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I Dream of Dinner (so You Don't Have To): Low-Effort, High-Reward Recipes: A Cookbook Hardcover – April 12, 2022
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“Ali has pulled off the near-impossible with a collection of delicious, doable, recipes that don’t just tell you how to make a specific dish, but how to expand your way of thinking.”—Sohla El-Waylly, chef and all-around awesome person
ONE OF THE TEN BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR: Simply Recipes
ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR: Bon Appétit, The Boston Globe, Food & Wine, Salon, Saveur, Mother Jones, Delish, Epicurious
With minimal ingredients and maximum joy in mind, Ali Slagle's no-nonsense, completely delicious recipes are ideal for dinner tonight—and every single night. Like she does with her instantly beloved recipes in the New York Times, Ali combines readily available, inexpensive ingredients in clever, uncomplicated ways for meals that spark everyday magic. Maybe it’s Fish & Chips Tacos tonight, a bowl of Olive Oil-Braised Chickpeas tomorrow, and Farro Carbonara forever and ever. All come together with fewer than eight ingredients and forty-five minutes, using one or two pots and pans. Half the recipes are plant-based, too.
Organized by main ingredients like eggs, noodles, beans, and chicken, chapters include quick tricks for riffable cooking methods and flavor combinations so that dinner bends to your life, not the other way around (no meal-planning required!). Whether in need of comfort and calm, fire and fun—directions to cling to, or the inspiration to wing it—I Dream of Dinner (so You Don't Have To) is the only phone-a-friend you need. That’s because Ali, a home cook turned recipe developer, guides with a reassuring calm, puckish curiosity, and desire for everyone, everywhere, to make great food—and fast. (Phew!)
- Print length400 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherClarkson Potter
- Publication dateApril 12, 2022
- Dimensions7.63 x 1.45 x 9.06 inches
- ISBN-100593232518
- ISBN-13978-0593232514
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Her recipes carry the comforting pragmatism of an impatient home cook: she maps out the smoothest way to get from ingredients to dinner, and maximizes flavor wherever possible.”—Marian Bull, food writer
“The recipes are unique, easy to follow, and even easier to commit to memory. It’s exciting to think of a whole cookbook worth of them.”—Food52
“Slagle is generous with permission to break the rules in service of minimizing effort or maximizing pleasure, ideally both.”—The New Yorker
“As you can imagine there is a lot of talk of cookbooks in our proverbial halls (a.k.a. Zoom calls), and occasionally it seems everyone is in love with the same one. This month the brilliantly titled I Dream of Dinner (so You Don’t Have To) by Ali Slagle is a house favorite.”—Dawn Davis, editor in chief of Bon Appétit
“I Dream of Dinner is brilliantly designed, clearly written, and filled with a ton of quick, simple recipes to help get a happy dinner on the table at the end of a long day.”—Samin Nosrat, author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
“[Ali Slagle], is a super smart cook and recipe writer who’s also damn funny. Her humor and ideas will get you through making dinner in about 45 minutes.”—Andrea Nguyen, author of Vietnamese Food Any Day and The Pho Cookbook
“Ali has pulled off the near-impossible with a collection of delicious, doable, recipes that don’t just tell you how to make a specific dish, but how to expand your way of thinking so you can cook with a flexible pantry. Let’s face it, it’s tough to organize your life around recipes with specific ingredients. Instead, I Dream of Dinner makes room for your life.”—Sohla El-Waylly, chef and all-around awesome person
“Many books purport to offer easy weeknight meals but disguise cooking time with hidden prep and other complications—not Slagle’s. She hits it out of the park with her first cookbook, collecting recipes that take 45 minutes or less and use 10 or fewer ingredients.”—Library Journal
“This makes the task of cooking feel like a celebration.”—Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Some count sheep—I dream up dinner.
My favorite cooks are people who “make food.” Their skills and taste buds are honed by real life, by making do with what they have, and by sticking their fingers into lots of hot pots. They cook quickly but thoughtfully, feed extremely hungry people night after night—and then do the dishes whether they want to or not.
That includes my mom and nonna, and not just because I love them so much. Their cooking is soulful, scrappy, confident, and completely delicious. They make dinner with ten ingredients and in 45 minutes, probably, but who’s counting? They don’t have patience for time-sucks and finicky recipes, but they also won’t sacrifice an ounce of joy or flavor along the way.
Take my mom’s chili, which is made from cans, jars, and ketchup. It’s not real-deal chili but it’s so good, people joke it’ll be celebrated on her gravestone (it’s the Shortcut Chicken Chili on page 286). And when you ask my nonna for her biscotti recipe, what you get is on the next page—good luck! She cooks outside the lines, clearly.
