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Description
Lauren Allen, owner and creator of the Tastes Better From Scratch website is best known for recipes you can count on. Her much anticipated first cookbook includes recipes she terms, “The Best of the Best,” including her personal favorite recipes and fan favorites from her website, and several new recipes. Inside you’ll find recipes for every meal of the day, and more, as well as a variety of different cuisines.
What’s inside:
116 recipes
Images with every recipe
QR codes linking to a video of how to make the recipe
Make ahead and freezer tips for recipes.
Lauren Allen, owner and creator of the Tastes Better From Scratch website is best known for recipes you can count on. Her much anticipated first cookbook includes recipes she terms, “The Best of the...
Lauren Allen, owner and creator of the Tastes Better From Scratch website is best known for recipes you can count on. Her much anticipated first cookbook includes recipes she terms, “The Best of the Best,” including her personal favorite recipes and fan favorites from her website, and several new recipes. Inside you’ll find recipes for every meal of the day, and more, as well as a variety of different cuisines.
What’s inside:
116 recipes
Images with every recipe
QR codes linking to a video of how to make the recipe
This cookbook is WONDERFUL! Gorgeous photographs accompany these recipes. It's always frustrating when cookbooks don't give you visuals to what you're supposed to be making, but this one not only gives you pictures of the finished products, but also includes a QR code that links to videos to show how each is made. I have never seen that before in a cookbook and is possibly the best feature here. I would absolutely buy a finished copy and recommend this book.
Thank you so much to Greenleaf Book Group for making this available to review on NetGalley.
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Adabelle O, Reviewer
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This is the perfect beginner cookbook for every casual cook. Allen gives us recipes for every type of recipe you could want as a beginner. We get beautiful fluffy pancakes, and breads to spaghetti, tacos, and so many varieties of chicken. I love this book because even if you're not a regular cook, the recipes are easy, and have a variety of flavors to try while not requiring many things that you wouldn't already have stocked in your home.
I am always looking for something unique in a cookbook that will make me want to add it to my already large collection. This book made me realize that it is a great staple cookbook to have in your collection if you don't already have the basics covered. It's probably best suited for people who don't have a lot of time to dedicate to cooking, like the writer themself, a busy mom. There are a lot of recipes that utilize store seasoning packets to make life a little easier while adding flavor to dishes. I absolutely loved that there are QR codes for further visual guides with a good chunk of these recipes as well.
The book is beautiful and very user friendly. I'm excited to try some of these recipes and see how they compare to how I usually prepare some of these dishes.
Thank you Netgalley, Lauren Allen, and Greenleaf Book Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
4 STARS!
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Victoria R, Reviewer
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Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
The recipes in this cookbook are all very accessible and tasty looking. How do I know they look tasty? Because there are pictures of each one! Finally…an author and publisher who understands that the maxim “you eat with your eyes” exists for a reason — because it’s the truth.
The only reason why I’m not giving this 5 stars is the formatting was a bit rough. Hopefully that gets fixed on the ebook version before final printing.
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Donna R, Reviewer
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A cookbook for those who prefer to eat in, make homemade and those who enjoy cooking and food. And although the recipes are quite basic that is the appeal as then anyone can use it and cook homemade.
Great recipes, tasty photos. The recipes are practical, easy to use and follow, the ingredients are ones we can all get and this makes in a great book for anyone and everyone.
I am not into QR Codes but for those who are this is a great addition to the book and could help with further information, videos, etc!
Great cookbook and can't wait to make Biscuits and Gravy (memories), the Black Bean Burgers sounds tasty and healthy, French Dip Sandwiches (again this brings back childhood memories for me) And the Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls - YUM! Love all the soups and of course you can't finish a meal without a good dessert. First up Peanut Butter Bars and then German Chocolate Cake.
Oh I am hungry now... I off to try some new recipes!
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Reviewer 803630
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Yum! The recipes in this book are absolutely mouthwatering! It’s full of original, scrummy ideas, all of which are perfectly doable in your own home. I love that there are healthy twists on classics - things that we all love to eat, but made from scratch, using simple healthy ingredients. There’s something in here for everyone, from breakfast pancakes, to soups and sides, to homemade pies. Each recipe has clear step by step instructions, and there’s a photo for every single recipe in the book, so you know exactly what you’re aiming for. A lot of the recipes don’t need too many ingredients, are easily achievable in your own kitchen, and there’s a wide variety to suit all tastes. Would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and Netgalley for an eARC of this book to read and review
This cookbook by Lauren Allen has the best of her recipes from her website.
The recipes are well laid out and neatly labeled by Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield & Ingredients.
Useful information on substitution and how to freeze is provided.
Each recipe has a photo of the dish. Some have a QR code for a video of the preparation.
Recipes cover breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts.
Some international recipes are outlined as well.
This ARC looks like a good addition to anybody's kitchen.
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Jane M, Reviewer
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This was a refreshing and very practical cookbook.Almost every recipe I would definitely try and will probably make.It was a fabulous read.
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Librarian 982421
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I think this is a great book for anyone who wants a nice variety of recipes and who might be new to cooking.
Pros:
I loved that each recipe had a picture with it. I can’t stand when only some recipes have pictures. It helps to visualize the recipe and give you an idea whether you’re interested in the recipe without reading through it.
All the recipes seemed pretty simple. Nothing gave the impression that there were unnecessary steps.
I liked all the tips and information provided with the recipes.
The variety was great. You could find some version of various cuisines in this book.
Cons:
None
I think this is a great book and I recommend that people try it out. There’s no doubt everyone can find at least one recipe that interests them.
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Alyssa M, Reviewer
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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a nice recipe book!
I could see this being helpful for beginner cooks. There's a variety of recipes for different meals. I was hoping for more pictures of the finished foods, but there's not a ton. The book is in cups instead of grams which is helpful for us Americans. The book focuses on making food from ingredients and building meals from scratch. Some of the recipes require a bit of up-front prep, but are generally accessible and not super time intensive.
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Susan H, Reviewer
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This is a wonderful cookbook for the beginning cook or the busy parent. It contains beautiful photos of the dishes.
Starting with breakfast recipes, recipes are mostly simple, with clear ingredient lists and instructions. The recipe selections also include muffins and breads, dinner, soups, salads and sides, and desserts. Interestingly, the dessert list not only includes cookies, pies, and cakes, but there are recipes for caramel popcorn, fudge, and specialty Rice Krispy treats.
The one recipe that I'm going to try first is the chicken gyros. They look simple and delicious.
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Reviewer 891453
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I love Lauren's instagram account and I was very excited to read her first cookbook. There are 116 recipes in the book and include a little of everything. Every recipe has gorgeous photos, along with QR codes. I appreciate that Lauren included the prep time, cook time and serving size. I highly recommend this cookbook.
