Name: Make the Bread, Buy the Butter
ISBN: 9781451605884

Jennifer Reese

"A lively, frugal-chic answer to the question "Make or Buy" about 120 different food staples"--

What You Should and Shouldn't Cook from Scratch--Over 120 Recipes for the Best Homemade Foods

Make the Bread, Buy the Butter

When Jennifer Reese lost her job, she was overcome by an impulse common among the recently unemployed: to economize by doing for herself what she had previously paid for. She had never before considered making her own peanut butter and pita bread, let alone curing her own prosciutto or raising turkeys. And though it sounded logical that “doing it yourself” would cost less, she had her doubts. So Reese began a series of kitchen-related experiments, taking into account the competing demands of everyday contemporary American family life as she answers some timely questions: When is homemade better? Cheaper? Are backyard eggs a more ethical choice than store-bought? Will grinding and stuffing your own sausage ruin your week? Is it possible to make an edible maraschino cherry? Some of Reese’s discoveries will surprise you: Although you should make your hot dog buns, guacamole, and yogurt, you should probably buy your hamburger buns, potato chips, and rice pudding. Tired? Buy your mayonnaise. Inspired? Make it. With its fresh voice and delightful humor, Make the Bread, Buy the Butter gives 120 recipes with eminently practical yet deliciously fun “Make or buy” recommendations. Reese is relentlessly entertaining as she relates her food and animal husbandry adventures, which amuse and perplex as well as nourish and sustain her family. Her tales include living with a backyard full of cheerful chickens, muttering ducks, and adorable baby goats; countertops laden with lacto-fermenting pickles; and closets full of mellowing cheeses. Here’s the full picture of what is involved in a truly homemade life—with the good news that you shouldn’t try to make everything yourself—and how to get the most out of your time in the kitchen.

What You Should and Shouldn't Cook from Scratch -- Over 120 Recipes for the Best Homemade Foods

Teresa Schultz

Jennifer Reese presents a great collection of recipes and essay and answering the age-old question (well, at least for me it is) of which foods you should take the time and effort to make and which ones you can just get from the store. Reese's writing is often funny and always educational. She doesn't just give you a realistic idea of how much effort goes into some food, but she also provides historical food knowledge. For instance, I had no idea one of the original Kelloggs was a vegetarian who didn't like the standard breakfast of steak and eggs! (Or sex for that matter). I felt Reese was always truthful. For example, although she admits her fondness for raising chickens, she's also realistic that they don't always end up saving you money and in fact can cost you far more than just buying your own eggs. I didn't always agree with her - for instance, she's far more concerned with food safety than I am, and I don't think making roast chicken is anywhere near of a hassle as she does. But the book gave me lots of great ideas about food I never thought to make on my own (homemade hot cocoa mix? Shut up!) and I learned a ton. This was definitely one of the best food books from 2011.

Make the Bread, Buy the Butter What You Should and Shouldn't Cook from Scratch--Over 120 Recipes for the Best Homemade Foods

Reviews

Highlights