Publisher: Alter Ego Press
Date of Publication: November 6, 2018
Gourmet on a Hot Plate is a collection of recipes and kitchen tips compiled after living for some time in a 600-square-foot cottage, with a tiny kitchen, no stove, no dishwasher, and barely any counter space. Given these limitations, Judy Alter developed a new approach to food, one that let her get in touch with the food itself. She does not have an Insta-Pot, an air-fryer, or a microwave. Her recipes call for using either a magnetic induction hot plate or a toaster oven. In the introduction, she explains her choices for making the best use of her tiny space.
The collection begins with appetizers because that’s where Alter began her new cooking adventure. Gradually she branched out to main dishes, light suppers, soups and salads, and vegetable side dishes. Most recipes serve two or three. There’s a suggested list of cooking tools along with lists of what to keep on hand in your tiny pantry, your refrigerator, and your freezer, and a small section on condiments and cooking hints.
These pages will guide you to making your own spaghetti sauce—or brightening up a jar of prepared sauce—to making last-minute casseroles and simmer-all-day soups. Want Stroganoff but can’t afford the expensive beef? Alter shows you how to make it with hamburger. Love tuna? She’s got recipes for you. Sections on pasta, eggs, and appetizer trays offer practical and helpful choices for casual entertaining.
Above all, this is a practical guide for cooking with joy when you find yourself in a tiny space.
Love cooking? Love the minimalist lifestyle? Your tiny kitchen doesn’t need to limit your gourmet dreams. Judy Alter’s Gourmet On a Hot Plate will inspire you with big ideas to satisfy everyone around the table. — Susan Wittig Albert, author of Queen Anne’s Lace
Whether you cook on a hot plate or have access to a full kitchen, this gem of a cookbook contains great recipes for those of us who cook for one. – T.R. Thompson
I absolutely identify with Ms. Alter’s Gourmet on a Hot Plate. I, too, live in a tiny apartment, though I do have a oven. It’s 3/4 size of a regular oven and runs at least 50 degrees hotter than the actual temperature settings. Sometimes, I feel like I might be better off with a hot plate! The section where Ms. Alter writes about downsizing also resonates. Most of my pans and kitchen equipment currently reside in the bedroom closet, as there is no storage space in my kitchen. The minimalist list of kitchen necessities is a great starting point for anyone establishing or downsizing a household.
She is certainly correct in stating that:
“Simplicity may be the key to cooking in a small space.”
I’ve found that to be very true. When I read recipes that have too many steps or ingredients, I pass right by that recipe.
The conversational writing style of Gourmet on a Hot Plate is concise and enjoyable to read. Most recipes have a quick blurb or explanation that enhances the cook book. Ms. Alter encourages her readers to adapt the recipes for their own tastes. This is great for me. I hard pass on recipes with mushrooms and/or asparagus. It’s good to know that I can adapt the recipes to suit my taste.
The layout of this cook book is clear and easy to follow. From appetizers to main dishes, sauces and condiments, the majority of categories are covered. Desserts are missing. Maybe Ms. Alter is not a sweets person?
My favorite sections in Gourmet on a Hot Plate are Skillet Meals and Light Meals. I live for one pan meals (fewer dishes!). I’m also a recent convert to lighter meals. It’s nice to see a cook book focusing on smaller portions. The skillet suppers are heavy on the egg dishes. I’ve realize now that I should be eating eggs at more than just breakfast. I didn’t have time to test any of the recipes in this book, but the Shakshuka is on the top of my testing list. I keep looking at different recipes for shakshuka, but other recipes seem to be overly complicated or enough portions to feed 12. The recipe here is more my style, not too many ingredients and serves 2.
Overall Gourmet on a Hot Plate is a great cookbook for beginner or experienced cooks.
║Website ║ Facebook ║ Judy’s Stew Blog ║
║ Twitter ║ Goodreads ║ Amazon Author Page ║
Gourmet on a Hot Plate Blog
2 Signed Copies, 1 eBook Copy
VISIT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
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4/24/19
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Author Interview
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4/24/19
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Bonus Post
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4/25/19
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Review
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4/26/19
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Excerpt
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4/27/19
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Review
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4/28/19
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Scrapbook Page
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4/29/19
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Review
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4/30/19
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Sneak Peek
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5/1/19
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Top Ten List
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5/2/19
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Review
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5/3/19
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Review
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NO ASPARAGUS? heh heh. Great review, and I love that the one dish recipes, too. Less fuss and clean-up. I am intrigued about Shakshuka…
Thanks, Kristine! I’ll report back when I have a chance to test the Shakshuka!