John Donohue collects 21 essays and recipes from guys who cook for their families. A project like this would never work unless Donohue had some Big Names to carry the book. How about Stephen King? And Mark Bittman (from The Minimalist in the New York Times). And novelist Jim Harrison. After that, the Big Names shrink fast. The template of the essays is the author writes about their relationship with food. Some insights into cooking for the family involve comedy. Then the author provides a sure-fire recipe. Man With a Pan is a nice celebration of guys who like to cook. I found this book fun to read and I’ll be trying some of the recipes in the next few weeks. GRADE: B+
Too bad they didn’t have you in the book, George.
When I had my bread machine, I was always making pizza dough, Jeff. When Patrick and Katie came home from school, they’d help me spread the dough out on a pizza sheet, add the sauce, cheese, and toppings…and yum!
This does sound like fun, though I’d think the target audience would be rather small. Then again, if I think I’d like it, that goes without saying… ha! I don’t even need Big Names in a book like this, such stars writing on this topic seems artificial.
But you put a bee in my bonnet for pizza today George. Time to head to Papa Murphy’s or Flying Pie. Sigh. My diet entry for lunch today says “veggie salad, light dressing”. Dinner says “1 baked skinless chicken breast, broccoli w/1 tsp Smart Balance, 1 WW oatmeal cookie, glass skim milk.” Darn, I don’t see pizza anywhere there. Did reading this book make you want to eat? These kind of books always seem to make me hungry.
Some of the recipes tempted me, Rick. I’ll be giving them a try in the next couple of weeks and I’ll report back if any of them are winners. I could eat pizza every day of the week.
Yummo, Rick.
I had fries with my lunch – big fat hand-cut crispy fries.
And I’m not sorry about it either. If you’re going to go rogue, whether with pizza or fries, make it real.
I’m with you, Jeff. If you’re going to cheat, cheat BIG!
Yeah, well if I’m good on Weight Watchers for a week, I can have a great big ol’ chocolate milkshake. A week is a long time but my Doc says it’s lose weight or else. You don’t want to know about the “else”.
A doctor a day will keep the milkshakes away, Rick.
As you know, George, Jackie is with you on that one. We’re probably going to have pizza for lunch tomorrow.
And she’s still looking forward to Pizza Junction next month.
Tell Jackie that Pizza Junction is waiting for her, Jeff.
George,
Thanks for the mention of my book. I was away on vacation and just caught this. Would love to hear about the recipes you cook. Drop me a line through my blog (www.stayatstovedad.com) and we can talk more.
Best,
John Donohue
I enjoyed your book, John. Presently, I’m recovering from total knee replacement surgery so I’m doing plenty of reading. As soon as I can navigate the kitchen, I’ll try some of recipes from your book!