Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Book Report

My sister-in-law, Amy, gave me the book Deceptively Delicious for Christmas (THANK YOU, Amy!) As soon as I saw Jessica Seinfeld on Oprah with her ingenious ideas for hiding veggies in everyday foods, I knew I wanted the book. I love the challenge of trying to make healthy foods and I loved the dash of mystery in dumping in a veggie puree. I couldn't wait to try some recipes.

I started adding finely diced raw carrot to my spaghetti sauce. Today I made the greek dip with chick peas and artichoke hearts. It turned out really well. (I am trying to have different dips with fresh veggies around to snack on instead of always reaching for chips.) Then, I added pureed squash to Becca's bean and cheese quesadillas. She never knew what hit her. Neither did John. And, actually I really cheated and just used store bought babyfood squash (same thing as me pureeing it myself, right? And a whole lot easier than dealing with a butternut squash in my tiny food processor.)

But, then.....duh duh duuuuuuuuuh....I tried making some sort of healthy cookie with zucchini and banana purees. I put in chocolate chips instead of the raisins they call for. And.....hooooo boy are they ever gross. The banana part tastes great and the zucchini part doesn't seem to have much flavor, but I think it was the whole wheat flour part that just tastes like crap. I don't think I really like whole wheat flour in baked goods. So, the verdict is still out on the cookies. Next time I'll try using white flour and then I'll let you know!

I definitely recommend the cookbook. I plan to incorporate some kind of veggie puree into a couple meals a week. I figure that will boost our health without too much hassle!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I got this book for Christmas, too! I haven't tried anything yet.

Swistle said...
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Jenn said...

Katie - I also got the book for Christmas (actually, I got 2 copies) and LOVE it! I have tried the french toast and the pancakes. My kids (3 and 2) liked them both. My 3 year old ate 3 pancakes - wow! The tacos are also delicious. Finally, a way to get my kids to eat veggies. My hubby humors me by asking before meals "what are you trying to sneak by us this time?" Then, after cleaning his plate, he'll comment "you know, you don't have to cook like this everynight. we can eat normal food every now and then." :)

justme said...

got this for xmas as well and was pumped b/c i wanted it but didn't want to spend the mula. i have not tried any thing yet but i did buy myself the little food processor. i was thinking the same thing about the baby jar food !!

Anonymous said...

Is this cookbook mostly for kids or are there recipes that appeal to all ages?

Katie said...

There are recipes for all ages...but it is mostly just simple, everyday stuff (like mac and cheese, spaghetti, lasagna, etc) that she adds creative purees to. There are also quite a few baked goods..muffins, etc.

Tracy said...

I tried to get that book and they were sold out everywhere. I want to do it to fool Randy, not my kids. Bring me some food!!! I love eating healthy and not realizing it!

MaryB said...

Ive been meaning to order this book. Maybe now, after your glowing review, I'll actually go to amazon righ this minute!

Thanks for the info!

Joel and Angela said...

I use to love reading cookbooks and trying to figure out how to make things healthier. I have so many cookbooks that I don't even blink at anymore. Some one told me about this book, but I haven't seen it yet. Oprah...whose that???? I can't tell you the last time I have sat down to watch her!

The Quinn Report said...

Now, I'm going to go out and buy it! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I might have to buy that book. I sneak things into food all the time. But, could use some tips! Does it have tips for hiding peas? My DH hates peas and thinks I hide them in food. But, they are so, well, you know, GREEN, how could I?

Peregos said...

Katie, I guess I was the only person that did not receive this book for Christmas... Bummmer. You got me the bug for it, though and I will tell Jenna about it. By the way, do you remember I started a blog last year (1 entry - 1 comment: yours!! for the whole 2007!!). Well as a new year resolution (my only one!) I decided to get back at it. 13 entries in one months so far... not bad! Thank you for your blogging example!! :) Ciao

Anonymous said...

carrots in the spaghetti just like gramma sue use to do.

Angie said...

I saw Jessica on the Today Show when it came out. I haven't bought the book, but I really thought it would be a good idea, more for myself than Ashlyn really. I don't love veggies, and tend to forget about them, though I already try to add them into casseroles and such.