Annabel Karmel is practically a celebrity in Great Britain. She is a bestselling author, a TV personality, and the mother of three. Her fame comes from her cookbooks that focus on nutrition for families and cooking for babies and toddlers.
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Karmel’s Favorite Family Meals, a cookbook originally published in 1999 and re-published in 2005. FFM promises “recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, healthy, and, of course, tasty.” Plus, “most of them can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.”
If I were to judge the book soley on its cover and appearance, I would give it a solid A+. The pages are glossy and smooth, and feature fun illustrations and enticing photographs. The font is easy-to-read and fun, with enough white space to allow the eyes to “rest.”
Oh, and the recipes are plentiful…and delicious…and healthy. The “Marinated Beef Skewers” have already made it into my “all-time favorites” recipe box. And I can’t wait to try the “Perfect Pancakes”, the “Savory Breakfast Muffins,” and the “Penne with Chicken, Tomatoes, and Basil.”
This cookbook will be especially treasured by parents of elementary age children because Karmel is an expert when it comes to fun food presentation (you should see the photos in the book…”smiles” made with apple slices and mini marshmallows, teddy bear-shaped sandwiches, and funny face breakfast pizzas). I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who wouldn’t be captivated by Karmel’s creative dishes.
If you’d like to get a “taste” (literally!) of what the book is like, you can find a fine selection of recipes based on your baby’s age or your food preferences (healthy eating, vegetarian, breastfeeding “mums,” etc.) on Karmel’s site.
While you’re on the site, you can learn about Karmel’s eat fussy line of food products for infants and toddlers. I am SO checking to see if my CostCo carries it next time I’m there! Has anyone seen/tried these?
Finally, you’re invited to join Annabel’s Club. Members will receive a newsletter “full of helpful tips on nutrition and feeding your baby and child.” You’ll also receive “first access to new recipes, special offers, and all sorts of wonderful prizes to be won.”
WIN IT! One mama will win Favorite Family Meals by Annabel Karmel. To enter, simply leave a comment and your e-mail address on this post prior to Thursday, Feb. 7, at midnight. The winner will be announced and contacted on Friday, Feb. 8. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
* UPDATE * The winner is #156 anonymous. Congratulations!
