I noted that Johanna Toftby previously authored the cookbook “30 om dagen – en livsresa,” which I unfortunately missed. She is also recognized as a prominent Swedish lifestyle blogger, a fact I also overlooked. Additionally, she participated in “Ensam mamma söker” – the objective of her participation remains unknown to me, as I missed that as well.
However, this is not a review focused on things I’ve missed. I have not missed her latest book: Middag hos mig. I have a copy at hand, and it contains appealing recipes, elegant decorations, refined table settings, and culinary anecdotes from her life. Cookbooks of this nature are consistently enjoyable to read.
How many here regularly binge-read cookbooks? A limited number, it seems. Ah, one! But that was just myself…
Indeed, that might not be a common practice. To thoroughly enjoy reading a cookbook, one typically requires more than just successive pages of recipes. Personal narratives and engaging content are essential. Ideally, the author shares aspects of their personal life and establishes a coherent narrative thread.
Middag hos mig satisfies these criteria. With approximately seventy recipes spanning roughly 240 pages, there is a considerable variety to choose from.
Seeking inspiration for a graduation celebration? Perhaps guidance for a date’s culinary direction? Planning a children’s party? Or perhaps you are organizing an impromptu dinner with your film club (where you discuss the latest film reviews on Senses.se)?
If any of these scenarios align with your needs, Johanna’s book offers relevant tips and ideas, among others.
The recipes are diverse and inspiring, without being overly complicated or requiring obscure ingredients. They are appropriately accessible for home cooks and those with an interest in cooking.
The recipes encompass appetizers, main courses, and desserts, as well as smoothies, pastries, and breakfast options. Vegetarian dishes are integrated seamlessly alongside dishes featuring fish, chicken, and meat.
Several recipes stand out as personal favorites, including the grilled beef tenderloin with pepper sauce and the chanterelle pasta. However, I observe a recurring trend in this cookbook, as with many others I have reviewed: the seasoning and flavoring tend to be understated. This characteristic is, unfortunately, common across numerous cookbooks available commercially.
Regarding areas for improvement, the image editing warrants mention. The application of a filter imparts a grayish tone and a slight blur to the images. While this may be a deliberate design choice, it detracts from the visual appeal and gives the images a somewhat somber appearance. The visuals do not complement the text effectively, and arguably diminish the overall vibrancy of the book.
A parallel can be drawn to the stylistic choices in the “Sagan om ringen” film adaptations, where a grayscale filter was applied, resulting in a somewhat dull and artificially processed aesthetic.
That being said, I appreciate the recipes and find that each dish is appropriately categorized and well-presented. I also value the emphasis on preparing dishes from scratch, with minimal reliance on semi-prepared or ready-made ingredients. This is a significant strength. Furthermore, the inclusion of practical tips in each chapter, such as culinary techniques or strategies for creating an exceptional table setting, is commendable.
It is evident that the author possesses a genuine passion not only for food and cooking but also for cultivating the surrounding elements that enhance the overall dining experience.
In conclusion, I now understand the author’s objective: this book, Middag hos mig. As she herself articulated. Have I stumbled upon a time paradox?