I thankfully inherited their resourcefulness and love for cooking. When I go on walks or zone out on the train, I’m playing Dinner Tetris in my head. I’m imagining the moves I’ll make to efficiently, enjoyably use the ingredients I have to make what I want. The results of these daydreams (and actual dreams) become meals for me and recipes for you—I dream of dinner so you don’t have to! The 150 recipes in this book meet you wherever you are: hungry, hurried, happy. In need of calm and comfort or fire and fun. On yet another Wednesday. At 6 p.m., realizing oh right, dinner.
My promise is that the effort-to-reward ratio is engineered in your favor. The recipes won’t use more than 45 minutes, ten ingredients (though usually just five to eight), and your indispensables (meet them on page 16). They approach pantry lurkers and produce on its last leg as enthusiastically as farmers’ market celebrities, and are flexible enough to modify wildly. No need to go to the store for one ingredient unless you also need ice cream.
Instead of hiding work in an ingredient list—did you know “½ cup toasted, chopped, skin-off hazelnuts” takes half an hour?—there’s a grocery list to scan. When you’re ready to cook, bring the ingredients to the counter and follow along: All the prep happens in the recipe itself. You can cling to the recipes for dear life or you may never follow any precisely—cooking is a wild thing that really can’t (and shouldn’t) be contained within precise steps and amounts.
This book provides just enough structure to get you to excellent meals, in your kitchen, your way. The recipes are organized by the basic processes that turn their main ingredient into dinner. Seeing recipes as templates creates routine, which is practical but rarely boring because it provides avenues for improvisation (a fact of life). Each section starts with quick tricks for each process so that you can off-road and recover if there’s a screw-up (another fact of life).
This fast and loose way of cooking will make the mediocre days better and the good days great. It will maximize your time, minimize your waste, spark inspiration, and nourish with food that feels good to make and eat. Just remember: Do more with less. Don’t overthink it. And also: It’s only dinner.
Product details
- Publisher : Clarkson Potter (April 12, 2022)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 400 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0593232518
- ISBN-13 : 978-0593232514
- Item Weight : 2.6 pounds
- Dimensions : 7.63 x 1.45 x 9.06 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #22,468 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #53 in Christmas Cooking
- #95 in Cooking for One or Two
- #267 in Quick & Easy Cooking (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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I Dream of Dinner
Penguin Random House LLC
About the author
Ali is a recipe developer, stylist, and frequent contributor to the New York Times, Bon Appetit, and Washington Post. Most of all, though, she's a home cook.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the recipes delicious and interesting. They appreciate the straightforward, uncomplicated instructions and simple ingredients lists. The book encourages creativity and original ideas, offering inspiration for weeknight dinners. The beautiful photography is a great addition to their cookbook collection.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the recipes in the book. They find the recipes delicious, easy to prepare, and interesting. The recipes look gorgeous and creative, with beautiful photography. The book is described as a gateway cookbook that encourages weekday warrior cooks.
"...On top of that, the recipes aren't boring, either. The author includes a lot of variations for many of the recipes so it's also a great value...." Read more
"...far, that's how cooking from this book is going - it's not only bringing new flavors (I never used toasted rice powder before!)..." Read more
"...I cannot tell you how HAPPY I was about 30 minutes later - this dish was AMAZING and so darn easy (5 minutes prep) !!!..." Read more
"Love the recipes & lots of good info but she does not present the recipes in the traditional format of ingredients listed in their prescribed..." Read more
Customers find the recipes straightforward and easy to follow. They appreciate the clear prep instructions included in the recipes. The book provides creative, approachable recipes for both new and experienced cooks. It helps them make delicious meals in 30 minutes with just about anything in their pantry or fridge. The meal suggestions and tidbits at the beginning of each chapter are helpful.
"This is a really great cookbook for people looking for easy and flavorful meals...." Read more
"...One-pan Chicken Piccata & Orzo - very good and super easy -- Skirt Steak with Corn & Feta - this was really tasty --..." Read more
"...had the pleasure of a trying out a few of her NYT recipes, and this "quick and easy dinner" collection seemed like just the thing...." Read more
"Love the recipes & lots of good info but she does not present the recipes in the traditional format of ingredients listed in their prescribed..." Read more
Customers appreciate the simple and flexible recipes with manageable ingredients. The recipes are simple and flexible, with kitchen basics and small ingredient lists. They allow for easy substitutions based on what's on hand, and the book provides suggestions about how to substitute or change ingredients.