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Lindsey W, Reviewer
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This is the cookbook I've been looking for! Every single recipe is practical, not overcomplicated, family friendly, uses easily accessible ingredients, etc. There are a lot of great staples in the book - so it'd be great for someone just setting out on their own and looking for a place to start cooking. I think I'd be willing to try every single recipe in this book, which, for a cookbook, is a great asset. Lovely simple photos and minimalist design. I'm especially excited for trying out the recipes for breakfast casserole, skinny banana bread, chicken gyros, one-pan fajitas, zuppa toscana, and pumpkin cookies! I loved this cookbook!
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Joy R, Reviewer
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The use of the QR codes throughout the book was INGENIOUS! I can't believe I never thought of this being used in cook books. It's especially helpful for someone like me, as some of the codes link you to Lauren's Youtube channel and SHOWS you the process of cooking. This is super helpful for an absolute dunce in the kitchen like me!
Photography plays a huge part in how much I enjoy cookbooks and the photograph in this book was brilliant! Totally not underused, simple and beautiful. Same goes for the actual recipes, simple and easy to follow for my very simple cooking mind!
Congratulations on writing such a wonderful booK!
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Librarian 1026345
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There were many recipes in this book that I would like to try. Too much of what I eat is prepackaged or frozen. I want to switch to cooking more from scratch and this cookbook looks like a great place to start my journey.
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Kim B, Reviewer
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This is a scrumptious and useful everyday cookbook that everyone from new cook to experienced cook can utilize and enjoy! Filled with familiar and comforting recipes that we all enjoy, this book makes preparing our meals completely from scratch easy to do.
In this book the reader will find recipes for spaghetti sauce made completely from scratch and it’s not much more time consuming than opening a jar, to Banana Bread Bars; a fresh take on favorite snack. There are so many recipes I can’t wait to try out like Pad Thai, Butter Chicken, One Pan Jambalaya and Navajo Tacos with fry bread, no need to wait for a restaurant or street fair to enjoy these dishes.
There are other unique twists on old favorites like Teriyaki Pasta Salad, Baked Potato Salad and Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats.
Every meal of the day is included in this book, from breakfast to after dinner dessert and every meal in between. And every recipe includes a beautiful photo!
One very unique and helpful addition to this cookbook is the QR codes providing access to an instructional video for many of the recipes.
This will be a great gift for anyone and don’t forget to treat yourself when this book is available for purchase on September 27, 2022.
Thank you NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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Cindi A, Reviewer
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While this book is good for many people, it’s super for new cooks! IT’s got the basics and is easily followed as you go through the recipes. If you’re an experienced cook, you can enjoy the recipes as well.
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joyce l, Reviewer
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For those who want to cook but don’t want to be overwhelmed by complexity, this book is a nice resource. Inside are over 100 recipes, all of which are illustrated, and have easy to follow directions.
Inside are recipes for breakfast, a section on muffins and breads which is then followed by suggestions for dinners, soups, salads and sides, and desserts. A sample from each section: Easy Homemade Scones, Pumpkin Bread, Baked Ziti, Corn Chowder, Baked Potato Salad and Peach Cobbler.
There are q codes for additional help. I also like that at the top of the page for each recipe prep time, cook time, total time and recipe yield are all listed.
This book would make a great gift for someone just learning to cook, even if that person is you. There is enough here for weeks of cooking. The author is a mom of four so she knows the importance of getting those meals out. Those who use this book will meet all of the family.
#TastesBetterFromScratchCookbook #NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
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Jen L, Reviewer
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I loved Lauren's cookbook! As a mom of two kids myself, I am always looking for delicious, easy and quick recipes for my family. This cookbook had so many wonderful recipes that I can't wait to try! I think the Taco Pie or Creamy White Chicken Chili are first on my list. I appreciated that she gave tips throughout the book, including substitutions and freezing directions. I also love the QR codes that link to a video! This is a book that I would definitely purchase for others as a gift, especially new moms!
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Patty L, Reviewer
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This recipe book is SOLID. As someone with food allergies, it's sometimes difficult to sort through what ingredients hide the allergen culprits, but this author has done a phenomenal job of actually showing the ingredients from scratch, with only a few potential issues (which have substitutes anyway!).
I sincerely cannot wait to make EVERY. SINGLE. THING. in this book. It looks as dependable as my ancient Better Homes and Gardens cook book and add trustworthy as King Arthur's Internet stash of baking recipes.
I especially love the instructional pictures.
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Debra G, Reviewer
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Tastes Better From Scratch
Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Everyday Life
Lauren Allen
This cookbook is pretty basic. I already cook almost everything from scratch however this is a much needed cookbook for beginners. Recipes should be simple enough for beginners to understand and the steps should be easy. Author Lauren Allen has done a great service to families by creating this book.
The recipes have prep time, cook time, total time, yield and ingredients. There is a photo of each dish and some have a video showing how to prepare the dish. There are recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t forget the desserts! The tips and suggestions are invaluable! I will hang on to this one.
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Tam S, Reviewer
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Loaded with recipes.
As with most cookbooks, there are sections in the front of the book that explain about the author and the book. This cookbook has sections on Introduction, How to Use the Book, A Few Tips for Confidence in the Kitchen, and A Word on Picky Eaters.
The recipes are divided into the following sections, and I have included an example of a recipe from that section.
Each recipe includes an ingredient list, instructions, prep time, cook time, total time, and yield. In addition, where appropriate, the author includes Lauren’s tips, how to freeze, storing leftovers, make ahead, and if the recipe was for the grill, the author includes how to cook in the oven. I found the information to be valuable. I did find most of the recipes to be familiar ones, but with a few additions via the ingredients or the way it was prepared.
I made the Peach Cobbler that was included in the book. The ingredient list was simple, and the instructions were easy to understand and follow. The cobbler was delicious, and tasted better than any that I had had in a restaurant. There is definitely something to say about cooking from scratch.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
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Reviewer 965940
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Absolutely loved this recipe book and all the new things I want to try!
Will be gifting this to all of the households in my life
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Lou W, Reviewer
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Although I am an experienced cook and from the UK, I have followed Lauren Allen for a while now as she has an easy way of simplifying things and coming up with great ideas to make cooking for a family easier. This book follows on totally from her blog. Although I think it would primarily appeal to someone who is new to cooking or who doesn't usually make things from scratch, I also think it has something for everyone and I am planning to try several of the recipes that I haven't already.
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Lisa J, Reviewer
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance reader's copy of this book.
