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I am back today to share another cookbook review. If you missed it, back in January I shared my thoughts on True Comfort from Kristin Cavallari (currently on sale for $10.48!). You can see the full post here, if you'd like to check it out. Spoiler alert - I am a big fan of that cookbook.
Another cookbook I am a big fan of? Magnolia Table from Joanna Gaines. Like many people, I was a big fan of Fixer Upper. So much so, that my mom and I road tripped down to Waco to check out the Silos. And it was awesome!
When I found out Joanna had a cookbook coming out, I was super excited about it, and knew I wanted a copy. I got it, poured through it, and then it sat untouched for a bit. When I realized that I had yet to make a recipe from it, I made it one of my monthly goes to do just that, and I am so glad I did!
Before I get to the recipes, though, let me back up and talk about the cookbook in general.
I was smittened by this cookbook just reading the introduction. I feel like she took my feelings about cooking, and put it on paper. I got to the recipes and that feeling just grew. There were SO MANY recipes I wanted to try, and SO MANY recipes that seemed so 'real'. Because let's be honest, some cookbooks are filled with recipes that while they may sound good, once you hit the ingredient section, and the instructions, you think to yourself ok....maybe this doesn't sound as good as I thought, haha! Or sometimes, even the recipe name is a bit intimidating. To me, this is not that cookbook. Sure, there are some more involved recipes, but there are also recipes that use 'cream of' soup, which is never a bad thing in my mind. What I am trying to say, is that if you are looking for a cookbook that is full of good recipes, with approachable recipes, this is it.
Ok, onto the recipes I have made!
Three-Cheese Quiche. This quiche was super yummy, and super easy to make. While there is a pie crust recipe in the cookbook, I used store bought (which is also listed as an option in the recipe), which made it come together in no time. This was perfect for brunch, and reheated for an easy dinner the following day.
After-School Banana Bread. To be honest, I am not the best at making banana bread. Even if I follow the recipe perfectly, if it is a loaf, I almost always under bake it. When I saw this was in an 8x8 pan, I thought, huh, maybe this is one I won't under bake. And sure enough, it turned out so good! It might have something to do with the sugar you sprinkle all over the top, but goodness gracious, this is delicious. And another easy one! I did omit the nuts - when I was making this for the first time, I was making it for friends, some of whom have nut allergies - but I am sure it is great with them. I will say, we all loved it with out. So much so, that at least two of the girls purchased the cookbook having the banana bread (and chocolate chip cookies - more on those later!).
Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. This is one of my all time favorite recipes! I have lost count of how many times I have made these. They are goooood! And easy to throw together, too. And easy to freeze. I often split a recipe into two smaller pans (usually 8x8), one to make and one to freeze. Joanna has a Mexican Rice recipe, which I still need to try, but she also recommends pairing it with Knorr Mexican Rice. I go the Knorr route, but opt for the Taco flavor. SO GOOD! And another that reheats super well, too.
Baked Chicken with Bacon Bottom & Wild Rice. Oh my stars, this was delicious! The need for a 3 inch deep pan is no joke - this recipe makes a lot and since I didn't have a deep pan, I had to split it into two - but goodness is it good! I just remember how delicious it smelled. Comfort food to the max - I am already thinking of how good it will taste come fall/winter.
Grilled Raspberry-Chipotle Pork Tenderloin. For me, this recipe was a bit of a dud. The flavors weren't there for me, but hey, you can't win them all!
Chocolate Chip Cookies. I was told that these were the best chocolate chip cookies ever! To be honest, I am partial to my Aunt Becky's cookies, but these are huge crowd pleaser, and they are really easy to throw together. I pretty much always have the ingredients on hand, so when I have needed somewhat of a last minute dessert, these are it. Crowd pleaser, and easy...what more could you ask for?
Those are the recipes I have made thus far from Magnolia Table. As I was paging through it to ensure I included them all, I was reminded at how many others I want to give a try. I will definitely be adding to this post as I give them a go.
Minus the one recipe that wasn't my favorite (I am excluding that, because odds are out of a cookbook full of recipes, there are going to be a few you won't like, so that is to be expected, plus the others are so good they super out weigh the one bad), there is one con about this cookbook, and that is the fact that it doesn't stay open very well. I have cookbook holder that I pull out to use when cooking from this cookbook, and while it's not great, it's enough to get the job done, so I would recommend getting one, too!
So, to tie this post up, my final thoughts are that I would highly recommend this cookbook to anyone and everyone. It's chalk full of good recipes, and bonus, it has a great look too, so doubles as great kitchen decor. With Mother's Day just around the corner, it would make a great gift, too!
If you have made any of the Magnolia Table recipes, I'd love to hear which ones! I am always up for a good recommendation!
