Anna Shepard

Thank you to Olwen Woodier, Storey Publishing, and Storey Publishing, LLC for this free honest reviewer copy of "The Pesto Cookbook: 116 Recipes for Creative Herb Combinations and Dishes Bursting with Flavor."

This cookbook does exactly what I love best in single-focus cooking books -- it starts out with a detailed reflection on how the author has used pesto in their life, and then delves into where all the ingredients of pesto originated from and what it's furthest researchable origins for the pesto is itself, too.

I madly adore the by-region sections about the pesto, the advice on hot grow herbs for pesto (even in the winter!), and even the introduction and focus on getting everyone into using a mortar and pestle on a common happenstance.

I can't wait for my hard copy of this to join my kitchen books!… (meer)

For about a year this was a 'will I/won't I' book for me. The premise seemed interesting, and there were some good reviews, but every time I saw the powder pink cover I thought 'fluffy greenwash' and didn't even consider buying it. But then I spied a copy at the library and thought I would give it a go.
And I am glad I did. Despite the title and packaging, this is actually an interesting, informative look at eco-issues for the modern, urban, 'non-crunchy' woman. While I don't agree with every one of Shepard's conclusions, I found her writing style engaging and it felt as though she really thought issues through and researched them, rather than throwing some 'eco-cliches' together for the sake of getting a book deal.
Organised in twelve chapters with themes for each month, Shepard looks into different issues such as travel, composting, shopping, clothing and many other things. There is a 'sources and directory' at the back of the book which is packed with websites (some of which may be of little use for readers outside of the UK) and the index is well set out as well.
Overall - this is a great read, that manages to be informative and entertaining at the same time. Ignore the twee title and packaging, and you may find some sources of green change you can embrace.… (meer)