This cookbook is phenomenal! I was already a fan of the author's website and had cooked several of her recipes. I found her website when I was looking for a recipe to cook my first Thanksgiving turkey dinner in 2020, because we weren't traveling to my mother-in-law's house due to Covid. It turned out so amazing and was such a gorgeous turkey that I posted it on my Instagram page and the author included my post in her stories! I signed up for her meal plan e-mails and regularly visit her website when I'm looking for a new recipe. This book, however, is a much better resource because so many incredible recipes are all gathered in one place. She has a recipe for basically everything you would want to cook! I found tons of new ones that I want to try, and I know they'll be amazing. I highly recommend this cookbook and will be purchasing a print copy to keep on my shelf.
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Donna K, Reviewer
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Easy to follow recipes with detailed instructions. Love it when you include pictures. First book I’ve seen that has freezing instructions. Plenty of recipes I want to try.
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Danielle D, Reviewer
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A very informative and great recipe book. Love the great categories and recipes. A lot of them that I plan to make. Love how simple and easy most of these are, too. It's not too complicated for a beginner.
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Amanda D, Reviewer
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This cookbook is from a mom of four, and I love that the recipes, where applicable, include Make-Ahead Instructions, Freezing Instructions, Ingredient Tips and Substitutions, and/or Variations. There is a couple of pages of tips for confidence in the kitchen (tools and ingredients), and a "word on pickup eaters."
Chapters are Breakfast, Muffins and Breads, Dinner, Soup, Salads and Sides, and Dessert. Recipes list prep and cook time and servings and have a full-color photo.
I appreciate that the recipes are food that sounds good, with available and accessible ingredients, and most of the recipes fit on one page (so not tons and tons of steps). None of the recipes in here seem revolutionary as something new, but the photos and descriptions make me feel like they'd be a great version of things my family is already familiar with or enjoys.
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Darlene M, Reviewer
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I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Author is a busy mom too. With real life, family-focused meals made from healthy and frugal ingredients is a must. Tips on freezing as well as substitutions for ingredients you may not have on stock come in handy. Recommending for anyone who works outside the home wanting home cook experience and for busy families needing tips and information to make dinner hour easier.
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Cassandra G, Reviewer
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A NIce cooking Book that came with nice Pictures and some easy recipes. It also came along with some good stories. So when you get a chance give it a try and enjoy.
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Dani B, Reviewer
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I'm a self-proclaimed cookbook hoarder so I got excited to see one as a Read Now choice. This one sounded right up my alley being it is all about cooking from scratch rather than buying processed equivalents. The introductions in the beginning were nice; Typical cookbook things here like author intro, best kitchen tools and notes, etc. The chapters are laid out mostly by meal: Breakfast, Muffins and Breads, Dinner, Soup, Salads and Sides, Dessert. Each recipe page shows ingredients and instructions beside each other. The Instructions are all straightforward, simple to follow and thorough. This book appears as it will be super easy to use!
Some of my favorite things:
Each page is laid out with prep time, cook time, total time and yield right at the top of the page.
Pictures with every recipe! This is a huge positive aspect for me (as I'm sure it is with many others as well)
Love the Make ahead & Freezer tips (<which also come with thaw/reheat/cook follow up tips)! I'll likely keep a few of the freezer tips in my back pocket for when I make large batches of these types of dishes or meals.
A heads up for those with dietary preferences: most of the recipes don't fall in line with any specific 'diet' types. There is all-purpose flour, breads, pastas, milk, buttermilk, butter, other dairy ingredients, vegetable oils and refined sugars used throughout. For me personally, I'd have to make a lot of subs to work with these recipes but that's not going to be true for everyone. I likely won't use this cookbook in my own kitchen BUT I can appreciate how it is laid out, presented and photographed.
This will be an all-around great choice for many home cooks. I very much enjoyed flipping through all the recipes for new ideas and tips. Beautiful photos, well laid out and straightforward with a large variety of amazing-looking recipes!
Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the copy to read and review.
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Infinite B, Reviewer
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This was an EXCELLENT book. The recipes are yummy and easy to make. Every recipe is accompanied with a photo which makes the process easier. I love it!
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Danielle D, Reviewer
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I would recommend this cookbook for a beginner in the kitchen or someone who has a busy lifestyle. It has gorgeous photos with simple classic recipes that are easy to follow. Most recipes in this book are staples in my household like waffles, banana bread, beef stew and chicken noodle soup. This is a perfect book to gift someone who is just starting out.
Also, the QR codes were a nice addition to the recipes and helped with suggested meal plans, shopping lists and videos for preparation.
I want to thank NetGalley, Lauren Allen and Greenleaf Book Group, Tastes Better from Scratch, LLC for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
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Mary Allison P, Reviewer
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Tastes Better From Scratch
Author: Lauren Allen
Cookbook & eARC Review
Release Date: September 27, 2022
My Rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️
What a beautiful freaking cookbook! While my version was electronic, I most definitely will be buying a hard copy for my kitchen.
First off, the recipes. They were delicious, well curated, and extremely easy to follow. So many I will be making here at home. The recipes are perfect for quick and easy meals, families on the go, or someone just wanting to branch out in the kitchen. I am looking forward to the breakfast casserole and pumpkin bread!
My next praise - the styling of the cookbook! It really was beautifully done. The color selection, font, etc. were perfect for this style of cookbook. The images were also perfect. They matched the recipes so well, were great quality, and beautifully staged. I personally loved the family photos thrown in. It gave the cookbook a more home-y, personal feel.
The last few things I want to brag on - the QR codes and the tips! This is the first time I’ve seen QR codes in a cookbook and it’s such a genius idea! Definitely gets you more bang for your buck. Additionally, the little tips on each recipe like “how to freeze”, “how to store”, and so on were very useful. In my opinion, the author really thought of everything when writing this cookbook.
I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this cookbook! I love forward to more of her books.
Thank you NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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Reviewer 658509
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This is the cookbook you need to have! It has most of America's favorite recipes and comfort foods. From waffles and pancakes, muffins and breads, dinners, soups and salads to desserts! I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
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Lisa N, Reviewer
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This is such a gorgeous cookbook! I love that there are photos along with each recipe, giving you a visual depiction of the finished product. I appreciated the helpful tips on what you can do if you’re short on time, and ways to prepare some things in advance to speed up the cooking process. I also loved the additional information given on how to store leftovers (fridge and freezer). One unique feature was the QR links to watch a video on how to prepare the recipe, that I think would be especially helpful for beginning bakers/cooks.
I highly recommend this beautiful cookbook, for newbies as well as seasoned cooks/bakers. Many thanks to Greenleaf publishing, as well as Netgalley, for the opportunity to read and review this cookbook.
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Nancy B, Reviewer
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I am a cookbook fanatic and the cookbook Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook is fantastic!
