I’ve been reading Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog GOOP since its inception in 2008. I’ve always enjoyed reading about some of the places I traveled pre-children and I love checking out her latest fashion picks. All the recipes I’ve tried have been delicious too.
When her most recent cookbook was released, It’s All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great there were lots of negative reviews, and plenty of mom blogs were very critical of it. I heard it described as Marie Antoinette-ish as in “let them eat cake.”
I wasn’t sure I wanted another cookbook, as I develop a lot of my own recipes and have been in a good rhythm with my meal planning. But one review put me over the edge and I knew I had to check it out.
During nap time on the day I received it, I read the whole book cover to cover.
The photographs are beautiful, and her personal anecdotes are relatable and authentic.
And from some of the critical reviews I read, I was expecting all kinds of crazy unattainable ingredients, which is not the case at all. I already use everything in these recipes…things like quinoa, honey, sesame seeds, sweet potato, ground chicken, kale, avocado…what’s not to like?
The recipes are quite easy to make and everything has turned out delicious- the biggest test for me is whether or not my kids will eat the dishes in the cook book.
After a long walk last night we came home later than usual and I realized I did not have dinner prepped. In fact I didn’t even know what i was going to make.
We had just picked up some leeks and basil from the farmer’s market, and I had some cod fillets in the refrigerator. I made gluten free fish fingers, roasted leeks and pasta with fresh basil pesto. In 30 minutes dinner was on they table.
I must admit- I had a hard time not gloating over how fabulous everything tasted. But the pesto was amazing. And so were the fish fingers. And when was the last time you saw a 4 or 1 and a half year old eat leeks? That’s what I thought. The kids gobbled everything up.
I have also tried the pumpkin pie shake as an afternoon snack, and it was a huge success. The meatballs and sesame carrots sticks were another dinner favorite.
Again, I base everything on how readily my two small boys will eat what I serve. When it comes to the recipes in Gwyneth’s new cookbook, they have liked everything.
Why yes, It’s All Good.