Family Meals: 100 Easy Everyday Recipes Paperback – August 5, 2014

I remember the chef from Food Network have the opportunity to buy The cookbook so I did

This is a brand new book from Chef Michael Smith. I really enjoy the recipes and pictures in the book. The pictures illustrate each recipe and I usually cook the recipes that look good to me All the recipes are simple (not complicated) and use ingredients that I have. I also loved the small pictures at the back of the book that allow me to quickly skim through the recipes . I also liked the Pureed vegetable soup recipes on Page 108 with the flavour partner and stir in stuff like Barley, quinoa Rice etc. to add to anything anytime. I made the Chicken pasta which was really quick. Michael uses store bought Rotisserie Chicken in a few recipes which is great as it cuts food preparation time and provides another use for the chicken. This is called Family Meals, I found it good for cooking for two of us and having leftovers. Highly recommended.

I have 6 of Michaels cookbooks and they are all excellent especially his Chocolate Chip Cookies and I have not had time to try Family Meals so far but first recipe in this book I want to make is General Taos Chicken Wings. Today I met him in Chapters Book Store and he gave us some history on himself and his books. The people had their cookbooks signed and pictures taken including myself it was just great. He is a great chef and person and people should listen to him in regards cooking as Michael says "There is nothing like a home cooked meal" and more enjoyable and if people put their minds to it no reason why they cannot cook and dine at home. I will look forward to when he produces another cookbook.

I love Michaels simplicity (the good kind). My family needs simple weekday meals and these hit the spot. My favourite part is the slow cooker section. I made his street tacos and they were fantastic. We also made his nacho burgers and I was pleased. A little too much cumin for me but pleased. Then I tried the sloppy Joe's and the rotisery chicken pasta. Both were fast, simple weeknight diners that were NOT bland.There's so many more to choose from. And the index in the back is by picture so it's super fast to skim for a great looking meal to try.This isn't my first Michael Smith book and it won't be my last. Canada's lucky to have this guy.

I always enjoy Michael Smith's approach to cooking from 'scratch'. He 'nails' spice recipes (without salt)and has an interesting way of combining flavours. Some excellent tangy salsa recipes in book.Good variety of recipes although some are repeats from an earlier book.Lots of recipes for beans and lentils.Way too much chocolate in some recipes for my liking. His spicy seed, salty nut brittle is a hit. Would like to have seen more pressure cooker recipes. It is one cookbook that I will keep on the shelf for use.

I think I expected the meals to be faster and simpler but still nice recipes and good variety