It is divided into sections : Breakfast - Muffins and Breads - Dinner - Soup - Salads and Sides and Desserts. Each of the sections is filled with gorgeous mouth-watering photos of the recipes. There was such a great mixture of recipes that I am sure there are many to choose from even if they all do not fit your families’ tastes.
I have already picked out so many of the recipes from this cookbook. Breakfast Casserole is on the menu for this next weekend. I am excited to make this easy recipe for the family. I know they will like it. The next morning, I will be making the German pancakes! This recipe sounds yummy!
I was so happy to see a recipe for Texas Sheet cake in the cookbook. This recipe was the one my Mom always made when I was growing up. And see the beautiful photo made my heart sing!
I can not wait to get this cookbook on my shelf.
Thank you NetGalley, Lauren Allen and Greenleaf Book Group for the ARC of Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook. This is my personal review.
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Linda S, Librarian
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TASTES BETTER FROM SCRATCH COOKBOOK by Lauren Allen lives up to its subtitle's promise of offering "Easy Recipes for Everyday Life." There are too many recipes to list them all, but here are just a few to give you an idea of the breadth of choice: Pumpkin Bread, Pad Thai, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Artichoke Dip, Apple Crisp, and German Chocolate Cake. Allen includes an appetizing photograph for almost every recipe and the presentation is streamlined and easy to follow. Both prep time and cooking time are noted, along with ingredients and numbered instructions. Often she will add suggestions for making ahead or freezing. Nutritional information is not listed.
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Angela W, Reviewer
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I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This would be a great cookbook if you want to make really good versions of basic recipes, the kind where you can find all of the ingredients at a regular grocery store and where you don't need a lot of fancy equipment.
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Melissa P, Reviewer
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Are you tired of cookbooks where you have to go out and buy jars of fancy ingredients and spices that you will never use again?
Are you tired of paging through a cookbook and not finding one recipe that you think would appeal to your family?
Tastes Better From Scratch is the answer for you!
This is a cookbook with many basics, but also enough variety to please even picky eaters and challenge them to venture out of their comfort zones. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice, you'll appreciate these recipes. Breakfasts, Main Dishes, Soups, Salads, Desserts, this book has it all.
As a bonus, there are also QR codes with most of the recipes that take you to a video of the preparation, which is so helpful for more visual learners who like to see how the recipe is prepared. The book itself does have many full color photos, and some (like with the cinnamon rolls) have some step by step photos to follow for preparation.
Whether you're looking to make Pumpkin Bread or S'mores Bars, Creamy White Chicken Chili or Slow Cooker Ribs, this book will become a family favorite for everyday recipes.
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Erica B, Reviewer
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Great color pictures accompany well-written recipes. This book offers both new and casual cooks a good foundation of basic recipes. Many recipes are also accompanied by notes and tips, such as how to store leftovers, how to make the recipe ahead of time, etc.
One thing I particularly liked was that each recipe listed the prep time, cook time, total time, and yield right at the top of each recipe. And most of the recipes come together in under an hour, making this a great resource for weeknight cooking.
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Kate T, Reviewer
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I believe there is not one single recipe in this book that my family wouldn't like. Uncomplicated recipes using easily obtained ingredients is a busy cooks dream. Pad Thai to stroganoff, all recipes look delicious.
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Kati B, Reviewer
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This is a great cookbook for simple dishes with easy to get ingredients. I am an experienced cook and have many similar recipes, but still found a few new ones I would make. I recommend this cookbook for beginner cooks who would learn how to prepare wholesome healthy meals.
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Laura S, Reviewer
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I love this cookbook! I have been craving some more winter and fall, hearty recipes if you will and Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook was exactly what I was looking for. This recipes aren’t pretentious or overly complicated. They are tried and trued classics that you and your family will want to eat for dinner.
What sets this cookbook apart from others is the variations: what to make ahead, how to freeze, storing leftovers, Lauren’s tips, healthier swaps, fun twists, and quicker tips. I already have our family’s meal plan set for next week, all with recipes out of this book!
I would absolutely buy this cookbook as a gift, and would buy a physical copy to keep on my shelf. I highly recommend Tastes Better From Scratch!
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Julie H, Reviewer
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Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook - Easy Recipes for Everyday Life by Lauren Allen is a wonderful cookbook. I would guess about half of the recipes are my old recipes I used to cook all the time 40 some years ago! They seem to be pretty much identical to what I made. Some I haven’t made in many years, so I am looking forward to having them again. These are simple recipes with standard ingredients, which is what I like. Anyone could make these regardless of their cooking skills. Beautiful photos of each recipe are included along with a QR code to a video that shows you how to prepare the recipe. What a great idea! I think this is the one go-to cookbook every cook should have in their kitchen. I can’t wait to have some of my old favorites like Zuppa Toscana and Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group & NetGalley for the free copy of this wonderful ebook.
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September A, Reviewer
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Got a copy of this from NetGalley. What’s fun is I had tried to win this in a Goodreads giveaway. The recipes are a wide range from breakfast, lunch, dinner, soups, and desserts. I really can’t wait to try some
Of them. I’ll post more once I’ve tried them.
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Love-Leigh Books ., Reviewer
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Chocked full of recipes for everyday use!•
Really liked this cookbook. The recipes are detailed but in a simplistic way so they are very easy to read and follow. Recipes themselves are what I would consider “good to know” types, nothing too extravagant just basic recipes that are great to have on hand. There is a large selection of recipes with it containing about 123 recipes and they include my favorite feature of all which are the pictures that accompany each recipes.
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Shasta M, Bookseller
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This is a nice book for a beginner. It has a lot of common recipes, and a great variety too. I liked the tips in the beginning, and the stories and pictures were sweet too. I appreciate that most of the recipes do not have an abundance of ingredients. Most seem like quick fixes as well. I found a few that I’ll give a try, some I’ve already got my preferences for (but may try from this book too).
Overall this is a solid cookbook!
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KindleLover 1, Reviewer
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The recipes in this cookbook are pretty simple and easy. It’s helpful that there are pictures that accompany the recipes. Helpful tips are added also. I like the freezing option that goes with most of the recipes. It also includes QR codes linking to a video of how to make the recipe. It’s a great gift for a beginner cook.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Tastes Better from Scratch, LLC for this ARC, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Nina F, Reviewer
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Do you love cooking? I do! But sometimes I get in a rut with my recipes I choose for dinner and honestly I am not the best at coming up with stuff on the fly. This cook book is really interesting to me and I will for sure be making some of the recipes from it. There are easy handhelds aka sandwiches and tacos, breakfast, dinner, soups, and deserts. The cool thing for me is the QR Codes in the cook book because they will take you to a video detailing the cooking for you.
A lot of the recipes are quick and easy. I love that most are not heavy with spices so that my daughter will eat them. I will be for sure enjoying this cookbook. Thank you to Lauren Allen for the #gifted digital copy.
