Too Many Cooks – Book Review and Giveaway
You might remember back in May I mentioned that I had Too Many Cooks: Kitchen Adventures with 1 Mom, 4 Kids, and 102 Recipes on my Kitchen Book Wishlist. After hearing about this book I wrote the author, Emily Franklin, to tell her how wonderful it sounded that if she’s like me to do a blog book review I’d be happy to oblige. I’ve since read and loved the book, and I think many of you will too. One thing I really appreciated was how short the chapters were. It made for a great book to read a little bit of here and there, which is mostly how I have to read these days. Read on for my review and how you can win a copy of your own!
Emily’s attitude about the everyday has made me want to seek the beautiful in what sometimes ends up feeling like mere routine. I loved all the heartwarming family stories. It’s not to say she sugar coats everything. Expect to empathize with her on the frustrations of motherhood and observe as her family is deeply saddened by the loss of a loved one. The point is, Emily doesn’t seem to dwell on the tragedies of life. She embraces life and makes the most out of it.
Before I started goodLife {eats} I had high hopes of creating a fun family blog. A place to record the cute stories and fun memories. To show some perspective on what daily life is like, though sometimes tough, seeking to find the good in life. Though the concept sounds great on paper, I couldn’t get motivated, instead moving on to another project – goodLife {eats}. She has set a great example of how to combine the family aspect with the food memories. I don’t think I’ll feel the pull and guilt of family blogging anymore. My love of food is something I share with my family on a daily basis and there are more than enough family memories found in my kitchen. After all, the kitchen is where we spend much of our day.
And let’s not forget the food! Emily seems to have a cooking style similar to mine. We like to make up things as we go. Alter this and that. Make new variations. Every chapter left my tummy grumbling for a bite or two of what I’d just read about. I’ve made a couple of her recipes so far and they’ve all been fantastic. We especially loved her recipe for Rosemary-Sage-Apricot Crispy Chicken. I used the leftovers for the Roasted Chicken, Apricot, and Brie Panini
Emily shows you how to make real food for real families without having spaghetti every other night. She’s dedicated to teaching her kids about food culture and testing the limits of their tastebud preferences all the while making it feel like a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
Thanks, Emily, for sharing your family and recipes!
The Rules:
- Leave a comment on THIS post by 11:59 pm July 4th for a chance to win a copy of Too Many Cooks.
- Anonymous comments: leave your email address and first name in the comments.
- 1 random winner will be announced July 5th.
- Entries that do not abide by the rules will be deleted.
- Contest open to anyone, anywhere!
Extra Entries:
Additional entries can be earned by doing any of the following, giving you up to 2 extra entries. Leave a separate comment for each of these items.
- Tweet about this giveaway. Include @goodLifeEats and a link to the giveaway in your tweet. Leave the link to your Twitter post in a comment.
- Vote for goodLife {eats} for Best Eye Candy Blog in the BlogLuxe Awards (you can vote daily).
Congratulations, Kristen! You are the lucky winner!
Amy says
What an amazing looking chicken! It's making my mouth water…dinnertime soon.
Anonymous says
I'd love to read this book – it sounds wonderfulalicatmeese@moose-mail.com
Tami says
I would love to read this especially since you stated that she strives to teach her kids about different food cultures. That is something I have always done with mine boys. Now they are willing and seek out new foods or dishes.Tami
Green Gal says
This book sounds great! I'm a new follower and really have enjoyed the blog
judybrittle says
I voted today and you had 190 votes.
Barbara says
I would love this book! Thank you for having the giveaway. Happy 4th!
judybrittle says
I voted and you had 189 votes.
Anonymous says
I love cooking book …Hear my web:http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=100000027886791email: trgmyphung@yahoo.comName: MyPhung
BAKING is my ZeN says
Brie Panini…oooh…a must try!Would like to win the book Too Many Cooks…Carmenhttp://bakingismyzen.blogspot.com
Cherry Blossoms says
I twittered!http://twitter.com/CherryBlossBaby/status/2444456148CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail
Cherry Blossoms says
I had never heard of this cookbook until now. what a neat, neat, idea! I could definitely use it! I love cookbooks created my moms {just like me!}CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail
Cindy says
I LOVE cookbooks!
judybrittle says
I voted today and you had 187 votes.
Shannon says
Who doesn't love another book about food? Thanks for the chance to win!
Bailey says
I ALSO voted for you on the BlogLuxe Awards! You're up to 186 votes now! (Can you tell I want to win this book??) 🙂
Bailey says
Here's my tweet about the giveaway!http://twitter.com/bbeckner88
Bailey says
Just like you and Emily do, I also like to create as I go when cooking! I love experimenting with flavors, especially with cutting out fat and calories in my diet.
