Book Review & Giveaway : Real Food Basics

In the Kitchen - Real Food Basics
by Modern Alternative Mama Kate Tietje


Also find out how to win a digital copy of this book at the end of the post.

My first impression of In the Kitchen - Real Food Basics is that it is much more then a cookbook. It is a versatile resource for anyone who is looking to take their traditional way of cooking and make it healthier by changing to healthier ingredients without sacrificing taste. The basic recipes in this cookbook will get you started with small changes, and the knowledge you will learn can inspire an entire lifestyle change.

So what is "real food"? Saturated fats like butter and extra virgin olive oil, raw dairy products, and sprouted grains. This is not the typical American diet, and goes against messages in the media that insist that low fat products and whole grains will lead to a healthier lifestyle. This book discusses in detail how in reality the processing that goes into the foods found in the average diet decreases nutritional value, and does not promote a healthy lifestyle.

However, Kate is advocating for a diet of deprivation, but rather a change in the way you prepare your foods that will lead to satisfying meals and a healthier lifestyle.

While the book provides detailed instructions on not only how to make the ingredients in the recipes along with the recipes themselves, the author always goes back to simplicity. I really enjoy her list of 20 Baby Steps on page 30 as a good starting point. My 5 favorites are :

1. Replace white sugar with healthier alternatives (sucanat, raw honey, etc.)
2. Try making your own chicken or beef stock.
3. Find healthier snack options.
4. Start meal planning.
5. Chose one food ingredient to avoid (HFCS, MSG)

You can also find this list, and other useful information in the Modern Alternative Mama Blog.

The recipes are all based on the real food model, but resemble meals that are familiar to a traditional diet. They are divided into Main Dishes, Sides, Breads, and Desserts. I love how the first entry in the book is a simple chicken marinade. My husband and I rely on organic chicken as our main meat source because it is the easiest to acquire and most affordable in the area that we live in. The mixture of lemon and spices in the cookbook is simple, yet flavorful and with the quick prep time and everyday ingredients is something that almost anyone could whip up without even going to the grocery store. Some of the other main dishes include meatballs, fried chicken, chili and chicken noodle soup. With recipes like that a lifestyle change is certainly within the reach of the average American!

Cheese sauce and fries start out the Side Dish chapter of the book. I have to look twice to realize that all of this is still healthy and made with real food. I might even be drooling thinking about homemade french fries.

The Bread chapter doesn't disappoint either starting off with a recipe for Buttermilk Pancakes that is officially on my to-cook list. I have never been able to find a good "healthy" pancake mix in the store so this recipe is the perfect go to for a Sunday morning breakfast. The author also notes a trick that I like to do with my leftover pancakes: "This recipe freezes well! Simply put frozen pancakes in the toaster when you want them for a fast breakfast." There are also great recipes for whole grain bread, muffins and pizza dough to name a few.

Since it is fall and my sweet tooth has kicked in I couldn't wait to get to the desserts section of the book. This section includes classics like chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream. I decided to try out the Super Fruit Smoothie recipe for my breakfast while I wrote this review since I had all the ingredients in my kitchen, and it was delicious.

This book is just the start of a series of cookbooks by Modern Alternative Mama Kate Tietje, and the perfect introduction to a healthier way of eating. Real foods will not only help you eat better, but they will help you feel better too.  This cookbook is the perfect tool for learning the facts about real food, and then putting them to use for your family with real life recipes that everyone will enjoy.

WIN A DIGITAL COPY OF THIS BOOK

It's easy...

1 - Follow Cupcakes & Cucumbers and Modern Alternative Mama Blogs
2 - Like Cupcakes & Cucumbers, Brooke Photo Studio and Modern Alternative Mama Facebook Pages
3 - Leave a Comment on this post to confirm #1 & #2 that will serve as your entry into the contest.  Make sure to include your email address so you can be notified if you win!

The contest will run until Midnight December 2nd with the winner announced on December 5th.  Good luck!

Can't wait for the contest to end?  Pick up your copy of In the Kitchen - Real Food Basics at Modern Alternative Mama by 12/7 and save 25% with code RFB25.

* I was given a free copy of this book, and a copy to give as a prize as compensation for this review.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255