"...I'd say this book is for the day-to-day - most of the ingredients are easy to find and the recipes aren't very fussy...." Read more
"...the meals use ingredients we typically have on hand, or provide options for substitutions...." Read more
"...Ali Slagle’s recipes are deep in flavor for such few ingredients and for quick cooking time...." Read more
"The only cookbook that's held our interest. Ingredients are manageable and easy to buy; recipes are simple and flexible—the author is great about..." Read more
Customers find the book offers creative and original ideas for dinner. They say it encourages creativity and provides room for improvisation. The recipes are forgiving, inspiring confidence in the kitchen.
"...Second, each recipe is forgiving with room for improvisation should you prefer it, or if you simply make a mistake...." Read more
"...If you're looking for fresh, creative and original ideas without having to go to every grocery store in town looking for one-off ingredients, this..." Read more
"...She also encourages creativity and subbing to help you help yourself grocery shop less and use what you have...." Read more
"I wanted to like this cookbook so bad! The recipes looked gorgeous and creative and there are so many that I can't wait to cook but there is a huge "..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's design. They find the recipes appealing and creative, with eye-catching photography. The flavors are balanced and unique, and the recipes are thoughtfully conceived.
"...The book is beautifully designed, with eye-popping photography and it opens wherever you choose so that pages are flat. That, alone makes it a gem...." Read more
"...There are SO many recipes in this book and they all look incredible. I can’t wait to keep cooking out of it...." Read more
"...Flavors are balanced and unique. Kids have enjoyed every meal so far too. I’m super impressed." Read more
"I Dream of Dinner is fun and whimsical in a way that I found inspiring. We love the way Slagle thinks about and writes about food...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's photography. They say the food looks beautiful and is a great addition to their cookbook collection.
"...The book is beautifully designed, with eye-popping photography and it opens wherever you choose so that pages are flat. That, alone makes it a gem...." Read more
"...The photos are great, writing accessible and the whole thing basically cheers weekday warrior cooks on as we all are consistently rushing to..." Read more
"...And, importantly, there are pictures! You won’t regret this one!" Read more
"...The food photography of this book is beautiful. A great addition to my cookbook collection. I ordered a few to gift friends who also love food." Read more
Customers find the book useful for weeknight dinners. They say it's well-written, easy to follow, and works with their busy lifestyles. The recipes are delicious and healthy.
"...of a trying out a few of her NYT recipes, and this "quick and easy dinner" collection seemed like just the thing...." Read more
"...This book is absolutely perfect for late night meals that still have great flavor." Read more
"...made about 8 recipes and all have been fantastic and really work with our busy lifestyle (work/ kids/ dog)...." Read more
"...inspiration for those wanting to whip up a delicious and healthy week night meal with easily accessible ingredients. Definitely recommend!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's flexibility. They find the recipes simple and tasty, and the author is good at showing what's flexible.
"...easy to buy; recipes are simple and flexible—the author is great about showing what's flexible. This book has made me a better cook!" Read more
"...I love how straightforward, flexible, and genuinely delicious the recipes are. Not exaggerating, this is the most useful cookbook I own." Read more
"...is incredible - so many wonderful, and easy, recipes that are flexible based on what you have on your fridge! Can’t wait to cook through this book!" Read more
"GREAT BOOK OF EASY, FLEXIBLE, TASTY RECIPES..." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024This is a really great cookbook for people looking for easy and flavorful meals. My problem with most cookbooks is the recipes are really over-wrought or require a lot of exotic ingredients. These types of recipes are fun once in a while but don't hack it for the day-to-day. I'd say this book is for the day-to-day - most of the ingredients are easy to find and the recipes aren't very fussy. On top of that, the recipes aren't boring, either. The author includes a lot of variations for many of the recipes so it's also a great value. I'd say this book is in my top 5 favorite of all time.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2022When I friend who is famous for her cooking told me her niece said she HAD to get this book, I figured I had to as well. That niece must really know a thing or two because this book is most fun I've had reading or cooking from a book in a while. If you are a cookbook reader, this one is a stellar read.
To me the book is pretty perfect, but there are a few potential problems worth noting:
-- The first problem, which is a good one to have, was deciding which of the recipes to make - there's hardly a one that doesn't sound 100% appealing.
-- The second problem, which was not so good, was getting into the format - although the ingredients are listed in a column next to the instructions, the amounts are within the bodies of the instructions paragraphs. I'm not a fan of that style because it takes longer to write a shopping list. But I love these recipes enough to work with that.
