The Daily V Review: 30 Minute Meals, by Rachael Ray
Before I begin, I want to clarify that the following critique is for the 30 Minute Meals cookbook, not the TV show.
Background: Contrary to popular belief, Rachael Ray’s career was not developed by The Food Network. 30 Minute Meals was published in 1998, in response to the cult following she developed in New York. It was published by Lake Isle Press, which was a young company at the time - 30 Minute Meals was among the first cookbooks they ever published. You might wonder why this matters - I’ll explain later in the review.
The Good:
For the most part, trends rub me the wrong way. It makes me sad to see how cooking is marketed as something trendy - something that can’t be done unless you have a lot of money or fancy equipment.. Nothing could be further from the truth. Cooking is for everyone. I believe that in order to cook (or bake) well, you only need three things: desire, patience, and confidence.
Rachael seems to share my philosophy:
“Cooking quick and easy recipes will build you a pantry and the confidence to learn to live on your own recipes. By tasting and sniffing your way through many different types of recipes… you will learn how to associate flavors and textures that complement one another.”
(Side note: Props to the editor, for knowing the difference between complement and compliment )
Speaking of side notes, Rachael Ray makes an effective use of side notes throughout this cookbook. Most recipes include a side note, with useful information such as where to buy quality olives, or what fresh fennel tastes like. It’s a creative way to include useful information.
The Bad:
Rachael Ray’s arsenal of catch phrases gets old - quickly. And it will only hurt the readers in the long run - especially those who are new to cooking . Saying “EVOO” a thousand times will not help her readers learn. She could be using her time more effectively by explaining what makes extra virgin olive oil different from regular olive oil.
The Ugly:
I won’t beat around the bush here - this cookbook does not have an index. An index is essential. Even the most experienced cooks refer to an index fairly often.
Still not convinced of how important an index is? Open a few cookbooks in your house - I challenge you to find even ONE cookbook that doesn’t have an index.
Now, this is not Rachel Ray’s fault. Her job is to write recipes, not create the layout for her books. The fault for this lies mostly with Ellen Swandiak. Swandiak was hired by Lake Isle Press to develop the layout and design of 30 Minute Meals. Swandiak made a fatal error by not including an index in this book. How did Lake Isle Press not catch this mistake? Thankfully, they learned quickly. Every Rachael Ray cookbook published thereafter has included an index.
The Daily V Bottom Line: This book has well-written recipes that anyone can make! But without an index, it may be difficult for some people to use.
Coming Soon: Turning one dough into two different cookies!
