I am a grazer. I eat many small meals throughout the day. So do my kids. So when I heard about a recipe book called “Grazing” I was completely interested. Instead of a regular book review…I decided to do something different…actually test drive the recipes and see if they were a hit or miss with my family and friends…do you think Julie would approve?… 😉
Written by Dinner With Julie super cook Julie Van Rosendaal (she is also super funny – I co-presented a Blog To Book presentation at Blissdom Canada with her and she was a natural at making people smile). Her publisher @whitecapbooks saw me tweet about her Grazing and offered to send me a copy. “Yes please!” As a grazer, I truly appreciate recipes which give a healthier approach to snacks and finger foods. And being a Mom to kids who prefer finger foods for meals as well as snacks (especially my toddler) – the idea of a go-to book for finger foods is amazing!
My first test drive experience…Julie’s Cherry Tomato and Olive Bruschetta ->
And I upped the anxiety by making this for a dinner party appetizer. 1,000 fairy points to Julie for creating a recipe that has variations, make-ahead appeal, and taste. It was easy to make in the afternoon, hide it away in the fridge, and bring it out when the party started. HIT. The adults raved about the bruschetta (I served it with crackers, pita triangles, and thinly cut baguette). Being it was a tapas party…the bruschetta was the perfect appetizer to start our nibbling. So I said the adults loved it…the kids wouldn’t try it (gah kids!).
A few days later…I decided the test-drive had to be something I knew the kids would try…Homemade Chicken Bites ->
Now, don’t tell Julie but I went astray on her Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard recipe. I tried to double the recipe but somehow messed up my math on the homemade dry breadcrumbs part (my fault not Julie’s). Thus, my chicken “strips” looked more like “bites” (thus the name change). Despite the mix up…they were a resounding HIT. The kids loved them (so did adults). Moist chicken (I had never put chicken in buttermilk before…but I will do this always from now on!). Crunchy breading. It was delish! Truly.
Alice Eats is a highly illustrated cookbook which integrates Alice in Wonderland themed recipes with creative stories. It would make a great Alice in Wonderland themed wedding shower gift. Or a tea party! hmm…now I crave tea and scones…
I need to get this book, I like to graze when I have leftovers or what not, other than that I usually reach for cheese and crackers or salsa and olives, I try to avoid junk food so I don’t buy it unless my husband complains
Same here – try to have real food over junk food.
yum! I amn def a grazer ! Def ned that book!
I recommend!
Interesting, I am not a grazer but I have heard it is better to eat more small meals a day.
This book would also be a great help for party food ideas!
I know I’d love those books and probably the chicken bites too!
The chicken bites were a huge hit.
I love to have apple slices and cheese with a few crackers,I have read Grazing and found it very useful & practical..I have Alice Eats now such a gorgeous book!!!
Have you tried the chicken bites recipe?! So good!
I hear that grazing is actually better for you than sitting down and eating huge meals. This is something I should check out.
I’ve heard that too – and from my experience – it works for me.
I like to graze on cherry tomatoes!