
I've been a long time fan of Heidi Swanson and her magical kitchen abilities. Heidi is author of the blog 101 Cookbooks, where she tests recipes from other cookbooks, as well as her own recipes that she's testing out. Her 2007 release Super Natural Cooking has been a go-to book in my kitchen for years, but whats more is that it's an inspirational book that reads like a perfectly edited journal - lacking any rambling. I've read it in bed a number of times and I can certainly attest to the delicous dreams that ensue!
Super Natural Cooking was Heidi's introduction to creating meals with natural ingredients as well as super foods. She offers a helpful guide to making the switch of pantry items - whole grains, natural sweeteners and cooking oils - in the beginning of the book. At the top of each recipe Heidi delivers a quick story on her experience with the recipe or a tip on increasing the success of the meal.
SUPER NATURAL EVERY DAY has been in the works for the past few years and was released just last month. The concept behind SNED is a collection of recipes that Heidi has incorporated into her regular rotation of cooking, with a focus on her tried and true meals - some that have been featured on her blog over the years and perfected for the book. Heidi is what I call a "food scientist". She dares to mix combinations of foods together in some of the strangest ways, and when combined, the reactions are simply divine! I'll admit, there are a few recipes that had me doubting...White beans and cabbage....warmed..together? It works though, it's amazing. Heidi has an impeccable ability to serve comforting home style meals that are healthy in disguise.
I notice a theme in her cooking, which is that Heidi is incredibly aware of texture and it shines through in nearly every recipe. I'm fond of the fact that most of her recipes have simple and few ingredients. But it's the combinations that are so unique and flavor-full. I get the distinct feeling that each and every recipe has been tried a thousand different ways to perfection.
Aside from the food there are the photographs. Ahh yes, the photographs. Heidi is also one of the most talented food photographers of today. Again, what strikes me are the combinations of photos that create a mood for each recipe. A list of my favorite recipes from SUPER NATURAL EVERY DAY....
Open-Face Egg Sandwich + Mixed Melon Bowl + Wild Rice Casserole + Baked Oatmeal + Granola
All photographs from www.HeidiSwanson.com and www.101cookbooks.com