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Kaylene M, Reviewer
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I will definitely be buying this cookbook when it is released, the recipes were simple and easy to follow. Great for quick and easy dinners. I loved that each recipe had a picture and I appreciated the notes for storing leftovers and freezing instructions. That will be helpful for someone like me who is only cooking for 2! None of the recipes were very crazy or challenging. I sometimes like a challenge when cooking but there are plenty of busy weeks where I'd like something easy and straightforward and this cookbook is perfect for that!
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Featured Reviews
Michelle F, Reviewer
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This cookbook is WONDERFUL! Gorgeous photographs accompany these recipes. It's always frustrating when cookbooks don't give you visuals to what you're supposed to be making, but this one not only gives you pictures of the finished products, but also includes a QR code that links to videos to show how each is made. I have never seen that before in a cookbook and is possibly the best feature here. I would absolutely buy a finished copy and recommend this book.
Thank you so much to Greenleaf Book Group for making this available to review on NetGalley.
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Adabelle O, Reviewer
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This is the perfect beginner cookbook for every casual cook. Allen gives us recipes for every type of recipe you could want as a beginner. We get beautiful fluffy pancakes, and breads to spaghetti, tacos, and so many varieties of chicken. I love this book because even if you're not a regular cook, the recipes are easy, and have a variety of flavors to try while not requiring many things that you wouldn't already have stocked in your home.
I am always looking for something unique in a cookbook that will make me want to add it to my already large collection. This book made me realize that it is a great staple cookbook to have in your collection if you don't already have the basics covered. It's probably best suited for people who don't have a lot of time to dedicate to cooking, like the writer themself, a busy mom. There are a lot of recipes that utilize store seasoning packets to make life a little easier while adding flavor to dishes. I absolutely loved that there are QR codes for further visual guides with a good chunk of these recipes as well.
The book is beautiful and very user friendly. I'm excited to try some of these recipes and see how they compare to how I usually prepare some of these dishes.
Thank you Netgalley, Lauren Allen, and Greenleaf Book Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
4 STARS!
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Victoria R, Reviewer
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Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
The recipes in this cookbook are all very accessible and tasty looking. How do I know they look tasty? Because there are pictures of each one! Finally…an author and publisher who understands that the maxim “you eat with your eyes” exists for a reason — because it’s the truth.
The only reason why I’m not giving this 5 stars is the formatting was a bit rough. Hopefully that gets fixed on the ebook version before final printing.
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Donna R, Reviewer
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A cookbook for those who prefer to eat in, make homemade and those who enjoy cooking and food. And although the recipes are quite basic that is the appeal as then anyone can use it and cook homemade.
Great recipes, tasty photos. The recipes are practical, easy to use and follow, the ingredients are ones we can all get and this makes in a great book for anyone and everyone.
I am not into QR Codes but for those who are this is a great addition to the book and could help with further information, videos, etc!
Great cookbook and can't wait to make Biscuits and Gravy (memories), the Black Bean Burgers sounds tasty and healthy, French Dip Sandwiches (again this brings back childhood memories for me) And the Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls - YUM! Love all the soups and of course you can't finish a meal without a good dessert. First up Peanut Butter Bars and then German Chocolate Cake.
Oh I am hungry now... I off to try some new recipes!
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Reviewer 803630
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Yum! The recipes in this book are absolutely mouthwatering! It’s full of original, scrummy ideas, all of which are perfectly doable in your own home. I love that there are healthy twists on classics - things that we all love to eat, but made from scratch, using simple healthy ingredients. There’s something in here for everyone, from breakfast pancakes, to soups and sides, to homemade pies. Each recipe has clear step by step instructions, and there’s a photo for every single recipe in the book, so you know exactly what you’re aiming for. A lot of the recipes don’t need too many ingredients, are easily achievable in your own kitchen, and there’s a wide variety to suit all tastes. Would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and Netgalley for an eARC of this book to read and review
This cookbook by Lauren Allen has the best of her recipes from her website.
The recipes are well laid out and neatly labeled by Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield & Ingredients.
Useful information on substitution and how to freeze is provided.
Each recipe has a photo of the dish. Some have a QR code for a video of the preparation.
Recipes cover breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts.
Some international recipes are outlined as well.
This ARC looks like a good addition to anybody's kitchen.
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Jane M, Reviewer
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This was a refreshing and very practical cookbook.Almost every recipe I would definitely try and will probably make.It was a fabulous read.
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Librarian 982421
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I think this is a great book for anyone who wants a nice variety of recipes and who might be new to cooking.
Pros:
I loved that each recipe had a picture with it. I can’t stand when only some recipes have pictures. It helps to visualize the recipe and give you an idea whether you’re interested in the recipe without reading through it.
All the recipes seemed pretty simple. Nothing gave the impression that there were unnecessary steps.
I liked all the tips and information provided with the recipes.
The variety was great. You could find some version of various cuisines in this book.
Cons:
None
I think this is a great book and I recommend that people try it out. There’s no doubt everyone can find at least one recipe that interests them.
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Alyssa M, Reviewer
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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a nice recipe book!
I could see this being helpful for beginner cooks. There's a variety of recipes for different meals. I was hoping for more pictures of the finished foods, but there's not a ton. The book is in cups instead of grams which is helpful for us Americans. The book focuses on making food from ingredients and building meals from scratch. Some of the recipes require a bit of up-front prep, but are generally accessible and not super time intensive.
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Susan H, Reviewer
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This is a wonderful cookbook for the beginning cook or the busy parent. It contains beautiful photos of the dishes.
Starting with breakfast recipes, recipes are mostly simple, with clear ingredient lists and instructions. The recipe selections also include muffins and breads, dinner, soups, salads and sides, and desserts. Interestingly, the dessert list not only includes cookies, pies, and cakes, but there are recipes for caramel popcorn, fudge, and specialty Rice Krispy treats.
The one recipe that I'm going to try first is the chicken gyros. They look simple and delicious.
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Reviewer 891453
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I love Lauren's instagram account and I was very excited to read her first cookbook. There are 116 recipes in the book and include a little of everything. Every recipe has gorgeous photos, along with QR codes. I appreciate that Lauren included the prep time, cook time and serving size. I highly recommend this cookbook.
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Lindsey W, Reviewer
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This is the cookbook I've been looking for! Every single recipe is practical, not overcomplicated, family friendly, uses easily accessible ingredients, etc. There are a lot of great staples in the book - so it'd be great for someone just setting out on their own and looking for a place to start cooking. I think I'd be willing to try every single recipe in this book, which, for a cookbook, is a great asset. Lovely simple photos and minimalist design. I'm especially excited for trying out the recipes for breakfast casserole, skinny banana bread, chicken gyros, one-pan fajitas, zuppa toscana, and pumpkin cookies! I loved this cookbook!