Catey says
I would love to read this book! With 7 kids who love spending time in the kitchen with me, it is such an appealing read! : )
Tania says
I have been trying to find this at the library and no luck….was thinking it would be one I have to buy….will wait and see if I win and then bite the bullet and buy it! but will be sure to pass it on to my fellow bakers/cooks!Thanks for the opportunity!
claire says
looks like an awesome cookbook!claire_meteor@hotmail.com
Ange says
OH, & I tweeted: http://twitter.com/mymamasaves
Ange says
That is so my cooking style – I'm glad to have found you! (via MomAdvice, another fave) The book sounds great, please count my entry!
Melanie Anne says
this cookbook sounds awesome! Love your blog!!
Heather says
sounds like a wonderful book… i'm always on the lookout for fun ways to broaden our food horizons and make memories in the kitchen. thanks for the chance to win : )
Renee G says
This sounds like a great cookbook. I'd love to have a copy.rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com
Ashley says
I voted too!P.S. Don't feel bad about having a family blog. You blend food and family very well in this one!
Ashley says
That sounds like an awesome book!
Frugal Femina says
I voted!
Frugal Femina says
My tweet is here: http://twitter.com/FrugalFemina
Frugal Femina says
Wow! Sounds like my kind of book. I'll have to see if it's at the library. Thanks!
HC says
Please enter me! Thanks, Heather
FishMama says
Looks like a great book! THanks for sharing such great resources, Katie!
Lifestooshort says
This sounds like a really great book!lavery328 at yahoo dot com
Anonymous says
The book looks great and sounds so wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win a copyJDSGlebizyb(at)q(dot)com
Mrs. Pilker says
I saw this book in the latest Better Homes & Gardens- I would love to read about how she manages to cook with four kids!laurapilker (at) gmail (dot) com
kgbgraphics says
Like EVERY mom I am sick of my top five, always looking for a way to spice it up….this new cookbook will give me a good kick to rev up my creative engine!
judybrittle says
I voted today and you had 183 votes.
Anonymous says
This sounds like a fabulous cookbook! I'd love to have a copy. Michaelamichaelamc [at] gmail [dot] com
Mrs. in May says
I have been reading a TON about this new cookbook lately! I tweeted! http://twitter.com/j9gini
hawkeyejlp says
I am working on this philosophy and would love to read her book!
alice says
I am going to a book reading of this cookbook next month. Would love to have this book!
bakerchick103 says
Twitter update! http://twitter.com/bakerchick103
bakerchick103 says
I voted! 🙂
bakerchick103 says
This looks like something I would love!
LISA says
Well…I TRIED TO VOTE…I couldn't find it?
LISA says
VOTING DONE! 🙂
LISA says
This is great! My cookbooks are so overused and old and I need something just like this for my family! What a great giveaway!!! Thanks!
Felicia Eis says
This sounds like the perfect book for me! I am having trouble finding recipes that will work for my family but that are meant for families and not for rich cooks.
Anonymous says
The books sounds really good.kayona_barnes at yahoo dot comKayona
DeDi says
First time I've heard of Too Many Cooks – I'm one of those folks who read cookbooks for fun…and this sounds like a fun read.
Andreia says
I've never heard of this cookbook but it sounds sounds looks great!
Thrifty and Chic Mom says
This cookbook sounds fabulous!
Carissa(GoodnCrazy) says
HOLY YUMMY ME ME… looks fabulous! And how brave of you to just contact her like that! cha ching baby!
Anonymous says
Ren, reneeandtom@optusnet.com.auLove your blog, read it daily here in Melbourne, Australia. Haven't seen this book yet but from your review sounds great! Thanks and G'day!
Juliana says
Would love to have this book! 🙂
DailyHandmade says
I would love this book! If I don't win I will still order it from Amazon.
oneordinaryday says
Thanks for the chance to win!Michelle
Anonymous says
This looks like a great cookbook! Fingers crossed…Sarah Thacker – sethacke@gmail.com
Dor says
This cookbook looks great! And that chicken is making my mouth water…
Christine says
I'm a cookbook addict, and this one sounds like my life! Can't wait to read it.
Gina says
Books, cooking, it all sounds good.ginalafrijola@gmail.com
Cindy says
I love cookbooks, esp. ones that use real ingredients, not exotic things you can't find in podunk town, IOWA! This would be fun to have. My email address is in my blog profile
judybrittle says
I voted for you. You had 181 votes.
judybrittle says
I tweetedhttp://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/2407845539
judybrittle says
This looks really great! Thank you so much!
Elizabeth says
What a great giveaway.Count me in!
carmencooks says
Thanks for the great review! Sounds like a wonderful book.
For the Love of Beauty says
I would like to enter, please. This looks like a fun book.
Kristen M. says
I am a cookbook junkie and would love to win this. Thanks!
Little Crazies says
cooking with kids is always fun! this book looks great! i would love to win it
Michelle says
I have that book on hold at my local library, although they haven't any copies in yet.
