a copy. It gets a 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from the publisher, but these are my honest words.

Was this review helpful?

These cookbooks never disappoint. I’m from the South and these are just like the cookbooks I grew up with. You know the ones from the church ladies? So you will get a scoop of nostalgia with your potato salad recipe with this book.

Was this review helpful?

The offer to read/review Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook came my way at the absolute perfect time! I've been trying to find tasty, frugal recipes to keep our family food budget manageable and this cookbook was a perfect match!

I spent the afternoon yesterday reading Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook by Wanda Brunstetter. This book is wonderful! It's full of simple, frugal recipes. In addition, the frugal tips included in this book are insightful, educational and very helpful! The pictures show some very tasty looking recipes too! I can't wait to share the recipes from this book with my family and friends!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own. Thank you to Wanda E Brunstetter, BarBour Publications and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is a solid resource for a variety of homemade comfort foods! The emphasis is on feeding your family and having no food waste, With today's economy, any tips on how to save on the cost of groceries are welcome. Creative uses of leftover rice, mashed potatoes, fruit peelings, and more are offered. There are also some money saving suggestions such as using butter wrappers to grease baking dishes (genius!) and how to grow some of your own food in easy ways. The photographs are eye catching!

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This no waste cookbook is perfect for today I know for my family money is very tight and this cookbook uses great recipes and ideas to stretch your dollar. The photos were great and appetizing and there was a variety of recipes that I think look delicious and use simple ingredients.

Was this review helpful?

A very good book for simple foods that you would like to eat not super fancy chefs showing off. My picky husband liked the idea of many of the things in this cookbook and I can't often say that .

Was this review helpful?

Wanda Brunstetter has provided another book based upon the Amish people. However, this one is not fiction, but a cookbook about with recipes from the Amish that focus on not wasting any food. In the current times with rising prices, this is a worthwhile read. The Amish people are well known for their recipes and food knowledge. This book is a must have for anyone looking to make delicious recipes and stretch your food budget. Not only does the book have recipes for food, but also, for other household items such as deodorant and detergent. There are over 250 recipes included in this book that encompass main dishes, side dishes and desserts. I think that this cookbook is a must have for every kitchen. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Great cookbook! There are a lot of good recipes that I would recommend! I definitely recommend this cookbook!

Was this review helpful?

Any time you get the chance to read a Wanda Brunstetter cookbook, take it. The recipes are always good, clearly written and easy to follow. She uses pantry staples so you dont have to have a shelf dedicated just for 2 or 3 recipes. The recipes will quickly work into your dinnertime staples and your family will sing your praises to all. I truly love her cookbooks and have many of them. You will not be disappointed.

Was this review helpful?

The introduction gives Amish advice on saving money - don't serve a lot of sweets, freeze and use non-canned food like potatoes, sweet potatoes and beans, and eat a lot of eggs!
The book starts out with iced coffee, peach tea, homemade root beer and orange smoothie recipes that are easy to prepare and refreshing.
For breakfast, the Heartland Cereal with oatmeal, honey and brown sugar looked tasty, the Breakfast Cereal Bar with coconut, oats, whole wheat flour and milk would last all week, and the Best Brunch Enchiladas with tortillas, peppers, ham and cheese looked delicious!
There were recipes for tasty pumpkin chip muffins, breadsticks and corn pone.
The Stove Top Potato Meal reminded me of the Stove Top package mixes, but it was much easier to make!
The Pickled Pig Stomach sounds stomach turning with pig stomach,vinegar and onions.
For dessert, Apple Pie on a Cookie Sheet, Caramel Popcorn, and Healthy Fudge sounds good!

Was this review helpful?

I'd read a few of this author's other Amish cookbooks and this new addition to her repertoire did not disappoint!

<img src="https://media4.giphy.com/media/TiO83XhZ8nOjr2kWQG/200w.gif?cid=82a1493bndq3eno35fl7xdwp9xt1jbzsxkbqr81lgmcqe228&rid=200w.gif&ct=g"/>

Loaded with great tips on how to manage a tight budget and also make time for yourself! For example, if money is really scarce, the author suggests that you skip the dessert portion of a meal: saves calories, expense and time! Another suggestion: Wherever possible, grow your own vegetables and herbs if possible, and if money is scarce or you don't have any land to till, then stock up on produce like carrots and potatoes that have a long storage life.

<img sr="https://empire-s3-production.bobvila.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/diy-vegetable-peeler1.gif"/>

The recipes still sounded delicious, but the difference here is that the ingredients had to stretch to feed a family economically. Wanda Brunstetter still managed to make each dish inviting, and still stay within her family's food budget. Imagine enjoying a simple Maple Mocha iced drink: Milk, maple syrup and instant coffee will pair beautifully with the healthy Breakfast Cereal Cake (oatmeal, milk, maple syrup and shredded coconut). I am definitely trying this one! The Apple Pie on a Cookie Sheet is ingenious! Bake a large tray, cut up and individually free each portion: a great time saver!

<Img src="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffamilyreunionhelper.com%2Fblog%2Ftag%2Fcookie-sheet-apple-pie%2F&psig=AOvVaw3-THRms2WNnMEMAcpiLeHu&ust=1665026733566000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAkQjRxqFwoTCOimsJGSyPoCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAM"/>

Her baked French Fries and Glazed Sweet Potatoes sound so easy to put together. None of the recipes appeared to be too difficult. I was intrigued by her Rice Pizza Casserole, as well as her Rice Pizza Crust! (The latter uses salsa for the topping - sound easy and delicious!)

<img src="https://www.wholesomeyum.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/www.wholesomeyum.com-keto-low-carb-pizza-casserole-recipe-easy-img-6545-hero-500x500.jpg"/>

Healthy sweet potato chips and canned bologna are two of many intriguing recipes you can attempt.

<img src="https://pinchmegood.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_6324-scaled.jpg"/>

The Cheesy Chicken Chowder and BBQ Chicken Sandwiches sound like a tasty pairing. All the recipes are easy to follow and don't have a ton of expensive or hard to find ingredients. Just what we all need in these high inflationary times!

<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDiiLeXXoAIt9LD.jpg"/>

I highly recommend this cost-cutting but still sure to be delicious cookbook! Using basic ingredients that you can always find in your pantry, anyone can whip up flavourful meals on a shoestring with the aid of this excellent cookbook.

Was this review helpful?