Hello and Happy Friday!
Remember last week when I said I would be sharing a cookbook review soon? That day is here! If you missed my previous post, you can read it HERE.
I was so excited when I was chosen to be a Cookbook Ambassador for Lisa Leake’s new cookbook: 100 Days of Real Food On A Budget. This cookbook is 100% up my alley. I’ve blogged many times about how I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat food that is good for me. I’ve also shared how important sticking to a budget is to me. This cookbook combines both of those things and I am excited to share my review today!
Let’s get into it!
*Full disclosure: I received this cookbook at no charge in exchange for my honest review*
I went into this trying to stay as unbiased as possible, but knowing that most likely I would really enjoy the cookbook. And I was right! I was impressed that there are many things other than recipes included in this cookbook. A few of the details I really appreciated are:
- There are $15 or less shopping lists for every recipe. Every recipe has a shopping list and price breakdown, which is very helpful. There have been times in the past when I went to buy the ingredients for a recipe and I was shocked when the price was totaled up. There will be no surprises with the recipes in this cookbook. Everything is laid out for you upfront.
- It includes budget tips, such as a Supermarket Comparison Chart. There are many budget tips included in this cookbook, which I really appreciate. The Supermarket Comparison Chart is really cool. It compares prices of varies ingredients at all of the major grocery stores. From what I can tell the prices appear to be pretty accurate, so this can be really helpful in making sure you get good, real ingredients at the best price.
- There are color photos of every recipe. I don’t know about you, but I love seeing pictures of recipes. It always helps me to decide what I want to cook. Sometimes you just have to see your food, I think. It’s also helpful once I’ve picked out a recipe, because I have a general idea of what it’s supposed to look like in the end.
- Lunch ideas are included. I always struggle coming up with lunch ideas that are portable and work friendly. This cookbook has a whole chapter on lunch ideas, which is so helpful! I already have several recipes I want to make and bring to work with me. I will be sure to report back on how it works out.
- The recipes are special diet friendly. Although Chris and I aren’t on a special diet, I really appreciate that many of the recipes in this cookbook either are or can be easily converted to Gluten-Fee, Dairy-Free, Peanut-Free, and Vegetarian. I know this is a high priority for many families and this cookbook definitely has that covered.
And for the most important point of all…
The recipes are delicious! So far I have cooked 1 of the recipes from this cookbook and it did not disappoint. I made Easy Chinese Chicken and it was really good! I had all of the ingredients on hand already and it was a very straight-forward, quick recipe. Perfect for a weeknight. I served it with brown rice and green beans. It was a hit!
I plan to try many more recipes over the coming weeks and I will be sure to write a follow up post detailing how I liked them. For now, my first impression is that this cookbook is exactly what the title says: healthy, real meals on a budget. And I think that’s something we can all appreciate! If you are interested in ordering this cookbook for yourself, you can follow this link: 100 Days of Real Food On A Budget.
Are you interested in healthy cooking on a budget? What other cookbooks would you recommend?
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using my link.
Heather
I can’t wait to try the Chinese Chicken! I am also a cookbook ambassador and a huge fan of 100 days of Real Food! We tried the Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites and they were delicious!
Amanda Morgan
I am loving 100 Day of Real Food! I’ll have to try the Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites, they looked really good! Definitely make the Chinese Chicken, it was delicious!
Kansas City SEO
I just hope vegetables has same prices on different countries but no so the budgeting changes…I’d like to check out this book though, thanks for sharing!
Amanda Morgan
Definitely check it out, I am loving this cookbook so far!