A cookbook is an investment, to say the very least. They’re often expensive and feel like a lifetime commitment. If I buy it, I’m using it, even if I’m not a fan of kale and tripe ragout. (<– Not a real thing. I hope.)
And let’s face it, with the internet in general and Pinterest in particular, a cookbook has to be magical to justify the cost. Typically, what I do is get the volume of interest from my local library, give it a test run, and decide whether or not to buy it from there. In this way, I became the proud owner of: Eat Like You Give a F*ck, Back In the Day Bakery Cookbook, and The Homemade Pantry. Each has become a significant contributor to the cuisine of my household.
Often, what I’ll do is go through lists of recommended cookbooks, see which ones I can get from the library, and go from there, which is what I did with Oven to Table by Jan Scott. This book in particular intrigued me because though I like cooking, I like it on my own terms, and usually whipping up something fancy at 5:00 PM on a Thursday is not what I want to do. Ever. But since I have to, I want dinner to be relatively fuss free, easy, and not too unhealthy.
In short, I want a unicorn dinner.
Now, Oven to Table claims to be a compendium of one dish recipes using sheet pans, Dutch ovens, cast iron skillets, etc. Sounds great, so I put it on my list…and waited 18 months, thanks to there being ONE copy in the state library system, COVID closures, and nine other people having the same idea as mine.
But y’all, it was worth it.
In the week that I’ve had this little gem, I’ve made five different dishes, and each has been fantastic: One Pan English Breakfast (My husband said add it to the rotation), Beer Braised Sausages with Cabbage and Potatoes (My son’s favorite.), Harvest Kale Platter Salad (I subbed spinach for kale.), Quiche with Dill and Goat cheese (Also yummy), and Spiced Pumpkin Quinoa Muffins (Healthy and delicious).
I have seven other recipes in the lineup and can’t wait to give them a try.
This book is a keeper, so check it out, but hopefully you don’t have to wait 18 months. If that’s the case, just buy it.
P.S. My daughter just walked by saying, “I hope you don’t mind that I had two.” I guess it’s a good thing I already took picture.
D. S. Dehel 