A review of Cook Like Your Ancestors by Mariah-Rose Marie

 

I recently read an e-galley provided by the publisher and I’m excited to get my own copy and try the recipes in Cook Like Your Ancestors (published Nov. 2023).

This vibrantly illustrated cookbook written by Mariah-Rose Marie from Silver Sprocket focuses on plant-based recipes using the laid back historical measuring system of spoonfuls, handfuls and pinches rather than tsp, tblsp, ounce etc. My science brain may take a moment to adjust to this, but the recipes from around the world look flavorful. Fingers crossed! My family tried a broccoli French bread pizza recipe (from another source) last night and it tasted healthy, but fairly bland. We’re not a bland bunch and it's nice to get another plant-based recipe in our rotation.

If you're someone who cooks a lot, the information on basic utensils and ingredients may be basic, but it's nice for those who who are newer cooks.

I am chuckling a bit at the title because my ancestors were definitely not plant-based eaters. When my husband and I made this choice, my mom was convinced it was a passing fad, and an unhealthy one at that! Perhaps Cook Like My Ancestors for the author's enlightened family.

My gripe with the approach in the cookbook is that there is no nutrition information accompanying the recipes. I know it’s hard, since people’s “handfuls” may be different, but an expected range would be helpful.  I usually look for salt content first before I try a new recipe to see if it’s in the healthy salt range, or something that would be more of a “treat.” 

I'm not familiar with the author's other work (she's prolific in print and television media) so my reaction is based solely on the provided book. FYI - the book is fairly short as cookbooks go at approx 100 pages. You can go to a bricks and mortar store and quickly browse to see if this book is for you!