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Joy R, Reviewer
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The use of the QR codes throughout the book was INGENIOUS! I can't believe I never thought of this being used in cook books. It's especially helpful for someone like me, as some of the codes link you to Lauren's Youtube channel and SHOWS you the process of cooking. This is super helpful for an absolute dunce in the kitchen like me!
Photography plays a huge part in how much I enjoy cookbooks and the photograph in this book was brilliant! Totally not underused, simple and beautiful. Same goes for the actual recipes, simple and easy to follow for my very simple cooking mind!
Congratulations on writing such a wonderful booK!
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Librarian 1026345
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There were many recipes in this book that I would like to try. Too much of what I eat is prepackaged or frozen. I want to switch to cooking more from scratch and this cookbook looks like a great place to start my journey.
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Kim B, Reviewer
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This is a scrumptious and useful everyday cookbook that everyone from new cook to experienced cook can utilize and enjoy! Filled with familiar and comforting recipes that we all enjoy, this book makes preparing our meals completely from scratch easy to do.
In this book the reader will find recipes for spaghetti sauce made completely from scratch and it’s not much more time consuming than opening a jar, to Banana Bread Bars; a fresh take on favorite snack. There are so many recipes I can’t wait to try out like Pad Thai, Butter Chicken, One Pan Jambalaya and Navajo Tacos with fry bread, no need to wait for a restaurant or street fair to enjoy these dishes.
There are other unique twists on old favorites like Teriyaki Pasta Salad, Baked Potato Salad and Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats.
Every meal of the day is included in this book, from breakfast to after dinner dessert and every meal in between. And every recipe includes a beautiful photo!
One very unique and helpful addition to this cookbook is the QR codes providing access to an instructional video for many of the recipes.
This will be a great gift for anyone and don’t forget to treat yourself when this book is available for purchase on September 27, 2022.
Thank you NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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Cindi A, Reviewer
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While this book is good for many people, it’s super for new cooks! IT’s got the basics and is easily followed as you go through the recipes. If you’re an experienced cook, you can enjoy the recipes as well.
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joyce l, Reviewer
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For those who want to cook but don’t want to be overwhelmed by complexity, this book is a nice resource. Inside are over 100 recipes, all of which are illustrated, and have easy to follow directions.
Inside are recipes for breakfast, a section on muffins and breads which is then followed by suggestions for dinners, soups, salads and sides, and desserts. A sample from each section: Easy Homemade Scones, Pumpkin Bread, Baked Ziti, Corn Chowder, Baked Potato Salad and Peach Cobbler.
There are q codes for additional help. I also like that at the top of the page for each recipe prep time, cook time, total time and recipe yield are all listed.
This book would make a great gift for someone just learning to cook, even if that person is you. There is enough here for weeks of cooking. The author is a mom of four so she knows the importance of getting those meals out. Those who use this book will meet all of the family.
#TastesBetterFromScratchCookbook #NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
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Jen L, Reviewer
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I loved Lauren's cookbook! As a mom of two kids myself, I am always looking for delicious, easy and quick recipes for my family. This cookbook had so many wonderful recipes that I can't wait to try! I think the Taco Pie or Creamy White Chicken Chili are first on my list. I appreciated that she gave tips throughout the book, including substitutions and freezing directions. I also love the QR codes that link to a video! This is a book that I would definitely purchase for others as a gift, especially new moms!
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Patty L, Reviewer
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This recipe book is SOLID. As someone with food allergies, it's sometimes difficult to sort through what ingredients hide the allergen culprits, but this author has done a phenomenal job of actually showing the ingredients from scratch, with only a few potential issues (which have substitutes anyway!).
I sincerely cannot wait to make EVERY. SINGLE. THING. in this book. It looks as dependable as my ancient Better Homes and Gardens cook book and add trustworthy as King Arthur's Internet stash of baking recipes.
I especially love the instructional pictures.
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Debra G, Reviewer
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Tastes Better From Scratch
Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Everyday Life
Lauren Allen
This cookbook is pretty basic. I already cook almost everything from scratch however this is a much needed cookbook for beginners. Recipes should be simple enough for beginners to understand and the steps should be easy. Author Lauren Allen has done a great service to families by creating this book.
The recipes have prep time, cook time, total time, yield and ingredients. There is a photo of each dish and some have a video showing how to prepare the dish. There are recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t forget the desserts! The tips and suggestions are invaluable! I will hang on to this one.
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Tam S, Reviewer
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Loaded with recipes.
As with most cookbooks, there are sections in the front of the book that explain about the author and the book. This cookbook has sections on Introduction, How to Use the Book, A Few Tips for Confidence in the Kitchen, and A Word on Picky Eaters.
The recipes are divided into the following sections, and I have included an example of a recipe from that section.
Each recipe includes an ingredient list, instructions, prep time, cook time, total time, and yield. In addition, where appropriate, the author includes Lauren’s tips, how to freeze, storing leftovers, make ahead, and if the recipe was for the grill, the author includes how to cook in the oven. I found the information to be valuable. I did find most of the recipes to be familiar ones, but with a few additions via the ingredients or the way it was prepared.
I made the Peach Cobbler that was included in the book. The ingredient list was simple, and the instructions were easy to understand and follow. The cobbler was delicious, and tasted better than any that I had had in a restaurant. There is definitely something to say about cooking from scratch.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
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Reviewer 965940
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Absolutely loved this recipe book and all the new things I want to try!
Will be gifting this to all of the households in my life
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Lou W, Reviewer
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Although I am an experienced cook and from the UK, I have followed Lauren Allen for a while now as she has an easy way of simplifying things and coming up with great ideas to make cooking for a family easier. This book follows on totally from her blog. Although I think it would primarily appeal to someone who is new to cooking or who doesn't usually make things from scratch, I also think it has something for everyone and I am planning to try several of the recipes that I haven't already.
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Lisa J, Reviewer
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance reader's copy of this book.
This cookbook is phenomenal! I was already a fan of the author's website and had cooked several of her recipes. I found her website when I was looking for a recipe to cook my first Thanksgiving turkey dinner in 2020, because we weren't traveling to my mother-in-law's house due to Covid. It turned out so amazing and was such a gorgeous turkey that I posted it on my Instagram page and the author included my post in her stories! I signed up for her meal plan e-mails and regularly visit her website when I'm looking for a new recipe. This book, however, is a much better resource because so many incredible recipes are all gathered in one place. She has a recipe for basically everything you would want to cook! I found tons of new ones that I want to try, and I know they'll be amazing. I highly recommend this cookbook and will be purchasing a print copy to keep on my shelf.
