Denise Hazime

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Callisto publishing. My unbiased review is voluntary.

What could be better than a 5-ingredient cookbook! In all fairness, the recipes rely primarily on the herbs and seasonings which are not included as “ingredients” on the list. The book stresses quality over quantity for this precise reason. It is organized like a typical cookbook starting with snacks, soups and salads before moving into vegetables, rice, pasta and breads. Then, poultry, meat and seafood are listed with desserts in last place.

What I found helpful was a review of pantry items including spices and dry goods. If you enjoy Mediterranean foods then this booms is for you. Quick and easy recipes are provided so you can enjoy fantastic cuisine everyday.
… (altro)

This book simplifies what is already simple food and in the process makes it really dull. There are so many good Mediterranean cookbooks (even a slew of 5-Ingredient ones), you don't need this one.

The book lacks a map of the Mediterranean and a good discussion of the variations on a theme found in the many Mediterranean cultures.

The pantry section is dismal. Earlier Ms Hazine talks about authenticity but then includes nutmeg and allspice, which arrived on the Med from the spice islands. The bit about smoked, Hungarian, and Spanish paprika being interchangeable is nuts. Paprika, regardless of origin is hot or sweet (mild). Smoked paprika tastes nothing like unsmoked. Rice is listed and many kinds of rice are mentioned but they are not explained, which will surely confuse a novice cook. Dry beans aren't mentioned, only canned. And quinoa is not even close to being authentic Mediterranean. As with the spices, it's fine to include exotics in the book but don't make a point of saying that your recipes are authentic.

As you can tell by now, I am not impressed by this book. Give it a miss.

I received a review copy of "5-Ingredient Mediterranean Cookbook" by Denise Hazime from the publisher Rockridge Press.… (altro)

5 Ingredient Mediterranean Cookbook 101 easy and flavorful recipes for every day by Denise Hazime
Like the idea of this book because it'd be how we already eat and I'm always looking for new recipes.
Starts with a dedication and then introduction about what the diet is and the different favors of the diet.
Concentrates on all aspects of this diet/lifestyle. Has medium size color photographs throughout.
A 7" x 9" book that will lay flat when you open it on the table.
Like the section about quality over quantity because it talks about all the spices and other food groups that incorporate this diet and a short paragraph about why each are important.
Short explanation about how to use the book and the labels that are also included for each recipe. Lots of categories to choose from.
Start of a chapter shows a full page color photo, index on the next page along with a brief summary of this section.
Each recipe starts with a title, suitable diet plans: vegan, vege, gluten free, etc
Servings, prep and cook time are included and a brief tip about the recipe.
List of ingredients are listed and there are only 5 of them. There are NO pictures for individual recipes.
Directions are given and it also comes with other tips and how to store.
Nutritional information per serving: calories, protein, total carbs, sugars, fiber, total fat, sat. fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Love that this book has all that information and there are NO pictures.
Found several recipes that have more than 5 ingredients listed but they are usually all the herbs and spices.
I would also substitute a can of tomatoes for fresh ones.
I would also substituent iceberg lettuce for Romaine, just more nutritious according to our nutritionist.
Like how each recipe starts at the top of a new page.
Lots of space around the recipe to write your own notes and there are conversion charts listed at the back of the book.
Index is also included. Acknowledgements and about the author are also included.
I received this review copy from The Callisto Publisher's Club and this is my honest opinion.… (altro)