Martha Stewart and her crack team of kitchen elves has put together a new cookbook just in time for the holidays. One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot and More is the work of the editors of her magazine, Martha Stewart Living. In the 256-page book, the culinary goddess gives her fans a spiffy, colorful and inspirational look at some old favorites and new. Each section features recipes limited to one pot: a Dutch oven, slow cooker, skillet, roasting pan, pressure cooker, or stockpot. The concept is great for achieving quick, nutritious meals on busy days.
One Pot displays a page-size picture for every recipe. I have a deep appreciation for food photos after working with a professional photographer on my cookbook, Christmas at the Mansion. Those food shots took hours to set up and required wilted items be replaced or spritzed to keep the scenes fresh and lively. I’m sure a lot of work went into getting the beautiful food shots for One Pot. I wish Stewart’s publisher had printed on a glossier stock rather than a flat finish stock. It would have given the photos more snap.
Reviewers, for the most part, spoke highly of the book and made note of their preferred recipes: Baked Risotto with Carrots and Squash; Chicken and Dumplings (I’ve not made this in years, but now have it bookmarked); Chicken and Sautéed Mushrooms; Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup; and Pork Chops with Cabbage and Bacon (one reviewer went ape over this one). Some complained there was not enough “down home” cooking included, but it appeared Stewart was going for balance.
I like that the book is easy to read, well organized, and it’s square-size fits well on a kitchen counter. Like most cookbooks the idea is to inspire us to create new and tasty dishes and One Pot certainly does that.
