Book Review: Make the Bread, Buy the Butter

Title: Make the Bread, Buy the Butter (available here, or through your local bookseller or library)
Author: Jennifer Reese

Short Review: Worth the read.

Long(er) Review: I read this book based on a positive review on a website that I can't remember now. Guess that's how it goes when you toss something onto your Goodreads queue, since they don't have a place for you to note why it's on the list. I hope I remember where it was though, because the recommendation was spot on. Jennifer Reese has created an entertaining book, filled with analysis of which foods are worth cooking at home, and which foods aren't worth the time, effort, or expense.

This isn't a book for the amateur cook- Reese assumes a fairly high willingness to get into the kitchen, but is very honest when one of the recipes is a hassle ( or a "pain in the *ss"). She introduces each recipe with a brief story that relates to the subject, and breaks down which recipes are more difficult or more expensive. She also tells stories about products that weren't good enough to justify a change from store-bought, or were just unreasonably time consuming (like goats).

Reese has a very entertaining voice, and the book has a good ratio of story to recipe. It's also nice to have an analysis of when it really isn't worth doing something unless it's fun: Reese rates some of her more complex cheese making as a hobby. You don't do it because it's cheaper or easier than going to the store, you do it because you enjoy the process.

If you enjoy cooking and reading about cooking, but have perhaps felt a little overwhelmed by the idea that everything is tastier and better for you if you make it from scratch, this is a great book.

*All opinions in this review are my own. I was not compensated for providing my opinions or provided with this book to review. *