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Donna K, Reviewer
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Easy to follow recipes with detailed instructions. Love it when you include pictures. First book I’ve seen that has freezing instructions. Plenty of recipes I want to try.
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Danielle D, Reviewer
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A very informative and great recipe book. Love the great categories and recipes. A lot of them that I plan to make. Love how simple and easy most of these are, too. It's not too complicated for a beginner.
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Amanda D, Reviewer
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This cookbook is from a mom of four, and I love that the recipes, where applicable, include Make-Ahead Instructions, Freezing Instructions, Ingredient Tips and Substitutions, and/or Variations. There is a couple of pages of tips for confidence in the kitchen (tools and ingredients), and a "word on pickup eaters."
Chapters are Breakfast, Muffins and Breads, Dinner, Soup, Salads and Sides, and Dessert. Recipes list prep and cook time and servings and have a full-color photo.
I appreciate that the recipes are food that sounds good, with available and accessible ingredients, and most of the recipes fit on one page (so not tons and tons of steps). None of the recipes in here seem revolutionary as something new, but the photos and descriptions make me feel like they'd be a great version of things my family is already familiar with or enjoys.
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Darlene M, Reviewer
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I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Author is a busy mom too. With real life, family-focused meals made from healthy and frugal ingredients is a must. Tips on freezing as well as substitutions for ingredients you may not have on stock come in handy. Recommending for anyone who works outside the home wanting home cook experience and for busy families needing tips and information to make dinner hour easier.
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Cassandra G, Reviewer
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A NIce cooking Book that came with nice Pictures and some easy recipes. It also came along with some good stories. So when you get a chance give it a try and enjoy.
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Dani B, Reviewer
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I'm a self-proclaimed cookbook hoarder so I got excited to see one as a Read Now choice. This one sounded right up my alley being it is all about cooking from scratch rather than buying processed equivalents. The introductions in the beginning were nice; Typical cookbook things here like author intro, best kitchen tools and notes, etc. The chapters are laid out mostly by meal: Breakfast, Muffins and Breads, Dinner, Soup, Salads and Sides, Dessert. Each recipe page shows ingredients and instructions beside each other. The Instructions are all straightforward, simple to follow and thorough. This book appears as it will be super easy to use!
Some of my favorite things:
Each page is laid out with prep time, cook time, total time and yield right at the top of the page.
Pictures with every recipe! This is a huge positive aspect for me (as I'm sure it is with many others as well)
Love the Make ahead & Freezer tips (<which also come with thaw/reheat/cook follow up tips)! I'll likely keep a few of the freezer tips in my back pocket for when I make large batches of these types of dishes or meals.
A heads up for those with dietary preferences: most of the recipes don't fall in line with any specific 'diet' types. There is all-purpose flour, breads, pastas, milk, buttermilk, butter, other dairy ingredients, vegetable oils and refined sugars used throughout. For me personally, I'd have to make a lot of subs to work with these recipes but that's not going to be true for everyone. I likely won't use this cookbook in my own kitchen BUT I can appreciate how it is laid out, presented and photographed.
This will be an all-around great choice for many home cooks. I very much enjoyed flipping through all the recipes for new ideas and tips. Beautiful photos, well laid out and straightforward with a large variety of amazing-looking recipes!
Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the copy to read and review.
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Infinite B, Reviewer
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This was an EXCELLENT book. The recipes are yummy and easy to make. Every recipe is accompanied with a photo which makes the process easier. I love it!
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Danielle D, Reviewer
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I would recommend this cookbook for a beginner in the kitchen or someone who has a busy lifestyle. It has gorgeous photos with simple classic recipes that are easy to follow. Most recipes in this book are staples in my household like waffles, banana bread, beef stew and chicken noodle soup. This is a perfect book to gift someone who is just starting out.
Also, the QR codes were a nice addition to the recipes and helped with suggested meal plans, shopping lists and videos for preparation.
I want to thank NetGalley, Lauren Allen and Greenleaf Book Group, Tastes Better from Scratch, LLC for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
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Mary Allison P, Reviewer
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Tastes Better From Scratch
Author: Lauren Allen
Cookbook & eARC Review
Release Date: September 27, 2022
My Rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️
What a beautiful freaking cookbook! While my version was electronic, I most definitely will be buying a hard copy for my kitchen.
First off, the recipes. They were delicious, well curated, and extremely easy to follow. So many I will be making here at home. The recipes are perfect for quick and easy meals, families on the go, or someone just wanting to branch out in the kitchen. I am looking forward to the breakfast casserole and pumpkin bread!
My next praise - the styling of the cookbook! It really was beautifully done. The color selection, font, etc. were perfect for this style of cookbook. The images were also perfect. They matched the recipes so well, were great quality, and beautifully staged. I personally loved the family photos thrown in. It gave the cookbook a more home-y, personal feel.
The last few things I want to brag on - the QR codes and the tips! This is the first time I’ve seen QR codes in a cookbook and it’s such a genius idea! Definitely gets you more bang for your buck. Additionally, the little tips on each recipe like “how to freeze”, “how to store”, and so on were very useful. In my opinion, the author really thought of everything when writing this cookbook.
I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this cookbook! I love forward to more of her books.
Thank you NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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Reviewer 658509
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This is the cookbook you need to have! It has most of America's favorite recipes and comfort foods. From waffles and pancakes, muffins and breads, dinners, soups and salads to desserts! I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
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Lisa N, Reviewer
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This is such a gorgeous cookbook! I love that there are photos along with each recipe, giving you a visual depiction of the finished product. I appreciated the helpful tips on what you can do if you’re short on time, and ways to prepare some things in advance to speed up the cooking process. I also loved the additional information given on how to store leftovers (fridge and freezer). One unique feature was the QR links to watch a video on how to prepare the recipe, that I think would be especially helpful for beginning bakers/cooks.
I highly recommend this beautiful cookbook, for newbies as well as seasoned cooks/bakers. Many thanks to Greenleaf publishing, as well as Netgalley, for the opportunity to read and review this cookbook.
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Nancy B, Reviewer
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I am a cookbook fanatic and the cookbook Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook is fantastic!
It is divided into sections : Breakfast - Muffins and Breads - Dinner - Soup - Salads and Sides and Desserts. Each of the sections is filled with gorgeous mouth-watering photos of the recipes. There was such a great mixture of recipes that I am sure there are many to choose from even if they all do not fit your families’ tastes.
I have already picked out so many of the recipes from this cookbook. Breakfast Casserole is on the menu for this next weekend. I am excited to make this easy recipe for the family. I know they will like it. The next morning, I will be making the German pancakes! This recipe sounds yummy!
I was so happy to see a recipe for Texas Sheet cake in the cookbook. This recipe was the one my Mom always made when I was growing up. And see the beautiful photo made my heart sing!
