Risbridger rambles in slightly sideways and usually charming fashion ... Watercolor illustrations bring the recipes to life, contributing to the book's slightly dreamy feel. Risbridger's recipes, both in form and content, swing between simple and fiddly, though all are within reach of dedicated home cooks. While metric measurements may confuse American readers, Risbridger gives plenty of hints and helpful tips, making the narrative sound even more like standing in a kitchen with a chatty friend ... Risbridger writes sensitively about grief.
... another deeply personal cookbook of healing recipes ... She weaves beautiful, journal-like prose among the recipes, taking the reader through the year with observations and personal reflections. Recipes are charmingly simplistic, encouraging the reader to rummage in the fridge for substitutions, and are accompanied by funny and equally endearing origin stories. Inexperienced cooks might be daunted by the use of metric measurements and the often-casual directions, such as an imprecise reference to a 'small baking tray' when making three-ingredient brownies. But veteran home cooks will take pleasure in the kitchen improvisation, just like the author does. (By the way, make the brownies.) This is a must for cookbook readers and Risbridger’s fans, who will love curling up with this sequel and again enjoy how food, and the art of cooking it, have the power to heal.
... sumptuous ... Even in recalling her grief, Risbridger’s narration is buoyed by humor, and the book’s charming watercolor illustrations make it all the more worth savoring. Readers will find this a treat.