Anonymous says
I agree looks like a good book! Katie H
Patsyk says
Just voted for you, too! 🙂
Patsyk says
I would love to read this book! It sounds like she has such a great way of looking at life.
Gena says
I gave you a vote, too!
Gena says
I tweeted about your giveaway: @SereneMoments
Temperance says
This sounds like a great book. Cooking with kids is always a challenge but can be very rewarding.
Jamie says
Here is my tweet!http://twitter.com/bakingaddiction
Nicolax3 says
tweeted https://twitter.com/lionlambluv/status/2405894554
Nicolax3 says
I am definitely in need of some cooking help! I am one of those who gets stumped and continues to cook the same old stuff. Perfect giveaway!
Gena says
Would love the win this to give to my niece. She and my nephew have two beautiful little redheaded girls: 3 yrs. and 5 months. She is always looking for new things to cook and "play" in the kitchen with Jazzy.
mattschmunk says
I voted. 178 votes.
mattschmunk says
I tweeted.https://twitter.com/matt101279/status/2405815833
mattschmunk says
I'm always open to new cookbooks to add to my arsenal!!
valerie2350 says
http://twitter.com/valerie2350/status/2405763321
valerie2350 says
i'd love to winvaleriesweeps4bloggers at gmail dot com
Jingle says
This sounds like a great cook book!
K. Rock says
I would like to win. Sounds cool.
Mikan says
I'm very curious about this book! Although I have no kids of my own, I'm extremely close to my young niece and I see her often. She's extremely picky and difficult when it comes to mealtimes, so the subject of family eating has sparked my interest.
RavenousReader says
My mouth is now watering for Rosemary-Sage-Apricot Crispy Chicken. Yum!
Janet says
It is comforting and bonding to cook with children, I know I can get caught up in the wrong details of preparing for three. Just reading this entry adds more to my resolve, as of late, to bring them into the kitchen more, be a part of selection more…just more.
tastyeatsathome says
Sounds like a book after my own heart.
Ariana says
I've never heard of this cookbook but it sounds like something I'd love to read. I'm always looking for great cookbooks.
Meghan says
this looks like such a great book!Thanks for the chance to win :>)
LaDonna says
Too Many Cooks sounds like a delicious book to read and reference back to many times.Thanks for doing the giveaway!
minishoes1 says
I voted for you. jacquecurl1@gmail.com
minishoes1 says
I love cookbooks and would really love to win! thanks jacquecurl1@gmail.com
scram2001 says
Hmmmm, sounds interesting. I like reading about other's experiences with trying new recipes. Sounds like it'd be a good read..I'll be putting it on my Christmas wish list as well! scram2001@yahoo.com
Kim says
I so need this!
Jamie says
Oh this book sounds fabulous! Thanks for posting a giveaway! I have one on my blog if your are interested! http://mybakingaddiction.blogspot.com/2009/06/lemon-sorbet-and-giveaway.htmlHave a great day!
Becky says
I like the sounds of this book. I need to put it on my amazon list!beckgregg79@yahoo.com
Tj and Amy says
This book sounds great! amsbolda@hotmail.com
Emily Nine says
and now i voted for your blog too!
Emily Nine says
http://twitter.com/emilynine my twitter update
Emily Nine says
this sounds great, I could use a cookbook as I have none!
unejoliechose says
sounds great!! keepin my fingers crossed to win!
Gina says
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance!ginaogden (at) gmail (dot) com
carole says
I love cookbooks and would love to add this to my collection. I am also having a drawing for a cookbook, Potato Salad, on my blog. Go to http://www.cybercookscookingcorner.blogspot.com Leave a comment under the Happy July post. All the details are there.carolecybercook@ameritech.net
Crys says
I am a cookbook junkie, and I would love the chance to sample the recipes from Too Many Cooks!:)
c3 says
I would love to read a copy of this book. It sounds great!
niidea222 says
I'm in ! I hope to be lucky
Lone Acorn says
Good food can win hearts. Its true by all means. And being a mother and a wife is not at all easy. You have to make food everyday and maintain the freshness and delicacy so that your family loves your the meals. The book you mentioned sounds just like this. Will be a treat to read. https://twitter.com/loneacorn
Sharon says
sounds like a great book!
Anonymous says
Never heard of this, but it sounds amazing and fun to use with my kids.Kerrie: notbucket24(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates says
Sounds great – like a good book and good cookbook all rolled into one! Thanks for the giveaway!
PheMom says
This has been on my wishlist too- now even more! Thanks for a great review!
TheGourmetGirl says
It's in my pile of books to review. Thanks for the preliminary peak!
Zoe says
This looks like a great read! Thanks!
Maria says
I want to read this one! Looks good!
Kristen says
I haven't heard of this cookbook, but it sounds like it is something I would relate to and truly enjoy!