I can not wait to get this cookbook on my shelf.
Thank you NetGalley, Lauren Allen and Greenleaf Book Group for the ARC of Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook. This is my personal review.
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Linda S, Librarian
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TASTES BETTER FROM SCRATCH COOKBOOK by Lauren Allen lives up to its subtitle's promise of offering "Easy Recipes for Everyday Life." There are too many recipes to list them all, but here are just a few to give you an idea of the breadth of choice: Pumpkin Bread, Pad Thai, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Artichoke Dip, Apple Crisp, and German Chocolate Cake. Allen includes an appetizing photograph for almost every recipe and the presentation is streamlined and easy to follow. Both prep time and cooking time are noted, along with ingredients and numbered instructions. Often she will add suggestions for making ahead or freezing. Nutritional information is not listed.
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Angela W, Reviewer
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I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This would be a great cookbook if you want to make really good versions of basic recipes, the kind where you can find all of the ingredients at a regular grocery store and where you don't need a lot of fancy equipment.
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Melissa P, Reviewer
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Are you tired of cookbooks where you have to go out and buy jars of fancy ingredients and spices that you will never use again?
Are you tired of paging through a cookbook and not finding one recipe that you think would appeal to your family?
Tastes Better From Scratch is the answer for you!
This is a cookbook with many basics, but also enough variety to please even picky eaters and challenge them to venture out of their comfort zones. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice, you'll appreciate these recipes. Breakfasts, Main Dishes, Soups, Salads, Desserts, this book has it all.
As a bonus, there are also QR codes with most of the recipes that take you to a video of the preparation, which is so helpful for more visual learners who like to see how the recipe is prepared. The book itself does have many full color photos, and some (like with the cinnamon rolls) have some step by step photos to follow for preparation.
Whether you're looking to make Pumpkin Bread or S'mores Bars, Creamy White Chicken Chili or Slow Cooker Ribs, this book will become a family favorite for everyday recipes.
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Erica B, Reviewer
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Great color pictures accompany well-written recipes. This book offers both new and casual cooks a good foundation of basic recipes. Many recipes are also accompanied by notes and tips, such as how to store leftovers, how to make the recipe ahead of time, etc.
One thing I particularly liked was that each recipe listed the prep time, cook time, total time, and yield right at the top of each recipe. And most of the recipes come together in under an hour, making this a great resource for weeknight cooking.
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Kate T, Reviewer
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I believe there is not one single recipe in this book that my family wouldn't like. Uncomplicated recipes using easily obtained ingredients is a busy cooks dream. Pad Thai to stroganoff, all recipes look delicious.
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Kati B, Reviewer
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This is a great cookbook for simple dishes with easy to get ingredients. I am an experienced cook and have many similar recipes, but still found a few new ones I would make. I recommend this cookbook for beginner cooks who would learn how to prepare wholesome healthy meals.
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Laura S, Reviewer
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I love this cookbook! I have been craving some more winter and fall, hearty recipes if you will and Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook was exactly what I was looking for. This recipes aren’t pretentious or overly complicated. They are tried and trued classics that you and your family will want to eat for dinner.
What sets this cookbook apart from others is the variations: what to make ahead, how to freeze, storing leftovers, Lauren’s tips, healthier swaps, fun twists, and quicker tips. I already have our family’s meal plan set for next week, all with recipes out of this book!
I would absolutely buy this cookbook as a gift, and would buy a physical copy to keep on my shelf. I highly recommend Tastes Better From Scratch!
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Julie H, Reviewer
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Tastes Better From Scratch Cookbook - Easy Recipes for Everyday Life by Lauren Allen is a wonderful cookbook. I would guess about half of the recipes are my old recipes I used to cook all the time 40 some years ago! They seem to be pretty much identical to what I made. Some I haven’t made in many years, so I am looking forward to having them again. These are simple recipes with standard ingredients, which is what I like. Anyone could make these regardless of their cooking skills. Beautiful photos of each recipe are included along with a QR code to a video that shows you how to prepare the recipe. What a great idea! I think this is the one go-to cookbook every cook should have in their kitchen. I can’t wait to have some of my old favorites like Zuppa Toscana and Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group & NetGalley for the free copy of this wonderful ebook.
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September A, Reviewer
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Got a copy of this from NetGalley. What’s fun is I had tried to win this in a Goodreads giveaway. The recipes are a wide range from breakfast, lunch, dinner, soups, and desserts. I really can’t wait to try some
Of them. I’ll post more once I’ve tried them.
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Love-Leigh Books ., Reviewer
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Chocked full of recipes for everyday use!•
Really liked this cookbook. The recipes are detailed but in a simplistic way so they are very easy to read and follow. Recipes themselves are what I would consider “good to know” types, nothing too extravagant just basic recipes that are great to have on hand. There is a large selection of recipes with it containing about 123 recipes and they include my favorite feature of all which are the pictures that accompany each recipes.
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Shasta M, Bookseller
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This is a nice book for a beginner. It has a lot of common recipes, and a great variety too. I liked the tips in the beginning, and the stories and pictures were sweet too. I appreciate that most of the recipes do not have an abundance of ingredients. Most seem like quick fixes as well. I found a few that I’ll give a try, some I’ve already got my preferences for (but may try from this book too).
Overall this is a solid cookbook!
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KindleLover 1, Reviewer
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The recipes in this cookbook are pretty simple and easy. It’s helpful that there are pictures that accompany the recipes. Helpful tips are added also. I like the freezing option that goes with most of the recipes. It also includes QR codes linking to a video of how to make the recipe. It’s a great gift for a beginner cook.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Tastes Better from Scratch, LLC for this ARC, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Nina F, Reviewer
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Do you love cooking? I do! But sometimes I get in a rut with my recipes I choose for dinner and honestly I am not the best at coming up with stuff on the fly. This cook book is really interesting to me and I will for sure be making some of the recipes from it. There are easy handhelds aka sandwiches and tacos, breakfast, dinner, soups, and deserts. The cool thing for me is the QR Codes in the cook book because they will take you to a video detailing the cooking for you.
A lot of the recipes are quick and easy. I love that most are not heavy with spices so that my daughter will eat them. I will be for sure enjoying this cookbook. Thank you to Lauren Allen for the #gifted digital copy.
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Kaylene M, Reviewer
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I will definitely be buying this cookbook when it is released, the recipes were simple and easy to follow. Great for quick and easy dinners. I loved that each recipe had a picture and I appreciated the notes for storing leftovers and freezing instructions. That will be helpful for someone like me who is only cooking for 2! None of the recipes were very crazy or challenging. I sometimes like a challenge when cooking but there are plenty of busy weeks where I'd like something easy and straightforward and this cookbook is perfect for that!
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