Cookbook Corner: Vibrant Food by Kimberley Hasselbrink

Seasonal ingredients are the showcase of food blogger and photographer Kimberley Hasselbrink’s latest cookbook, focusing on the beauty and color of food at annual peak freshness. This cookbook contains realistic recipes for the home cook, while still challenging readers to seek out food in a new, creative way. The photos are simply stunning and very clearly vibrant, fixed within clear layouts that help navigate recipes with ease.

Recipe Impressions:

1. Carnitas Tacos with Apple SalsaThese tacos were a big hit at the potluck I brought them to. The fresh apple cut the richness of the pork, adding texture and color to a seasonal dish. I attempted the carnitas in a slow cooker on high for 3 hours instead of over the stove, and I also reserved some of the cooking liquid to serve with the taco assembly. I particularly enjoyed this recipe for its simplicity and impressive presentation without proving particularly difficult in technique or prep time. Overall, this recipe was a keeper and would be great for more seasonal apples such as Honeycrisp or Gala

2. Chocolate Pots de Creme with Lavender and Sea SaltI attempted this recipe, fully aware of Pot de Crème’s time consuming nature and sensitivity to heat and still expected a phenomenal result. Overall I was pleased with the results, but I would have tweaked some aspects of the lavender flavors. Instead of simply topping the dessert with candied lavender, I would have steeped the milk in the flowers as well to enhance the floral components. A lot of this recipe requires time and attention to detail, so if you don’t have the opportunity to devote your full attention, I’d look to another dessert in the book such as Summer Berry-Coconut Milk Ice Pops.

Takeaway:This book is a fantastic look at the seasonality of basic ingredients, concentrating on new perspectives for each Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. This is a great book for anyone looking to bring inspired, colorful, fresh plates to the table.

You can purchase Kimberley Hasselbrink's Vibrant Food on Amazon.

Please be advised that the cookbooks featured in Cooking Light’s Cookbook Review Series do not necessarily meet Cooking Light nutrition standards.