2/ 🧵 /The Complete Small Plates Cookbook/ America's Test Kitchen

There are some nice things about this just-published book. There is a table at the end of the book listing every recipe and nutrition information (calories, salt, fats cholesterol, carbs, etc and protein) It is in a table format so you can glance down a column to see which recipes are low or high in that column.

Also at the end is an appendix on how long things can be made ahead, from a day or two, up to a month.

The book starts with info about using small plates, and some great menu suggestions including open house, eating on the couch, Indian tea party and weekend brunch.

The recipes are clear, well written in a readable font. Each has a section on Why This Recipe Works, and perfect pairings, what can be prepared ahead, and what accompaniments or condiments it needs. There is clear information on serves, active time and total time. I am impressed that it doesn't dumb down ingredients, using items such as black vinegar and red vinegar sauce quite casually.

The book tends to open flat except at the beginning and end - you'd need your weights here. There is no bookmark which is a red mark for a book this size. And the index looks Ok.

Recommended for entertainers, lovers of small plate meals and nibbles, and fans of scratchit meals. There are recipes from all around the world.

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1/ 🧵 /The Complete Small Plates Cookbook/ America's Test Kitchen

When the kids were teenagers we'd often eat "scratchit" meals, especially on weekends. The fridge would be raided, everything would be placed on bowls on the table, crusty bread would appear and some olive oil, and we'd sit around and chat and help ourselves.

It is a great way to eat, and oh how good it is for using up leftovers. It also meant I could cook small dishes at any time of the day, without worrying there wouldn't be enough for everyone. Small plates/Meze/Tapas style food is a lot of fun.

The Complete Small Plates Cookbook, by America's Test Kitchen
Published: 2023
Pages: 432
Publisher: America's Test Kitchen
Price: around $45AU, but look around as prices vary.An eBook is available.

Recipes: 309 recipes, around 250 of which are meat, fish and egg free. These include some sauces and dressings etc.

This book is for the "scratchit" eaters. Small plates to cook any time, eat immediately or pop in the fridge to contribute to a meal later. Salads, pies, pizzas, croquettes, fried cheeses, vegetables, finger food, dips, spreads, breads, dumplings, pastries and sweet treats.

I looked for vegetarian protein recipes, and found 2 tofu dishes, 1 with tempeh, 2 with lentils, 12 with beans and 54 with cheese. There is a chapter called Protein, but it is primarily non-veg. I am impressed there is a tempeh recipe (Seared Tempeh with Tomato Jam). I guess in total it is relatively Ok, but I would have liked seeing more.

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THIS is why design matters.

From at a glance, on the bookshelf or website...

"Cooking My Dad"

#design #graphicdesign #designers #designer #uxdesign #bookdesign #bookstadon #books #cookbooks #cooking #americastestkitchen

A rainy afternoon off means it is time to trifle with an #atk recipe. Today it is celeriac, fennel, and apple chowder.! I got to say hello to some uncommon kitchen vegetable visitors, celeriac and fennel and the test kitchen promised a creamy and delicious veggie chowder! It is indeed creamy and delicious! #food #cooking #soup #chowder #vegetariancooking #vegetarian #vegetariansoup #veggiechowder #creamy #delicious #americastestkitchen #americastestkitchenrecipe #americastestkitchenvegetarian

I had time to faff about today so that means an America’s Test Kitchen recipe. I have made potato and leek soup before (without following a recipe) and it resulted in something which tasted like a vegetable soup. Can the #atk do better? The answer is YES. The soup has a clear potato and leek flavor. Note: I did go off recipe at the end as I added some cream as I like a creamy soup! #americastestkitchen #vegetarian #americastestkitchenrecipe #food #cooking #soup #homecook

Ah, America’s Test Kitchen cooking. Everything I make from this book is phenomenal BUT the caveat is that the recipes take quadruple the time of any other version of the dish! Todays dish was a summer vegetable gratin that took over 2 hours…Yes it does taste amazing and I regret nothing. #cooking #food #vegetarian #AmericasTestKitchen #yum #squash #cheese #cook #HomeCook

Indian-Style Vegetable Curry with Potatoes and Cauliflower from #AmericasTestKitchen #ATK #Vegan #HomeCooking #SundayDinner

Thanks to America’s Test Kitchen for your help in my first foray frying haddock. I watched Ashley show Bridget how to fry fish from season 11. Dad likes haddock so we used that rather than cod. Fish came out great, but I got a little distracted and cooked the fries slightly too much. #AmericasTestKitchen #FriedHaddock

#Weekend #TV #recommendation: If you haven't seen #AmericasTestKitchen: The Next Generation, it's on #Freevee (i.e. free!) and a really terrific return to the job interview competition format, infused with ATK's warm and supportive DNA.

My review is here: https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2022/12/americas-test-kitchen-the-next-generation-amazon-freevee-review/

Whole roasted Branzino from America’s Test Kitchen #food #branzino #americastestkitchen

Brown sugar-glazed, butternut squash from America’s Test Kitchen #food #butternutsquash #americastestkitchen

When you don’t have kosher Chinese takeout where you live, you make your own.

Beef & broccoli with rice for supper. I used the #AmericasTestKitchen recipe for the stir fry (with a purchased mushroom sauce substituting for oyster sauce) and #GrowAndBehold pepper steak for the beef. Delicious.

#cooking #dinner #Mazeldon #KosherSubsitutes

#CooksCountry looks and sounds exactly like #AmericasTestKitchen, which is a-okay with me. I like a cooking show where they can say, “We’ve tried a dozen variations on this recipe, and here’s why we liked this way best.” #ScienceItWorksBitches

A friend showed me #AmericasTestKitchen reviews of the #ninjacreami and #hexclad pans, where they heavily criticised both as being essentially useless.

From my personal experience with the former and a friend's opinion of the second, I am sure they either didn't read (or completely ignored) the instructions for both.

I have generally trusted their reviews in the past, but maybe I need to revise that habit?

I don't always agree with them, but value their recommendations. And if you know a wannabe cook or baker, there might be some really good ideas for a last minute gift. #atk #americastestkitchen

The Best and Worst Gear For 2023 | Gear Heads
America's Test Kitchen

https://youtu.be/AU3mUjIF3A8

I don't always agree with them, but value their recommendations. And if you know a wannabe cook or baker, there might be some really good ideas for a last minute gift. #atk #americastestkitchen

The Best and Worst Gear For 2023 | Gear Heads
America's Test Kitchen

https://youtu.be/AU3mUjIF3A8

I hope #AmericasTestKitchen Deep Space Nom is in the pipeline

TV TONIGHT (December 9)

#GuillermoDelTorosPinocchio #Emancipation #LittleAmerica #TheMostColorfulTimeOfTheYear #PuppyPlace #AmericasTestKitchen #DreamHomeMakeover #RandomActsOfFlyness #FirstTimeFixer #WhichWayToTheStage #MoneyHeistKorea #LoveDuringLockup

http://www.tv-recaps-reviews.com/2022/12/tv-tonight-december-9.html

Was informed that the rota had shifted and I was making a meal that couldn’t do leftovers for dinner. #AmericasTestKitchen came through with Spanish Garlic Shrimp.

I would have preferred raw tomatoes to go with it over carrots but one works with what one has. The kiddo cleared her plate with many happy sounds so I guess it worked.