-- The third is that there are a lot of ingredients in this book that, to adventurous cooks are not that exotic, but may be for cooks who tend to cook less adventurously. I now live in a small Southern city and, even here, I have some really good Asian and Hispanic food markets here and I've not had trouble finding even the most unusual of the ingredients. I heartily suggest seeking them out to try these recipes, but rest assured that plenty of the recipes have ingredients that most supermarkets readily carry.
Mainly, the recipes are the thing. Among the ones I've made and loved:
-- Green Chile Pork with Crispy Rice - this was amazing even though I didn't quite get the rice right
-- Broccoli Bits with Dates & Cheddar - can't stop eating this
-- Gochujang Gravy - a Sunday ragu done anew
-- Sesame-Chicken Meatballs - husband went crazy over these
-- One-pan Chicken Piccata & Orzo - very good and super easy
-- Skirt Steak with Corn & Feta - this was really tasty
-- Cauliflower Mash with Smoked Trout - also love the suggestions for using smoked trout at the end
-- Fennel & Radicchio with Macerated Apricots - roasted and served with farro and parm *sigh*
Most of the recipes have further suggestions for what to do with one or more or the ingredients in them. I love this because it gives ways to use ingredients if not all are used.
One of the things I really like about this book is the feeling of confidence it imparts to the person cooking from it. It's along the lines of, oh, just throw these things together and it will be delicious.
So far, that's how cooking from this book is going - it's not only bringing new flavors (I never used toasted rice powder before!) to my table, but making it's making cooking very fun to do again.
I highly recommend this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022After seeing an article in the local Larchmont Chronicle, and finding out Ms Slagel grew up in the neighborhood, I had to check out her new book! I've had the pleasure of a trying out a few of her NYT recipes, and this "quick and easy dinner" collection seemed like just the thing.
So a day after delivery, getting home a little late, tired, not in the mood to figure out dinner, I opened my new book up, having some sausages to cook and tried "Merquez with Sweet potatoes and dates" - as I had spicy italian sausages, and all the other ingredients - sweet potato, dates, lemon, parsley (used frozen), garlic.
I cannot tell you how HAPPY I was about 30 minutes later - this dish was AMAZING and so darn easy (5 minutes prep) !!! The recipe didn't seem to make sense when reading, but after tasting? HOW DID I NOT THINK OF THIS BEFORE!
I can't wait to try the next recipe, and the next, etc. ;) I've tagged a few more, and its amazing how many recipes incorporate items I normally have on hand.
Thrilled to add this cookbook to my ever growing collection - I predict my friends will be getting this one for gifts soon!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2022Love the recipes & lots of good info but she does not present the recipes in the traditional format of ingredients listed in their prescribed quantity.
Example: 2 Tbsp butter, 1/2 c onion, etc. I have to read through the somewhat prosaic instructions to get the quantities. I think the author thought the informal (folksy) style would suggest more ease in preparation. This is why I gave 4 stars. I prefer the traditional format. I find traditional faster & easier to follow. But, I’m glad I got the book, I like the recipes.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024So far, I've liked every recipe I've tried. The instructions are logical after you read thru them. What I've tried has not been time consuming to prepare either.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023I admittedly don't have the most cookbooks. I find that I usually do better with a Google / Bon Appetit search and winging it, but I grabbed this book since it was referenced in an article I was reading when I was at a moment where I was extremely stressed trying to figure out what to cook on a daily basis for myself and my partner. In times like these in the past when I was only cooking for myself, I'd always make do with really basic stuff, but now that I try to cook for 2, I feel like I need more ideas and variety especially because I have to manage the likes/dislikes of 2 people!
I grew up with a mom who really didn't cook a lot so I've had to learn how to manage cooking and grocery shopping things myself, and this book really helps me fill in some of the gaps I have. Some of the tidbits at the beginning of the chapters are super helpful. I love the bean salad (I've made it like 10 times already) among other things I've made. I can't wait to keep cooking.
Top reviews from other countries
- HelenaReviewed in Canada on July 25, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and enticing
I never write reviews, but the book just arrived and I read it from cover to cover, drooling all the way. I just want to cook every page! There are so many smart tips and interesting twists on old standards. Can’t write anymore, gotta cook!
- Carol MathisReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy, Standout Recipes
I love everything about this book—the layout, photography, writing. The recipes are interesting, doable, and accessible; I can find the ingredients here in Portugal (not always an easy task). It’s fun to cook from and the results are outstanding.