In The Table, Elmarie shares with us her memories of her childhood garden. They remind me so much of growing up in a Lebanese neighbourhood. It was so easy for me to chose recipes from this book, as this is how we eat.
Today’s recipe book review from Lavender and Lime ♥ ♥ #LavenderAndLime Share on X
Embark on a culinary journey with Elmarie Berry that blends the vibrant flavours of South Africa with the rich heritage of Middle Eastern cuisine, guided by the cherished recipes of her Lebanese Granny. In this cookbook, tradition meets innovation as generations collide around the dining table, creating unforgettable moments with every dish.With a focus on easy yet flavourful recipes, this cookbook is your go-to guide for effortless entertaining – from casual gatherings to special celebrations, each recipe is designed to impress without the fuss, ensuring that every meal becomes a cherished memory.Featuring stunning photography and styling, this book not only tantalises the tastebuds, but also inspires you to create unforgettable dining experiences. Whether it’s a laidback alfresco meal or a grand family affair, allow The Table to be your trusted companion in crafting special moments around the table.
Chapters are divided into:
- Middle Eastern
- Alfresco
- Summer Health
- Winter Health
- Easy Entertainment
- Family Celebrations
Recipes that caught my eye:
- Puréed Beetroot with Yoghurt (p13)
- Lebanese Shredded Lamb with Rosmarino (p21)
- Moroccan Beef (p22)
- Baked Chicken with Olives & Preserved Lemons (p25)
- Granny’s Tabbouleh (p26)
- Sesame Ice Cream (p41)
- Lemon-Marinated Chicken with Herb Dressing (p47)
- Bulgar Wheat, Grilled Corn, Avo, Feta & Sweet Pepper Salad (p48)
- Ginger Labneh (p55)
- Beetroot on Tzatziki with Nuts & Dill (p59)
- Roasted Beetroot with Sunflower Pesto & Crispy Kale (p78)
- Bulgar Wheat Salad with Tahini Dressing (p87)
- Spiced Chocolate Popsicles (p92)
- Carrot Soup with Pesto & Parmesan (p100)
- Roasted Cauliflower with Burrata & Salsa Verde (p105)
- Turmeric Hot Chocolate (p115)
- Seared Asian Beef Platter (p121)
- Sundried Tomato Flatbreads (p124)
- Cinnamon Butter Brioche Star-Shaped Bread (p145)
- Italian Potato Salad (p163)
- Milk Tart & Chocolate Rooibos Profiterole Wreath (p173)
What I made:
I decided to have a dinner party to use a leg of lamb that was languishing in my freezer. The shredded lamb was amazing, and a recipe worth making again! However, I had to cook the lamb for 6 hours, 2 more than the recipe stated, which would have ruined my evening had I not done this early enough in the day. I had an open packet of sundried tomatoes so it made perfect sense to try the flatbread recipe. I was so glad I did, as the flavour was so good. These baked flatbreads went perfectly well with a spiced yoghurt. On the flip side, the cinnamon butter brioche was a disappointment. It needed way more of the cinnamon butter and adding the nuts to the butter made it difficult to spread. I will make this again using my own method, as the shape is so pretty.
My impressions:
There were so many recipes that caught my eye, and even as I was typing this review, there were a few more I wanted to try. But, I am not sure I will. Despite the lamb being amazing, the timing was so off. And this makes me wonder who tested these recipes? I have mixed feelings about The Table, so will set the book aside for now, share a few recipes with you, and maybe give it a second chance when time allows. In the meantime, you can cook from the book:
Publishing information:
Penguin Random House South Africa sent me The Table to review.
Dave and I have gone away to explore a region of South Africa we have not been to before. We will have limited internet while we are away so I will only reply to blog comments when we get back on the 5th of May.
See the links below for blog posts I published on 29:
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- 2023: Airalo App
- 2022: Spinach Egg Dough
- 2020: Bosh Healthy Vegan
- 2019: Orange Curd Ice Cream
- 2018: The Chalk Man
- 2015: Sense Of Taste
- 2013: Rye Crispbread | Knackerbröd
Tandy some of the recipes look really delicious but I am trying to be very selective with what recipe books I buy. I might wait until you cook a few more of them until I decide whether to invest in The Table. A very honest review though. Pauline (Happy Retirees Kitchen.)
Thank you for taking the time to read it!
Interesting what you say about this book Tandy. I am finding more and more that they don’t seem to test the recipes in cookbooks enough. There is a bit of a scandal going on here at the moment with Nagi (a well-loved aussie cook); she is accusing another very popular aussie cookbook writer of plagiarism. ‘Twill be interesting to see what happens as Penguin are saying tough luck basically! Grrr…
I think if there are a lot of recipes that have been copied then Penguin will have to do something! Time will tell 🙂
That cover makes me hungry :-)) Those tomato flatbread are looking so good. I baked a star bread with nutella and I bet the cinnamon butter filling is fantastic too.
I like the nutella filling!
Oh, I definitely need to make this sun-dried tomato flatbread, as well as sesame ice cream. And enjoy your trip!
Thank you, we had a great trip!
The Table sounds like a fantastic collection of recipes – I love the sound of the “Beetroot on Tzatziki with Nuts & Dill” Thanks for sharing this review Tandy!
I think I might make that one in the summer 🙂
Timing is tricky as it can differ from oven to oven, but being off by two hours is something else entirely.
That is my feeling exactly!